West Valley View - North Zone - 03.23.2022

Fire districts raise alarm on funding

BY SCOTT SHUMAKER West Valley View Staff Writer

Emergency responders can attest that incidents like flipped ATVs, broken ankles and heart attacks still occur even when people leave the confines of Arizona’s major metropolitan areas.

That’s not to mention house fires from the growing numbers of residences in rural Arizona and traffic accidents on distant stretches of freeways like Interstate 10.

When accidents happen in Arizona’s hinterlands and calls go to 911, emergency responders will usually come to the rescue, but unlike in the city, they often don’t come from a fire department — they likely work for a fire district.

The difference between a fire department and fire district is not obvious, but it means a lot to the organizations’ access to resources, firefighter advocates say.

Fire districts are a special taxing district formed by voters to create a fire and medical service where none exists. They are funded by secondary property taxes.

Municipal fire departments, in contrast, are run by cities and towns and rely on city budgets.

Bryan Jeffries, president of the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona, which represents firefighters in municipal fire departments and fire districts, said fire districts’ reliance on property taxes has led to their being underfunded around the state, even as other public agencies have seen revenue swell with economic growth and generous COVID-19 relief.

“The fire districts are in a total crisis,” Jeffries said. “We have myriads of our fire districts out there that are running dangerously low staffing levels, and those staffing levels make a dramatic difference on response times.”

Buckeye Valley Fire District Chief Mark Burdick said budget constraints are making it difficult to keep well-trained firefighters in his district, which covers an area of about 300 square miles.

“Wages go up, costs go up across the board,” he said. “When you can’t keep up, you become basically a training center for firefighters,” who transfer to better-paying

Agua Fria breaks ground on transportation center

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

Leaders from the Agua Fria Union High School District came together with Chasse Building Team and SPS+ Architects to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Agua Fria High School

District Transportation and Warehouse Center at 2795 N. Cotton Lane in Goodyear on March 17.

The 20,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility, set across 8.5 acres, is targeted to be completed later this year and will replace the bus yard on the Agua Fria High

School campus.

This center is an investment in the community, district, students and faculty team, said Tom Huffman, deputy superintendent of operations at AFUHSD.

Center...continued on page 3

Mark Burdick is the Buckeye Valley Fire District chief. (Photo courtesy of the Buckeye Valley Fire District)

Alarm...continued on page 4

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He said the district is proud of the project to because it supports access to education throughout the West Valley.

“We’ve got a whole team in transportation that goes largely unnoticed, but they work really hard behind the scenes, and what they do is so important, they get the kids to school on time, safe and in the right mindset to learn,” Huffman said.

“I’m really excited to provide them a facility that they can take pride in and that will help them in their operations by being more centrally located, by being cost efficient, by having the right equipment that they need and by having the space that they need. It’s going to be an awesome facility for our transportation staff.”

The Transportation and Warehouse Center, which will be made from block and steel, will support nearly 3,000 riders across general education, alternative programs and exceptional student services. The facility will have three primary structures.

The first will be an administrative building featuring offices, training space, payroll and dispatch, developed to provide ample space for the current 60-plus team members as well as room to grow.

The second structure is a warehouse, which will house specialty equipment and tools to maintain the district’s fleet of buses. It will also provide space for training programs for automotive specialists.

The final building will be home to a bus hangar, the actual bays for the vehicles.

The transportation center comes at the perfect time, Huffman said, as the district has outgrown its previous location due to the West Valley’s growth.

“Our numbers in the last decade have grown from 6,000 to over 9,000 students, so the current facility just wasn’t going to be sufficient,” he said. “This is a facility that we believe we’re doing in a very cost-efficient manner that is using district resources in the right way. Any dollar that we’re not spending in the classroom, we really want to take a close look at. So it’s really important to have a very cost-efficient, fiscally responsible building here.”

The Agua Fria Union High School District was established in 1955. Today,

the district serves Avondale, Buckeye, Goodyear, Litchfield, Waddell and part of Glendale with its five high schools — Agua Fria, Canyon View, Desert Edge, Millennium and Verrado — and two alternative programs, Coldwater and New Directions.

“We have wonderful kids, we have wonderful communities out here, we’ve got a lot of families that really

support our schools” he said.

“Our staff is one of the things that really makes the district work, and we’ve just got a lot of wonderful people in our district. And our district has always been willing to take chances to try and be innovative to look at new and better ways to do things to benefit our kids and by keeping the kids at the center of the decision making.”

Florian T. Walter, D.O.

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B.J. Ho, D.O.

Sarah Colwell, D.O.

Akanksha Murray, MD.

Ingrid Gold, CNM

Meaghan Gomez, FNP-C

Britt Michie, RNC, MSN, WHNP

Jennifer Woodruff, RNC, MSN, WHNP

Anna Gomez, CNM

Yisel Carter, PA-C

Tracy Burns, CNM

Michaela Wagner, CNM

Karline Snyder, CNM

Kristen Watras, WHNP

Margaret Over, PA-C

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9930 W. Indian School Road Phoenix, AZ 85037

35 N. Estrella Parkway Goodyear, AZ 85338

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Leaders from Agua Fria Union High School District, SPS+ Architects and Chasse Building Team gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking of the new Transportation and Warehouse Center. (Photo is courtesy of Chasse Building Team)

from page 1

municipal fire departments once they have some experience.

Burdick said a tight budget also means no money to open additional fire stations or purchase apparatus, even as fire districts see growth in new residents and increased visitation from recreation.

“It takes a heck of a lot of houses to come up with the revenue to put in a new station,” Burdick said of the current funding scheme for fire districts. Each fire station in the Buckeye Val-

ley Fire District serves an area of roughly 65 square miles. Burdick compared that to urban fire stations, which he said serve areas closer to 7 square miles.

If his department could increase its budget, Burdick said one of the first moves he’d make would be to try to reopen a closed fire station in the Arlington area west of State Route 85.

Burdick said staffing and station coverage matter a lot for response times and outcomes.

He recalls driving to a house fire way out in the district, and as he drove,

he watched the plume of smoke from the fire grow bigger and bigger. When firefighters arrived, a couple with two small children was safely outside, but the house was a total loss.

“They had to stand there and watch what was a bedroom fire burn their whole house down,” he said.

Burdick said another issue in rural areas is, even when one unit can arrive on a scene quickly, the first team may have to wait a long time for backup.

Burdick recalled an accident where two vehicles bound for San Diego on I-10 decided to turn back to Phoenix. While attempting a U-turn on a median lane for service vehicles, the cars were struck by a semi.

One crew arrived on a horrible scene with numerous critical injuries, but backup didn’t arrive for another 10 minutes, leaving one team to treat six critical patients in one vehicle and seven in a second that later died.

A third crew didn’t arrive for another 15 minutes, due to the distances involved and staffing limitations in the district.

“I get choked up about this because I think about a family with their child laying out on I-10,” he said. “We cover a lot of I-10 from Buckeye out to Tonopah, Harquahala. If there’s a bad wreck, we just don’t have enough people to respond. It does come to whether people are saved or not.”

increase fire district funding, the Professional Fire Fighters of Arizona wants to put a 0.1% sales tax increase to fund fire districts on the next ballot as an initiative.

Jeffries estimated the tax increase, which would be in effect for 20 years, would net $150 million to $200 million annually for fire districts.

PFFA represents about 7,500 firefighters in Arizona, of which only 2,500 work for fire districts, Jeffries said, but the organization is putting its weight behind the measure “because we all work together, (and) as firefighters we care about our citizens regardless of what city or county they reside in.”

Burdick thinks adding a state sales tax to support fire districts “is a much fairer way to distribute the burden,” noting that people from out of state pay sales as well as residents.

PFFA filed an initiative petition with the Arizona secretary of state in October, but Jeffries is hoping the Arizona Legislature will vote to put the measures on the next ballot during the current legislative session.

“Thresholds to get on the ballot are so high,” Jeffries said of the 237,000 signatures needed to put the Arizona Fire District Safety Act on the ballot. “That is a tough, tough number to get to.”

But the legislative route is not easy either.

Jeffries blamed a combination of factors for what he views as severe underfunding for Arizona’s fire districts. He noted that a referendum passed in 2012, Prop 117, capped increases in the taxable value of residential properties at 5% per year.

The resolution passed when property values were still sitting near the bottom of a dip following the Great Recession, Jeffries said, so fire district revenue has been anemic even as real estate values have boomed and service calls increased.

Adding salt to the wound, he said, COVID-19 brought extra hardship to fire districts, but they didn’t get direct relief.

“Our districts got slaughtered by COVID and, unlike cities, received no federal relief at all,” he said.

