8_16_12 ledger

Fair and Accurate News for the Southeast ValleyVolume 1, Number 1 August 16, 2012

Who will care for you in an emergency?

Meet the San Tan Valley Safety Coalition, Page 6

Medical program comes to Combs High School, See Pages 10 & 11

SoutheaSt valley ledger august 16, 2012

www.Sevledger.com

Southeast Valley LedgerJames Carnes….....................................PublisherMichael Carnes...........................General ManagerJennifer Carnes................................…Editor-In-ChiefMila Lira...................................Advertising DirectorZach Richter….................................Managing EditorChase Kamp............................................ReporterCourtney Trumbull…................................Offi ce Manager

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Published the fi rst and third Thursday of the month at 22713 S. Ellsworth Road, Building A, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 by Copper Area News Publishers. Mailing address is Southeast Valley Ledger, c/o Copper Area News Pub-lishers, PO Box 579, Kearny, AZ 85137.

Telephone (480) 745-1055“There are numerous countries in the world where the politicians have seized absolute power and muzzled the press. There is no country in the world where the press has seized absolute power and muzzled the politicians”

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What is the Sheriff’s Office Doing?

Weekly Cop Logs are now online at:

www.TodayPublicaTions.com

I wanted to take a minute and send you this letter in support of Sheriff Babeu and PCSO. I am not a politician, just a parent trying to raise his family in a safer environment, I had being reaching out to PCSO years before Sheriff Babeu was elected by the people of Pinal in 2008 and had never gotten any call backs for any of the previous sheriff’s, 3 terms of sheriff PRIOR to Sheriff Babeu. 2005 I had seen a major increase in criminal activities in western Pinal/Vekol Valley area we live. To such a point I never left my home without being armed. The illegal traffic was to point we considered moving out of Pinal, but we decided not to allow corruption and selective enforcement to run us away from our county and friends. I first met Paul Babeu on the side of the road while he was putting up his signs for Sheriff in Summer of 2007. WE listened to his goals and what he planned do in PCSO and Pinal county as a whole. His promise was to lower response times, increase patrols, crack down on drug running and illegal activity hit home with us. BTW he has met the promises he made there and in several campaign stops we attended, WE voted for him even being a mostly democrat household and even the republicans in the house

voted for him.. My wife is Hispanic and is a strong supporter of the Sheriff and PCSO. 4 + years later our testimonial to Sheriff Babeu is our area is more secure the illegal activity while still happening is not what is was. I even went to media in support of PCSO and let them select the area in the vekol valley and took them in and they saw firsthand the drug running and Coyotes. People attack the Sheriff and stated how staff in PCSO don’t like working under him, while I will protect my relatives names (who work in law enforcement) they are more confident under Sheriff Babeu than when under the previous two sheriffs before Sheriff Babeu, Rules are enforced based on board findings rather than the Good old boy circle. His opponents attack him on budget yet a group we are involved with cannot ever recall seeing any of the other candidates at any of the Board of Supervisor meetings, till they started to run against the Sheriff. One would think you need to learn the ropes before you can say I can do it better. I to ask the people of Pinal to vote based on what THEY know and to do their own research and see the positive things that Sheriff Babeu and his team of Deputies at PCSO has done under his leadership. WE need our Board of Supervisor’s and County

Letters to the Editor

As you read this, your early primary ballot is on the way to your mailbox. I want to talk directly to the registered Republicans. Four years ago you created the problem of Paul Babeu, and now you are the only ones who can fix it. We don’t often get the opportunity for “do-overs”, so please don’t waste this one! Four years ago Pinal County elected a sheriff with no experience and a proven history of lying. Since then, there has been an avalanche of scandals, on-going investigations, and embarrassing national publicity for our county and state. Besides the sheriff himself, his deputies, administrative employees, political friends and family have all become tainted. We watched him reward political allies and punish political enemies. He hired disgraced Chandler cops, destroyed the financial health of the PCSO (and is presently lying about it), and attacked anyone who disagreed with him. A federal program to distribute surplus equipment around the country had to be suspended because this sheriff decided to run a political and financial scam. He destroyed a working relationship with a nationally-honored volunteer mountain rescue group because it wasn’t under his political control. He has deliberately lied about the level of crime on the border (which our county is nowhere

near), the level of illegal immigration (lowest in years) and the level of border security (higher than ever before). All the while, he was campaigning for Congress, which was his ultimate goal, possibly using public, taxpayer resources (another ongoing investigation). When that fell apart with the revelation of his online sexual escapades, he was forced to “settle” for the office of sheriff. And in order to make sure he has no interference, he has hand-picked a “team” of office holders that he can count on to do his bidding - supervisors, county attorney, even the Recorder, which is an absolutely non-political office - that he intends to shove down our throats. Having four Republican candidates on the primary ballot will potentially split the vote, and Babeu could win. I’m hoping that won’t happen, but it’s not in my hands. Republicans, you have to fix this mess, hopefully with the help of Independents who choose a Republican ballot. If you’re still not sure, ask your kids, or your neighbors’ kids. I’d be willing to bet there’s not a child in this county over the age of ten who hasn’t seen, and snickered at, the pictures of Babeu online. That alone – which was enough to knock him out of the Congressional race – should disqualify him as our sheriff./s/ Mary desioApache Junction

The San Tan Valley Substance Abuse Coalition is an all volunteer organization committed to providing recovery, education, and prevention resources to those affected by substance abuse and, or mental health issues. The coalition’s vision is to collaborate with all sectors of San Tan Valley to create a drug free community, and to coordinate support for individuals and families with substance abuse and, or mental health disorders. We are very excited to announce that the San Tan Valley Substance Abuse Coalition has successfully coordinated and partnered with the Not My Kid organization, the J.O Combs, Florence and Coolidge Unified school districts, the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, and Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to get a meaningful substance abuse program into all 15 middle and high schools.

The program targets students, parents and faculty separately. The Not My Kid presenters are young adults who have overcome addiction and relate well with middle and high school students. Funding has been finalized and the 5 session series will roll out to all 15 schools in the above named districts this fall. Individual school selections may also include internet safety, safe dating, depression, eating disorders and self-injury. It is critical that we unite together as a community to assist our children in making positive life choices instead of choosing destructive behaviors. The Not My Kid program will empower and impact thousands of parents and students in our local area and give them information and skills necessary to avoid negative youth behaviors. The San Tan Valley Substance Abuse Coalition welcomes new members

Meet the STV Substance Abuse Coalitionand we encourage individuals, local business and government, and other organizations to join our group to make a difference in San Tan Valley! Our next meeting is on August 27,

2012, from 6:30-7:30, at the SRP Eagle Conference Center, located at 3735 E. Combs Rd., San Tan Valley, Az. 85140. The major topic on our agenda is: What project(s) do we want to

pursue next? The coalition provides recovery resources to individuals and families suffering with substance abuse and, or mental health issues. Please

contact us [email protected] or call 480-525-3562 if you need assistance./s/ Sheri georgeChairman, San Tan Valley Substance Abuse Coalition

staff to work as a team regardless of political affiliations. Also my children feel safer now than before and crime is down in the

area because of the PCSO coverage and engagement at the community level. /s/ Walter Catton Western Pinal County Arizona

This Republican problem demands a Republican solution

Babeu best sheriff in years

august 16, 2012 SoutheaSt valley ledger

www.Sevledger.com

I have known Jack McClaren for more than 15 years not only as a close friend but as a law enforcement peer, and as his boss. Jack has dedicated his

life to serving others, from serving in the Army, to the Department of Corrections, to the Pinal County Sheriff’s office, to the Florence Police Department, to being elected

