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This Week in History 07.29.20 Jul 29, 2020 2:08 PM Wickenburg Sun

Vice Mayor Art Woeffler hands Bill Bass (right) a proclamation of the Mayor, declaring July 27, 1980 Bill Bass Day in Wickenburg. Between Woeffler and Bill Bass is Lenore Bass. Standing behind Bill Bass is his friend Donald McConnell. Several hundred local area... 80 years ago Seventy pupils in music class (Friday, Aug. 2, 1940) More than 70 young people and adults are taking part in the summer music classes that meet at the high school. The classes include band, beginners instrumental music, drum class, adult beginners’ class, and a pre-instrumental class. The adults in the classes are parents or out of school, while members of the pre-instrumental class are in the age group of 6 to 10 years old. 70 years ago Mrs. Tom Murphy new manager of Saguaro Theatre (Friday, July 28, 1950) Mrs. Thomas Murphy has been named manager of the Saguaro Theatre, replacing William Trout, who is being transferred to Phoenix, where he will manager the South Rio Theatre. Trout came to Wickenburg in December to succeed Russell Parker as the theatre’s manager. For the five

years previous, Trout had been manager of the Holbrook theatre. Mrs. Murphy, a Wickenburg resident for the past three years, came here from Minneapolis. She has been serving as the relief cashier of the local theatre. Her husband is the film driver for Harry Nace Enterprises, parent company of the Saguaro. Mrs. Murphy is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burt Matchett of Wickenburg. 60 years ago Farewell dinner to honor Polings (Friday, July 29, 1960) The congregation of the First Presbyterian Church is planning a farewell dinner in honor of Dr. and Mrs. Charles S. Poling, to be held the evening of Aug. 10 in the Social Hall of the church. The Polings are leaving here for Phoenix. Dr. Poling has been pastor of the church of the past 10 years. 50 years ago All-time circulation record at library (Thursday, July 30, 1970) Wickenburg’s new Public Library set an all-time high for circulation July 20 with 110 books taken out that day. The previous record was set Feb. 16, 1967, at the height of the winter season, when 102 books were checked out by patrons. Of the 110 books take out July 20, 70 were by adults and 40 by juveniles. Circulation of books at the new library since its opening July 1 has ranged from a low of 36 books on that day to the high of 110 July 20, with an average of 67. 40 years ago

Local cowboy injured (Thursday, July 31, 1980) Jim Custer, local cowboy and silver smith, had his neck broken Saturday evening at the Roping Club Fun Night at the Rodeo Grounds when his horse threw him during a team roping event. After being transported to Wickenburg Hospital, he was flown to St. Joseph’s in Phoenix, where he now lies in skeletal traction. Although he has no feeling in his right side, Jim is regaining feeling in his left side and is reported “in good spirits.” Jim is well-known in Wickenburg for his hand-crafted trophy belt buckles and western jewelry as well as his affection for the rodeo. 30 years ago Rest stop flag averted (Thursday, Aug. 2, 1990) A confusing saga that began with a move to close down the highway rest area five miles southeast of Wickenburg may be coming to a conclusion acceptable to the town. Last May, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) suggested closing the rest stop east of town due to its proximity to the Hassayampa River Preserve and develop one between Kingman and Wickenburg. That idea met with some opposition. From the latest meeting between town officials and ADOT, the following alternatives for the rest area were suggested: Have the Town of Wickenburg take the rest area over and operate it as a park; Leave it as it is; Get another agency, such as the federal Bureau of Land Management, to take it over and operate it. 20 years ago

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Hespen is new WHS athletic director (Wednesday, Aug. 2, 2000) Marcia Hespen, a Nebraska native with 26 years of education experience, is the new athletic director/associate principal at Wickenburg High School. Hespen comes to Wickenburg from Tucson’s Marana High School, where she worked as associate principal/athletic director for five years. She chose Wickenburg because she wanted to work in more of a community-based environment. 10 years ago Curbside recycling scheduled to begin in town this fall (Wednesday, July 28, 2010) A curbside recycling program should begin this fall in Wickenburg, with a quarter of the town’s residents included in its initial rollout. After years of planning, public works administrative assistant Dawn Bender said if all goes well, residents will no longer need to bring their recyclable items to the town’s drop off location at the west end of the Industrial Park. She said she expects there will be a lot of questions from residents, as there will be change in the trash pickup schedule. Currently, trash is picked up twice weekly. With the curbside program, non-recycled trash will be picked up once a week and recyclables will be picked up once a week.

David Weekley Homes selling in 2 Queen Creek Harvest sections DAVID WEEKLEY HOMES

Posted Monday, July 27, 2020 10:15 am Independent Newsmedia David Weekley Homes, a privately held builder, is now selling homes in two distinct sections within the master-planned Queen Creek community of Harvest --- Orchard and Saddlestone Collections. The builder’s two fully furnished model homes, The Azalea and The Tranquility, are open daily for both in-person and virtual tours, according to a release. Priced from the $400s and on 65-foot homesites, homes in the Orchard Collection range from 2,050 to 3,300 square feet of living space. This collection offers six one-story floor plans that include three to five bedrooms, two to four full baths, up to one half bath and three- to four-car garages. Homes in the builder’s Harvest --- Saddlestone Collection are priced from the $470s and span 2,800 to 3,950 square feet of living space. Homebuyers can choose from five one-story floor plans on 75-foot homesites that include three to six bedrooms, three to six full baths, up to one half bath and three- and four-car garages. Both collections feature open-concept living areas and spacious walk-in closets in the owner’s retreat, as well as options for upgrades such as an outdoor living area with fireplace and a guest suite, the release states. Homeowners in Harvest have access to The Grange, a community center and park that hosts a resort-style pool, junior Olympic lap pool, splash pad, playscape, lake and pavilion, as well as additional playgrounds, parks and trails. Students in the community attend Queen Creek Unified School District schools. Residents also enjoy

proximity to Downtown Queen Creek, San Tan Mountain Regional Park, and shopping and dining. For more information about David Weekley Homes in Harvest, call 480-516-0407 or go to davidweekleyhomes.com.

The best birding in Arizona: Hot spots, species to watch for and how to identify them Shaena Montanari Arizona Republic July 22, 2020 Arizona is known as one of the top birding destinations in the United States. The diverse range of ecosystems — from desert lowlands to mountainous “sky islands” — provides habitat for the 566 species of birds found on the birding checklist for the state. Arizona has 48 designated Important Bird Areas spread across over 3 million acres. These are areas of habitat that are critical nationally and globally to the conservation of bird biodiversity. If you are interested in seeing some of these birds for yourself, grab a pair of binoculars and head out to some of these prime birding destinations around the state. Where to go birding in southern Arizona Southern Arizona is one of the most sought-after birding destinations in the country. It is famous for its sky islands, which are mountainous areas with drastically different environments on the peaks compared to the valleys. These peaks provide habitats for a wide variety of bird species not found in the surrounding desert.

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“If you're one of those birders that wants to see as many birds as possible in the United States, sooner or later you need to come to southeast Arizona because there are birds here that are not found anyplace else,” said Tom Woods, director of the Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory. Woods said that southern Arizona is the northern extent of the range of many birds from Mexico, making it a unique area for birding in the U.S. Chiricahua National Monument, about 35 miles southeast of Willcox, is one place where you can find sky islands. This park is one of the most popular birding destinations in Arizona. Over 200 species have been documented in this area, including the sought-after elegant trogon. While this bird is rare, you are more likely to spot hairy woodpeckers, turkey vultures and Mexican jays.

There are numerous birding hotspots south of Tucson. At Patagonia Lake State Park, water birds like the great blue heron and black crowned night heron are common around the manmade reservoir. The San Pedro River near Sierra Vista is a prime location to spot birds that nest there,

including Gambel’s quail and vermilion flycatchers. Madera Canyon in Coronado National Forest is an extremely popular spot for birders who want a chance to see the elegant trogon or an elf owl among many other more common species like the painted redstart and warblers. Madera Canyon is also a good place to see multiple species of hummingbirds in the summer — 15 different species have been spotted there.

Whitewater Draw Wildlife Area is a wetland near the town of McNeal with almost 300 species of birds to spot, but in the winter, it becomes a roosting site for over 20,000 sandhill cranes that fly south from other Western states. Where to go birding around Phoenix There are plenty of places around the Phoenix metro area to go birding. The Tres Rios Wetlands is a 700-acre wetland created by reclaimed water from a wastewater treatment plant and a great place to spotting. Water birds are plentiful, including black-necked stilt, double-crested cormorant and American white pelican. The Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area is the home of the Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center. Over 200 species of birds have been spotted in this wetland restoration area that is only 2 miles south of downtown.

The Nature Conservancy’s Hassayampa River Preserve, northwest of Phoenix in Wickenburg, is a Sonoran Desert habitat with running water. Species like the greater roadrunner and cactus wren are two of nearly 300 species that can be spotted in this preserve. Gray and red-shouldered hawks have also taken to nesting in cottonwood trees in the preserve. Where to go birding in northern Arizona Sedona and the Verde Valley are great destinations for birding. The area has a mix of desert habitats and water features that support a diverse community of birds from cedar waxwings to black hawks. Dennis Tomko, president of the Northern Arizona Audubon Society, recommends Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood and the Sedona Wetlands Preserve off State Route 89A as easy-access birding destinations in this region.

The Kachina Wetlands just south of Flagstaff are a great year-round birding location to see ducks, rails and potentially even a bald eagle. Watson Lake near Prescott is an important refuge for birds in the winter and is a good place to see multiple species of ducks like mallards and wood ducks.

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Grand Canyon National Park is a designated Important Bird Area of global importance. More than 400 species have been spotted in this area. One reason this area is so important is that it is part of the migratory corridor for raptors like osprey. Peregrine falcons nest on the steep canyon walls. The Grand Canyon is also home to other rare birds like the California condor and Mexican spotted owl. How to identify birds Besides traditional books and paper guides, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology manages eBird, a free citizen science portal where birders can log what birds they see while out in the field. You can search the website for birding hot spots and checklists so you know what species have been spotted recently. Cornell also offers a bird identification app called Merlin ID that can be used to identify birds based on characteristics such as color and size.