Burdick said some fire districts like Buckeye Valley were able to get “a little bit of money” from county governments to pay for COVID-19-related expenditures, like protective gear and overtime.

After years of discouraging efforts to

“The legislators passing it to the voters is a challenge,” Jeffries said. Legislators are “less likely to pass a tax measure in an election year, (but) when it comes to public safety, we think that politics should be pushed aside.”

Jeffries and others will be watching the Legislature closely.

In February, the chairman of the Military Affairs & Public Safety Committee in the state House of Representatives declined to hear the bill, but Glendale’s Sen. Paul Boyer (District-20) is taking up the cause in the Senate’s Committee on Land, Agriculture & Rural Affairs.

Boyer is hoping to pass the Arizona Fire District Safety Act in the committee using a “strike everything” amendment. The bill was scheduled to be heard March 21, and results were not available before press time.

Burdick said all he wants the Legislature to do is let voters decide on the measure.

“This isn’t about some pet project,” he said. “The bottom line comes down to our ability to save lives.”

District foundation raising money to honor staff

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

The Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation will host its annual fundraising event at Topgolf on March 31.

All the funds raised will go toward the yearly Pride Award, which recognizes the district’s teachers and staff.

“It gives everyone an opportunity to laugh and have a great time, visit with friends, not worry about being a great golfer and still support the incredible teachers and staff that we have in the district,” said Kathryn Prusinski, president of the LESDE Foundation. “The reason that we host this is so that we can honor and recognize the district’s top educators and staff members.”

Since the start of the fundraiser five years ago, the foundation has doubled the financial award for each winner and doubled the number of winners, as it now recognizes two per school.

“It gives our principals an opportunity to recognize top teachers and support

staff, and it’s just really that annual recognition that says we know the impact that you’re having on our community and our kids and we want to celebrate you,” Prusinski said.

As the event nears, Prusinski said the goal is to increase the financial contribution for the awards. Personally, she said she hopes to see each award consist of no less than $500.

“All of us know that $500 is not even a drop in the bucket for what our top teachers invest into their own classroom,” Prusinski said. “I come from a family of educators, and I know how many times they go into their personal pockets to add those extra elevated experiences for the kids in the classroom. And so this is a way to recognize them and celebrate them and allow them to go to dinner on us one night.”

Pride Awards are presented to teachers and staff, including those in the food services and the transportation departments.

“I think we’ve all learned through COVID how important and critical those

roles are in our school,” she said.

“I think for a long time maybe we all took bus drivers and cafeteria workers for granted, and what we have learned in the last couple of years is it’s just really important to have individuals in both of those positions that can love our kids while serving them food making sure they get to and from school safely.”

Prusinski said LESD continues to thrive because of its commitment to retention, a quality that she said makes the district stand out.

“Everything we do is about retaining our top teachers so that we can prepare the very brightest and best students,” she said.

“We all know that our school districts are only as good as our top teachers, and we want to make sure that the Litchfield district, which has a strong history of retaining all of its amazing teachers, that we stay that way, especially in a market like we’re in right now.”

Following the fundraiser, the principals from their represented school choose winners for the Pride Award. Prusinski said it’s exciting to see former Pride Award winners now serve in the role as principal, showing their professional growth.

“We have total trust in our principals

Kathryn Prusinski serves as the president of the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation. (Photo courtesy of Kathryn Prusinski)

LESD...continued on page 8

Student arrested after bringing gun to Verrado

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Alocal student is in custody after bringing a gun to Verrado High School on March 16, according to the Buckeye Police Department.

Around 8 a.m., Verrado High School staff was notified that a student had possibly brought a weapon onto campus. Staff initiated district security protocols and began to question students. Staff requested assistance from the police school resource officer, who then responded. Moments later, a student who was believed to have a gun ran away. The SRO stopped the student and learned the student was not armed.

As the SRO was speaking with the student who ran away, school staff was then alerted to a different student who

did have a gun. Two school staffers contacted the student, and there was a struggle. A short time later, the staffers successfully disarmed the student. Buckeye police arrested the student, who has been identified as a 15-yearold male. No one was hurt.

Buckeye police are investigating why the student brought the weapon to school and how he obtained it. Investigators are reviewing surveillance camera footage and interviewing multiple witnesses. The Buckeye Police Department Crisis Response Team responded to assist school staff as needed.

The Agua Fria Union High School District dismissed students for the day and had counselors on campus March 17 for students and staff.

Public invited to tour

Avondale’s new fire station

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

The Avondale Fire-Medical Department invites the public to tour its newest public safety facility, Fire Station 175, on Saturday, March 26. Tours will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the new station, located at 12495 W. Van Buren Street.

Completed in February, the $12.4 million, 17,000-square-foot facility includes three bays, office space, sleeping quarters, a kitchen/dining room, training area, exercise room, and spaces for public service outreach programs.

Visitors will learn about the fire station’s modern safety features and see the fire apparatus, and kids will receive a fire helmet and sticker badge. Light refreshments will be served.

“Fire Station 175 — the city’s fifth fire station — is strategically located to ensure efficient response times to serve our community of 90,000 residents,” said Dale Nannenga, Avondale public safety chief.

He added that Avondale hired 14 new firefighters last year through a SAFER grant in preparation for the

opening of the new fire station.

In September 2020, the city was awarded a $3 million Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant from the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA) to hire 14 new firefighter positions. New personnel hired to staff Fire Station 175 graduated fire academy training in May 2021.

Additionally, the public is invited to watch a livestream of the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fire Station 175 at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24, on the Avondale EDGE Facebook page.

22nd

Annual Business Expo & Festival

March 26 & 27 • 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Anthem Community Park 41703 N. Gavilan Peak Parkway

Enjoy these event features:

• Business Expo

• Frazier Shows Carnival (starts Thursday evening)

• Food Court & Rotary Beer Garden

• Kids’ Zone (with inflatables; fees apply)

• LIVE music all weekend

• Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt

(Sunday only, featuring Peter Cottontail and the Hippity Hop Band)

Enter at the ACC booth to win a PowerXL Grill Air Fryer Combo. Submit a completed incentive card with 10 booth stamps. Must be 18 yrs.+ to enter.

For illustrative purposes. Item may vary.

days

The Avondale Fire-Medical Department invites the public to tour its newest public safety facility, Fire Station 175, on Saturday, March 26. (Photo courtesy of the city of Avondale)

Edkey, DonorsChoose unveil partnership

BY WEST VALLEY VIEW STAFF

Edkey Inc. partnered with the national nonprofit DonorsChoose to help teachers tap into a network of 4 million donors to support classroom projects and more seamlessly align with organizational strategy and operation.

Teachers in Edkey Inc. have raised $91,538 and completed over 127 projects on DonorsChoose. These projects range from books to laptops and other tools to enhance the learning environment and support student success.

“Edkey Inc. is excited to announce a

partnership with DonorsChoose,” Superintendent Mark Plitzuweit said. “This partnership offers new opportunities for teachers to fund projects that will help them provide the kind of educational experiences our students need to be prepared to thrive in the 21st century.

“By partnering with DonorsChoose, we can better support Edkey Inc. teachers who are creating lessons that increase students’ excitement about coming to school every day.”

As one of the 500-plus members of the DonorsChoose District Partnership

Program, Edkey Inc. will fully support teachers in the use of the platform, ensure safety and security, and align efforts with the organization’s strategic priorities.

Edkey Inc. will monitor all donated materials. Principals will be notified each time a project is funded and receive early notification when there are new “match” funding opportunities.

“We are excited to have Edkey Inc. as a new member of the District Partnership Program,” said Charles Best, founder and CEO of DonorsChoose.

“Edkey Inc. teachers and administrators

continue to work hard to make sure students succeed. So far, they have raised $91,538 from donors across the country. We can’t wait to see how the DonorsChoose community can support these educators even more through our partnership.”

For more information, visit donorschoose.com/edkey.

Edkey Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality educational services to a variety of institutions, empowering fulfillment of their individual missions. Their services promote the improved quality of individual and family life.

to bring us the top candidates,” she said. “We do not participate in reviewing those candidates, and the reason that we don’t is that our principals and our assistant principals are there with these leaders every single day, in and out of the classroom, they are the ones that are best suited to identify those top teachers.”

Prusinski added that the partnerships the district created is a perfect representation of their commitment to their students, teachers and staff.

“The district has done an incredible job of creating partnerships, partnerships between the teachers and the parents, partnerships between the school administration and the business leaders in the community, partnerships between the dis-

trict and the chambers of commerce and other economic driving engines,” she said.