County Constable. Jack has more than enough to be a great Sheriff at a time when our Sheriff’s Office needs one. Jack is a Christian, a loving

father and a grandfather and has dedicated most of his adult life to working with Pinal County’s youngsters, from being a DARE/School Resource Officer to serving

Letters to the EditorWhy McClaren has my strongest support to be our next Sheriff

10+ years on the Apache Junction Boys and Girls Club Board of Directors. Jack has made a positive difference in the lives of hundreds if not thousands of Pinal County’s kids. Jack to me in 2000, that some day he wanted to be the Pinal County Sheriff. Over the following decade Jack has sought out training, education, command positions, and elected positions that would prepare him to be our next Pinal County Sheriff. Jack will bring community policing back to the Sheriff’s Office and will put deputies back in schools to protect our kids. He will expand the use of the Posse, increase the number or Reserve Officers, reduce the bloated political appointee administrative staff and non

responder vehicles and put more resources back on the street fighting crime in your neighborhood. Jack will be mindful of our tax dollars. He will be a great Sheriff who has morale courage, fiber and backbone. Jack is a man that I trust and so can you. He is someone who can be trusted with the public’s money. That is why I and the thousands and officers who make up the Arizona Fraternal Order of Police, along with the Firefighters and other emergency professionals are supporting Jack McClaren for Pinal County Sheriff, because we home him-. We know a great cop when we see one. Jack McClaren will protect our county!/s/ Roger VanderpoolCasa Grande

I was interviewed by the Arizona Republic about three weeks ago. I stand be-hind what I said, and I will again add my continued support of Chief Arnson. Pinal County is very fortu-nate to have a true Christian leader, family man and pro-fessional law man as a can-didate for Sheriff.

I am a U.S. Navy vet-eran of the Korean War. I served as a sworn deputy in the 1960s for the Mari-copa County Sheriff’s Of-fice. I have been the Chief Judge of the Gila River Indian Community Tribal Court for more than 20 years. Most recently, I was the governor of my com-munity for many years. In April, 2010, I hired Chief Derek Arnson. He was the first non-native to serve my community as Chief of Po-lice.

Chief Arnson put togeth-er a five year strategic plan which afforded our com-munity with a more effec-tive and efficient manner of providing public safety.

He is a man of great compassion and was instru-mental in helping our com-munity receive millions in federal grants; most nota-bly, the building of a wom-an’s shelter for victims of abuse.

Chief Arnson restored honor and professional-ism to a police department which was rampant with abuse of power and author-ity. He held his officers ac-countable! In fact, several of these officers were ter-minated and placed on the Maricopa County Attor-

ney’s “Brady List” for dis-honesty and other reasons. One of those officers, a fe-male, punched a prisoner in the base of the skull was he was handcuffed to the rear, all because she was mad at him.

This assault was cap-tured on video and was sent to the ACLU, FBI and other outlets, including AZ POST. The officer still has her AZPOST certification and is attending a local Phoenix law school. Prior to Chief Arnson’s arrival, this was accepted as “status quo” behavior.

Around September 2010, Chief Arnson informed me that my chief of staff and, now, governor of the com-munity, Greg Mendoza, had come to him request-ing that he (Arnson) hire his (Mendoza’s) college friend as a new police com-mander. This individual is and was a Gila River com-munity member.

Chief Arnson informed me that Mendoza has asked him, some three or four times, if he would hire his friend. I informed Chief Arnson that he was to have no more contact with Men-doza and that I would take care of keeping Mendoza from interfering with police business. I removed Men-doza as my chief of staff due to his interfering, not only with Chief Arnson, but with other department directors. Mendoza was later elected to the tribal council. He quickly ran and won the governorship. On October 31, 2011, I received a very disturbing

Continued support for Arnson for Sheriffphone call from Chief Arn-son, informing me that he had just received a phone call from Mendoza which was rude and unprofession-al. Chief Arnson stated that Mendoza said to him, “I heard from a reliable source that you are not supporting me for governor because of my lifestyle?” Chief Arn-son said that he informed Mendoza that he was very offended by his comment and that his sources are wrong, and that he is not supporting any candidate because he is not a voter in the community. He then went on to explain that he was not for sale and could not be bought and to tell Mendoza that any honor-able chief of police will not be swayed by politics, but, rather, serve the people, not an agenda.

This recent press release from my community is un-warranted and has harmed Chief Arnson. Currently, Mendoza is not making good decisions as governor. The current sheriff, Babeu, and Mendoza are personal friends. It is unfortunate

that Mendoza would stoop to the promptings of Ba-beu and shed such untruths upon Chief Arnson’s char-acter.

My community has now suffered, too, because of this false information. The Gila River Indian Commu-nity has never in the past released information of any kind, with reference to any employee or their employ-ment status to the public. It goes against our sovereign-ty.

Hindag, as passed down by our elders across hun-dreds of years, teaches us respect for all things, including the value of a promise, abiding by the law and concern for the welfare of others. This is a very sad game of politics, at the ex-pense of a good man: Chief Arnson.

Chief Arnson received excellent evaluations each year, and was an asset to our community; as he will be to our county. He has my vote! /s/ William R. RhodesFormer Governor, Gila River Indian Community

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T O W N O F

QUEEN CREEKA R I Z O N A

Aug. 16, 2012

Visit: QueenCreek.org and follow us on Twitter and Facebook

Queen Creek Town Hall 22350 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

Phone: 480-358-3000 • Fax: 480-358-3189Monday - Thursday 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday - Sunday Closed

The Town of Queen Creek continues its tradition of offering the award-winning Citizen Leadership Institute to residents wishing to learn more about and become involved in Queen Creek civic issues. The purpose of the institute is fourfold: to present information about important questions facing the Town; to provide an avenue for residents to help plan the community’s future; to spark an interest in

local issues; and to develop a pool of informed residents who would be willing to serve as local leaders on boards and commissions and among their neighbors. The 11 sessions will take place from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays at various locations throughout Queen Creek. Please contact Marsha Hunt at 480-358-3190 or [email protected] by Sept. 18 to place your name on the registration list.

Are You Ready for a Disaster?

Supplies like these could save the life of you and your loved ones.

Sept. is National Preparedness Month. Are you and your family prepared for any emergency? That emergency could be a house fi re, fl ood or terrorist attack. With just three simple steps, you can be prepared for a disaster. First, make a family disaster plan. De-cide where you will reunite after a di-saster, designating at least two meeting locations. The meeting location may be right outside your home or at the local library or place of worship. Prac-tice escape routes from your home and neighborhood. Make sure each family member has an emergency contact card and keep the card in a wallet, purse, or backpack. Second, get an emergency kit. After an emergency, you may need to survive on your own for a few days. Electricity,

water and gas utilities may be unavail-able for several days. Third, be informed. Learn about the po-tential disasters that could impact where you live. The emergency situations that may impact the Town of Queen Creek include fl ooding, high winds resulting in power outages, a train derailment that may cause neighborhood evacua-tions or shelter-in-place orders, an air-plane crash, or pandemics such as the recent H1N1 infl uenza outbreak. Knowing the types of emergencies that you and your family may face will help you to prepare your emergency kit and make informed decisions when a disas-ter strikes. For questions on emergency prepared-ness, please contact the Queen Creek Fire Department at 480-358-3360.

Your emergency kit should include:• One gallon of water per person for at least three days• Non-perishable food for at least three days• First aid kit• Flashlight and extra batteries• Battery operated AM/FM radio with extra batteries• Personnel hygiene items• Whistle to signal for help For additional information and checklists for building an emergency supply kit, visit Ready.gov.