Possible electrocution as brothers die at lake BY PEORIA TIMES STAFF Jul 17, 2020

Brothers Michael and Timothy Miller died at the Scorpion Bay Marina at Lake Pleasant Regional Park Sunday, July 12. Electrocution is a suspected “factor” in the deaths, according to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

The Peoria Fire-Medical Department responded to a 911 call at 6:20 p.m. Sunday at Scorpion Bay Marina. “Originally it was thought to be a drowning, turns out to be a possible electrocution accident,” said Mario Bravo, a fire department spokesman. MCSO Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said lake patrol deputies found Michael Miller, 50, unresponsive on the swim deck of his boat. He was transported to a hospital where he died, Enriquez said. “Michael’s brother, 53-year-old Timothy Miller, was located deceased floating under the dock,” Enriquez said. “Two additional victims who were rescued by bystanders had described symptoms similar to electrical current in the water.” Witnesses told investigators the Miller brothers and their wives were on their boat at the marina when Timothy jumped in the water. “Timothy began to have issues in the water. Michael jumped into the water to help his brother and he also began experiencing a similar reaction. Timothy became unresponsive and went underwater. An additional person entered the water to help and once again experienced what was later described symptoms similar to electrical current in the water. Bystanders were able to pull Michael and the other person who tried to help from the water however Timothy was not located,” Enriquez said. The third victim - the wife of one of the brothers - survived and “described some type of electrical current in the water,” Enriquez said.

He said evidence “indicated electricity in the water could be a contributing factor to this Incident. Asked if the boat was the cause of electricity in the water, Enriquez said, “it’s possible it was the boat . . . There were no issues on Saturday, we’re trying to figure out what exactly occurred.” He called it “a complex case. “At this point in the investigation, all information and evidence obtained provides no indication of foul play.” The brothers and their wives were on the boat Saturday and Sunday, Enriquez said. “They were members of the marina for about a month,” he added. “They were always out there on the boat with their families. “We can’t 100% guarantee we have found the issue but we have found evidence there may be an electric issue that contributed as a factor to the drownings.” Enriquez stressed the investigation is continuing. “We’re looking at the marina, we’re looking at the boat, we’re looking at the surrounding boats,” he said.

Sheriff's Office: Modified boat electrical system caused fatal drownings of 2 brothers in Lake Pleasant Alana Minkler Arizona Republic July 16, 2020 Investigators with the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office determined that two brothers who drowned at Lake Pleasant on Sunday

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intentionally bypassed their boat's electrical safety features and improperly modified the electrical connection system, officials said. MCSO officials said Michael Miller, 50, and Timothy Miller, 53, drowned in the lake after Michael jumped into the water to save his brother while he was being electrocuted in the water. Officials shut down electricity to the dock A at Scorpion Bay Marina following the incident, allowing for Lake Patrol detectives and divers to safely recover the bodies and inspect the source of electricity, MCSO spokeswoman Norma Gutierrez said in a statement. MCSO attempted to identify the source of the electricity on Monday alongside the Peoria electrical inspector and an electrician specializing in marina construction, Gutierrez said. They first determined the electrical infrastructure at Scorpion Bay Marina was safe and operating correctly. Investigators then conducted a series of tests that Gutierrez said "ultimately recreated the circumstances which placed electrical voltage into the water." They found that the victims' boat had an electrical system that was "not compatible with the marina’s receptacle," Gutierrez said. "Electrical safety features were bypassed by the intentional and improper modification of the boat’s electrical connection system," Gutierrez said. "This resulted in electricity being discharged into the water around the swim platform, which is where the victims entered the water." She noted the deaths remained under investigation on Wednesday.

Brothers likely electrocuted as one tries to save the other at Arizona lake, cops say BY DON SWEENEY JULY 15, 2020 08:05 AM , UPDATED JULY 15, 2020 08:14 AM A two-day boating excursion on Lake Pleasant in Arizona had a fatal outcome Sunday night for two brothers, sheriff’s officials say. “One of the brothers decided to go into the water where the boat was docked,” said Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez in a video briefing posted to Facebook by the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office. The others who were there saw that Timothy Miller, 53, was in distress, possibly from an electrical current in the water near the boat at Scorpion Bay Marina, Enriquez said. “His brother immediately jumps into the water to help him,” Enriquez said, but Michael Miller, 50, also experienced distress. Timothy Miller’s girlfriend also jumped into the water to help, KNXV reported. “She was screaming for help and she stuck her toe in the water,” said Tanya Gaitan, the sister of Timothy Miller’s girlfriend. “She has burn marks on her feet and legs and thank God that’s it.” Bystanders pulled Michael Miller and the woman from the water, but Timothy Miller sank out of sight, Enriquez said. Police found bystanders performing CPR on Michael Miller. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. After

securing the marina, divers found Timothy Miller’s body beneath a dock, Enriquez said. The woman’s injuries are not life-threatening. Investigators believe an electrical current in the water contributed to the deaths of the brothers, Enriquez said. The marina provides power to docked boats and there may have been an issue with their boat, he said. The county medical examiner will determine the cause of death, Enriquez said. An investigation into the incident continues. “It’s horrible,” Gaitan said, KNXV reported. “You don’t think, I’m going to go to a lake one day and think you’re not going to come out of it. I feel heartbroken for them.” The brothers had been members of the marina for about a month, Enriquez said. They had been boating on the lake near Peoria, Arizona, on Saturday and Sunday.

Boat of brothers who died at Lake Pleasant had electrical issues, MCSO says "Electrical safety features were bypassed ..." azfamily.com News Staff Posted Jul 15, 2020 PEORIA, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) – Investigators say the boat belonging to two brothers who died at Lake Pleasant over the weekend had an electrical system that wasn’t compatible with the system at Scorpion Bay Marina. According to the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, the electrical inspector with the City of Peoria and an electrical engineer who specializes in the construction of marinas took a

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look at the scene on Monday. They determined "the Scorpion Bay Marina’s electrical infrastructure was operating properly and safely,” MCSO said Wednesday. Detectives worked with electrical professionals to recreate the conditions that killed Timothy and Michael Miller, both of whom were in their early 50s. Investigators narrowed the problem down to the Millers' boat. MCSO said no other slips at Scorpion Bay were affected. “The victim’s boat had an electrical connection system which was not compatible with the marina’s receptacle,” MCSO explained in a news release. “Electrical safety features were bypassed by the intentional and improper modification of the boat’s electrical connection system.” Investigators said electricity was discharged into the water around the swim platform. That’s where Timothy had jumped into the water and did not resurface, according to MCSO. Investigators believe Michael went in to help Timothy but experienced the same symptoms. According to MCSO, the wife of one of the men then went into the water. Bystanders got her and Michael out. While the woman survived, Michael was pronounced dead that the hospital. Investigators later found Timothy’s body under a deck area. MCSO made it clear that the electrical system at Scorpion Bay is safe and said people should not be concerned about using the dock. Electric-shock Drowning The incident that killed the Millers is known as electric-shock drowning, which happens when an electric current from a boat, a dock or a light is discharged into water. There are no visible warning signs that the water might be energized and,

according to the Electric Shock Drowning Prevention Association, a swimmer might not feel the current right away. While the current in the water can be strong enough to electrocute a victim, ESDPA says it's more common for a low-level current to "cause skeletal muscular paralysis, rendering the victim unable to help himself/herself ..." There might not be any physical indication that the person was shocked while in the water. It just looks like they drowned. The woman who survived the weekend incident Lake Pleasant reportedly told investigators that she felt like there was a current in the water. That's what prompted the direction of the MCSO investigation. "Although electric shock drowning can occur virtually in any location where electricity is provided near water, the majority of electric shock drowning deaths have occurred in public and private marinas and docks," according to the ESDPA. In June 2016, a Phoenix father of four was electrocuted in his swimming pool while changing the light.

2 Men Electrocuted In Lake Pleasant Drowning By Vaughan Jones Published: Wednesday, July 15, 2020 - 4:47pm Updated: Thursday, July 16, 2020 - 9:03am Two men died after being electrocuted at Lake Pleasant on Sunday. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office confirmed after a series of tests that the boat’s electrical safety features were bypassed due to

improper modifications to the electrical connection system. The system was not compatible with the receptacle of the marina, which resulted in electricity being discharged into the water around Lake Pleasant’s swim platform. The city of Peoria electrical inspector, with help from a commercial electrician, confirmed that Scorpion Bay Marina’s electrical infrastructure was working properly. No other boats in the area were affected.

'SCREAMING FOR HELP' Brothers killed and girlfriend ‘left with burn marks’ after possible ‘electrocution’ at Arizona’s Lake Pleasant Laura Gesualdi-Gilmore 14 Jul 2020, 18:38 TWO brothers died and a girlfriend was left with burn marks during what authorities believe was an electrocution at a lake. Brothers Timothy Miller, 53, and Michael Miller, 50, were reportedly out on a boat at Lake Pleasant in Maricopa, Arizona, with their wife and girlfriend when what appears to be a tragic accident occurred on Sunday.

Two brothers died after what is believed to be an electrocution at an Arizona lakeCredit: AZFamily/CBS

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Sgt. Joaquin Enriquez said witnesses described what happened like an electrocutionCredit: Maricopa County Sheriff's Office During a press conference, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said that the boat was docked at the Scorpion Bay Marina when one of the brothers, Timothy, hopped in the water and began to have some sort of reaction that witnesses believe was due to an electrical current in the water. "This is a complex case because not only are we dealing with the issue of drowning, but we're dealing with possible electrical current," Sgt Joaquin Enriquez said. "It's what's being described by the witnesses on scene who were in the water." Enriquez explained that Michael noticed his brother struggling and hopped in the water to try to help, but he began having a reaction once he was in the water as well. Timothy's girlfriend then tried to get in to help out, but began experiencing a reaction herself.

Authorities are investigating the lake to see what could have caused the possible electrocutions Credit: AZFamily/CBS Bystanders were able to pull Michael and the girlfriend out, according to

authorities. But Michael was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Timothy's body was located by a dive team in the lake early Monday. The girlfriend, whose name has not yet been released, is reportedly recovering from non life-threatening injuries. Her sister, Tanya Gaitan, told ABC 15 that she suffered burns on her feet and legs, and that she is devastated by the accident.

The tragic accident occurred on SundayCredit: AZFamily/CBS "She was screaming for help and she stuck her toe in the water. She has burn marks on her feet and legs and thank God that's it, but she's devastated for losing both of them," Gaitan said. The group was reportedly out on the lake for a birthday celebration. Authorities are currently investigating to determine whether the incident can officially be ruled an electrocution. Sgt Enriquez said that his office is testing the boats and dock areas in the marina as well as the boat the brothers were using. "Our primary goal right is to figure out what happened," he said. The department is also waiting on the Medical Examiner to determine official causes of death.

TWO brothers died and a girlfriend was left with burn marks during what authorities believe was an electrocution at a lake. Brothers Timothy Miller, 53, and Michael Miller, 50, were reportedly out on a boat at Lake Pleasant in Maricopa, Arizona, with their wife and girlfriend when what appears to be a tragic accident occurred on Sunday.

