THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON Hickman’s Avondale responds throws to film, fiesta article PAGE 25 PAGE
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This Week
The Voice of the West Valley for 34 years
Boy Scout dies on hike BY CONNOR DZIAWURA
West Valley View Managing Editor
NEWS .............. 4 Buckeye school discusses vaping, opioids
SPORTS ........ 18 Wolverines hire new football coach
9 DAYS ......... 20 Looking for something to do? Check out the 9 Days a Week calendar
LETTERS ........................12 BUSINESS..................... 16 SPORTS ..........................17 FEATURES .....................22 NEIGHBORHOOD......26 YOUTH ...........................28 OBITUARIES .................30 CLASSIFIEDS................31 EAST
No charges will be filed in the death of a 16-year-old Boy Scout from Goodyear who passed away after running out of water while on a hike, according to officials. Joshua “Josh” Michael White, 16, was hiking Picacho Peak in Southern Arizona, according to Pinal County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Navideh Forghani, when he ran out of water at the top and “began to have some issues” on the way back down. The troop, which was led by two adults, at least one of whom was a Scout leader, called for help, Forghani said. But by the time park rangers arrived, the teen was already unconscious without a pulse. First responders performed lifesaving measures, but White was ultimately pronounced deceased at the scene. Capt. Patrick Calhoun, spokesman for the Avra Valley Fire District, said three Josh White, 16, was a student volunteer of Summit CommuniChurch and a member of the Estrella Foothills junior varsity other individuals were eval- ty football team. (Photo courtesy Thompson Funeral Chapel) uated at the scene but were not taken to the hospital. According to re- firmed by various individuals close to ports, two of the individuals were adults him. His obituary with Thompson Funeral and one a child. Chapel reported he “died unexpectedly” Though PCSO did not release the teen’s April 27. name and the cause of death has not yet He was a member of Boy Scout Troop been revealed, White’s passing was con-
Scout...continued on page 2
May 8, 2019
Chemicals found in drinking water at Luke AFB BY DARRELL JACKSON West Valley View Staff Writer
The U.S. Air Force reported it found the water in wells and groundwater at Luke Air Force Base tested positive for toxic chemicals. The U.S. Air Force report covers Luke AFB and the Gila Bend Air Force Auxiliary Field. Testing was conducted to determine if two chemicals — perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid — from a foam firefighting agent were evident. The foam had an usually high concentration of the two chemicals. The base firefighters began using the foams to fight fires in 1972 and continued to use it until 2013 in fires ranging from F-15s to vehicle fires on base. The drinking water was deemed safe at both locations, but more analyses in area surrounding Luke AFB is pending. Testing continues. The report does not say if the chemicals made their way into public or private water wells off base. Residents are concerned. “Shouldn’t we have been told our water may be bad for us?” asked Johnathan Gomez, who lives near the base. “I just want to know if my kids are going to get sick from our water and if it is harmful. I still can’t believe we were not told about this.” Perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid were also used in household products, including water-repellent fabrics, nonstick pans and some paints. The firefighting foam the Air Force used is highly effective. Luke AFB representatives said they
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