Queen Creek Legion to conduct 9-11 remembrance event On Sat. Sept. 8, 2012, Queen Creek will come together at the Queen Creek Branch Library, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road in a commemoration ceremony to honor the innocent victims of Sept. 11, 2001. The ceremony is being held in conjunction with the Town and the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. The commemoration ceremony honors the victims of the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, airline fl ight takeovers and the American military service personnel who have died in the war against terrorism while other members of the service continue to fi ght.

If you have Trash & Recycling Ser-vices with the Town of Queen Creek, watch for an information package that includes a textile recycling bag that you can use to recycle unwanted clothing. This easy program allows you to simply bag up your new or used clothing, shoes, boots, sandals, tow-els, sheets or blankets and drop them in the blue recycling cart. Then just place the cart curbside on your regu-larly scheduled collection day. For more information, visit QueenCreek.org/recycle.

New Automated Phone System for Paying Utility Bills Customers that prefer to pay their utility and trash bills over the phone now have the convenience of using the Town’s new automated telephone payment system. Instead of waiting in the phone queue

for a Customer Service Representative to take your payment, callers can now choose to pay their bill using the automated system. Try it out today by calling 480-358-3450, and choosing option number 2.

Textile recycling coming to QC

QC Citizen Leadership Institute now accepting registrations for 2012-13 class


www.Sevledger.com

By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger

One brave San Tan Valley girl is seeking the help of the community to raise the funds for her cancer treatment. Numerous fundraising events have been arranged in Aug. by her family to help with the enormous costs, as well as many other donation options for those who want to help.

Dakota Clark, a seven-year-old San Tan Valley girl, was diagnosed with a rare cancer called Burkitt’s lymphoma in May of this year. Though

the family is insured, the costs of treatment are still overwhelming.

Among the many fundraisers scheduled to aid with Dakota’s treatment is a car wash on Aug. 18 in the parking lot at Hunt Highway and Gary Road in San Tan Valley.

There will also be a fundraiser at the TGIFriday’s location at 1720 South Power Road in Mesa. The restaurant will donate 20 percent of their earnings that night to Dakota’s cancer relief fund.

Her family was handed an insulting blow when a

thief nabbed one of their donation jars from a local Walgreen’s on Jul. 23. The checkout counters for customers to deposit bills and loose change set the jars.

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office is pursuing a number of leads in the theft case but has not made any arrests, according to a spokesman.

Jason Clark, Dakota’s father, said the incident was stunning, but that many have come to the family’s aid. “People are feeling horrible about what happened,” Clark said.

Seven-year-old Dakota Clark is on her way to beating cancer.

Fundraisers planned to aid seven-year-old cancer patient’s treatmentThe theft incident was

covered by many local news outlets, including local TV, which Clark said will hopefully help bring attention to their need for replacement funds.

“A lot of people saw it on the news, but a lot of people don’t know her story, so we’re trying to get it out there as fast as we can,” he said.

Clark said there are other fundraising events in the works that will be confirmed soon.

In addition to these events, donors can help by contributing in two ways.

The family has set up a crowd-funding account on the Give Forward website, a site dedicated to raising money for cancer patients. The link for Dakota’s fund is GiveForward.com/SupportDakotaClark.

Donors can also give directly to a bank account set up by her family at Chase Bank under account number 3018891308.

For more information on how to help Dakota Clark, visit DakotasDestiny.com.

By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger At their Aug. 8, 2012 meeting, the Pinal County Board of Supervisors approved the designation of the month of Aug. as Child Support Awareness Month, The Board’s approval comes on the heels of a proclamation Governor Jan Brewer made on July 3 and the motion was presented by County Attorney James Walsh who stressed the importance of the symbolic gesture. Walsh, whose office remains one of the few in the state that still handles child support issues directly, spoke with the Southeast Valley Ledger about the importance of

the program. “Pinal County is somewhat unique as most of the other counties in the state have turned this service over to the Attorney General’s Office,” Walsh explained. “We’ve chosen to keep it as part of the County Attorney’s office so we can provide a broader range of services.” “The Board of Supervisors has always supported us keeping the program in the County,” Walsh continued, “This approval is just a continuation of that support.” Despite keeping services local, the County’s child support services are funded largely through

State Department funding which Walsh says leaves approximately $2 million or 10 percent funded at the County level. In addition to helping families receive back support, the County Attorney’s Office also offers tests to help families determine paternity or modify payment amounts; all in Florence, services Walsh believes wouldn’t be otherwise available in Pinal County. “If we didn’t have this program we would have to send people to Maricopa or Tucson,” he said. While a convenient location is undoubtedly a plus, Walsh pointed out that the real proof of the

Pinal County Attorney James Walsh presents a motion to the Board of Supervisors urging them to recognize Aug. as Child Support Awareness Month. Kostas Kalaitzidis/Pinal County Attorney’s Office

August officially Child Support Awareness Month in Pinal County

Support, Page 19


www.Sevledger.com

United Wayof Pinal County

Friend, Family and Neighbor Home Provider Outreach

CoordinatorResponsibilities include:

• Provide Home Childcare Providers Outreach and support• Oversee program implementation to ensure goals, objectives of program are meet consistently• Work with local service agencies to identify resources to meet family needs, demonstrate follow-up process.• Establish & Maintain Recordkeeping Systems

Qualifications:• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childcare Education preferred or related field• Minimum of five years of experience working with young children (combination of classroom and supervisory experience). • Minimum of 2 years of program management experience,• Knowledge of diverse populations and languages preferred, Bilingual helpful,• Possess strong written and oral communication skills• Valid Arizona Drivers License and insurance• Fingerprint Clearance Card qualified• Background Check required

This position is an exempt position, salary based upon experience with

benefit package. EOEPlease email cover letter and resume to Beverly.Prueter@

unitedwayofpc.org by August 20, 2012.

By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger In unincorporated areas, families rely on local law enforcement, homeowners associations, hospitals or fire departments to promote health and safety in their communities. Rather than continuing to operate separately, the organizations that operate such events in San Tan Valley have come together to form the San Tan Valley

Safety Coalition. Comprised of the Rural/Metro Fire Department, Southwest Ambulance, Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Banner Ironwood Medical Center, Air Evac and the Johnson Ranch HOA, this loose association of agencies held their first event on Aug. 11, 2012. The event, a drowning awareness seminar, included CPR demonstrations, swim

Meet most of the founding members of the new San Tan Valley Public Safety Coalition.

Meet the San Tan Valley Safety Coalition

lessons, tours of local emergency vehicles as well as food and fun. In an interview with the Southeast Valley Ledger Rural/Metro Station 842, Captain and Banner Ironwood Medical Center Pre-Hospital Coordinator John Chrismon made it clear that the community should expect more of the same in the future. “Right now we’re looking to do a public safety day in Oct. at Banner Ironwood or maybe Encanterra,” he said, “Farther out we’re

looking into teaming up with the Grand Canyon Sate Games and doing a remembrance run for Sept. 11 in 2013.” Chrismon pointed out that the organizations that make up the Coalition have a plethora of ideas, which is why it made sense to bring everyone together. “I organized a meeting at Banner and got all the entities in the same room and it was like ‘you’re probably wondering why you’re all here,” he said.