“For me, it’s all about the partnerships and everyone bringing their personal strengths to the table so that we can be stronger as a whole.”

Award winners will be announced in May. Prusinski said she looks forward to the fundraising event and the opportunity to continue to shine a spotlight

on the school district.

“We want to make sure that our teachers know that the community supports them, that the community is in their corner, and that we recognize and value the hard work that they put into the classroom every single day,” she said.

To register to attendd the event, visit lesdedfoundation.org/golfclassic-2022.

Tolleson VFW makes strides on new building

BY LAUREN SERRATO

West Valley View Staff Writer

For years, Tolleson’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Robert “Bobby” Diaz Lopez Post 6310 has relied on the city’s senior center, local businesses and the fire station to host its meetings. However, in August 2021, the VFW broke ground on its own building at 10051 W. Van Buren Street.

Having a building of its own has been a goal of Post 6310 since receiving its national charter in 1992.

“It’s fantastic just to have a roof over our heads and a place where we can actually sit and have a meeting, even though we use a generator, but it’s doable,” said Richard Durso, VFW Post 6310 commander.

“We don’t have to beg people anymore for a place to have the meeting. That’s the

big part. The city’s been so good to us, but having our own building has really been a long time coming and we’re really excited.”

While the foundation and the steel building are in place, the grand opening set for this year has been delayed due to inflation.

With the help of the city of Tolleson and local fundraisers, the VFW is looking to generate the necessary funds to complete the interior and exterior of its new post.

“We need a parking lot. We need air conditioning in here. We need electrical; that alone is hundreds of thousands of dollars,” Durso said. “This is so important to us, but everything is so expensive compared to what we were quoted just last year. We are looking for donations, whether that be labor, materials or monetary. And people have the ability to donate and use it as a tax write-off, so they can write off every dollar that they donate to us.”

huge for veterans.”

The post is located in Tolleson, but Durso stressed it will serve the entire West Valley.

“We don’t leave anybody behind,” he said. “This is definitely a brotherhood. We all have each other’s back. We’re veterans helping veterans. That is the motto of the VFW. You never stop serving. It goes beyond your military experience, and it goes on to your everyday life. It all trickles down to how you live life.”

With hopes of opening in 2023, Durso said the facility will serve many purposes for veterans.

“There are endless opportunities here,” he said. “We are already getting calls to rent out the space for events. We can do dances, celebrations, you name it. We just need to get the money to finish this place, and really, this is going to be a place for families.”

The post has multiple fundraisers coming up to assist its construction fund, which currently sits at nearly $700,000.

The completion of the building means access to information and support for veterans, Durso said. He wants Tolleson’s VFW to be a resource for veterans that he didn’t have after serving in the Navy as a Seabee from 1963 to 1967.

From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26, Tolleson’s VFW will host its fifth annual car show at Ashley HomeStore at 1479 N. Dysart Road.

“This is going to be a place where veterans can come and get information on benefits, how to apply for medical benefits. We even do classes on things most veterans don’t know they have access to in terms of benefits and programs,” Durso said. “A lot of the time these guys don’t even realize the things that they have available to them. So having a place for them to come that is ours is

Additionally, the city of Tolleson is partnering with the post for the inaugural Tolleson Golf Classic Tournament to support the construction of the building. The event is Friday, May 13, at the Grand Canyon University Golf Course. For more information on Tolleson’s VFW, or to donate, visit facebook.com/ VFW6310.

stand in front of their new permanent home in Tolleson. (Photo by David Minton)

OUR READERS’ VIEWPOINTS

Biden not at fault for high prices

Editor:

High prices for gasoline are not President Biden’s fault, as many Republican attack ads and letter writers claim. Gas prices have been going up due to several factors: reducing imports from Venezuela, American and Saudi oil producers choosing to reduce production, the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, market uncertainty about the war in Ukraine, and the recent decision to ban import of Russian oil.

The extension of the Keystone XL pipeline is not a factor. The Canadian company that wants to build it, Trans-Canada Energy, would send crude tar sand oil to refineries on the Gulf Coast to sell on the world market.

TCE currently sends it to refineries in Oklahoma. It has no obligation to sell the gasoline to U.S. customers. In addition, having the pipeline does not ensure additional energy production since it may just replace the method by which it is being shipped.

The production of gasoline by U.S. companies is about the same under Biden as it was under Trump. In some months, the U.S. has exported more than it has imported since 2012. At no time did America become truly “energy independent,” but we were “gasoline independent” at times from 2019 through 2021. In fact, Biden has not stopped any of the 9,000 drilling leases from being used, nor can he require certain levels of production. That is the decision of the energy companies.

The United States did not increase petroleum imports from Russia this year. It remained at about 4% of our daily consumption until the ban enacted on March 8, but Canada, our largest supplier of petroleum products, says it can cover that amount. And the rise in prices at the pump seems like a small sacrifice to support Ukraine’s struggle to protect democracy from an autocrat like Putin. Finally, when the value of the dollar is considered, our current gasoline prices are not at a “record high” as the local television news folks like to say. That record goes back to the G.W. Bush era. So, complain all you want about the high cost of filling up, but be honest about the causes.

John Flynn Goodyear

849 Arizona taxpayers had a curious impulse

BY DAVID LEIBOWITZ West Valley View Columnist

Somewhere in this sprawling state of ours, there are precisely 849 people that I would like to meet. I’ll buy a cup of coffee, a beer, lunch, steak dinner for two. Whatever it takes to have one of these 849 individuals sit down with me for a few minutes, the length of a simple conversation.

Those of you who understand text messaging shorthand will appreciate the single question I intend to use as an icebreaker. WTF?

Some circumstances in life require such a blunt approach, because they are so stupefying, so insane, they defy all logic. Truth be told, while I do not condone murder, there are circumstances where I understand what the murderer was thinking. But these 849 Arizonans? I haven’t a clue.

Each year on our Arizona tax returns,

a number of boxes appear that allow taxpayers to make voluntary gifts. You can donate to the Special Olympics, to prevent child abuse, to support veterans in need. Then there’s the box that 849 people checked last year, making voluntary donations that totaled $25,735.

That would be the state revenuers’ I Did Not Pay Enough taxes fund.

I want to know — no, I need to know — what these 849 people were thinking?

All day, I’ve tried to imagine Joe and Jane Arizona at the kitchen table, tax documents spread out, sweating over their state 140A form.

Joe: “Dammit, looks like we’ve got a refund coming to us again. How do you want to handle that?”

Jane: “I guess we could take the grandkids to Outback. They love that Bloomin’ Onion.”

Joe: “Oh, hey, here’s an idea. The state government only collected $24 billion in tax revenue last year. Let’s give it to them!”

Jane: “Now that’s good thinking, sweets. Either that or we can donate it

to Jeff Bezos. Maybe he can buy more scalp.”

These 849 neighbors of ours represent a record number of donors to the I Did Not Pay Enough fund, established in 2010 by that noted band of deep thinkers, the Arizona Legislature. According to a recent story in the Phoenix Business Journal, the fund has collected about $185,000 total — or about $185,000 more than anyone would have predicted.

Look, I understand that Arizona is a relatively low-tax state, especially compared to California, which taxes top earners at more than 13% of annual income versus Arizona’s top rate of 4.5%.

But gifting the government more money? Voluntarily? I don’t get it, especially when you consider that we collectively paid $14.2 billion in state sales tax last year and another $8.3 billion in state income tax. And that was before recreational marijuana taxes really ramped up — $116 million contributed to the state in six months last year — and before the legalization of sports betting statewide

in September 2021.

Toss in a few billion extra dollars from the feds in COVID-19 relief funds, and the state is looking Bezos-style wealthy, even as inflation bites residents hard.

To my way of thinking, checking the I Didn’t Pay Enough box is like seeing a family of homeless people in need seeking donations at a stoplight, reaching into your pocket and handing a few crumpled singles to the guy in the Porsche next to you. He was doing just fine, thanks.

At least one of these 849 people should sit for an interview to explain their thought process, and I want to be the guy. Then again, maybe a free meal isn’t much of an inducement to these folks.

How about we go out to eat, we chat, and you pay the check? Since all 849 of you clearly have more money than you know what to do with.

David Leibowitz has called the Valley home since 1995. Contact david@leibowitzsolo.com

Business Briefcase

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

Restaurants are catching up with the West Valley’s growth.

This week we have info on a slew of eateries and coffee shops coming to the West Valley.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches continues expansion

Location: 13070 W. Rancho Santa Fe Boulevard, Suite 0216, Avondale

One of the fastest-growing sandwich brands has opened a new unit.