Lynsey Robinson, Esq. is the featured speaker for the San Tan Valley Democrats July 18 SanTanValley.com Monday, 13 July 2020

Lynsey Robinson, Esq. is the featured speaker for the San Tan Valley Democrats, Sat. July 18 at 10:00 a.m. She is running for the Arizona Senate, District 12, which also includes Gilbert and Queen Creek. It reaches down into Pinal County including the San Tan Mountain Regional Park and the area just east of there. Ms. Robinson was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She believes immigrants are part of the fabric of America. Soldiers from Haiti fought alongside American troops in the Revolutionary War's Siege of Savannah to help us gain independence. She wants to see a more balanced approach to legislation. Women

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need leaders who can speak from experience so their voices in the district are heard and their unique issues treated with dignity. She also wants to insure local businesses hard-hit by the pandemic are supported with appropriate legislation to help keep our economy thriving. The group will hear an update from Helen Hunter, who is running as a write-in candidate for State Representative in District 16. Finally, Mission for Arizona talk about what they are doing in San Tan Valley. The meeting will take place on Zoom and be live-streamed on YouTube. More information is available on the group's web site https://stvdems.com.

Recovery underway, two hospitalized after possible electrocution at Lake Pleasant azfamily.com News Staff Updated Jul 13, 2020 | Posted on Jul 12, 2020 PEORIA, AZ (3TV/CBS 5) -- Crews are searching for a person who was possibly electrocuted at Lake Pleasant on Sunday night. According to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, one person involved was pulled from the water and was getting aid from fire officials. Deputies are working to recover the body of the second person. The second person was in an area of water where MCSO says an electric current was in the water. Peoria fire officials said two people were rushed to the hospital in critical

condition, but could not clarify how they were part of the incident. The Peoria Fire-Medical Department tweeted the following: MCSO is now handling the recovery efforts and investigation. Deputies are still on the scene investigating. More information will be released as it becomes available.

Multiple people involved in electrocution accident at Lake Pleasant BY KTAR.COM | JULY 12, 2020 AT 7:59 PM UPDATED: JULY 13, 2020 AT 7:53 AM

(Facebook Photo/ Lake Pleasant Regional Park) PHOENIX – The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a potential drowning involving multiple people at Lake Pleasant Sunday evening. MCSO said in a statement that they responded to a drowning call at Scorpion Bay Marina involving two people. The circumstances around the incident are unclear, but officials believe there might have been an electric current in the water. One individual was pulled out and was being worked on by fire personnel. The second person was still missing. Peoria Fire-Medical Department said they had three other patients who

had not been affected by the electrocution in the water but suffered minor injuries from the accident. MCSO said the investigation is ongoing. There was no additional information immediately available.

Arizona lake 'electrocution incident' leaves 1 dead, 2 critically hurt, fire official says An electric current was discovered in the water at Scorpion Bay By Travis Fedschun | Fox News July 13, 2020 One person was killed and two others critically injured at a lake in Arizona on Sunday night after a possible electrocution incident, according to officials. The Peoria Fire Department said crews were originally dispatched to a report of a possible drowning at Scorpion Bay on Lake Pleasant, located north of Phoenix. Peoria Fire Captain Mario Bravo said that as more information came in during the response officials learned they weren't just dealing with a drowning. "It is believed to be more of an electrocution incident," Bravo told reporters. According to Bravo, it is believed the electrocution incident happened at the end of a dock at Scorpion Bay.

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One person was killed and two others critically injured at a lake in Arizona on Sunday night after a possible electrocution incident, according to officials. (Lake Pleasant Regional Park) Peoria Fire tweeted about the incident around 7 p.m. local time on Sunday. Units arriving on the scene found five patients in total. Two were transported to an area hospital in critical condition. Two others suffered injuries that were not life-threatening and refused transport. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office was conducting a body recovery. Bravo said when fire crews arrived on the scene, they discovered there was an electric current in the water and had to secure the dock before entering the lake.

The incident happened at Scorpion Bay on Lake Pleasant, located north of Phoenix. (iStock) "At that time we knew the water was energized and none of our firefighters were to go in it until we could secure the electricity to the dock," he told reporters. Once the dock was secured after a few minutes, rescue crews were able to assist those near the dock. No officials were hurt responding to the scene. "This was an isolated incident," Bravo said.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has taken over the investigation, according to FOX10.

2 hurt, 1 missing after possible electrical shock at Arizona lake Officials are investigating what might have caused the electric current. July 13, 2020, 7:23 AM MST By Elisha Fieldstadt One person was missing and two were hospitalized after possibly being electrically shocked at an Arizona lake Sunday, authorities said. A statement from the Maricopa County Sheriff's office said deputies responded to a call about a possible drowning at the Scorpion Bay area of Lake Pleasant. Four people were found at the scene. One was critically injured, while another had minor injuries. Two refused medical treatment.

An electrocution incident at Lake Pleasant in Arizona on July 12 left two people hospitalized and another person remains missing, authorities say.12news.com "It is believed there might be electric current in the water," the statement said. Another person was still missing, authorities said. Peoria Fire-Medical said crews were working to find the fifth person.

"Originally thought to be a drowning, turns out to be a possible electrocution accident," said a statement from Peoria Fire-Medical. Officials are investigating what might have caused the electric current.

1 person is missing and 4 injured in a suspected electrocution incident at an Arizona marina By Alta Spells and Hollie Silverman, CNN Updated 6:32 AM ET, Mon July 13, 2020

One person is missing after a suspect electrocution incident at Arizona's Lake Pleasant on Sunday. (CNN)One person is missing and four others were injured in what is believed to be an electrocution incident at an Arizona lake Sunday. Two people were transported in critical condition to a hospital from Scorpion Bay Marina on Lake Pleasant in Peoria Sunday, said Capt. Mario Bravo of the Peoria Fire Department during a press briefing. Two additional victims refused aid at the scene, Bravo said. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is working to retrieve the body of a fifth victim from the lake, according to Bravo. Lake Pleasant is about 40 miles northwest of Phoenix. Bravo said that firefighters were dispatched for a call of a drowning

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but received additional information while en route that suggested the incident could have been an electrocution. Firefighters had to wait about eight to 10 minutes until the electricity was secured before they could enter the water at the marina, Bravo said. It is unclear what caused the electrical current and the sheriff's office is investigating the incident, which is believed to be isolated, according to Bravo.

1 Dead and 4 Injured After Suspected Electrocution Accident at Arizona Lake: Officials Peoria Fire Department said one person had critical injuries, while another suffered minor ones from the accident By Joelle Goldstein July 13, 2020 01:49 PM

Lake Pleasant in Arizona One person died and another four were injured after a suspected electrocution accident at an Arizona lake, officials said. The fatal incident unfolded on Sunday at Lake Pleasant, which is located approximately 43 miles north of Phoenix, according to a statement from the Peoria Fire Department (PFD).

Authorities with the PFD and Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said they initially responded to the scene believing it was a drowning, but later learned that it was a "possible electrocution accident." Firefighters were required to wait at least eight to 10 minutes to make sure the electricity was turned off and secured before they could safely enter the water, PFD Capt. Mario Bravo said during a press conference, according to CNN. A total of five people were involved in the incident, with one victim initially missing in the waters at Scorpion Bay Marina, the outlet reported. PFD later confirmed on Facebook that divers had recovered the victim's body, and noted that four others had sustained injuries — one with critical injuries, one with minor injuries, and another two who refused medical aid at the scene. At this time, it is unclear what caused the electrical current but officials believe the incident was isolated, the PFD said. In a statement to NBC News, the Maricopa County Sheriff's office said "it is believed there might be electric current in the water." The identities of the victims have not been released, and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office is currently investigating.

Two brothers die after apparent electrocution at Lake Pleasant Two men were killed by an electric current at Lake Pleasant over the weekend. By: Cydeni Carter , Nicole Valdes , Clayton Klapper Posted at 7:39 PM, Jul 12, 2020

LAKE PLEASANT, AZ — The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office says two brothers have died after a drowning call at Lake Pleasant Sunday night, possibly caused by an electric current in the water. According to Peoria Fire officials, crews were dispatched to the lake to investigate reports of a drowning that involved a possible electrocution. When deputies arrived at Scorpion Bay, they found a total of five patients on scene and one person who was missing in the lake. Fire crews discovered that there was a possible electric current in the water, and had to secure the dock before entering the lake. Once the dock was secured, officials began searching for 53-year-old Timothy Miller, who had gone missing after going into the lake. MCSO says Miller had gotten into the water and began experiencing symptoms from the apparent electrical current. Miller's brother, 50-year-old Michael Miller, jumped in the water along with Timothy's girlfriend to help, but they also experienced the electrical current. Bystanders were able to help get Michael and the other person out of the water, but Timothy could not be found. “She was screaming for help and she stuck her toe in the water,” said Tanya Gaitan, the sister of Timothy’s girlfriend. “She has burn marks on her feet and legs and thank

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God that’s it but she’s devastated for losing both of them.“ Gaitan says the group was at the lake for a birthday celebration. “It’s horrible you don’t think I’m gonna go to a lake one day and think you’re not gonna come out of it,” Gaitan said. “I feel heartbroken for them. I feel devastated that she’s hurting.” Michael was transported to the hospital but later died of his injuries. Timothy's body was located overnight by a dive team. It is unclear what caused the electrical current. MCSO officials say the investigation is ongoing.

1 dead, 1 critically hurt in accident at Lake Pleasant Alana Minkler Arizona Republic July 12, 2020

One person was dead and another critically injured at Lake Pleasant Sunday evening after reports of a water accident and possible electrocution, authorities said. Authorities were attempting to recover one body. One other person was critically injured, according to Mario Bravo, Peoria Fire Department spokesperson.

Maricopa Sheriff's Office deputies responded to a call for three possible drowning victims at Scorpion Bay at Lake Pleasant, according to Sergeant Bryant Vanegas of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office. "The circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear at this time. However, it is believed there might be electric current in the water," Vanegas said. Two other people refused medical treatment at the scene, Bravo said. The Peoria Fire-Medical Department initially tweeted about the call at 7 p.m., saying units of the Peoria Fire Department, the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office and the Peoria Police Department has responded. This is a developing story. Return for additional updates. Reach the reporter at alana.minkler@gannett.com or on Twitter @alana_minkler. Two brothers dead after electrocution, drowning at Lake Pleasant Author: 12 News Published: 8:26 PM MST July 12, 2020 Police say the incident happened at the lake near Peninsula Road Sunday evening.