“When we got together it was like wow, we’re already doing the same types of things lets reach out and help each other.” “Everyone was kind of like ‘let’s do it,” he continued. “We’re joining hands and joining forces.” Prior to the formation of the Coalition, Chrismon recalled that oftentimes one group would hold an event and another group would hold a similar event the following month. “We’re working together now rather than being

disconnected,” he said. “We’re ready to show the community we’re all together and ready to make a larger difference.” Now that their first event is behind them, the Coalition has turned some attention to spreading awareness of its existence. “I know the HOAs in the area have agreed to put links on their websites to help get the word out.” Chrismon said. “I think that as it grows and as we do more the community will become more aware.”

By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger

Pinal County’s rural nature, coupled with the transient nature of many of its residents, means it can be easy for services for seniors to get lost in the shuffle. To combat this, the Sheriff’s Office, the County’s Attorney’s Office and Pinal/Gila Counsel for Senior Citizens have partnered with local communities to form a number of Triad designed to pick up the slack.

Pinal County Attorney James Walsh spoke with the Southeast Valley Ledger about the importance of the Triad groups and some of

the services they provide the county’s seniors. “This program is designed to prevent victimization of seniors and to improve their quality of life,” he said. “Local Triad counsels are established in each area of the county to work on senior issues which exist in that area.” According to Walsh, the County Attorney’s Office has a long history of working with the Triads. “Bob Brown was instrumental in Triad movement when he was with the County,” he said. “I also have a connection

Members of the Arizona City and Oracle Triad groups are two of the longest standing and most active groups in Pinal County. Photo courtesy of the Arizona City and Oracle Triad Coalition

Triad groups provide services for seniors

Triad, Page 19


www.Sevledger.com

By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger Three Republican candidates and one Democratic write-in candidate for the District 2 Supervisor seat gathered at a community forum on Aug. 9, 2012 in Florence to discuss the future of the San Tan Valley area and how they would pursue their goals while in office. Participating in the forum were Republicans John Acton, Michael McCord and Carol Springer, as well as Democratic candidate Margo Feldmiller. Also running for the seat are Republicans Cheryl Chase and Tisha Castillo. The forum was hosted by Copper Area News Publishers, publishing company of the Southeast Valley Ledger. Acton, a military veteran and retired police detective, repeated his assertion that the timing for possible San Tan Valley incorporation is not ideal due to the economic climate. He also pledged to initiate the expansion of Hunt Hwy if elected. “We’ve been promised

a four-lane highway for years,” Acton said, “and I’m going after it.” He said he was not a professional politician, pointing to his consistent attendance at Board of Supervisors meetings and his lack of campaign finance backing. He accused the current Board of overspending. “They’ve been dwindling down our rainy day fund from $41 million to approximately $8 million,” he argued, “That’s not what I call good business.” Springer, a former radio and television personality, said she is a life-long conservative who has the communication skills needed to address the needs of her possible constituency. Springer said in order to enhance Hunt Hwy the County must go after state HERF funds and work closely with the Department of Transportation. She also argued STV incorporation was not feasible in the immediate future due to the economy and the recent failed attempt. “It is not the position of the Supervisor to storm this

proposition,” she said, “It is their job to help [STV] achieve that goal should that be what they want.” McCord, the executive director of a charter school, touted his master’s in business administration and experience maintaining the school’s budget, saying he would consider the whole of the County in his decision-making process. “We have to take a County approach,” McCord said, “Not a district view.” McCord said Hunt Hwy will be a critical conduit for economic development that needs to be enhanced to keep up with local growth opportunities. He said STV incorporation should happen but that there are many roadblocks, including the reluctance of the area’s neighbors. “They want to stop us from incorporating because it will take state shared revenue away from them,” he said. “I sat down with some Apache Junction council members, and their number one reason not to help us was the effect it would have on their budget.”

Candidates talk incorporation, Hunt Highway at forumMike McCord Margo Feldmiller John Acton Carol Springer

Feldmiller, an administrative secretary and Democratic write-in candidate, said incorporation of San Tan Valley would be best approached by incorporating small areas first and then annexing out. Feldmiller cited her experience creating a local political action committee and said she would work toward making the County live within its means. “We need to exercise fiscal prudence and focus

on core County services to prepare and plan for the future,” she said.

The District 2 seat will be determined by the primary vote on Aug. 28.

Riven is a Belgian Malinois that was turned in to the human society due to a divorce. He is definitely confused as to why he is here and not back with his family. He is 4 years old, knows a number of commands, is house trained and is good with young children. He is fixed and ready to go to a new forever home. He seems very focused on people and once he has a chance to bond to them, he is going to be an awesome member to his new family. For more information, email [email protected]. All dogs are adopted on a first come - first served basis. If you have other dogs already, you must bring them for introduction prior to adoption. Central Arizona Animal Rescue is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation located in San Tan Valley. Visit them online at Facebook.com/CentralArizonaAnimalRescue.

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By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger The Arizona Department of Education recently released new labels for each of the state’s school districts. The letter grades (A-F), replace the previous designations of excelling, performing plus, performing, underperforming and failing. In the San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) earned an ‘A’ rating, Florence Unified School District (FUSD) and J.O Combs Unified School District each earned a ‘B’ and Coolidge Unified School District earned a ‘C’ ranking. Legacy Traditional School and Edu-Prize, two charter schools in the area, also received ‘A’ rankings. According to AZED.gov, the A-F Accountability Letter Grade Formula is broken down into two 100-point sections, academic growth and academic outcomes; Academic growth is determined by comparing the change in AIMS test scores from one year to the next for similarly achieving students across the state and academic outcomes measures the percentage of students passing the AIMS test. QCUSD scored 143 points on the A-F formula with all

of its elementary schools earning an ‘A’ ranking and for his part, Superintendent Tom Lindsey couldn’t be happier. “We are extremely proud of our students, teachers and administrators for earning an ‘A ‘grade from the Department of Education for the second year in a row,” he said in an email exchange with Southeast Valley Ledger. “We take seriously our responsibility and mission as a public school to educate all students and truly believe that Learning is our number one priority.” While the ‘A’ grades were nice, Lindsey also point out that there wasn’t anything lower than a ‘B’ anywhere in the district but that QCUSD wasn’t about to rest on its laurels. “We are already working with teachers and administrators in analyzing our data so that we can continue to improve and to reach our goal of ALL students making a year’s growth,” he continued. “We are working towards a ‘threepeat’ of being identified as a grade ‘A’ District.” With a score of 127 and a ‘B’ ranking FUSD earned the seconded highest score in the area with Anthem, Circle Cross and Skyline Ranch K-8 School earning a ‘C’ or average level or

performance. For his part, Superintendent Dr. Gary Nine feels that a single grade might be to general to be the best indicator for a school’s success. “The frustrating part of grades such as these is that in some cases it only takes a poor effort in one area to have a negative impact on a school label,” he lamented in a written statement. “We have made some significant progress in many areas of many schools, but when you view the results you’ll also note some slippage.” Looking forward, Nine is confident that FUSD’s new Teacher Advancement Program will strengthen the district as a whole. “Our efforts with TAP initiated at FUSD this year will only make us better,” he said. “All three of our ‘C’s were almost ‘B’s. On the whole we did quite well.” Coming in just behind FUSD with a district average of 120 points, Combs also earned a ‘B’ ranking. Combs Traditional Academy had the highest point total in the district with 139 points, a single point away from receiving an A label. Superintendent Gayle Blanchard explained to the Southeast Valley Ledger that many of the district’s schools saw improvements including

Simonton Elementary, which increased its score by 17 points over the previous year. “We will continue to look at data and use it in setting district and site goals as well as individual teacher goals as a part of our new teacher evaluation process,” Blanchard noted. For the 2012-13 school year, Blanchard explained that Combs will see an extra emphasis on math. “We are very excited to have received a grant from the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) allowing us to utilize academic coaches,” she enthused. “These academic coaches will provide direct support for teachers in the classroom; assist with professional development and model effective instructional strategies.” Rounding out the local school districts, CUSD received an overall score of 100 points and a ‘C’ ranking, clearing the ‘D’ ranking by a single point. Only Mountain Vista Middle School and San Tan Foothills High School received a ‘C’ ranking. In an email conversation with the Southeast Valley Ledger, Superintendent Dr. Cecilia Johnson explained that while her district was pleased to maintain the same letter grade for two years in a row, ‘C’ is not

Local schools’ letter grades a mixed bag

Of the local public school districts, QCUSD is the only one currently ready for a bite at this apple.

where they want to be. “We are concerned that some of our school labels have dropped,” she said. “With this being the first year that the State has implemented the new letter grade system, we are looking forward to learning more and receiving guidance from ADE.” Looking on the bright side,

Johnson pointed out that CUSD’s English Language Learner program moved into the proficient category. “I believe with our highly qualified teachers and our new programs, we will be an A or B district in the coming years,” she said. For more information on the A-F ranking system, visit AZED.gov.

