West Valley View - North 09-16-2020

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THE NEWSPAPER OF AVONDALE, BUCKEYE, GOODYEAR, LITCHFIELD PARK & TOLLESON

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Businesses reopen, schools remain online

September 16, 2020

The Voice of the West Valley for 35 years

Police help FBI nab bank robber BY TOM SCANLON

West Valley View Managing Editor

NEWS .............. 6

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Old-fashioned police footwork and hightech tools led to the arrest of a “serial bank robber.” On Aug. 28, FBI agents and Phoenix Police Department officers arrested Scott David Williams, 59, in Peoria. He is accused of wearing a face mask and dark glasses as he demanded money from tellers in a string of West Valley bank robberies. According to the FBI, Williams robbed seven West Valley banks this summer,

including West Valley National Bank in Goodyear. Williams is accused of stealing around $25,000 from the banks. His method was to calmly walk up to a teller, shove an envelope or bag at the teller and demand money. After robberies in Peoria, Surprise and Sun City, his decision to hit a Goodyear bank may have been his undoing. At the West Valley National Bank, according to court documents, Williams “told the victim teller he had an accomplice waiting outside listening to a police scanner.

(Williams) also told the victim teller to remain calm and not give him any bait bills. ... “The victim teller initially refused (Williams’) demands. Eventually, (Williams) walked to the branch manager’s office and told the branch manager to tell the victim teller to give him the money in the drawer. The victim teller complied and placed the money in the envelope.” According to court documents, Goodyear police officers investigated the West Valley

Robber...continued on page 2

Surf’s up as water park approved in Glendale BY TOM SCANLON

BUSINESS .... 14 Another big community coming to Avondale

FEATURES .... 16 Mental health concerns due to COVID pandemic

OPINION ...............12 BUSINESS.............. 14 FEATURES ..............16 YOUTH ..................20 OBITUARIES ...........22 CLASSIFIEDS ..........23 NORTH

West Valley View Managing Editor

A big splash in Glendale can be a lesson for Goodyear and other West Valley cities. A few years ago, Ikea planned to open a big store near State Farm Stadium. That fizzled, leaving Glendale leaders red-faced. But isn’t Kevin Phelps glad Ikea tapped out now? “Absolutely,” said Phelps, Glendale’s city manager. “Sometimes, it’s really good you don’t get what you want—because there’s something better out there for you.” Recently, Nike backed out of a deal for a huge manufacturing facility in Goodyear. While the West Valley waits to see if “something better” takes Nike’s place,

Splash...continued on page 2

Expected to have a positive financial impact on the West Valley, Crystal Lagoons Island Resort plans to bring a water park, amusement rides, restaurants, shops, offices and a hotel to Glendale near State Farm Stadium (Photo courtesy Crystal Lagoons)

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