2 dead after electrocution at Lake Pleasant

PEORIA, Ariz. — Two brothers died in an electrical accident at Lake Pleasant Sunday. Timothy Miller, 53, was missing but later found dead below the dock. Michael Miller, 50, was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office said there were a total of four people on the boat, the two brothers and their wives. The tragedy started when Timothy jumped into the water first where the boat was docked Scorpion Bay at Lake Pleasant at about 6:30 p.m. Sunday. When Timothy started to struggle, Michael and one of the brothers' wives jumped in the water to help him. Michael and the woman were also affected by the electrical current. Bystanders pulled Michael, unresponsive, in the back of his boat. He was later pronounced dead. Timothy's body was recovered later from below the dock. One of the wives was evaluated after the incident and is doing fine. The Maricopa County Deputy Sheriff said there is evidence of an electrical issue but not sure where it came from. Officials are not sure if it came from their boat since they were there since Saturday without any issues. What caused the electrical discharge is under investigation.

People escape the heat at Lake Pleasant

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In this heat, remember to take precautions while you enjoy fun in the sun. Author: Matt Yurus (12News) Published: 12:45 PM MST July 12, 2020

People escape the heat at Lake Pleasant Volume 90% ARIZONA, USA — It was a scorcher at Scorpion Bay and, simultaneously, it was the place to be if you are looking to beat the heat. But, even if you are headed to your favorite lake or pool, you are going to need to take a few safety precautions. Rule number one: stay hydrated. In fact, the National Weather Service recommends staying away from caffeine and sugary drinks altogether. "We got another cooler full of water and stuff, plenty of ice, plenty of towels to wet us down, so we came a little prepared," two young men said. Their first cooler was full of adult beverages, so they sought to strike a balance for better or worse. The lake was busy with boats pushing off the docks in all directions. But according to the marina's general manager, people aren't just escaping the heat. Boating is one of the few activities people can enjoy unrestricted in the midst of the pandemic. "The boating industry...in general all around the country has remained

extremely busy. Boat sales have been way up," Scorpion Bay Marina’s General Manager Cris McSparen said. Experience Scorpion Bay at Lake Pleasant, Arizona Scroll Hear that? The lake is calling. Scorpion Bay is Arizona's premier floating playground, offering everything from daily pontoon and ski boat rentals to slips for harboring your yacht (or dinghy). Scorpion Bay Marina Back to the National Weather service’s safety precautions: eat small meals more often and dress for the heat. It is hard to go wrong in a bathing suit. But if you can't swing that, wear light colors. And it's worth mentioning again, you can't have too much water. "Some ice cold water and some sun," said another boater. The extreme heat warning for our area runs until late Monday evening. And remember, an excessive heat warning means a period of very hot temperatures even by local standards. So even if you are from the Valley, this still counts as hot.

Best small towns for retirees in America Tuesday, July 7th 2020, 8:54 AM CDT By: Mindy Charski, Kristen Wegrzyn Best small towns for retirees in America While many American retirees are remodeling their homes to help them age in place, others who have bid adieu to the workplace are seeking a new locale. With no shortage of choices, how do they decide?

Some ways to narrow down the list include moving closer to grandkids or choosing a vacation spot that has generated wonderful family memories over the years. Folks who get the blues from high taxes and cold weather can find plenty of tax-friendly, warmer settings to establish new roots. Likewise, those with aspirations of spending time on perfectly manicured greens with a club in hand have their pick of communities that cater to golf enthusiasts. Big cities have advantages, but retirees shouldn’t overlook small towns. Many smaller communities enable residents to live a quiet lifestyle while offering plenty of cultural and recreational activities, restaurants, shops, and other amenities. Some towns offer advantages that appeal to denizens of all generations, like Del Mar, Calif., while others have been specifically designed for adults, like Cypress Lake, Fla. To help retirees planning to move, Stacker referenced Niche’s Best Places to Retire study, which lists America’s 50 small towns that offer the best retirements. A maximum of 10 towns from each state and towns with a population of fewer than 40,000 were considered for the rankings, which Niche calculated according to retiree representation, weather quality, cost and safety, access to healthy living, and a handful of other factors. For each town, Stacker has included the town’s resident population along with figures for median home value, median rent, and median household income. Read on to see which small towns are among the best spots to retire in America. #50. Larkspur, California - Population: 12,367 - Median home value: $1,181,400 (48% own)

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- Median rent: $1,987 (52% rent) - Median household income: $95,592 Numerous trails make it easy to enjoy the beauty of this Marin County town and its surrounding area. Downtown Larkspur is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its restaurants and stores provide unusual experiences inside interesting buildings. Larkspur is a 25-minute drive over the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco. #49. Manhasset, New York - Population: 7,922 - Median home value: $1,019,300 (79% own) - Median rent: $1,402 (21% rent) - Median household income: $130,433 This Long Island hamlet is home to the luxury shopping center Americana Manhasset. Beaches and golf courses aren’t far, and neither is Manhattan, which is 20 miles away. #48. Desert Hills, Arizona - Population: 2,838 - Median home value: $118,000 (83% own) - Median rent: $799 (17% rent) - Median household income: $42,667 The Mohave County town along the Arizona-California border is just minutes from the Refuge Golf & Country Club and a short drive from two different kinds of escapes—Lake Havasu State Park and the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. Desert Hills is an ideal destination for those who wish to escape precipitation and cold temperatures: It’s one of the driest and hottest places in Arizona, according to BestPlaces. #47. Woodbury, New York - Population: 8,684 - Median home value: $831,100 (87% own) - Median rent: $2,367 (13% rent) - Median household income: $166,568

This hamlet within the town of Oyster Bay in Nassau County offers a plethora of recreational activities. They include nearby beaches, the par-70 Town of Oyster Bay Golf Course, and the 400-acre Trail View State Park, a local treasure for hikers, bikers, cross-country skiers, and birdwatchers. Free concerts and movies at local parks and beaches have become a summer tradition for residents. #46. Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina - Population: 1,409 - Median home value: $364,200 (89% own) - Median rent: $1,101 (11% rent) - Median household income: $76,771 This community sits on the 25.4-mile barrier island of Bogue Banks, which is part of an area known for its white beaches and clear water called the Crystal Coast. With numerous water trails and a temperate climate, the coast is a paddler’s paradise. The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers a different kind of fun, as well as volunteer opportunities. #45. Holly Hills, Colorado - Population: 2,797 - Median home value: $370,400 (91% own) - Median rent: $1,750 (9% rent) - Median household income: $117,917 Holly Hills is a small Denver suburb, which gives residents the advantage of being close to the excitement of the city with the ability to go home to a small, friendly community at the end of the day. It’s perfect for those who enjoy winter weather; it gets an average of 23 inches of snow a year and its average annual high temperature doesn’t quite hit 70 degrees Fahrenheit. #44. Great Neck Gardens, New York - Population: 1,240 - Median home value: $892,700

(92% own) - Median rent: National$949 (8% rent) *Note: Should NATIONAL be in there? - Median household income: $195,865 This hamlet totaling a mere 0.2 square miles is one of several communities in the Great Neck area. Getting to New York City’s Penn Station takes about 35 minutes by train, but there are plenty of reasons to stay close, including the activities and programs offered by the Great Neck Park District. #43. Village of Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan - Population: 2,910 - Median home value: $452,400 (92% own) - Median rent: $1,766 (8% rent) - Median household income: $156,842 This town on the shoreline of Lake St. Clair offers residents beautiful views and bountiful water pursuits, and the all-inclusive Grosse Pointe Yacht Club is the city’s only commercial property. Area cultural institutions include the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra and the Grosse Pointe Theatre. With Detroit about a 20-minute commute away, there is easy access to even more arts and entertainment. #42. Lakeside City, Texas - Population: 1,085 - Median home value: $159,800 (96% own) - Median rent: $1,330 (4% rent) - Median household income: $81,528 Lake enthusiasts who desire a rural community can find a match in this town that sits on the southern shores of Lake Wichita. Nearby Wichita Falls, home of Sheppard Air Force Base, is a larger city with numerous leisure activities. #41. Shenandoah, Texas - Population: 2,733 - Median home value: $251,600

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(52% own) - Median rent: $1,061 (48% rent) - Median household income: $76,219 The Portofino Shopping Center of this Houston suburb offers more than 60 stores and restaurants and, with its Venetian Gothic architecture, a structure of visual interest, too. The fun isn’t just inside: Shenandoah is only minutes away from the iconic Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, the W. Goodrich Jones State Forest, and the George Mitchell Nature Preserve. #40. Town and Country, Missouri - Population: 11,030 - Median home value: $693,000 (87% own) - Median rent: $1,037 (13% rent) - Median household income: $164,649 This affluent St. Louis suburb is the home of the Bellerive Country Club, host of the 2018 PGA Championship. In 2017, Town and Country began creating a New England-style town square to foster a more tightly knit community. #39. Indian Wells, California - Population: 5,267 - Median home value: $680,000 (85% own) - Median rent: $857 (15% rent) - Median household income: $103,516 The self-proclaimed “California desert sanctuary” in the Coachella Valley lives up to its moniker with amazing mountain views, 350 days of sunshine, renowned golf courses, and several residential country clubs. The Southern California town also sponsors a number of sporting and cultural events, including the world’s fifth-largest tennis tournament, the BNP Paribas Open.