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, which has over 80 units across the West, is continuing to expand with over 30 new

planned locations in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Northern California, Phoenix and Avondale.

Ike’s is targeting more than 30% growth in 2022, bringing its signature Dutch Crunch bread and its Dirty Sauce to even more communities throughout California and Arizona. In the last few weeks, Ike’s opened a location at the iconic Sunset and Vine intersection in Hollywood, Costa Mesa in Orange County, and Rice Village in Houston.

“Our rapid expansion is fueled by our loyal Ikesters who love our world-famous dirty sauce and huge variety of meat, vegan and vegetarian

sandwiches,” said Michael Goldberg, chief executive officer of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches.

“We have put in place an energetic and seasoned executive team that has enabled successful growth even in these trying economic times.”

The Avondale location is in the Palmilla Center.

Quick hits

The newish Cantina Gueros in Peoria is expanding into Goodyear. This spring, the restaurant will move into the former Native Grill & Wings space on the southeast corner of McDowell and the PebbleCreek Parkway.

La Patrona Mexican Restaurant in Avondale has applied for a liquor license. The Avondale City Council was scheduled to discuss it at the March 21 meeting.

Starbucks is coming to a 0.98-acre parcel within the Canyon Trails Towne Center at Yuma Road and Cotton Lane in Goodyear, according to the city’s planning and zoning commission.

Have an item for Business Briefcase?

Please email your business news and tips to Lauren Serrato at lserrato@timespublications.com

■ ARIZONA AREA RESIDENTS CASH IN: It’s hard to tell how much these unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen Gov’t issued coins that everyone will be trying to get could be worth someday. That’s because each Vault Bag is known to contain nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s including all those shown in today’s publication. In addition, after each bag is loaded with over 200 rarely seen coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above, the dates and mint marks are never searched to determine collector values. So you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a real steal.

Rarely seen United States coins up for grabs in Arizona -zip codes determine who gets them

Unsearched Vault Bags loaded with rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value are actually being handed over to residents who find their zip code below and beat the 48 hour order deadline

“The vaults at Federated Mint are going empty,” said Laura A. Lynne, Director of Coin and Currency for Federated Mint.

That’s because a decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen U.S. Gov’t issued coins, some worth up to 50 times their face value, means unsearched Vault Bags loaded with U. S. Gov’t issued coins dating back to the 1800’s are now being handed over to U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s

publication.

“But don’t thank the Government. As Director of Coin and Currency for Federated Mint, I get paid to inform and educate the general public regarding U.S. coins. Ever since the decision by Federated Mint to release rarely seen Gov’t issued coins to the general public — I’m being asked how much are the unsearched Vault Bags worth? The answer is, there’s no way to tell. Coin values always fluctuate and there are never any guarantees, but we do know

this. Each unsearched bag weighs nearly 3 pounds and is known to contain rarely seen Morgan Silver Dollars and these coins alone could be worth $40 - $325 in collector value each according to The Official Red Book, a Guide Book of United States Coins. So there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search through all the coins. But you better believe at just $980 these unsearched Vault Bags are a steal,” said Lynne.

“These are not ordinary coins you find in your pocket change. These are

rarely seen silver, scarce, collectible and non-circulating U.S. coins dating back to the 1800’s so we won’t be surprised if thousands of U.S. residents claim as many as they can get their hands on. That’s because after the bags were loaded with nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched

(Continued on next page) R1054R-2

UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT ISSUED COINS SEALED IN EACH BAG:

■ UNSEARCHED: Pictured above are the unsearched Vault Bags being handed over to Arizona residents who call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends. And here’s the best part. Each Vault Bag is loaded with over 200 Gov’t issued coins, including all the coins pictured in today’s publication, some dating back to the 1800’s and worth up to 50 times their face value. Each coin is verified to meet a minimum collector grade of very good or above before the bags are securely sealed and the dates and mint marks are never searched by Federated Mint to determine collector value. If you find your zip code listed, call 1-800-869-3164 EXT.UV32849 immediately.

(Continued from previous page)

to determine collector values and the bags were securely sealed. That means there’s no telling what you’ll find until you search all the coins,” said Lynne.

The only thing U.S. residents who find their zip code printed in today’s publication need to do is call the National Toll-Free Hotline before the 48-hour deadline ends.

This is very important. After the Vault Bags were loaded with over 200 Gov’t issued coins, each verified to meet a minimum collector grade quality of very good or above, the dates and mint marks were never searched to determine collector values. The Vault Bag fee has been set for $1,500 for residents who miss the 48-hour deadline, but for those U.S. residents who beat the 48-hour deadline the Vault Bag fee is just $980 as long as they call the National Toll-Free Hotline before

the deadline ends.

“Remember this, we cannot stop collectors from buying up all the unsearched bags of coins they can get in this special advertising announcement. And you better believe with each bag being loaded with nearly 3 pounds of Gov’t issued coins we’re guessing they’re going to go quick,” said Lynne.

The phone lines will be ringing off the hook beginning at precisely 8:30 a.m. this morning. That’s because each unsearched Vault Bag is loaded with the rarely seen coins pictured left and highly sought after collector coins dating clear back to the 1800’s including iconic Morgan Silver Dollars, a historic Peace Silver Dollar, stunning Silver Walking Liberty Half Dollars, the collectible Silver Eisenhower Dollars, spectacular Silver Liberty Head Half and Quarter Dollars, rarely seen Silver Franklin Half Dollars, high demand President Kennedy Silver Half Dollars, beautiful

Silver Standing Liberty Quarter Dollars, American Bicentennial Quarters, rare Liberty V Nickels, one cent Historic Wheat Coins including 1943 “Steel Cents”, one of the beautiful Winged Liberty Head Dimes, scarce Indian Head one cent U.S. coins and the last ever minted Buffalo Nickels.

“With all these collectible Gov’t Issued coins up for grabs we’re going to do our best to answer all the calls,” said Lynne.

Thousands of U.S. residents stand to miss the deadline to claim the U.S. Gov’t issued coins. That means U.S. residents who find the first three digits of their zip code listed in today’s publication can claim the unsearched bags of money for themselves and keep all the U.S. Gov’t issued coins found inside.

If you find your zip code listed, call 1-800-869-3164 EXT.UV32849 immediately. Just be sure to call before the deadline ends 48 hours from today’s publication date. ■

FEDERATED MINT, LLC IS NOT AFFILIATED WITH THE U.S. MINT, THE U.S. GOVERNMENT, A BANK OR ANY GOVERNMENT AGENCY. IF FOR ANY REASON WITHIN 30 DAYS FROM SHIPMENT YOU ARE DISSATISFIED, RETURN THE PRODUCT FOR A REFUND LESS SHIPPING AND RETURN POSTAGE. THIS SAME OFFER MAY BE MADE AVAILABLE AT A LATER DATE OR IN A

Silver Morgan Dollar 1878-1921

Canyon View brings wrestling back to the West Valley

BY NOAH VELASCO West Valley View Staff Writer

In the Agua Fria Union High School District, there has never been a state champion for wrestling. There had never been a runner-up either. That was until Canyon View High School ended the latter streak.

Only founded four years ago, the Canyon View Jaguars’ boys and girls wrestling program has already risen to become one of the best in Arizona.

The first year in 2018 was a little rocky, but head coach Joey Ortiz worked to build the program from scratch.

“I think we had one or two kids with any type of experience that came in as freshmen,” Ortiz said.

“I don’t have any seniors that were from the inaugural class graduating. I have one senior, but the kid transferred and he never wrestled before. So literally, my next year’s class is my first graduating class. Like all the initial seniors from the inaugural class quit. So after year one, it was literally like a rebuild year.”

Those early setbacks didn’t deter Canyon View as it recovered quickly to make runs in the state playoffs.

Conversely, girls head coach Rob Thomas was pleasantly surprised to see the status of the girls program when he joined Canyon View.

“I came in sophomore year (2019), and that was the first time we had a girls program,” Thomas said. “So, we had actually a handful of girls, I couldn’t tell you how many we had, probably maybe five or six — which, of any program I’ve ever been a part of, that’s about five more than I’ve ever seen.”

Thomas says the program today is “1,000 times better.”

“It’s nice to know that there’s wrestling out there and that there are girls out there that could really use it,” Thomas said. “I think it’s given girls an outlet to release some energy, to release some frustrations, to release some anger or

whatever it is, and it’s really nice to see, but it’s nice to see girls get on that mat and kick some (expletive).”

According to Ortiz, this quick spike in success can be attributed to three things: top-tier coaching staff, the feeder program and the surrounding community.

“My coaching staff is phenomenal. They really make me look good as a head coach,” Ortiz said.

