June 28, 2017 • Vol. 15, No. 29
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POSTAL PATRON CAVE CREEK
ECRWSS Carrier Route PreSorted Standard U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 371 Cave Creek, AZ
Anthem | Black Canyon City | Carefree | Cave Creek | Desert Hills | New River| North Phoenix | Tramonto | Vistancia
No injuries or structure damage caused by 303 Fire; wildfire burned 1,676 acres ELIZABETH MEDORA STAFF
PHOENIX – A wildfire started on the afternoon of June 22 in the area of the Loop 303 and I-17 burned 1,676 acres, as reported by information management system InciWeb. Firefighters were able to contain the fire before it reached any structures, and no injures due to the fire were reported. The forward progress of the fire was stopped by the night of June 22, and firefighters achieved full containment of the fire on the following day. Patrols continued, monitoring the area to ensure the containment lines were secure. The I-17 from Loop 101 to
Staff photos
Pictured left: The 303 Fire near the time of its start on June 22. The fire grew rapidly, necessitating the shutdown of several roadways in the area, including the I-17 (pictured right).
Pioneer Rd. and sections of the Loop 303 and SR 74 were closed during the worst of the
Keep your pets safe during Independence Day events KATE ARTMANN STAFF
NORTH VALLEY – Even though fireworks are an Independence Day tradition, the noise causes animals to panic and attempt to escape, which can lead to severe injury. Cindy Goetz from Lost Dogs Arizona has received reports about dogs breaking through windows and doors, scaling fences, digging out of enclosed yards and pulling out of collars during firework celebrations. “Typical dog behavior in these situations is to continue to
fire, due to fire danger and the heavy smoke in the area greatly limiting visibility. Motorists in
the area faced long delays on alternate routes. All freeways were reopened by late on the
Celebrate freedom! Independence Day events around the Valley NORTH VALLEY – Get ready to celebrate the 4th of July with events around the Valley. These events will feature music, kids’ zones, food, and, of course, fireworks! Keep in mind that inclement weather may alter plans, so if you’re planning on attending an event, it’s helpful to check the venue’s social media pages the day of to ensure that plans haven’t changed. For information on consumer
try to get away from the noise and not stop until they feel safe so these dogs can be a long way from where they started from, making it even harder for them to be found and increasing the risk of them getting injured,” Goetz said. Last year on July 4 and July 5, Lost Dogs Arizona received a total of 218 lost and found dog reports. In addition, Maricopa County Animal Care and Control took in 376 strays from
PET SAFETY continued on page 8
303 FIRE
continued on page 9
Anthem Community Council photo
Fireworks will light up the sky at Independence Day celebrations around the Valley, like in this photo from a past Anthem celebration.
ON THE ROAD:
FRAUD ALERT:
EDUCATION:
Report shows crash
YCSO warns of “family member
Retiring DVUSD
fatalities rose in 2016
in distress” phone scam
superintendent shares insights
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FIREWORKS continued on page 3
OTHER : • Bluhm Column
7
• Service Directory
15
• Classified Ads
18