(San Tan Mountain Regional Park) #38. Sun Lakes, Arizona - Population: 14,800 - Median home value: $255,300 (91% own) - Median rent: $1,475 (9% rent) - Median household income: $54,124 This master-planned community near Phoenix says it provides “a resort vacation lifestyle and country club living.” Indeed, it has five adult country club communities represented by three homeowner associations, numerous golf courses, and hundreds of special-interest clubs. The community also has a community college campus that offers lifelong learning opportunities. #37. Leland Grove, Illinois - Population: 1,423 - Median home value: $216,300 (94% own) - Median rent: $1,083 (6% rent) - Median household income: $103,529 This town is minutes away from Springfield and all the restaurants, attractions, and shopping the state capital has to offer. A 2013 regional planning commission report noted Leland Grove’s “high-quality residential character represents its greatest strength,” and that its “community spirit is a valuable asset.” #36. Southern Shores, North Carolina - Population: 2,829 - Median home value: $446,500 (93% own)

- Median rent: $1,710 (7% rent) - Median household income: $96,912 This mostly residential town on the Outer Banks of North Carolina is a haven for beach enthusiasts, and its beaches are only open to residents and vacationers. Southern Shores is home to the Duck Woods Country Club, which offers amenities like golf and tennis. #35. Del Monte Forest, California - Population: 4,575 - Median home value: $1,170,600 (84% own) - Median rent: $2,990 (16% rent) - Median household income: $131,597 Del Monte Forest is a coastal community on California’s Monterey Peninsula with magnificent views of the Pacific Ocean, multiple hiking and equestrian trails, and proximity to the world-renowned golf courses of Pebble Beach. The Del Monte Forest Property Owners Association works with public and private sector agencies to ensure that the area retains “world-class status as a place to visit and live.” #34. King, Wisconsin - Population: 1,788 - Median home value: $109,500 (68% own) - Median rent: $586 (32% rent) - Median household income: $61,726 This Waupaca County town, which Niche says has the lowest cost of living in Wisconsin, is brimming with outdoor recreation options. Nearby Hartman Creek State Park, for example, offers activities like hiking, biking, fishing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. #33. Fearrington Village, North Carolina - Population: 2,784 - Median home value: $305,200 (75% own) - Median rent: $963 (25% rent) - Median household income: $70,370

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The bucolic neighborhoods of this Chatham County community, one of North Carolina’s first planned developments, surround a Village Center that honors the area’s heritage. The granary of the dairy farm that once occupied the land is now the town’s coffee shop, for example. Meanwhile, residents seeking big-city amenities can reach the Triangle areas of Durham, Chapel Hill and Raleigh in less than an hour. #32. Bingham Farms, Michigan - Population: 1,189 - Median home value: $390,200 (84% own) - Median rent: $1,211 (16% rent) - Median household income: $116,250 This community created its Design Review Board “to preserve, protect, and enhance the ecologically and historically unique environment and aesthetic charm of the village.” Residents are just minutes from Detroit and 30 miles from the Brighton Howell area, which has 123 miles of trails and 20 golf courses. #31. St. James, North Carolina - Population: 4,747 - Median home value: $450,200 (97% own) - Median rent: $1,836 (3% rent) - Median household income: $105,486 St. James, located on North Carolina’s southeast coast, was incorporated in 1999. Wetlands, open spaces, ponds, and marshlands add to the town’s visual appeal. It also has four-and-one-half golf courses, a community center with activities, a number of tennis courts and swimming pools, and a marina and beach club along the Oak Island seashore. Carl L. Thurman #30. Great Neck Plaza, New York - Population: 6,964 - Median home value: $338,900

(55% own) - Median rent: $1,839 (45% rent) - Median household income: $74,303 Great Neck Plaza, a small village on Long Island measuring one-third of a square mile, has three parks, plenty of retail shops, and a railroad station connecting the community to New York City. The village was designated as a “Preserve America” community by the White House and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation in 2004. #29. West Lake Hills, Texas - Population: 3,330 - Median home value: $865,300 (85% own) - Median rent: $1,496 (15% rent) - Median household income: $155,769 This hilly, four-square-mile patch of Texas is conveniently located near Austin’s downtown and two of its gems: Zilker Metropolitan Park and Lady Bird Lake. West Lake Hills received a 2019 Certified Scenic City award, which recognizes cities that demonstrate a “commitment to high-quality scenic standards for public roadways and spaces.” #28. Del Mar, California - Population: 4,338 - Median home value: $2,000,001 (53% own) - Median rent: $2,130 (47% rent) - Median household income: $122,563 With pristine beaches, a pleasant climate, top-notch cuisine, and charming shops, Del Mar is a coastal playground known for its racetrack “where the turf meets the surf.” The seaside city holds events throughout the year at its Del Mar Fairgrounds and is 20 miles north of San Diego. #27. Murrells Inlet, South Carolina - Population: 8,752 - Median home value: $234,000 (81% own) - Median rent: $1,104 (19% rent) - Median household income: $51,667

The MarshWalk is a source of pride of this beach town known as “the seafood capital of South Carolina." It’s a half-mile boardwalk along a saltwater estuary where residents can eat, listen to live music, shop, and enjoy recreational water activities. Myrtle Beach is 10 miles away, and Huntington Beach State Park is even closer. #26. Chevy Chase, Maryland - Population: 9,844 - Median home value: $897,000 (79% own) - Median rent: $2,341 (21% rent) - Median household income: $173,333 Easy access to the Metro subway system makes it a cinch for residents of this suburb of Washington D.C. to take advantage of the myriad museums and attractions in the nation’s capital and surrounding areas. The local nonprofit Chevy Chase at Home is dedicated to helping residents age in place, and Maryland residents 65 and older can sign up for a free daily telephone check-in. #25. Sunset Beach, North Carolina - Population: 3,769 - Median home value: $263,300 (84% own) - Median rent: $1,052 (16% rent) - Median household income: $56,689 Golfers and those who love to fish won’t find it hard to fill their days in this town that spans both the island that bears its name and parts of the coastal mainland. Sunset Beach is also a short walk from Bird Island, the undeveloped barrier island that is home to threatened or endangered species like loggerhead sea turtles. #24. South Kensington, Maryland - Population: 8,684 - Median home value: $718,000 (89% own) - Median rent: $2,113 (11% rent) - Median household income: $160,303

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Though South Kensington has its share of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks, residents also have easy access to the sights, shops, and eateries of Washington D.C. and the surrounding areas. There are also loads of hiking trails throughout South Kensington’s county, Montgomery. #23. Hollywood Park, Texas - Population: 3,302 - Median home value: $317,600 (86% own) - Median rent: $3,310 (14% rent) - Median household income: $101,450 This San Antonio suburb describes itself as “a great, peaceful, and friendly place to live.” The Hollywood Park Community Association works toward that goal by hosting community events and running programs like Neighbors Lifting Neighbors, which pairs people needing assistance with others seeking to help. #22. Bethany Beach, Delaware - Population: 1,010 - Median home value: $495,500 (95% own) - Median rent: $1,211 (5% rent) - Median household income: $78,889 Bethany Beach is among the southern Delaware coastal towns known as the Quiet Resorts. It hosts concerts, movies, and bonfires in the summer when its population swells, and is close to the peaceful Assawoman Bay State Wildlife Area. #21. Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Population: 39,666 - Median home value: $454,300 (77% own) - Median rent: $1,153 (23% rent) - Median household income: $72,569 Numbers can help tell the tale of why so many visitors return to retire in Hilton Head. The island offers 12 miles of beaches, more than 250 restaurants, more than 200

shops, 24 championship golf courses, over 360 tennis courts, and moderate average temperatures that range from 59 in January to 89 in July and August. #20. Paradise Valley, Arizona - Population: 13,961 - Median home value: $1,406,700 (92% own) - Median rent: $1,789 (8% rent) - Median household income: $175,673 This Phoenix suburb sits on the edges of both the Phoenix Mountains Preserve and Camelback Mountain and has three golf courses, four medical centers, nine resorts, and 294 sunny days per year. Its stated mission is to provide “high-quality public services to a community which values limited government.” #19. Olmos Park, Texas - Population: 1,976 - Median home value: $675,600 (74% own) - Median rent: $824 (26% rent) - Median household income: $133,654 Olmos Park is surrounded by the City of San Antonio, offering the community quick access to all the attractions found in the larger city. It also lays claim to warm weather year-round. #18. Sun City, Arizona - Population: 39,000 - Median home value: $130,100 (82% own) - Median rent: $1,022 (18% rent) - Median household income: $37,708 Billed as “The Original Fun City,” Sun City is dedicated to creating a fun, relaxing place for active retired adults. Residents can join over 130 recognized clubs (including political organizations, performing arts groups, and fitness groups), spend their days on the putting green, or attend classes at nearby colleges and senior education centers.

#17. Fountain Hills, Arizona - Population: 24,047 - Median home value: $387,800 (79% own) - Median rent: $1,184 (21% rent) - Median household income: $76,729 This safe, master-planned community in Maricopa County holds numerous community events throughout the year and is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The town, known for its large fountain, is an International Dark Sky Community, a designation given to places that “promote responsible lighting and dark sky stewardship.” #16. Rehoboth Beach, Delaware - Population: 1,218 - Median home value: $878,900 (82% own) - Median rent: $1,231 (18% rent) - Median household income: $85,729 There’s a lot to enjoy in this town’s one square mile, including its pristine beaches, and the attractions, shops, and restaurants along its mile-long boardwalk. In the summer, Rehoboth Beach hosts a free concert series. You may also like: Quiz: Do you know these 50 famous companies by their logos?

(White Tank Mountain Regional Park) #15. Sun City West, Arizona - Population: 25,085 - Median home value: $188,400 (88% own) - Median rent: $1,254 (12% rent) - Median household income: $46,067

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This unincorporated community near Phoenix that Del Webb founded in 1978 bills itself as “the nation’s premier active adult golf community.” In addition to its seven golf courses, Sun City West offers amenities like adult learning opportunities, organized trips, more than 100 clubs, and four recreation centers. #14. Windy Hills, Kentucky - Population: 2,162 - Median home value: $251,900 (98% own) - Median rent: $1,675 (2% rent) - Median household income: $96,167 Home to early pioneer families, Windy Hills has a 3.5-mile paved loop for walking enthusiasts and offers community events throughout the year. Known as a “City of Historic Homes,” visitors can view the exteriors of houses built as early as 1790. #13. Green Valley, Arizona - Population: 21,912 - Median home value: $163,500 (81% own) - Median rent: $1,019 (19% rent) - Median household income: $47,583 Recreation and learning opportunities abound in this retirement community 25 miles south of Tucson in the Sonoran Desert. The nonprofit Green Valley Recreation operates 13 rec centers and offers more than 1,000 classes. Every March it hosts the Southern Arizona Senior Games in which more than 1,000 participants compete in events that include bicycling, mah-jongg, tennis, and powerlifting. #12. Garden City, South Carolina - Population: 9,702 - Median home value: $138,400 (76% own) - Median rent: $953 (24% rent) - Median household income: $42,879 Garden City is a prime spot for crabbing and fishing because of its access to the Atlantic Ocean and