By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger In his own words, Queen Creek High School’s (QCHS) new audio/visual technology and psycholo-gy teacher Richard Franco is “living the dream.” An Arizona native as well as an Arizona State Univer-sity graduate, Franco spoke with the Southeast Valley Ledger about his transition to Queen Creek and what his students can expect for the 2012-13 school year. “Queen Creek High School is one of the best high schools in the state, it was kind of a no-brainer he said with a laugh. Prior to coming to QCHS Franco taught in his home-town of Globe, where he oversaw the high school’s first audio/visual technol-ogy class, an experience he feels gives him insight into his new position. “Although the program here is more established, any time you take over a new program you are re-

Audio/visual technology and psychology teacher Richard Franco. Photo courtesy of Richard Franco

New A/V teacher eager to put QCHS in front of the camera

ally starting from scratch,” he said. “I’ve been through the growing pains, I know where the pitfalls are and I know how to run a success-ful program.” Franco currently teaches audio/visual technology I and a combined audio/visual technology II & III

Teacher, Page 19


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By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger At its regular meeting on Aug. 6, 2012, the Florence Town Council passed an ordinance banning in-situ mining and other operations that use large amounts of sulfuric acid. The ordinance classifies the use of sulfuric acid as a nuisance, arguing the chemical poses a danger to residents. The measure is in reaction to Curis Resources and its proposed Florence Copper Project, which utilizes an in-situ mining process involving the injection of a diluted sulfuric acid solution into underground copper-bearing zones. According to Curis, the in-situ copper recovery solution is 99.7 percent water and one-third of 1 percent sulfuric acid by volume. The solution is injected about 400 to 1,200 feet below the surface, where it dissolves the copper ore and is then extracted back to the surface. The ordinance is only the most recent move by the Town in opposition to the Florence Copper Project.

The Council previously voted against a General Plan amendment proposed by Curis in Nov. 2011. Rita Maguire, senior legal and government affairs advisor for Curis Resources, argued sulfuric acid is a common substance used by a wide variety of businesses. “This product is being transported by trucks and trains traveling through Florence every day,” Maguire wrote. Maguire’s statement said the ordinance was “special legislation” targeted only at Curis and was a violation of equal protection laws. “The town, by this action, is attempting to take private property unfairly and under a thin pretext,” she wrote. Florence Deputy Town Manager Jess Knudson argued the law applies to in-situ mining or any other business, with an exception for agricultural uses that uses large quantities of sulfuric acid. “While this law affects Curis Resources LTD., the law does not solely affect their business,” Knudson said. He said the town was

confident about the ordinance “as means to protect the health, safety and welfare of our residents.” The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality is currently evaluating the Florence Copper Project’s application for a temporary aquifer protection permit. If granted, the permit would allow a pilot test project to proceed on a small portion of Arizona State Trust land. ADEQ officials said many of its requirements for such permits have overlap with federal Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Maguire said the copper project will be thoroughly vetted and evaluated by independent governmental agencies. “All operations will be conducted with the utmost regard for the health, safety, and welfare of the community,” Maguire wrote. “The thorough evaluation process and review must take precedence over any local interference in the state and federal agencies’ regulatory decisions.”

By Zach richterSoutheast Valley Ledger In the fall of 2007, Pinal County took the first steps required to begin the

process of widening Hunt Hwy. Now, nearly five years later, the County has finally received the project’s Environmental

Clearance and set a tentative date to begin construction on Phase I of the project on Dec. 3, 2012.

Florence passes ordinance banning sulfuric acid in mines

Hunt Highway expansion slated to start in December Phase I includes a 1.79-mile stretch of road between Empire Blvd and Thompson Rd. Proposed improvements included a five-lane roadway section, a raised median, drainage improvements and the installation of a traffic signal at Thompson Rd. For a detailed breakdown of the remaining steps in Phase I of the project, the Southeast Valley Ledger contacted Assistant County Manager for Development Services Greg Stanley via email who explained that currently the last of the required right of way (ROW) acquisitions are being made. “We are also getting utilities relocated and getting utility sign offs,” he pointed out. “Once that is done, ADOT will take over the administration of the project. They will bid and administer the construction.” While future phases of the project do not yet include a timeline, Stanley is hopeful that they will

move more quickly once started. “The environmental clearance covers the second phase of the project as well, so that should save time getting it done if federal funds are used for that portion,” he wrote. This is a process dictated by Federal Highways and administered by ADOT for any projects that involve federal funds. Environmental Clearance involves a check of all the categories covered by the National Environmental Policy Act.” Stanley pointed out that for Phase I, the County submitted the initial environmental reports to ADOT in March 2010 and received the final sign off in June of 2012.“Hopefully we will be able to save and use local funds on future phases - which eliminates the time it takes to get a project out to bid,” Stanley continued. “Local procurement is much simpler.” Once started construction

is expected to last 300 days but Stanley pointed out that the County has already taken steps to minimize the inconvenience to commuters. “The County paved Empire Road through to Gary in anticipation of this project so a lot of the traffic will be able to use that as a detour,” he explained. “We also completed the work at the intersection of Empire/Ellsworth/Hunt in advance…getting some of the worst out of the way up front as that intersection had to be completely torn apart to install drainage.” Most of all, Stanley made it clear that the County is as anxious as residents to see the Hunt Hwy expansion finally begin. “Pinal County staff wants this done as much as the residents do,” he enthused. “Our project manager, team working to gather ROW and coordinate utility relocations and the contract engineers are anxious to see construction under way.”

