Peoria Times 06-11-2020

Page 1

Chef: ‘My dreams are chasing me’

Beware of elder abuse PAGE

peoriatimes.com

13

INSIDE

This Week

PAGE

Amazon looking to hire high school grads

NEWS........... 10 Trial of former fifth-grade teacher delayed

OPINION.................12 BUSINESS...............14 FEATURES...............16 RELIGION................20 YOUTH....................23 CLASSIFIEDS...........25

June 11, 2020

Peoria’s Hometown Newspaper

Casino reopens as COVID cases rise BY TOM SCANLON

Peoria Times Managing Editor

NEWS..............3

18

The Desert Diamond Casino West Valley reopened June 5 — cautiously. Like a wise gambler, Desert Diamond didn’t rush to go “all in” without regard for risks. Instead, the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise casino said it is carefully guarding its employees as well as patrons. Years in the making, the casino opened Feb. 19, only to close a month later due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We’ve used the closure time to thoroughly clean and prepare our facilities to welcome back our guests,” said Rudy Prieto, CEO of the TOGE. “These extraordinary precautions have been undertaken to provide everyone a safe, friendly environment to return to for fun and excitement.”

While the casino reopens with “extensive new safety precautions,” including temperature checks and masks required by guests (who can remove them to eat, drink and smoke) and employees, officials warned COVID-19 is on the rise. The same day the casino reopened, Banner Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Marjorie Bessel held a press conference. “Arizona’s COVID-19 hospitalizations are rapidly increasing,” Bessel said. She said about half of the SEE CASINO PAGE 4

Desert Diamond Casino West Valley reopened June 5 with reduced hours and an emphasis on safety. Guests and employees must wear masks and staff will regularly clean and sanitize slot machines and other equipment. (Peoria Times photo by Pablo Robles)

Council to consider rent, business assistance BY TOM SCANLON

Peoria Times Managing Editor

With an expected $20 million in AZCares funding expected, Peoria’s plan is to put at least some of the money in the pockets of residents and business owners. According to information on the AZCares Fund, “The direct allocations must be used on payroll expenses related to an entity’s public health and public safety expenses from March 1 through Dec. 30.” But that does not mean all of the $20 million that Peoria is applying for must go to the police and fire departments.

“I want cities to have maximum flexibility and minimal red tape,” Gov. Doug Ducey said, regarding the $440 million of federal CARES Act funds that will go to Arizona cities and towns through the AZCares Fund. A June 2 study session unveiled a rough plan to help businesses and residents. Andrew Granger, a Peoria deputy city manager, later said city staff members are working on specifics for the $20 million. “We’ll be bringing a resolution June 16 to city council for a vote,” Granger said. He emphasized that, while the AZCares money will free up money, “The main

point is that we are getting reimbursed for public safety and public health-related costs. We will put this reimbursement money back into the city’s general fund, which can be used for any general government purpose,” Granger said. Ultimately, he said, “We can utilize (AZCares funding) for anything general fund related.” Granger said there may be money to help residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic pay rent through Peoria’s Neighborhood and Human Services department. “It could be helpful for seniors in need beSEE COUNCIL PAGE 2

The latest breaking news and top local stories in Peoria!

PeoriaTimes.com


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.