Murrells Inlet. The community’s 668-foot-long fishing pier provides an ideal spot for anglers during the day and acts as a live music venue during summer evenings. For anyone considering a move to Garden City Beach, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce offers a relocation guide. #11. Siesta Key, Florida - Population: 5,850 - Median home value: $659,400 (85% own) - Median rent: $1,417 (15% rent) - Median household income: $84,890 A barrier island off the coast of Sarasota, Fla., Siesta Key is known for its white-sand beaches. More musically inclined new residents might be interested in the community drum circle that begins on one of the beaches one hour before sunset every Sunday. You may also like: Most popular college majors in America #10. Timber Pines, Florida - Population: 5,207 - Median home value: $137,200 (90% own) - Median rent: $934 (10% rent) - Median household income: $45,938 The Timber Pines Community Association, which says it’s dedicated to offering premier “country club living for active adults,” calls Timber Pines the “best-kept secret in Florida.” Residents can swim in two geo-thermally heated pools, golf on four courses, play tennis on eight courts, and join more than 100 clubs, classes, and organizations. #9. Lake Success, New York - Population: 3,112 - Median home value: $1,156,900 (97% own) - Median rent: $3,501 (3% rent) - Median household income: $167,083 The village of Lake Success offers residents fitness center memberships, as well as park activities including bingo, tennis,

bocce ball, and movie nights, among other pastimes. Residents can play golf at Lake Success Golf Club or join the Fresh Meadow Country Club, which has attracted celebrities in the past, including Babe Ruth in 1941. #8. South Palm Beach, Florida - Population: 1,400 - Median home value: $238,700 (80% own) - Median rent: $1,672 (20% rent) - Median household income: $56,250 Less than a mile long, South Palm Beach is located on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. The community offers a number of activies, from a lecture series and exercise classes to live music and art exhibits. #7. Cypress Lake, Florida - Population: 12,505 - Median home value: $137,200 (68% own) - Median rent: $1,084 (32% rent) - Median household income: $45,955 Cypress Lake is a community for people 55 and older, specifically designed to provide retirees with a safe and active lifestyle. A multimillion-dollar clubhouse contains everything from a full-service restaurant to a craft and ceramics room, and golfers can play 36 holes of PGA championship golf. #6. Whiskey Creek, Florida - Population: 4,979 - Median home value: $222,700 (89% own) - Median rent: $1,090 (11% rent) - Median household income: $75,407 Located within the Fort Myers and Cape Coral areas, the Whiskey Creek neighborhood sits near the Caloosahatchee River, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico. Community members may join the semi-private Whiskey Creek Country Club for access to an 18-hole golf course and a bar and restaurant, as

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well as social activities, such as bridge and dancing. #5. Ridge Wood Heights, Florida - Population: 3,878 - Median home value: $160,900 (68% own) - Median rent: $942 (32% rent) - Median household income: $52,202 Located in Sarasota County, which is full of beaches and attractions, Niche scored Ridge Wood Heights particularly high on health and fitness. The community is only a 15-minute drive to Siesta Key, a Gulf of Mexico barrier island with sandy beaches, tidal pools, and coral reefs. #4. North River Shores, Florida - Population: 3,405 - Median home value: $184,300 (71% own) - Median rent: $1,124 (29% rent) - Median household income: $46,206 North River Shores sits on the banks of the North Fork St. Lucie River. Residents can appreciate the four waterfront neighborhood parks and a private boat ramp. North River Shores is located in Martin County. #3. Hillsboro Beach, Florida - Population: 1,465 - Median home value: $376,300 (80% own) - Median rent: $1,784 (20% rent) - Median household income: $71,833 Hillsboro Beach sits northeast of Fort Lauderdale on the eastern coast of Florida. The Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse—installed in 1907—runs tours regularly and offers membership. Members of the lighthouse have free admission to tours, lectures, and programs run by the Hillsboro Lighthouse Preservation Society. #2. South Sarasota, Florida - Population: 5,265 - Median home value: $360,700 (73% own) - Median rent: $996 (27% rent) - Median household income: $70,179

South Sarasota in Sarasota County is near Roberts Bay, home to Edwards Islands Park, a pair of islands perfect for beach days, boating, and fishing. Listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, the Field Club was originally the winter home of Stanley and Sara Carroll Brown Field of Marshall Field’s department stores. #1. Pelican Bay, Florida - Population: 5,876 - Median home value: $852,300 (95% own) - Median rent: $1,595 (5% rent) - Median household income: $127,361 Pelican Bay is in the Naples–Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area and is full of private white-sand beaches as well as a wide variety of fitness and wellness amenities, including personal training, beach fitness classes, and massage. Community members can join one of the multiple member organizations, such as the Pelican Bay Women’s League or the Mangrove Action Group. Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. Frankly and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact pressreleases@franklymedia.com

Kayaking is a fun way to social distance. These Arizona lakes - and a river - have rentals KiMi Robinson Arizona Republic

With many places closed and events canceled due to COVID-19, Arizonans are left with limited options for activities outside their homes where they could be in relative isolation. One good option is kayaking. You can enjoy the outdoors while keeping your distance from others. And you can choose your level of adventure: anything from a morning paddle on Tempe Town Lake to a kayak camping trip on Lake Powell. Many places offer different kinds of kayaks, from sit-on-top to inflatable and single or tandem. The prices listed are for single kayaks. Keep the latest CDC guidelines in mind wherever you go: Wash your hands regularly, stay at least 6 feet away from others and wear a face covering if you're near people. Going on a weekday might reduce your chance of encountering others. Here are bodies of water where you can rent kayaks in Arizona. All are suitable for beginners. Tempe Town Lake Driving along the Loop 202, you might have seen kayakers and others cruising 2-mile-long Tempe Town Lake. This reservoir is a close-to-home option. Take extra sun precautions and bring plenty of water to stay hydrated. In summer, consider going in the early morning or late afternoon. Tempe Boat Rentals: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. 72 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $18 for one hour, $25 for two hours. 855-690-0794, https://boats4rent.com.

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Colorado River If you've ever hiked the trail to Horseshoe Bend to peer at the Colorado River below, you might have seen kayakers down there. Kayak Horseshoe Bend and Kayak the Colorado, in Marble Canyon a short distance from the river access at Lees Ferry, can set you up with a kayak and a shuttle boat that takes you upstream to a drop-off point of your choice.

There are no rapids between Glen Canyon Dam and Lees Ferry, so this stretch of the river is suitable for novice kayakers. To check the water flow on the day of your trip, go to the Bureau of Reclamation website or call 928-645-3978. You need to have a $30 Glen Canyon National Recreation Area pass to use the river. Call 928-608-6200 or go to https://www.nps.gov/glca. Kayak Horseshoe Bend: About 6 a.m.-4 p.m., depending on the season. At mile marker 547 on U.S. 89A, Marble Canyon. $25 for kayak; $75 for backhaul (shuttle) service per person, with a two-person minimum. 928-355-2261, https://kayakhorseshoebend.com. Kayak the Colorado: Sunrise to sunset. Near mile marker 541 on U.S. 89A, Marble Canyon. $30 for kayak; $75 for backhaul per person, with a two-person minimum. 928-856-0012, https://www.kayakthecolorado.com.

Lake Pleasant With its campground, hiking trails and marinas, Lake Pleasant is a popular destination. Kayakers have miles of shoreline to explore and a couple of options for getting outfitted. Get the Coronavirus Watch newsletter in your inbox. Updates on how the coronavirus is affecting your community and the nation Delivery: Varies Scorpion Bay Marina on the lake's western shore rents kayaks by the hour. Reservations are recommended. Go Paddle AZ at Pleasant Harbor Marina is in the southeastern nook of the lake. "We will practice social distancing and be modifying our procedures to allow for the proper disinfection of our equipment," Go Paddle AZ's website says. "All guests will have access to resources to clean/sanitize their own equipment pre-rental."

Scorpion Bay Marina: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 10970 W. Peninsula Blvd., Peoria. $25 per hour. 928-501-7368, https://www.scorpionbayaz.com. Go Paddle AZ: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. 8708 W. Harbor Blvd., Peoria. $20 for the first hour; $10 per hour after that. 602-904-0519, https://www.gopaddleaz.com.

More:Here's everything you can do at Lake Pleasant Lake Powell Kayaks can be rented at Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas at Wahweap Marina in Page. It's recommended that you make a reservation online or by phone at least four days in advance, but walk-ups are welcome. You can also rent from Kayak Lake Powell in Page, where returns can be made as late as 7 p.m. You will have to drive your kayak to the marina, approximately 15 minutes. A staff member will help you load the kayak on your car. "Many locals enjoy smooth day trips around the Wahweap and Lone Rock areas," according to the National Park Service website. "There are times when the beaches are pretty crowded with motorized vessels, but there are a few quiet coves a kayak could sneak into."

When visiting the Page area, be aware of travel restrictions on the adjacent Navajo Reservation. Get the latest updates at https://www.navajo-nsn.gov. Lake Powell Resorts and Marinas: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 100 Lake Shore Drive, Page. $50 plus fees per day and $100 damage deposit. 928-645-2433, https://www.lakepowell.com. Kayak Lake Powell: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 816 Coppermine Rd. $30 per day. 928-660-0778, https://www.kayakpowell.com. Prescott Prescott Outdoors can hook you up with a kayak at two locations in Prescott.

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Goldwater Lake: Find some peace and quiet as well as a respite from the heat while surrounded by pine trees in the hills of Prescott National Forest. You can rent a kayak every weekend through Sept. 7. Walk-up rentals are available, but making a reservation and completing the waiver online are recommended to reduce wait time and contact with others. Details: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays. 2900 S. Goldwater Lake Road, Prescott. $15 for the first hour; $10 per hour thereafter; $50 per day. 928-925-1410, https://www.prescottoutdoors.com. Watson Lake: Find hidden coves among the granite boulders as you kayak on the deep blue water of Watson Lake. The season runs through Oct. 18. Walk-up rentals are available, but making a reservation and completing the waiver online are recommended. Details: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays-Sundays in spring, Wednesdays-Sundays in fall. 3101 Watson Lake Road, Prescott. $15 for the first hour; $10 per hour thereafter; $50 per day. 928-925-1410, https://www.prescottoutdoors.com. Reach the reporter at kimi.robinson@gannett.com or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi. Support local journalism. Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

My Turn – Let’s Get the Facts Straight By Sonoran News July 6, 2020

(Editor’s note: Statement from Cave Creek Town Manager, Carrie Dyrek. The Town of Cave Creek budget document referenced in this statement can be found here. Date: June 29, 2020) 2020 has been an extremely challenging year for all of us in the Town of Cave Creek. With the Covid-19 pandemic, two back-to-back wildfires and brush fires nipping at us in every direction, we all seem to freeze in place whenever we hear a siren. The last thing we need are divisive, inaccurate news articles that tear our community apart when what we really need is trust and unity in these uncertain times. It is because of such articles in print and social media that I feel compelled to clear up specific fallacies about the Town’s budget, revenues, expenditures and other subjects about Town government, its management and operations. Revenues and Budget There are claims that the Town has lost roughly one-sixth of its annual sales tax revenue (July 1, 2019-June 30, 2020), which is absolutely false. The Town’s sales tax revenues in all categories (not including June) are $8,895,542, which means Cave Creek is poised to finish out the year with tax revenue growth from the last fiscal year despite the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact, revenue numbers from January through May 2020 have exceeded projections. The actual sales tax revenues for January, February and March exceeded projections by more than $100,000 each month. We recently celebrated the groundbreaking of Sprouts grocery store, which charges a sales tax on food, which is a new, quantifiable source of revenue for the Town.