By Sherry ButlerSpecial to Southeast Valley Ledger I recently had a couple from Florida contact me to find them a home here in San Tan Valley, in hopes of moving right in. First, they gave me a list of requirements a single level, 2000 square foot or more, open floor plan, and a backyard with a view. I sent them several homes to look over online and they chose 10 to check out in person. Away we went with great excitement, to look at the bank owned homes. After the first long day of looking

at properties overgrown with weeds, complete with soiled carpets, smelly pet and cigarette stains, missing light fixtures, missing appliances and holes in the walls, things were looking bleak. I explained that in most bank owned purchases, once an accepted offer is on the table, it is time to hire a home inspector. In order to do an inspection on the home, the buyer has to put all of the utilities in their name, as the bank won’t have any services going to the empty home. After offer acceptance, the buyers have

seven to ten days to decide to accept the home and move forward or to not accept the home in the condition reported by inspection and cancel the contract. The second day went much better for my house hunting couple. They found two homes that met their criteria. This was a new build community so the rules were a little different. I explained to the buyers that I would sign them in at this community so that I will be able to represent them as their buyer broker in the event that they chose to buy

Bank owned versus new build-which is the better deal

Real Estate, Page 12


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By Zach richter Southeast Valley Ledger With four high schools in a six-mile-radius, each school in the San Tan Valley/Queen Creek area has to do what it can to stand out from the crowd. For Combs High School (CHS), this means committing to a specialized medical

education program starting with adding a Medical Professions I course to the 2012-13 syllabus. CHS Principal Brenda Mayberry explained that students in the Medical Professions I course are taking advantage of planning that goes back to before the school opened its

doors in 2009. “It took several years to put in place before we could offer it,” Mayberry said in an interview with the Southeast Valley Ledger. “The first step was to collaborate with Banner Ironwood… a big requirement was finding a teacher who is also a

registered nurse. It was kind of tricky to be able to successfully find the individual needed to make it a possibility but we’ve done it.” Moving forward, Mayberry says that medical courses will expand based on student interest and that Medical Professions II as

well as possibly a nursing or EMT course will be offered during the 2013-14 school year. With 40 years of nursing experience and nearly as much time spent teaching, the teacher ultimately chosen to spearhead the new program is registered nurse Susan Belshe.

Belshe, who has a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in nursing filled the Southeast Valley Ledger in on the details of the Medical Professions I course. “The course is for students wishing to pursue a career in the medical field,” she said. “It will teach students

Working to train tomorrow’s doctors: Medical

Combs High School Medical Professions I students learn proper pulse-taking technique from RN Susan Belshe. Zach Richter/Southeast Valley Ledger

To help students better practice their future trade, Combs High School has a doctor’s office on its second floor. Zach Richter/Southeast Valley Ledger

RN Susan Belshe has been teaching for twice as long as any of her students have been alive. Zach Richter/Southeast Valley Ledger


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program comes to Combs High Schoolproper care of patients along with basic knowledge of medical procedures and terminology.” “The curriculum explores all the different types of careers in the healthcare fields and integrates science and math concepts as well as teamwork, leadership and conflict resolution,” she continued. “There are threads here for a lot of the things we look at enhancing with every student.” The nature of the medical profession courses requires a little more than the standard classroom, which is why Combs High School includes a practice doctor’s office, though according to Belshe they are still a little short on the tools they will need to help the practice patients. “We’re in the process of acquiring equipment right now, I’m working to develop some new contacts,” Belshe said. “We have seven patient care areas right now and it will be important for the students to have this type of hands on experience.” According to Belshe, the

average day of course time for students will include both a lecture portion and some time for students to put their fledgling training into action. “Ideally you don’t want to have more than a 20 minute lecture before application,” she reasoned. “It’s important for students to build skills through practice and repetition.” While a specialized medical program is new to the area, Bleshe pointed out that specialization is becoming increasingly common. “It’s a great starting point for students, it really gives them a springboard towards the medical field.” Looking forward, Belshe hopes the 2013-14 school year will see the Combs medical program receive approval from the State Board of Nursing. “I know that is a goal that we are working towards you have to be approved by the Board before you can become a certified program,” she said. “April 2013 is the timeframe; hopefully we can get everything ready by then.

Medical Professions I offers both traditional instruction and hands on practice time. Zach Richter/Southeast Valley Ledger


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a home here. Many buyers don’t think they need a Realtor at a new build community but that is not true. A buyer needs a Realtor to represent their best interest just as the sales representative for the new build community is looking out for the best interest of the builder. At the end of the day, they were torn between three homes. One place needed a few miscellaneous repairs that would bring the total investment to $115,000 for 1698 sq. ft. The second had 2021 sq. ft and just needed someone to freshen up; it was priced at $124,900. The home they purchased was 1838 sq. ft, all black appliances, upgraded cabinets, tile floors, no homes behind it with a great view of the mountains, painted with neutral colors, and most important, 10 year

warranty. It was love at first sight. After 20 years of finding homes for buyers, I understand their emotions. Many buyers explain to me that when they first walk in the door of a home, they can tell this is the home for them! After looking at the inventory of properties available, sometimes the best deal is the home that gives you the most peace of mind. For representation and more information with new builds, call Sherry Butler 480-789-2209 with San Tan Valley Real Estate.

Real EstateContinued from Page 9

By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger Republican hopeful Anthony Gonzalez is aiming for the Pinal County Superintendent of Schools seat. He faces off against Jill Broussard in the Republican primary, and if successful, will go against Democratic incumbent Orlenda Roberts. Gonzalez, a certified teacher who resides in

Maricopa, said he would aim to bring a County school district to the state’s top 15 and ease the pressures of first-year teachers if elected. Gonzalez has been a resident of Arizona for the last 17 years. He has a master’s degree in secondary education and is currently pursuing a Masters in education technology.

Gonzalez seeks Republican nod for superintendent race

Republican County Superintendent candidate Anthony Gonzalez.

and methods. “The goal is to make our instructors the best they can be from the start,” he said. The first role of the County Superintendent of Schools is to improve education, he said, and to make sure that the needs of the children being educated are met. “This is something that can be done through the powers invested in the position,” he said. He hopes to see Pinal County as the shining light of the state’s education system “I see a future where our children become the leaders they are destined

GOLD CANYON, Ariz. – The sixth annual Gold Canyon Day of the Cowboy celebration will take place this year on Oct. 13 and 14 in Gold Canyon. The “Day of the Cowboy” event celebrates the contribution that the American Cowboy has made to this region’s rich Western history. On Sat. October 13the event will kick off with a golf tournament to benefit the Peralta Trail Elementary School hosted by the Gold Canyon Golf Resort. Contact Ryan at 480-671-5566 or email [email protected] for tournament details. Later that day, the Mojave Muleskinners (western

Day of the Cowboy returns to Gold Canyon this Oct.

Gunslingers) will be creating western fun with skits and shootouts at the Gold Canyon Golf Resort starting at 4:00 p.m. and throughout the evening. The Resort will also be hosting a vendor fair and Old West games and rides from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. that

will include face painting, hot air balloon, petting and reptile zoo, as well as western photos, live music and more. Western attire is encouraged. The outdoor afternoon and evening events are free to the public. A barbeque buffet dinner

Cowboy, Page 13

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Gonzalez said he left his private sector job as a commercial scientist to pursue teaching science, which he said is a rare move. “As a science teacher, I have had the chance to create my own curriculum and coaching other teachers to come up with material,” he said. “It helps to actually be a scientist who teaches.” He also started his own cosmetics business, saying he is the only candidate that has created jobs in the past. “I have had the chance to learn what it takes to hire the right people, and make situations better,” he said. His goal is to make the education in Pinal County the best in Arizona and he has developed a four-step plan to achieve that goal. One means to that end would be teaming with private entities. “I want to reduce to cost of education while improving it, and involve our private and business communities in our schools,” he said. He said that the County currently does not have a single top 15 school district in the state. “My goal is to have at least one district meet that by the end of my first four years,” he said. “I intend to do better than Pima County and have at least three districts in the top 15 by the end of eight years.” Another goal of his is to create an environment that builds great teachers, starting with a first-year development program that eases newcomer educators into the fold. “The first year of teaching is one of the scariest endeavors a person can go through,” he said. He argued this would stop the high turnover rates, reduce the stress of first year teachers and help with teaching strategies

to be, and the best citizens they can be,” he said.