“I have a number of guys, you know. Just throwing a couple of names out there that really deserve some credit is my head assistant, Juan Aguayo, Andrew Ramirez and Josh Kramer, who actually graduated from Desert Edge. He was a three-time state wrestling champion and he actually wrestled for Arizona State and was a two-time PAC-12 champ. Those three guys really, really, really put a lot of time in with these kids.”

Thanks to his long experience as a coach and former ASU wrestler, Ortiz brought in a handful of coaches to assist and help each other out when needed.

Ortiz has either coached or wrestled against his staff at one point or another during his career. Having deep relationships like his strengthens the unity and cohesion of the staff. They are all on the same page to help the kids reach college and wrestle at that level if they want.

Thomas can also attest to the strength and ability the coaching staff has.

“We have a pretty wide coaching staff, and our coaching staff brings a wide variety of knowledge,” Thomas said. “If you know in wrestling you have like your top people that are really good at riding, people are really good at bottom, people are really good at takedowns, and everybody kind of just can pitch into every little thing.”

As for the feeder program, Canyon View High School works with the USA Wrestling affiliated wrestling club, Aces Wrestling Academy.

The program operates from the end of the winter high school season all the way to the beginning of next year’s high school season. Wrestlers across Arizona, ranging

from Yuma to Tucson, come to work out and train at the facility and then disperse once high school season rolls around.

Developing homegrown talents boosts Canyon View’s rosters, and the year-round training strengthens the wrestlers on the team. The kids on the Jaguars’ roster stay in shape and are ready to go once winter season hits.

The team’s success draws more people into the feeder program and starts to plant ideas in parents’ minds for their kids to attend Canyon View for the rapidly growing wrestling program.

to make such a huge jump.”

One of the Jaguars’ mantras is “Pride of the Westside,” and the support from the community lives up to that. The wrestling team has huge support from the administration, athletic department, campus and the students.

The parents are one of the biggest supporters of the wrestling program, and Ortiz describes them as “some of the best support” he’s ever been a part of in his 20-year coaching experience.

Another big contributor is the team’s booster club.

“I’ve got a monster booster club that goes out and pushes and they make money for the kids,” Ortiz said. “Then that even goes out to, you know, like our friend group. So everybody out in the community is just, they have been so supportive of our team.”

Thomas is a big fan of Ortiz and says his commitment is a big reason for the Jaguars’ success in a short period.

“Coach Ortiz is all in. He is 100% about the kids, and he’s 100% about doing it the right way,” Thomas said.

“I think a lot of parents see the love and the passion he has for kids and the kids see the love and passion he has. He’s just able to get the best out of them. But the fact that he’s committed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to that program and to these kids, that’s why we’ve been able

All those factors have translated into results.

In 2019, the girls program was last out of 100 other schools. Then, in 2020, the team finished in the top 10 in state and had a state runner-up. Remaining consistent into this past season, the team finished in the top 15 and added another state runner-up.

The boys team didn’t have any wrestlers at the 2019 state competition. The next year they had two participants place 41st out of 49 others. 2021 was the year they hit their stride with five wrestlers in the state competition and two wrestlers placing at the tournament. This past year, nine Jaguars qualified and eight placed at the state tournament. Additionally, of those eight, one was a state runner-up and two were state champions.

With steady improvement and retaining all but one wrestler from last year’s team, the Jaguars are in a good spot to accomplish the long-term goal of bringing in a team state championship.

“We want to bring a state championship to the West Valley, something that’s never been done here in the West Valley,” Ortiz said. “I know for a fact in our district, there’s never been a state champ team. There’s never been a runner-up team until this year.”

Only founded four years ago, the Canyon View Jaguars’ boys and girls wrestling program has already risen to become one of the best in Arizona (Photo courtesy Canyon View )

Real Betis creates youth academy in Avondale

BY ZAKKARY BROG West Valley View Staff Writer

Spanish Soccer Club Real Betis Balompié is partnering with Build Legacy Athletics to create a youth academy in Avondale.

The club plays in La Liga, the highest-tier soccer league in Spain. Mike Mills, of Build Legacy Athletics, has been working to bring something to the Valley youth soccer scene that he believes will be unmatched.

“We started to do a little research and learned more about what’s happening here in the soccer market in Arizona,” Mills said.

“We did surveys with people to see exactly what it is that they like and dislike about soccer for the youth that they’re getting right now. We learned a lot. We also did a survey to conduct how strong

Wrestling...continued from page 18

Off the mat, the Canyon View coaching staff wants to better the lives of the kids through wrestling.

the Betis brand was in the Southwest.”

Build Legacy, along with Real Betis, took that feedback and created Betis Academy AZ, Real Betis’ first venture into United States expansion of its operations. They concluded that true top-level development is what was missing in Valley youth soccer.

“We’re bringing in high-level coaches, but our key is development,” Mills said.

“We’re going to be really well focused on development. It’s not going to be a situation where we come in here and really worry about wins and losses and where we’re ranked. It’s going to be about developing the kids to their highest potential. Then, what we’re really keying on is supporting that pathway, whatever that may be.

“If a kid is good enough to just go to college, we have coaches with contacts to assist with that pathway. If a kid is

“For me, it’s just making better people in this world,” Thomas said. “If I can do it with the wrestling team, then that’s more better people in this world to start than there was before I got here.”

Coming March 30th

good enough to play professionally, either here in the state or abroad, we have a number of connections for that as well.”

Mills said it’s about strength, tactical and mental training, and nutrition.

“We also have this initiative that we’re working with Real Betis on called the Forever Green initiative,” he said.

“It’s about sustainability. We’re going to incorporate all that into what we provide for the youth to not just make them great soccer players but also great individuals.”

Nuria Burro, co-owner, is excited to offer players the chance to travel abroad with the Behind the Scenes program.

“We are going to take the kids in the academy, once a year, to Seville, Spain,” Burro said. “They are going to have the opportunity to play friendly matches. That will be a unique experience that we don’t think anybody is offering here in

Ortiz echoes a similar sentiment in wanting the best for the wrestlers beyond high school.

“Ultimately, the goal is never wins and losses, it’s always being the best version of

the United States at this moment.”

Another factor that the academy believes will separate itself from others is the following behind Real Betis.

“In Spain, it’s fanatical,” Mills said.

“We want to create this very positive and exciting environment where not only will they have mom and dad come cheer, but they have these individuals that are latched onto Betis and the academy and want to support the kids.”

Athletes ages 5 to 17 are eligible to take part, and newcomers and experienced players are all encouraged to join.

At noon Saturday, March 26, the academy will hold its grand opening ceremony at Friendship Park in Avondale. Owners, staff and coaches from the academy, along with Real Betis Balompié reps, will be there. A gala follows at 6:30 p.m. at The Jackrabbit House in Buckeye.

yourself,” Ortiz said. “If the kids are giving their max effort, they’re giving 100% out there on the mat in the classroom, you know, out in the community. I mean, that’s all we really, we really can ask for.”

Buren Street, C101, Goodyear, 1 p.m., free, goodyearaz.gov

e West Valley View publishes on Wednesday. e weekly calendar — a listing of entertainment events such as concerts, theatrical performances, events for schools, churches, county parks and nonprofit groups — runs every issue.

Events must be open to the public to be considered and generally must be held within the View’s coverage area, which is south of Northern Avenue, west of Loop 101, plus all of Tolleson, extending to Estrella in the south and Tonopah in the west. Events such as concerts and theatrical performances that fall outside the View’s circulation area will be considered because there are no concert halls or theater venues within our boundaries.

Weekly calendar items print on a space-available basis. e only way to guarantee that an item will print is to purchase an advertisement.

Submissions must reach our office by 4 p.m. Wednesday to be considered for the following Wednesday publication. Submissions must be in writing and may be emailed to Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, christina@timespublications.com.

Community Development

Block Grant Public Hearing

MARCH 28

The city of Goodyear will hold a public hearing to receive input on the FY 2022-23 HUD Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The plan will be available for public review and comment from March 22 to April 20 at Goodyear City Hall and online.

Goodyear City Hall, 190 N. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, 5 p.m.,

free, goodyearaz.gov

Fiction Book Club

MARCH 28

Join us each month for a lively book discussion. This month’s book is “Next Year in Havana” by Chanel Cleeton. Copies of the book are available for checkout at the Goodyear Library. Registration required; space is limited. Event space allows for social distancing. Masks required. Goodyear Library, 14455 W. Van

Bike Night

FRIDAYS IN APRIL

On Fridays, head over to Whiskey on Western for Bike Night. Bikers receive 10% o their tab.