Other articles commented about the Town’s gradually increasing budget. Each year, the Cave Creek Town Council adopts a budget that CAPS expenditures at a specific amount which means that the Town can’t exceed that capped amount. In other words, just because it is budgeted does not mean the expenditure will occur. In some ways, the Town is in the process of catching up on projects that were put on hold due to the recession and its repercussions over the last decade. CAP Water Supply and Infrastructure Funding for Cave Creek’s infrastructure capital projects was more than one million dollars and covered water transmission, treatment and distribution systems within the water system. Desert Hills Water System is a separate line item with similar projects and expenses. Nothing is more important to our community than our Central Arizona Project (CAP) water supply and the infrastructure that carries it to us and delivers it to you. We are continuing to invest millions of dollars in our water infrastructure for the health, welfare and economic viability of our Town and its residents. Those water infrastructure improvements add water reliability, increase water quality and address deferred maintenance to the water system. Salaries The Town of Cave Creek hired a consultant to perform a wage and benefit analysis on professional and technical staff positions to ensure employees were being paid according to the Phoenix-area employment market. That analysis should be completed within the next few weeks. The Fiscal Year 2021 budget did not include any cost of living salary adjustments for Town employees.

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To address specific commentary, the Town Marshal’s salary is not $175,000 a year, which one can verify by reviewing the budget (posted online). Additionally, two Town vehicles – not four – are shared between the Marshal and two volunteer deputies. The Town Manager does not earn a $220,000 annual salary. The Town Manager’s budget for Fiscal Year 2021 includes an allocation of salaries for four employees and is $262,000. Again, details can be found in the posted budget on the Town’s website. Spur Cross/Open Space The Town has no plans to allow Maricopa Parks to install electricity, a visitor’s center or a well at Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area (SCRCA), nor are there funds to implement improvements to SCRCA that are shown in the Master Plan. There are many privately held properties contiguous to SCRCA that have been listed for sale. In an effort to investigate potential options for the expansion of SCRCA, and in partnership with Maricopa County and the Desert Foothills Land Trust, the Town is proceeding with appraisals of these properties to determine the viability of additional preserved open space. The Harmony Hollow preservation group is not affiliated with the Town. It is a grassroots organization formed of citizens. The Town and its staff do not have any role in its membership, social media or activities. Furthermore, there are no plans or funds allocated in the Fiscal Year 2021 budget to build a parking lot in the Town. Town Hall Has Always Been Open for Business The Town wants to be very clear

that Town Hall NEVER closed for business! Since the COVID-19 pandemic was announced, Town staff has always been available and working full-time. Town Hall restricted walk-in traffic to slow the spread of the virus in our community and all staff was available in-person by appointment, by phone or via email. Town Hall resumed walk-in traffic weeks ago. The pandemic has forced employers to recognize that many jobs can be accomplished by employees working from home. Productivity is the result of an employee’s personal and professional pride, not necessarily where he or she sits. I can assure you the Directors of each department who report to me are profoundly responsible for the output and productivity of their individual groups. The Town’s previous Finance Director was a contracted employee. The Town gave its 30-day notice not to renew the contract with Education Services Inc. The contract was set to end Tuesday, June 30, and we decided to hire a direct employee instead of a contract employee. The position for a Finance Director was listed on our website and the first round of interviews have already begun. With respect to wildfire communications, Town Staff executed communications day and night throughout both fires using multiple platforms, including evacuation orders as we received them from the agencies in command of the fires. The Town cooperated with Maricopa County, local fire departments and Arizona State Forestry ensuring there were redundancies in the communication to reach as many people as possible. Arizona Forestry listed “excellent collaboration and communication,” with Cave Creek as a top success for the Ocotillo Fire.

In Closing While there is always room for improvement, my staff and I take great pride in our work in serving the Cave Creek community. I would like to thank the Mayor and the Town Council for their leadership as well the volunteers throughout the Town for responding to the immense challenges we have faced over the last few months. Homeowners, property owners, merchants, animal and nature lovers in our town need to stick together, now more than ever. Please visit our website at Cavecreekaz.gov to review the recently approved FY21 budget document. The Cave Creek community has entrusted your Town government with great responsibility, and we are executing it with knowledge, experience and transparency to the best of our ability. Please feel free to contact me with questions, comments or feedback at cdyrek@CaveCreekAZ.gov.

“We are taking positive actions with a great team” By Sonoran News July 1, 2020 Melissa Paxton “Thank you for the opportunity to remark on commentary by Gary Schmidt re: Harmony Hollow and Spur Cross.” No one wants to build a 300 seat amphitheater or a 2100 sq. foot visitor’s center at Harmony Hollow! To continue to make this accusation is simply ridiculous! That is not why I worked so hard with so many others, including Gary Schmidt himself to preserve Spur Cross

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Ranch twenty years ago. I would not support such an enterprise, EVER. Apparently this notion was proposed in 2014 by someone at the State Land Department and it was dropped long ago. No one on the current Council wants to resurrect this appalling idea. I have told Gary Schmidt this information repeatedly, answering his badgering emails and texts in detail, telling him that this is not something I would ever do. When I first drove out Spur Cross road to see a house for rent in 1987, I had no idea it would change my life forever. I was completely stunned by the beauty of Spur Cross Ranch. I seriously had to pull over and just be overwhelmed by this rare unspoiled example of Arizona at its finest, especially the water oasis under the towering trees. Ninety percent of these water sources have been destroyed by development in Arizona. After meeting Richard Mocco that day and deciding to move across the creek, I vowed to try to find a way to preserve that entire valley. For whatever reasons, it was a perfect time and place. I found wonderful lifetime friends in Cave Creek and a cause worth fighting for. Richard and I walked the creek to the desert oasis among the cottonwoods nearly every day, rarely seeing another person. Today this oasis is known as the Jewel of the Creek Land Trust Preserve, one of 19 such protected local preserves the Land Trust has saved. I found the Desert Foothills Land Trust, a group of committed volunteers, at a public meeting called at a local church. They gathered to talk about finding and preserving worthy properties in Cave Creek and Carefree. I stood up among strangers and proposed an art auction fundraiser to preserve Spur Cross Ranch. After the initial shocked silence and smiles accompanied by occasional eye rolls, someone mentioned we would need tens of

millions of dollars! Later, I was approached by Lynne Hoss, a board member and soon to be lifelong friend. She said she would help with the auction idea. Lynne was able to take my ideas and create a beautiful event that raised $50,000, even after we paid the artists 40%! As awesome as this was, it would never save Spur Cross, but at least we were getting people to know we were an entity established for preservation. I joined the Board of the Land Trust, an honor I will always treasure. Years went by with no real threat to Spur Cross, a sense of complacency set in. Hiking one morning in the mid 1990’s, Richard and I noticed tall white stakes visible on the upper flat lands above Harmony Hollow. More stakes appeared at the desert oasis. The developer contacted the Land Trust with blueprints of a golf course, clubhouse, and homes, wanting to perhaps donate the oasis property as a conservation easement. The fact that it would have been under a bridge bringing cars into the development was alarming! Money had already been spent to bring CAP water to the top of Spur Cross rd. along with extensive development plans. This was too big for the Land Trust alone, and would require a different approach from a larger group. Then as now, the Land Trust is a non- profit organization and cannot engage in politics. Saving Spur Cross took the Town, the State, the County, and most of all the citizens of Cave Creek coming together. Out of a kind of desperation, I sat in front of the grocery store in Carefree with a huge 4’x 8’ poster and photos of the creek in flood stage across what was slated to be a low water crossing upstream from Harmony Hollow. I painted an overlay on acetate of the bridge, golf course, and homes on an enlarged photo of Elephant Butte. This is how I met Barry Disimone and Gary Schmidt and joined the Friends of Spur Cross

to fight the development. We sold hundreds of Do Something Wild t- shirts I designed at Barry’s suggestion, and held an art auction fundraiser with the incredible help of Jay and Sandy Williams plus hundreds of artists. Our campaign was for awareness and support. So many people did so much to help us, a true community effort. Ultimately, through the efforts of hundreds of people, including incredible work by Gary Schmidt, we prevailed in the face of long odds. No one person saved Spur Cross, and many who did the most ask for no recognition. There is needless confusion about drawings of an art show with tents and a restored bell foundry. These drawings were recently emailed to me by Gary Schmidt as yet another “proof” that I am up to some scheme with the Sonoran Art League to develop Harmony Hollow. I drew those ideas! Like I always do, I think of how to preserve land and pay for it. I have visited many wonderful sculpture gardens nationwide, and helped establish a successful one in Salado, Texas. I did research on the Loveland Sculpture Show, a three day art show held once a year, with annual proceeds of over a $1 million. One of the organizers and promoters of this show does shows in Cave Creek. So yes, I thought it was a great possible way to help pay for, control, and preserve the habitat while recognizing the realities that people already go out there and will continue to in the future. I never met with The Sonoran Art League about this, as it didn’t get that far. I published my drawings on December 13, of 2019 on the Harmony Hollow Preserve Facebook page and asked for public comment. If anyone wants to see the drawings, maps, and photos, the page is public and has 678 members. Join us! I had some very positive

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response from artists and the community, but Gary Schmidt and several other people were concerned that it would not be 100% natural, so I dropped the idea last year and have not mentioned it again. Since then, I have championed taking back the half cent sales tax option, or creating a preservation one penny sales tax specifically to buy all the properties in that part of the Conservation Area in 3 to 5 years. I am always looking for the idea that WILL work. We need to come together and work as a team. I have been heartened by the first steps taken by the Cave Creek Town Council. We can again bring together a coalition of The Town, State, County, Land Trust, preservation buyers, and most of all the citizens of this special town. Lastly, I have been criticized by Mr. Schmidt for trying to help the Cross family to get the price they want. He has stated it is not worth preserving! I would love to see all owners donate land, but know that like Spur Cross, we have to live in the real world and we will kick ourselves in coming years if we lose this opportunity haggling over a price difference that amounts to the cost of a typical Cave Creek home. The first step is appraisals, which is what the Cave Creek Council voted for unanimously. We are taking positive actions with a great team.

