Casteel growth surprises board / P. 3
Grant benefits QC trainers / P. 12
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An edition of the East Valley Tribune
INSIDE
Sunday, May 1, 2022
QC agritainment businesses feel labor pinch BY KATHLEEN STINSON Tribune Staff Writer
NEWS..................... 6 Commuter rail through Queen Creek dealt new setback.
COMMUNITY...... 20 National nonprofit building home for QC veteran.
SPORTS................ 24 Crismon High athletes building culture from ground up.
COMMUNITY.........................20 BUSINESS...............................23 SPORTS....................................24 CLASSIFIEDS.........................25
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wo of Queen Creek’s major agritainment venues have not been immune to the labor shortages that are crimping the operations of many business across the country. Schnepf Farms and the Queen Creek Olive Mill also have run into difficulties to fully staff their businesses, hampering day-to-day operations and future plans. “The labor shortage has slowed our
see
LABOR page 18
Mark and Carrie Schnepf have had to curtail dining operations at their farm because they can’t find enough workers. (Tribune file photo)
Election 2022 will change Town Council’s make-up BY KATHLEEN STINSON Tribune Staff Writer
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he coming election in Queen Creek could result in a sizable shift in the composition of the Town Council with a new mayor a virtual certainty and five candidates vying for two seats. Mayor Gail Barney has chosen not to run for re-election after serving on Council since January 2002, when he was appointed to fill a vacancy. He has been mayor for three four-year terms.
In the Aug 2 Primary Election, Councilwoman Julia Wheatley is unopposed for mayor while incumbent Councilwoman Dawn Oliphant and four newcomers are seeking four-year terms to the two council seats. If two of those five candidates get more than 50% of all votes cast, they’ve won. If none of the candidates get more than 50%, a runoff will be on the Nov. 8 ballot. Also on the ballot are two propositions: Propositions 464 (a permanent base adjustment) and Proposition 465 (a Southwest Gas franchise agreement).
Barney said through the town that while “I have had the opportunity to meet so many outstanding people and help shape our community,” he wants to “take time to focus on my family.” Here’s a look at the candidates.
Julia Wheatley Asked why she is running for mayor, Wheatley recalled how more than 12 years ago, she let her husband watch their
see ELECTION page 8