Whiskey on Western, 613 E. Western Avenue, Avondale, 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., free, whiskeyonwestern.com

Code Club

MARCH 29

Kids can learn a new skill at Code Club with Python, HTML and Scratch. Coyote Branch Library, 21699 W. Yuma Road, Buckeye, 5 to 6 p.m., free, buckeyeaz.gov

Storytime

MARCH 30

This Downtown Library storytime is recommended for children ages 2 to 5. This will include stories, songs and games to help develop language skills. Downtown Library, 310 N. Sixth Street, Buckeye, 10:15 to 11 a.m., free, buckeyeaz.gov

PHX Lights: Altered Orbit

APRIL 1 AND APRIL 2

This two-day event features GRiZ; RL Grime; Liquid Stranger; Zomboy; Rusko;

Flosstradamus; Champagne Drip; Jantsen; Smoakland; Leotrix; Proper. and SAAS. Phoenix Raceway, 7602 Jimmie Johnson Drive, Avondale, 7 p.m., general admission tickets start at $65, 18 and older, relentlessbeats.com

Arts in the Park Concert

APRIL 1

This month at The Wigwam, the Thaddeus Rose Band will perform a free show. Guests are asked to bring blankets or lawn chairs for seating.

The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 3 to 5 p.m., free, wigwamarizona.com

April ADBA Drag Boat Races

APRIL 1 TO APRIL 3

Arizona Drag Boat Association brings mayhem to Hidden Lake in Buckeye for this racing extravaganza. Multiple food trucks, including Grind Your Bean, Leyvas and Dough Riders, will be there to feed families’ appetites.

Hidden Lake, 24445 W. Sunrise Drive, Buckeye, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., tickets start at $10.50, hiddenlakeaz.com

HRRVC 2022 Western International Rally

APRIL 4 TO APRIL 8

Round up the crew and head to Leaf Verde

RV Resort for food trucks, local tours and evening entertainment. Guests can camp all four nights with camping full hookup water, sewer and electricity.

Leaf Verde RV Resort, 1500 S. Apache Road, Buckeye, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., tickets start at $42, hrrvc.org

Water Workshop: Landscapes for Butterflies and Wildlife

APRIL 6

Learn which plants attract butterflies and other wildlife to the backyard in this virtual meeting, provided by the city of Goodyear. Jon Manning, certified arborist, will teach new techniques for a beautiful yard. Virtual, 5 to 7 p.m., free, goodyearaz.gov

Kidsfest

APRIL 9

Bring the kids to Friendship Park for a day of celebrating youth. Entertainment includes Epic DJ, Ballet Folklorico and zip line. Friendship Park, 12325 W. McDowell Road, Avondale, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., free, discoveravondale.com

Virtual HOA/Condo Academy 4

APRIL 19

Mulcahy Law will o er tips on reducing issues with di cult owners. Class concludes with a Q&A session.

Virtual, 11 a.m. to noon, free, goodyearaz.gov

Viva Iriezona

APRIL 22 TO APRIL 24

Bands like Indubious, Arise Roots and Eli Mac jam for three days during an all-ages event that includes water activities and camping.

Hidden Lake, 24445 Sunrise Drive, Buckeye, 8 to 11 p.m., tickets start at $300, vivairiezona.com

Stags’ Leap Winery

Wine Dinner

APRIL 22 TO APRIL 24

Stags’ Leap Winery visits The Wigwam’s monthly wine dinner. The Wigwam, 300 E. Wigwam Boulevard, Litchfield Park, 6:15 to 9 p.m., tickets start at $109, wigwamarizona.com

Avondale Fiesta

APRIL 30

Celebrate Cinco De Mayo in Avondale a little early with Mexican cuisine, beer, dancing and music. Historic Avondale on Western Avenue, Avondale, 6 to 10 p.m., free, avondaleaz.gov

King Crossword

GO FIGURE!

by Linda Thistle

The idea of Go Figure is to arrive at the figures given at the bottom and right-hand columns of the diagram by following the arithmetic signs in the order they are given (that is, from left to right and top to bottom). Use only the numbers below the diagram to complete its blank squares and use each of the nine numbers only once.

EVEN EXCHANGE

by Donna Pettman

SUDOKU

Each numbered row contains two clues and two answers. The two answers differ from each other by only one letter, which has already been inserted. For example, if you exchange the A from MASTER for an I, you get MISTER. Do not change the order of the letters.

SCRAMBLERS

Unscramble

Wildflower academy celebrates students’ success

BY LAUREN SERRATO West Valley View Staff Writer

The Avondale Elementary School District is no stranger to success, as its schools have won multiple state and national awards for their academic achievements.

Wildflower Accelerated Academy is one of the district’s successes after being deemed an A+ School of Excellence and recipient of the Founder’s Award from the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching.

As first-year principal, previously serving as vice principal, Katelyn Orloski said it’s the accelerated learning model that allows Wildflower students to thrive.

“We fit yearlong work into three quarters,” Orloski said. “So our third graders

start on fourth grade work in that last quarter of school. Our kids work at a faster pace, the work in the classroom is at a higher level and the work they’re producing is at a higher level.”

Orloski said Wildflower is committed to accelerating the growth of each individual learner by focusing on individualized instruction at or above grade level.

To achieve the high standards the teachers and staff set, Wildflower provides small-group instruction. Orloski added that the high quality of the teachers makes a huge difference in the students’ ability to achieve.

“We have the best teachers at Wildflower,” she said. “Our teachers teach one content area, which allows our teachers to be content experts. I believe

this has an extreme impact on students’ success, as well as that small-group setting. Our small-group instruction allows for our teachers to cater to our students. We have had a lot of success with our structures and with the teachers’ knowledge for their students.”

Aware of the many schools throughout the state, Orloski said it’s the “Wildflower Way” that sets Wildflower Accelerated Academy apart.

Looking to the future, Orloski said she is excited for Wildflower to implement extracurricular activities next school year after having to put a pause on the special programs due to the pandemic.

“It’s a different mentality here,” she said. “We provide curriculum that challenges them, and we make sure they have access to learn and understand. Our students are really confident, we have confident learners, and they are set up for success. We have high expectations, and we know we set expectations high, and they meet them. They want to meet them. They are tremendous individuals.”

Tracey DeBuff, Wildflower assistant principal, added that the teachers’ commitment to their students is something special to witness, an aspect that has been a driver in the school’s success.

“We had over a dozen clubs before COVID,” Orloski said. “We had to dial down, but right now we are in a really good spot to reintroduce our students in that enrichment piece. We really want to provide as many opportunities as possible, not only for their academics but their social-emotional learning.”

“The teachers have a collective commitment to the greater goal, and when you see it in action, it’s a very unique thing,” DeBuff said.

“We have a champion team of instructors that want to push themselves to meet this goal of developing students for the future. We have a very committed team that is tireless. Everyone is willing to commit and see the light at the end of the tunnel and see the goal we’re trying to meet. It’s the culture that has been created. Parents are aware, and students feel it. There’s a sense of pride in what’s going on here.”

Wildflower has 625 students within its boundaries. Over 200 of those students are on variances. As a school that doesn’t offer bus transportation, Orloski said the number of students on variances speaks to the fact that parents want their children to be part of the program.

“My favorite part of being principal is seeing our kids learn on a daily basis and seeing how engaged they are in their learning and seeing them meet and exceed our expectations,” she said. “They enjoy what they’re doing, both kids and teachers, and seeing them do a phenomenal job is amazing. It makes my heart so happy.”

Left, Katelyn Orloski is the principal of Wildflower Accelerated Academy. Right, Tracey DeBu is the vice principal of Wild(Photo courtesy of Avondale Elemen-

Puzzle exchange assembles the West Valley

BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI West Valley View Executive Editor

Mia Walker loves that her grandparents and her neighbors enjoy doing 1,000-piece puzzles. However, because they’re expensive, it’s hard for them to purchase puzzles.

She decided to do something about it. She hosts puzzle exchanges from 8 to 11 a.m. the last Saturday of each month. The last one is Saturday, March 26, at The Church at Old Litchfield Park, 300 N. Old Litchfield Road. For more information, visit the Litchfield Park Puzzle Exchange on Facebook.

“The church was very nice about this, and they supported the idea,” said Mia, a 12-year-old seventh grader at St. Thomas Aquinas. “They supported the community’s involvement, and I think it is a great central location.”

Her mom, Nichole Walker, helped Mia make this happen.

“It’s exciting,” Nichole said. “I think it’s great for her. We always try to give back. We enjoy doing good things for

other people and looking for the good in other people.