Want to rent a houseboat, kayak or other water toy this summer? You can at these Arizona lakes Roger Naylor Special for The Republic

To make the most of your summer, spend at least a few days on the water. It’s a great way to maintain social distance while reveling in wide-open spaces and combating the rising heat. Arizona may be an arid state but it is sprinkled with lakes. Sure, they’re almost all man-made but that just means they’re placed right where we need them most. They come in a variety of sizes, starting with the largest and second largest man-made lakes in the nation, Mead and Powell respectively, all the way down to some easily navigated ponds. But as long as they’re holding water, they make a perfect summer getaway. Here are a few Arizona lakes that offer something special for visitors: boat rentals. Show up and rent a kayak, canoe, pontoon or houseboat, and for an hour or a day, it feels like the whole lake belongs just to you. Reminder: When you're out and about this summer, be sure to observe mask requirements and other coronavirus-related guidance. Prescott lakes

You’re already cooling off by the time you reach Prescott’s higher elevations. Once there you’ll have two very different lakes to choose from. Watson Lake nestles amid the Granite Dells. The tall cliffs and

jumbled boulders are reflected in deep blue water. Hidden coves, curving shorelines and a variety of waterfowl add to the allure of this popular lake. Goldwater Lake offers a more secluded feel. It’s tucked away in the ponderosa pines just outside of town. This is a good place to watch for wildlife as you paddle across teal green water. Prescott Outdoors rents solo kayaks, tandem kayaks and canoes hourly and by the day at both lakes. Stand-up paddleboards are available at Watson Lake. Online reservations are encouraged. Rentals are available on Saturdays and Sundays through Sept. 7 at Goldwater Lake. At Watson Lake, rentals are offered through Oct. 18 (Wednesdays-Sundays in summer; Fridays-Sundays in the fall). Details: 928-925-1410, https://www.prescottoutdoors.com. Patagonia Lake

The 265-acre lake makes a shimmering oasis in the high desert. It’s a long, narrow waterway, almost fjord-like, tucked away in the rolling grasslands of southern Arizona. A campground with a collection of sites and cabins clings to the south side of the lake in this popular state park. A wide sandy beach features a roped-off swimming area. Canoes, rowboats, paddleboats and pontoons are for rent from Lake Patagonia Marina (520-287-2804). The east end of the lake is a no-wake zone. The west end allows for speedboats to travel in a counter-

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clockwise direction. Water skiing is permitted on weekdays only in the summer. Park admission is $15 per vehicle during the week and $20 on weekends. Details: 520-287-6965, https://azstateparks.com/patagonia-lake. Fool Hollow Lake

With so many lakes scattered among the White Mountains, Fool Hollow is easy to overlook. But that’s a big mistake. The 149-acre lake just outside of Show Low fills a low-lying basing and is ringed by ponderosa pines and a woodland mix of junipers and piñon pines, grassy pastures and rocky cliffs. There is no single vantage point in the state park that allows you to see the entire lake. You have to discover it one vista at a time and it gives you a lot of looks along the way. There’s big open water, several isolated coves, some quiet marshes and long channels. In summer, JT’s Wildlife Outdoors (928-892-9170, http://jtwildlifeoutdoors.com) rents kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. They’re near the park's east boat launch ramp. Park admission is $7

per vehicle Mondays-Thursdays and $10 Fridays-Sundays. Camping is available. Details: 928-537-3680, https://azstateparks.com/fool-hollow. Lake Pleasant

You’ll have plenty of ways to get on the water at Lake Pleasant Regional Park when you visit Scorpion Bay Marina (928-501-7368, https://www.scorpionbayaz.com). Half-day and daily rentals include pontoons, sport boats, kayaks and other water toys. Reservations must be made in advance. Paddleboards and water scooters can be rented from Pleasant Water Sports (602-714-7478, http://www.pleasantwatersports.com). The marina includes a general store and the Scorpion Bay Grill. Park admission is $7 per vehicle. Details: 602-506-2930, ext. 2; https://www.maricopacountyparks.net. On the southeastern shore of the lake outside the park, Pleasant Harbor Marina offers sport boat, pontoon and water scooter rentals, a waterside restaurant and daily cruises. Go Paddle AZ (602-904-0519, https://www.gopaddleaz.com) rents kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. You can even ride the wind when you rent a sailboat from Go Sail Arizona (602-882-4398, https://gosailaz.com). There is a $7 fee per vehicle for everyone visiting Pleasant Harbor Marina.

Details: 623-235-6130, https://pleasantharbor.com. Lake Havasu

When it comes to watery playgrounds, Lake Havasu always makes for an enticing getaway. That may explain why there are so many places in Lake Havasu City to rent just about anything that floats. Beach Shack Rentals (928-846-7273, https://www.beachshackrentalslhc.com) is right on the water and offers scooters, kayaks, pontoon and ski boats, plus a floating jungle gym known as Beach Shack Island. Havasu Adventure Company (928-680-6151, https://www.havasuadventurecompany.com) has a full line of deck boats, ski boats and pontoons. A cooler and bag of ice are provided with each rental. At Rentals on the Beach (928-453-8883, https://londonbridgewatercraft.com) they have everything from pontoon and fishing boats to kayaks, paddleboards and scooters, and even one-bedroom bungalows if you want to enjoy an extended stay. Details: For a full selection of rental locations, visit https://www.golakehavasu.com. Lake Powell

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Forget everything you thought you knew about lakes. This long, sinuous body of jewel-like water stretches for 186 miles from northern Arizona into Utah. The towering red rock walls of Glen Canyon cradle the main body of water, leaving hundreds of miles of craggy shoreline accessible only by boat. Wahweap Marina (888-896-3829, https://www.lakepowell.com) has a full fleet of houseboats, powerboats and personal watercraft rentals available. You’ll also find lodging, restaurants and boat tours. Some amenities might be temporarily unavailable during the pandemic. If your route takes you across the Navajo Reservation, be aware of travel restrictions. The reservation is closed to tourism and periodic curfews and lockdowns have been implemented. Get the latest updates at https://www.navajo-nsn.gov. Antelope Point Marina (928-645-5900, https://antelopepointlakepowell.com), which is adjacent to the Navajo Reservation, is closed. The target reopening date is July 5. Check the website for updates. Lake Mead

Named for a massive rock formation, Temple Bar Marina is also known for its 20 mile-long unobstructed water ski runs. There’s also a seemingly endless stretch of coves and beaches to explore. Rental options include kayaks, fishing boats, open-bow ski boats and 26-foot deck boats. They are available by the hour, day and week. RV facilities, cabins, a motel and café are also on the property, located off U.S. 93. Details: 928-767-3211, https://templebarlakemead.com. Find the reporter at http://www.rogernaylor.com. Or follow him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/RogerNaylorinAZ or Twitter @AZRogerNaylor.

This Week in History 07.01.20 Jul 01, 2020 2:09 PM The Wickenburg Sun

The players selected to participate in the All-Star Tournament July 14 in Ajo are (front row, left to right) Richard Brinkman, Matt Corbet, Tom Pollei, Tony Melendez, (middle row, left to right) Paul Wills, Ronnie Sandoval, Sammy Rodriguez, Paco Corbet and Tim Clark. The two... 80 years ago To Prescott for holiday (Friday, July 5, 1940)

With no local celebration planned for the Fourth of July, quite a number of townspeople are preparing to leave for Prescott during the holiday to attend the 53rd annual celebration of Frontier Days July 4-7. Several groups plan to go from there to Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, the Painted Desert and many other points of interest in northern Arizona. Tourist travel through Wickenburg has gradually increased this week, and many valley resident turn northward to enjoy the cool breezes during July. 70 years ago Hollywood-type fanfare to greet local production (Friday, June 30, 1950) Hollywood Boulevard on the occasion of a world premier of a new movie won’t have a thing on Wickenburg’s Frontier Street Tuesday night, July 11. That’s what was reported by Ben Wahrman, acting as spokesman for Arizona Productions, Inc., Wickenburg’s own television producing firm that recently completed a 27-minute show (on film) titled “Trigger Gold.” It is the first in a series of television entertainments that will be called “The Kane Family of Wickenburg.” On the vacant lot between Ward Cleaners and Ray’s Show Repair, a false front simulating the Wickenburg Opera House of the 1960s will go up July 11 60 years ago Warner forms syndicate to buy 520 acres (Friday, July 1, 1960) Hal Warner has formed a syndicate in cooperation with Phoenix attorney Frank J. Riley for the

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purchase of 520 acres of land west of town. This is the same land that was once optioned by the San Francisco Giants when that ball team considered locating its farm training program here. The acreage adjoins Country Club Acres on the west and extends from Highway 60-70 north to the Santa Fe Railroad tracks. 50 years ago Voehl joins Pollman Agency (Thursday, July 2, 1970) E. Robert (Bob) Voehl has come here all the way from Long Island, N.Y., to become associated with the Ben Pollman Agency. He has had wide experience in the insurance field and should fit in nicely in Ben Pollman’s well-known Frontier Street agency. The family consists of Mrs. Voehl (Helen); Scott, 12; and Cindy, 11. 40 years ago Firemen enjoy convention (Thursday, July 3, 1980) Wickenburg’s Volunteer Fire Department and their wives attended the Firemen’s Annual Convention in Bullhead City, with Bullhead City Fire Chief Larry Adams and his crew acting as host. Activities included a make-and-break contest, a hose cart contest, a water fight, and tug-of-war. Wickenburg firemen who were in those events were Mike Taylor, Rudy Gates, Dennis Riffel, Jim Jensen, Russ Willis and Skip Blunt. Wickenburg’s Women’s Auxiliary placed second in attendance, and Dena Willis and Bobbi Blunt were

members of the winning tug-of-war team. 30 years ago Expanded Lake Pleasant is christened (Thursday, July 5, 1990) With a few speeches and the usual pomp and circumstance of an unveiling, the ribbon was cut last week on a Lake Pleasant that will be nearly four times its present size. Lake Pleasant, a 14,000-acre regional park, is being expanded as part of a federal construction project on the new Waddell Dam, which will make the lake’s surface grown from 3,500 surface acres to more than 10,000. Lake Pleasant is located 34 miles southeast of Wickenburg, off State Highway 74. 20 years ago Walters resigns as constable (Wednesday, July 5, 2000) A fixture as constable in Wickenburg and the surrounding area for more than 20 years resigned Friday. Joe T. “Bucky” Walters, who is the longest-serving constable in Maricopa County with 22 years of service, has submitted his resignation to the Board of Supervisors, effective June 30. In his resignation letter to the board, Walters said, “I’m doing this because of health concerns … I have no other choice.” Walters also has been the Wickenburg Volunteer Fire Chief for more than 25 years, but he said his resignation as constable will not affect his status as fire chief. 10 years ago Lions send ‘LEO’ Bardin to Switzerland (Wednesday, June 30, 2010)

The Wickenburg Lions Club will send “LEO” Nathan Bardin to a Lions Youth Exchange camp this summer. The high school-aged Lions who are interested in serving their community are called LEOs. The first two and a half weeks of Nathan’s trip will be spent with a host family in Hunenburg, Switzerland. During his stay there, he will have an apportunity to learn about their culture and let them know a little bit about his. Following that, Nathan will attend a two-week Lions camp with other Youth Exchange students from around the world.