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will be available at the Resort starting at 5:00 p.m. Call 480-671-5517 for indoor seating reservations. Lighter fare barbeque will also be available at the outdoor Snack Shop that evening. Rounding out the evening, families are invited to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy live music from 4:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. and a fireworks display starting at 8:00 p.m. Some parking will be available at the Resort with additional event parking available courtesy of Gold

Canyon United Methodist Church (6640 S Kings Ranch Rd.). Free Shuttle Service will be provided from the Church parking lot to the Resort from 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. On Sun. Oct. 14, the Gold Canyon United Methodist Church will host a community picnic. Enjoy free hay rides, games for kids, live music, free treats and hot dogs. This event will run from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information including scheduling updates, visit DayoftheCowboy.co (not .com). The Fireworks display is being made possible thanks

to donations from the following sponsors: SRP, Gold Canyon Golf Resort, Curis Resources Arizona Inc/ Florence Copper, Mountain Vista Medical Center, Gold Canyon Business Association(GCBA), Central Arizona College (CAC), Sysco Foods, Lori Blank and Associates, Brown and Brown Insurance, Shamrock Foods, MountainBrook Village HOA, Rossmar and Graham, Wells Fargo Bank, Right Away Disposal, Edward Jones-Matt Rupert , Edward Jones – Darnell Grossi, Horne Ford and Golden Eagle Distributors. Assistance is being provided by the Apache Junction Fire District, and Pinal County.

CowboyContinued from Page 12

FLORENCE, Ariz. – Pinal County Public Health of-ficials have confirmed this year’s first human case of West Nile Virus. A female in her 30s from the northern Florence area tested posi-tive. Her prognosis is good and she has so far reported only milder symptoms. West Nile virus activity has been reported in por-tions of Maricopa and Pinal counties as evidenced by mosquito surveillance and documented human cases in the past several weeks. Countywide surveillance activities have detected mosquitoes carrying West Nile in Maricopa, San Tan Valley, Arizona City, Flor-ence (Magic Ranch area) and Coolidge. Seven human cases of West Nile have been identi-fied statewide this year. Six cases occurred in Maricopa County residents and one in a Pinal County woman. Several other potential hu-man cases are under inves-tigation by state and local health officials. One West Nile-associated death oc-

curred in Maricopa County so far this year. Pinal County has con-firmed only one case so far, but many more cases are likely occurring since most people who are exposed experience no symptoms or very mild symptoms and do not seek medical care. Physicians generally test for West Nile only if severe symptoms develop. “West Nile virus is a sig-nificant threat to public health and should not be taken lightly. While the ill-ness from West Nile virus is often times minor, some cases can become serious, resulting in permanent neurological damage and even death. I urge all Pinal County residents to take the simple steps needed to protect themselves, family and friends from West Nile virus,” said Tom Schryer, Director of Pinal County Public Health. West Nile leads to no Symptoms in most people. Approximately, 80 percent of people who are infected with West Nile will not

show any symptoms at all. Up to 20 percent of the people who become infect-ed have symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting and sometimes swollen lymph glands or a skin rash on the chest, stomach and back. Symptoms can last for as short as a few days, though even healthy people have become sick for sev-eral weeks. About one in 150 people infected with West Nile will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms can in-clude high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, dis-orientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weak-ness, vision loss, numb-ness and paralysis. These symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological ef-fects may be permanent. Pinal County Environmen-tal Health monitors nearly 150 mosquito traps around the county to identify ar-eas where mosquitoes are carrying West Nile virus. When positive mosquitoes are found, fogging is con-

Be aware, West Nile Virus has been found in Pinal County. CDC/ James Gathany

First human case of West Nile Virus confirmed in Pinal County

ducted to decrease the po-tential for transmission to humans. The County has a mosquito

hotline and a webpage. If you would like information on mosquito prevention and control, please call:

866-287-0209, ext. 6200, or visit the West Nile virus webpage at PinalCounty-AZ.gov.

County health officials urge all county residents to “Fight the Bite” and follow these simple personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes and the diseases they may carry:• Avoid outside activity between dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. • If you must be outdoors when mosquitoes are active, wear lightweight clothing that covers your arms and legs and use an insect repellent containing an EPA registered active ingredient such as DEET, Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. • Always follow the directions on the

label. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and remain closed. • Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.• Eliminate mosquito-breeding sites around the home by removing standing water in potted plants, tires, bird baths and other containers where water may collect.• Ensure that swimming pools and decorative water features are properly maintained.• Change water in flowerpots, birdbaths and pet watering bowls located outdoors at least twice per week.


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Question: My doctor scheduled me for a heart scan called a coronary computed tomography angiogram. What is this test and what is it used to diagnose? Answer: A coronary computed tomography angiogram, also known as a cardiac CTA is a non-invasive heart imaging test that can determine whether fatty deposits or calcium deposits have built up in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, and if areas that have build-up called plaque are not treated they can cause heart disease. Heart disease can

lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain and/or heart attack. A cardiac CTA is a special X-ray exam. Patients receive an iodine contrast dye as an IV solution to ensure the best images possible can be taken during the exam. The same IV may be used to give a medication to slow or stabilize a patient’s heart rate for better imaging results. A cardiac CTA is most appropriate for patients who: • Do not have symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fatigue

during heavy physical activity.• Have some unusual symptoms of heart dis-ease, but are at lower risk of heart disease.• Have unclear or inconclusive stress-test re-sults. This kind of testing is used on patients as an alternative to a more invasive procedure that requires additional recovery time for the patient called cardiac catheterization. Patients with a history of chest pain during heavy physical activity, a history of positive stress-test results, or a known history of coronary artery disease or heart attack would

not be considered for a cardiac CTA and would have a cardiac catheterization. Carmen Utecht, B.S.R.T. (R), R.D.M.S., R.V.T. is the Radiology Supervisor at Mercy Gilbert Medical Center. For a free doctor referral, please call ResourceLink at 1-877-728-5414.

How does coronary calcium scoring check for heart disease? Who should get a coronary calcium score? What do the results mean? These questions will be answered at a free seminar, “Heart attack prevention through coronary calcium scoring,” which will be held Wednesday, Aug. 29, at the Chandler Regional Medical Center, Morrison Building Auditorium, 1875 West Frye Road, Chandler. Presentations will occur hourly from 3-9 p.m.

Making the presentations is Jeffrey J. Fine, M.S., Ph.D. Dr. Fine is a nationally recognized expert in the field of coronary artery disease, heart attack prevention and coronary calcium scor-ing. He serves as president and CEO of J & J Medical, a medical education and consulting company specializing in preventative cardi-ology, heart attack prevention and develop-

ment of heart imaging testing programs. He is also Executive Directory of Physician Training and Heart Attack Prevention Initia-tives worldwide for the Society of heart At-tack Prevention and Eradication. Dr. Fine’s clinically based coronary calci-um scoring training program has been imple-mented internationally, improving outcomes for tens of thousands of patients worldwide. He has conducted numerous clinical trials

and published scientific contributions related to coronary calcium scoring, subclinical car-diovascular disease identification and treat-ment, and the use of CT scan technology in diagnosing artery disease. The seminar is presented as part of the Dignity Health HealthSpan™ Speakers’ Bu-reau. Please RSVP to ResourceLink at (480) 728-5414.