“But this was definitely her idea. She likes to help those around her and go for it. She goes to St. Thomas Aquinas and they teach the kids through church and different activities in school about being involved.”

Mia participates in the school’s service club, which painted the trees in Old Litchfield Park, helped at the St. Mary’s Food Bank and Feed My Starving Children.

“Even last year, with COVID, they were still trying to set up activities, like serving the fish fry during Lent. It’s a great way to get kids involved. It’s not a requirement.”

As for the puzzle exchange, the inaugural exchange attracted 30 people in its “warm and friendly atmosphere.”

The guests exchanged puzzles as well as preferences and stories. By the end of the program, more than 60 puzzles were dropped off. Residents from Litchfield Park, PebbleCreek, Avondale and Goodyear attended.

OBITUARIES

West Valley View Dining

Barbara Joyce DeMuth

Barbara Joyce DeMuth (née Scherbarth) passed away in the wee hours of March 10, 2022 at the age of ninety. She was born on October 27, 1931 in Akron, Ohio and spent her childhood growing up in Akron, Baltimore and San Diego. She graduated from Towson High School (Maryland) in 1948 where she sang in the glee club and was a member of the yearbook staff. Barbara graduated from Hammel Business University (Akron) in 1950 and then obtained a position at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Akron where she met her future husband, Don DeMuth. They were married for 63 years.

The couple resided in the Litchfield Park/Goodyear area for a few years before settling in Liberty, Arizona to raise their family. While keeping a busy household, Barbara became involved in the Liberty community and formed life-long friendships there.

She was a devoted member and long-time leader at Liberty United Methodist Church. She served on the Board of Trustees in various roles, supported the music program as pianist and singer (soprano), and served in the women’s group supporting charitable causes. Barbara also enjoyed teaching cooking classes to 4-H Club members, leading a local Girl Scout troop, and helping neighbors when the need arose.

She was the librarian at Liberty Elementary School for many years where she helped generations of children develop a love for reading. She especially enjoyed reading to the young children and helping older students with their research projects.

Barbara and Don, an accomplished landscape photographer, took their kids on numerous camping trips throughout the W est. After retirement Barbara continued traveling, enjoying trips to Alaska, New England and eastern Canada, and Great Britain with friends and family. She also traveled around the country demonstrating her bowling skills at various tournaments.

A proficient seamstress, Barbara sewed clothes for her family. She created beautiful quilts and blankets for her children and grandchildren, as well as cro ssstitch samplers. In between projects, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and reading mysteries.

Barbara’s legacy is one of service to community and deep love for family. Her family will miss her greatly and hope to live up to her beautiful example.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Scherbarth, her sister Mary Louise Van Lieu and, most recently, her husband Quentin Donald DeMuth.

She is survived by her children Britt (Mary), Laura Horn (Al), Brian (Micky), and Lynn DeMuth (Duke Mertz), seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

OBITUARIES

David Allen Compton

David Allen Compton of Litchfield Park, Arizona, born in Phoenix on October 11, 1952, passed away on February 17, 2022.

David was a dedicated teacher, presenter and trainer in real estate, most recently as Vice President and Partner at Practical Resources. Over his career, he developed over 200 continuing educational courses for the real estate industry and authored over 100 articles for various publications. David was an Arizona State University alumni, a dedicated Sun Devil, and an active member of his fraternity Delta Sigma Phi.

If he hadn't been a teacher, David would have followed his passion and activism into politics. Whether you agreed with his political views or not, most can acknowledge his love for people and his belief that everyone should be treated with respect. David was known for his sense of humor, enthusiastic laugh, and his extensive vocabulary. And he never forgot a birthday.

David loved his large, extended family and his Buckeye roots where his father Dewey and mother Marta owned a grocery store serving the local community. He took immense pride in his parent's tradition of generosity and service.

A lifelong bachelor, David will be sorely missed by his sister Renee and brother-in-law Mike Frost, his niece and nephew Nicole and Ian Frost, his grandniece Madeleine Dort and grandnephew Vincent Frost, as well as countless "fur babies" who he spoiled with dog treats and attention.

Services will be on Friday, March 18th at 10am and held at St. Henrys Catholic Church, 24750 W. Lower Buckeye Road, Buckeye, AZ 85326. There will be a gravesite blessing immediately following the service at Hazelton Memorial Cemetery, 23100 W Broadway, Buckeye, AZ 85326 (Crossroads: Broadway & Rainbow).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Arizona Humane Society https://www.azhumane.org/

Joan Gerberich

Ms. Joan Gerberich of Buckeye, Arizona died March 8, 2022. She was born August 19, 1935 in Creston, Ohio to Stanley Gerstenschlager and Velva Repp. Services are private and under the direction of Thompson Funeral Chapel.

Gilberto Vargas

Reverend Gilberto Vargas, son of Esther Vargas Gutierrez and Anastasio Vargas, passed on to heaven on March 10, 2022. He was 98 years old. Gilberto was born in Santa Barbara, Antioquia Colombia.

Services are pending.

To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/gilberto-vargas

Juan Carlos Rodriguez

Mr. Rodriguez 46, of Avondale died February 25, 2022 in Goodyear, AZ. Carlos was born Nov. 19, 1975 in Phoenix and was a lifelong Avondale resident attending both Avondale Elementary and Agua Fria High Schools. He was preceded in death by his father, Gilberto N. Rodriguez, and is survived by his mother Carmen G. Rodriguez and sister Araceli Rodriguez. Carlos took great pride in serving as primary care giver to his mom and sister.

Carlos loved his family and friends. He shared a love of baseball, football and most of all lowriding with his car club Familia. He will be greatly missed by all.

A visitation, rosary and memorial mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 6 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 539 E. La Pasada Blvd., in Goodyear. Condolences can be shared at www.avenidasfuneralchapel.com.

Homer Foster

Mr. Homer Foster, 76, of Sun City, Arizona died March 8, 2022. He was born February 3, 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Homer Foster and Susie Reeves.

A visitation and funeral will be held at 6pm, April 5 at Thompson Funeral Chapel.

To leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompsonfuneralchapel.com/ obituary/homer-foster/

Kathleen Sehm-Stout

Ms. Kathleen Sehm-Stout, 61, of Phoenix, Arizona died February 27, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. She was born April 9, 1960 in Batavia, New York to James Schorer and Harriett Newman. To read the full obituary and leave the family condolences, please visit www.thompson funeralchapel.com/obituary/kathleen-sehmstout

Kathryn Whitney

Kathy Whitney was born Nov 16, 1954 and passed away Jan 8, 2022. She lived on a farm in Buckeye, where she loved riding her horse. Kathy moved to Litchfield Park with her family, married, and had two beautiful children: Cody Whitney and Jessica Whitney. She worked at Estrella Mountain Comm. College as an administrative assistant for the math and science division for over 20 years. Kathy was a caring friend and loving mother. She will be missed remembered every day.

Leave condolences at: thompsonfuneral chapel.com/obituary/kathy-whitney

GET THE JOB

Asking Your Own Questions

It’s tempting to spend so much time prepping for questions which you may be asked in a job interview that you forget to ask your own.

Employers are likely to make a series of tried-and-true queries to any potential job candidate: Why should we decide to hire you today? What unique experience do you bring to the table? What are your strengths as an employee – and your weaknesses?

Of course, resumes should answer these questions, but hiring managers are not looking for facts and figures so much as how you present yourself in an interview setting. In other words, are you boastful or more of a leader, are you nervous in person or confident in your abilities?

Asking the right questions, however, can bolster your candidacy as surely as any great answer. Here’s how achieve the perfect give and take:

WHAT TO SAY

Try to frame your questions such that you’re also looking forward to long-range goals, and future career prospects. It’s easy to focus on the immediate things that need to be addressed, to the exclusion of biggerpicture projects that will ensure a lengthy tenure with your new employer. What sort of budget will you be working with, and is that set in stone? What training programs are available for professional development? What have prior hires done to be successful, and what promotion opportunities did they earn?

Also, don’t forget to find out more about how you came to be sitting across from the hiring manager at this company. Don’t simply ask what experience is

required. Ask what types of skills are missing on the current team that the new hire will be expected to possess. What’s the biggest challenge that someone in this position typically faces? Will the principal responsibilities evolve?

TIMING YOUR QUESTIONS

Posing a smart question shows that you’ve done your homework. Researching the company shows initiative, a genuine passion for their mission, and a flair for analytical thinking that is required for any leadership position.

talk over the hiring manager, it could be for naught. Your questions should also arrive within the natural flow of conversation, so that they do not sound rehearsed.

