Sextortion a problem / P. 4
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INSIDE
Suddenly, uncertainty surrounds QC battery plant’s future BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
COMMUNITY...... 17 American Leadership Academy alumna returns as teacher.
BUSINESS............ 19 Little Queen Creek café has a big menu and heart.
SPORTS................ 23 Cassius Peat leading revival of Heritage Gateway football.
COMMUNITY.........................17 BUSINESS...............................19 OPINION..................................21 SPORTS....................................23 GET OUT..................................24 CLASSIFIEDS.........................26
Sunday, July 3, 2022
O
nly days after Queen Creek, Pinal County officials and company representatives assured residents plans for the lithium battery plant were proceeding, LG Energy Solution indicated the project’s future might be up in the air. On June 24 – three days after a town hall cosponsored by the town and county – AZ-
BEX, a digital news site serving the local architecture, engineering and construction industry, reported that two contractors associated with the project said it’s been put on hold. That report was confirmed by Ian Calkins with Copper State Consulting Group, a public affairs consultant for LG Energy Solution, in a June 28 email to the Tribune. “Given the unprecedented economic condition and investment circumstances in the
Early voting begins Rockin’ the 4th at this week here the farm
BY JOSH ORTEGA Tribune Staff Writer
E
arly voting in an election that will change the face of Queen Creek Town Council begins this week and residents have only until tomorrow to register if they haven’t already. Three Town Council seats are up for grabs and while one incumbent is seeking another term, at least two will have a new occupant because Councilwoman Julia Wheatley is running an uncontested race to be the town’s next mayor and Councilwoman Emilena Tur-
see
PRIMARY page 16
see LITHIUM page 6
Schnepf Farms posted this picture from its previous July 4 fireworks displays online and that’s a good way to let Queen Creek residents know what awaits tomorrow night when it holds its Hometown Fourth celebration. While some cities in the East Valley have been forced to cancel their traditional fireworks displays because of supply line disruptions, Mark and Carrie Schnepf got ahead of the curve. For the story, see page 8. (Schnepf Farms)
Central Arizona College www.centralaz.edu
US, LG Energy Solution is currently reviewing various investment options, but no decision has been made,” Calkins wrote. Town spokeswoman Constance Halonen-Wilson said the town is “continuing to work with the company on this milestone project.” “We remain excited about what this advanced manufacturing corridor will do
Paths to Great Careers