UNDERSTAND YOUR HOA'S POWERS
VET HELPS OTHER VETERANS
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From Uptown to Downtown, covering Chandler like the sun.
An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
This Week
FREE | chandlernews.com
August 22, 2021
City entertainment scene getting a jolt Wild Horse Pass putting luxury Racing icon’s mega go kart sportsbooks at Chandler's door center coming to S. Chandler
’S WHOEST? eB th
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INSIDE TODAY!
NEWS ................................ 9
Why the State Fair won't be Chandler's neighbor.
BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor
A
s Arizona prepares to launch sports betting Sept. 9, the Gila River Indian Community is poised to become one of the big players after teaming up with one of the gambling world’s biggest operators. Chandler will be right on the doorstep of some brick-and-mortar venues. Now that the application time for licenses has expired, the Arizona Department of Gaming by the end of the month must winnow down a list of 16 tribal applicants competing for 10 available
see GAMBLE page 4
BY PAUL MARYNIAK Arizonan Executive Editor
A
major entertainment venue with ties to an auto racing legend is coming to south Chandler. Andretti Karting & Games last month shelled out $4.9 million to buy 10.2 acres on the southwest corner of Cooper Road and the Santan Loop 202 Freeway from hotel developer Drury Development Company and DDC Hotels LLL. Named after racing legend Mario Andretti, the company already operates three venues in Texas, two in Georgia and one in Orlando, Florida.
see GOKART page 6
Chandler family fights a ‘war’ to save boy, 9
SPORTS ......................... 29
High school athletes, coaches wary of COVID-19. NEWS .......................................... 2 REAL ESTATE ........................... 17 COMMUNITY ........................ 22 BUSINESS ................................24 SPORTS ....................................29 CLASSIFIEDS ............................31
BY COTY DOLORES MIRANDA Contributor
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ar. That is what Heather, Joshua and Luke Ozga agree they are going through. “A war to save Luke’s life,” said Heather Ozga of Chandler. The family didn’t ask to be in this devastating battle against a virulent and rare form of lymphoma attacking 9-year-old Luke Ozga since December 2019, but they
have faced it bravely. He appeared to have overcome that initial attack, but relapsed a year later. A bone marrow donation from his elder brother Josh appeared to be successful and the family was ecstatic. In early July, Luke Ozga marked the 100th day following his bone marrow transplant. The family’s small celebration featured two cakes, one with creamy white icing in which the happy youngster chose to plant his face to indicate his happiness. Less than two weeks later, on the 110th post-transplant day, what the family hoped
was a routine examination to assure them all was going well brought devastating news: they were informed the bone marrow transplant that had been such agony for both brothers had failed. “They said we didn’t have very many options left,” a tearful Heather Ozga said. People have a chance today, Aug. 22, to join Ljuke's battle by attending a blood drive and fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at UFC Gym, 3830 E. Ray Road, Chandler. The drive has been organized by the non-
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