But remember that timing is important, too. You can do all the right research, and even prepare the perfect query, but if you interrupt or

At the same time, don’t wait until the end of the interview, where candidates are typically asked if they have any questions to add. Their minds may be made up by then.

JOIN OUR TEAM:

•Forklift Operator

•Mechanic and Electrician

•Production Operator

•Entry Level Positions

• Technical Training Program

Now Hiring in Mesa!

We are hiring immediately for all skilled operator positions to be part of building our new, state of the art micro mill from the ground up.

Ready for a challenge? We also have current openings for our Modern Steelmaker Program, a 12-month rotational technical training program that teaches you everything you need to know about sustainable steelmaking.

If you’re ready to grow in your career, you’re ready to join CMC. Visit us online to apply today!

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

Why Work Here?

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Job Description

A Good Candidate Possesses

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•

•

EMPLOYMENT

CAREGIVER

FemaleRequired.1:1

Full-TimePrivateHome inBuckeye.

WeTrain 623-826-6715

LOOKING G for experienced compassionate CNA's. Certified Caregivers. Part time/ full time. 623-547-7521

VALLEY LIFE

We are currently looking for caregivers to work in group homes throughout Glendale, Phoenix, Peoria and Scottsdale. Must pass background check.    Please apply at www.valleylifeaz.org is a non-proit organization that provides programs and services to men, women, and children with developmental disabilities.

Full Time and Part Time Caregivers Needed!

Healthy Smiles is a fun General Dental Practice in Ahwatukee. The Doctor and team take pride in our work ethics, working together in a kind and caring environment. We are looking for a Dental Assistant that is self motivated, punctual, enjoys talking with patients.

Duties involve procedures that include removing teeth, root canals, implants, making temporary crowns, scan teeth with digital software, Greeting patients, preparing patients for treatment, discussing treatment, using Dentrix software to treatment plan schedule appointments, order supplies, maintain office inventory, take x-rays.

Benefits: Dental, Vacation pay, Sick pay, 401(k) matching. Pay range based on skills, $20 - 25 per hour

Apply today for this great opportunity, to learn and grow with our team.

azhealthysmiles.com • 480-759-2020

Western Milling in Buckeye is looking for a full-time machine operator as well as other positions (general labor)

Forklift experience is a plus. Full benefit package offered along with 401K. We are an ESOP employer. Candidates are welcome to apply online at careers-westernmilling.icims.com

Walk ups are also welcome. Apply at 29700 W Lower River Road, Buckeye, AZ 85326. 602-251-3600

MetroPhoenixClassifieds com

AUTOS -FOR SALE

19642doorRed ChevyCorvair. 4speedmanual.

Call623-935-9286

CLEANING SERVICES

VALLEY HOUSE CLEANING

Offering Excellent Service With A Great Price. Weekly, Bi-Weekly or Monthly Service. Ref. Available.

Call Lorena 623-330-8589

GARAGE SALES/ BAZAARS

SundanceAdultVillage CommunityWideGarage Sale! Sat.April2nd.8aNoon.Located1/2mile eastoftheintersectionof Watson&Yuma,in Buckeye (northofYumaRoad)

HANDYMAN

HANDYMAN - 37 years experience. Drywall, framing, plumbing, painting, electrical, roofing and more. Stan 602-434-6057

LANDSCAPING SERVICES

O N B Specializes in landscaping and trimming. Also Concrete: patios, driveways, sidewalks, additions and more. Free estimates. 6 623-249-0610 - Robert Residential/Commercial.

MISCELLANEOUS FOR

22CaliberRugerMark

2.BullBarrel.Newin box,Rugerhardcase withlock.Extramag. $700 623-329-8990

PAINTING

ExteriorHomePaint BestPrices

SatisfactionGuaranteed 4.9starsgooglerating Licensed,bonded,insured Freequote:Callortext 623-282-1282

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$100-$500+ Cash for Junk Cars all "as is" autos! Good condition more $$$$. Best Prices! Fast, free pickup. 623-329-2043

Want to purchase minerals and other oil/gas interests

STATEMENTS TO THE COURT, UNDER OATH OR AFFIRMATION

1. Information about me, the applicant

Name: Taylor Lynn Suiter

address 19763 w . Sherman St.

Date of Birth:03/23/1990

Place of Birth:Virginia Beach, Va

2. Information about the minor fo r whom this name change is requested:

Name on Birth Certificate:Dylan Cale

Stumfoll

Address: 19763 w . Sherman St.

Relation to Applicant:Parent

County of Residence: Maricop a

Cou nty

Date of Birth: 02/23/2010

Place of Birth: Maricopa County

N ew Name Requested:Dylan Cal e

Suiter

3. I ask that the birth records b e changed to reflect the new name listed above.

4. I request that the name be changed for the following reasons:

My son has my maiden name and he w ould like to match the rest of ou r family and siblings.

Additional Statements

I understand that this name chang e does not establish paternity and will not cause a father’s name to be added to a birth certificate.

This application is made solely for the best interest of the minor child named above. It will not release the perso n from any obligations incurred or harm any rights of property or action in any original name.

Under oath or by Affirmation

I swear or affirm under penalty of perjury that the contents of this document are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Dated: 09/20/2021

Signed:Taylor Suiter

Published in : The West Valley View March 2, 9, 16, 23, 2022 / 44799

PUBLIC NOTICE

RFP for Norton Circle located a t 304 South 5th Ave , A vondale, AZ 85323 BID S D UE: March 29, 2022, a t 2 :00pm PRE-BID MEETIN G will be held on site on March 9 , 2022, from 10:00 - 11:00 a m PLANS: Hard Copies o f p lans available upon reques t a nd at subcontractor’s expense from PRI GRAPHICS & S IGNS, www.pri.us OR for a l ink contact Linda at L stache@gormanusa.com

C ontact Info: Linda Stache , G orman & Company, Phone: 608-835-5177, Fax: 608-8353667 CERTIFICATIONS: SBE / MBE / WBE / EBE / DBE and SECTION 3 Please note: This i s a prevailing wage rate p roject.

Published in : The West Vall ey View March 2,9,16,23 , 2022 / 44937

PORTABLEOxygenConcentratorMayBeCovered b yMedicare!Reclaimind ependenceandmobilit y w iththecompactdesig n andlong-lastingbatteryof InogenOne.Freeinformationkit!Call866-493-2143 (AzCAN)

PUTonyourTVEarsand h earTVwithunmatche d c larity.TVEarsOrigina l w ereoriginally$129.95N OWWITHTHISSPEC IALOFFERareonl y $ 59.95withcodeMCB59 ! C all1-855-962-612 9 (AzCAN)

Legal Description:

Parcel 1 being in the NE¼ NW¼ SE¼ NE¼ of S30 T5N R1W of Gila and Salt River Base and Meridian, Maricopa County, Arizona, by Warranty Deed recorded 5/5/2021, Maricopa County Recording # 20210503245; and that part of existing US Patent #1064368 / 067822.

Legal claim to this land must be made within 60 days hereof or forever be precluded from making any claim upon my patented land.

Ivona Z. Jones, c/o P.O. Box 59142, Renton, WA 98058 Published: West Valley View, Mar. 16, 23, 30, 2022/45216

CITATION BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF TEXAS COUNTY OF WILLIAMSON

TO: Amanda M. Borders 120 N Sangamon St Chicago IL 60607

PATRICIA HUMMEL, Applicant filed in THE ESTATE OF ROBERT DANIEL HUMMEL, DECEASED, Cause No. 20-0812-CP4, in County Court at Law #4 of Williamson County, 405 Martin Luther King Street, Georgetown, Texas 78626 on the 24th day of August, 2020 an APPLICATION TO DETERMINE HEIRSHIP AND FOR LETTERS OF INDEPENDENT ADMINISTRATION. Said application may be heard at 10:00 o’clock a.m. on or after the first Monday next after the expiration of ten days from the date of publication of this citation, at the Williamson County Justice Center in Georgetown, Williamson County, Texas. Amanda M. Borders is hereby cited to appear before said Honorable Court on or before above- mentioned time and place by filing a written answer contesting such application should Amanda M. Borders desire to do so. If this citation is not served within 90 days after the date of its issuance, it shall be returned unserved. Issued and given under my hand and seal of office at Georgetown, Texas, this the 14th day of March, 2022. Applicant’s Attorney: Joshua D. Wilson 1000 Heritage Center Circl e Round Rock TX 78664 Nancy E. Rister Williamson County Clerk 405 MLK Street, Box 14 Georgetown, Texas 78626 By: /S/Kathy Klingelberger, Deputy

Published: Peoria Times, Mar. 24, 2022 / 45353 PUBLIC NOTICE.