By Alison Stanton As manager of spiritual care services at Chandler Regional Medical Center and its sister hospital Mercy Gilbert, Mario Valadez speaks to people every day who are struggling in one way or another. Some have questions about their personal life or health; others might be having economic difficulties. From the staff at both hospitals to patients and their families, many people approach Valadez regularly with both tangible and philosophical questions about their lives, relationships, jobs and more. Valadez, who has been in his current position at the hospital for about five months, realized that a lot of those he counsels share the same questions and feelings. So when Kirk Wilkinson, who has

been presenting a series of free monthly classes at both hospitals called Living Your Life with Purpose, approached Valadez to ask if he could continue the program, Valadez readily agreed. The program had been originally started by Nancy Cook, the previous manager of spiritual care services. Cook’s goal was that each class would address some of the common concerns participants were having and, ideally, offer them inspiration and hope. After speaking with Wilkinson, Valadez said he “thought it would be a happy marriage” between Wilkinson and the hospitals to continue the popular program. “Problems don’t just disappear when people get to work. It’s a privilege for us to be able to support our staff as well as

members of the public by offering these classes,” Valadez said. The next class, Learn from Your Past, will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, at the Chandler facility and on Wednesday, Sept. 5 in Gilbert. “We get a good mix each month of staff members and people from the community,” Valadez said. “I think the biggest thing about these classes is that people feel more empowered after they attend. Plus Kirk makes the classes very engaging and so people can’t help but want to participate in the discussions with him.” Each month focuses on a new topic, ranging from how to develop a true sense of self to learning the art of forgiveness, according to Valadez. He added that participants may pick and

choose which classes they attend, but advance registration is required to be sure there is enough space for all. “In addition to Kirk, the classes now sometimes feature different speakers who come in and address the class about the topic. It’s usually one of the directors from the hospitals who do it.”Gina Stoner, patient safety manager at Mercy Gilbert, has attended over a dozen of the classes so far. She said each one relates to day-to-day living, as opposed to more “out there” seminars she has seen advertised in the past at other venues. “Sometimes you see topics for classes and you think ‘yeah, that might be nice but it’s not really part of my life,’” she said. “But these have just been really great.”

By David Sayen, Medicare Regional AdministratorSpecial to Southeast Valley Ledger In the first four months of 2012, more than 416,000 people with Medicare saved an average of $724 on prescription drugs and 12.1 million used a free preventive service. Under the new health care law, known as the Affordable Care Act, seniors and people with disabilities in Medicare have saved a total of $3.5 billion on prescription drugs in the Medicare drug benefit coverage gap or “donut hole” from the enactment of the law in March 2010 through April of 2012. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released data showing that in the first four months of 2012 alone, more than 416,000 people saved an average of $724 on the prescription drugs they purchased after they hit the prescription

drug coverage gap or “donut hole,” for a total of $301.5 million in savings. These savings build on the law’s success in 2010 and 2011, when more than 5.1 million people with Medicare saved over $3.2 billion on prescription drugs. In addition, CMS announced that this year, from Jan. through April, 12.1 million people in traditional Medicare received at least one preventive service at no cost to them including over 856,000 who have taken advantage of the annual wellness visit provided in the Affordable Care Act. In 2011, over 26 million people in traditional Medicare received one or more preventive benefits free of charge. “Thanks to the health care law, millions of people with Medicare have paid less for health care and prescription drugs,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn

Tavenner. “The law is helping people with Medicare lower their medical costs, and giving them more resources to stay healthy.” People with Medicare who hit the coverage gap “donut hole” in 2010 received a one-time $250 rebate. In 2011, people with Medicare began receiving a 50 percent discount on covered brand name drugs and seven percent coverage of generic drugs in the “donut hole.” This year, Medicare coverage for generic drugs in the coverage gap has risen to 14 percent. Coverage for both brand name and generic drugs in the gap will continue to increase over time until 2020, when the coverage gap will no longer exist. Prior to 2011, people with Medicare faced cost sharing for many preventive benefits like cancer screenings and smoking cessation counseling. Now, many of these

benefits are offered free of charge to beneficiaries, with no deductible or co-pay, so that cost is no longer a barrier for seniors who want to find and treat problems early. For more information on Medicare-covered preventive services, many of which are now provided without charge to beneficiaries thanks to the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov. To learn what screenings, vaccinations and other preventive services doctors recommend for you and those you care about visit the health finder tool at HealthFinder.gov. David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Trust Territories. Additional answers to Medicare questions are available by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Ask the Health Expert: Heart ScanCarmen Utecht, B.S.R.T. (R), R.D.M.S., R.V.T.

Health care law has saved over $3.5 billion so far

Learn about heart attack prevention at free seminar

Living Your Life with Purpose series coming this September

Purpose, Page 19


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WeeKly eveNtSMondaysClip ‘n’ Swap - The Villages: Bring your coupons, sales circulars, a pair of scissors, your binder and anything else you need to join us for coffee, snacks and conversation location varies visit http://goo.gl/IILzu for more infoTuesdaysSan Tan Toastmasters: 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. at the SRP Service Center at 3735 E. Combs Rd. santantm.comQueen Creek Women in Business: 8:00 a.m. M&I Bank (Ellsworth and Ocotillo) 480-882-3017Hand and Foot: 8:00 a.m. Denny’s on Hunt Hwy. breakfast with cards to follow call Margaret 480-310-8706Kiwanis Club of Queen Creek: 6:15 PM to 7:30 PM 1st & 3rd Tuesday at Canyon State Academy cafeteria Rittenhouse and Hawes road. call Jerry at 480-209-7699WednesdaysBingo at Caliente Casa de Sol: card sales begin at 6:00 p.m. 3502 N. Pinal ParkwayCelebrate Recovery: 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. step study group call Ron and Lisa Davis 602-391-3292rummy Cub: 8:00 a.m. breakfast with games to follow call Margaret 480-310-8706ThursdaysSuper Market: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. indoor farmers market hayrides and petting zoo Superstition Farm west of San Tan Freeway north on Elliot www.SuperstitionFarm.comCookin N’ Corks at The Windmill Winery: Dinner menu changes every week visit www.thewindmillwinery.com for info reservations are necessary. Call by Wednesday 12:00 p.m. 520-858-6050FridaysFlorence Gardens Mobile Home Association Bingo: 7:00 p.m. 3815 Florence Blvd 520-868-5136.Happy Hour at The Windmill Winery: 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. $2 Beer and Wine Appetizer Plates $7 reservations are not required www.thewindmillwinery.comCelebrate Recovery: 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. San Tan Christian Center 7377 W. Hunt Hwy. SaturdaysCrafts, Food, Vendors: corner of Ironwood and Ocotillo next to M&I bankOpen Merchants Market at Ocotillo

Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 40975 N. Ironwood Dr.Freedom Fest: Artisan, Crafters & Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. 39731 N Kennedy Dr.Gilbert Farmers Market: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.San Tan Valley Co-Ed Golf League: 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Golf Club at Johnson RanchQueen Creek Olive Mill Farmer’s Market: 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local seasonal produce from Green Bee Produce, olive oil popped popcorn, fresh bread, fresh fish from Davey Jones Seafood, local beef, chicken and pork from Red Mountain Cattle, fresh eggs. Held under the large white canopy west of the Olive Mill Building. Cash onlySundaysOpen Merchants Market at Ocotillo Trails: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 40975 N. Ironwood Dr.

8/17/12 San Tan Republican Club: 6:00 p.m. Sheriff’s office at Gantzel and Combs Paul Messinger 480-358-4046 [email protected]/17/12 San Tan Regional Chamber: 12:00 p.m. www.SanTanShopper.com8/17/12 Harmony for Lunch Brunch: 12:00 p.m. Dema’s Italian Bistro 18256 E. Williams Field Rd. 480-921-22378/18/12 Pinal County Republican Committee: 9:00 a.m. at Sun City Anthem Union Center, Florence, AZ. 520-494-72658/18/12 Epic Food Mission: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Distributions from Walker Butte Elementary Bring proof of residency and photo ID 480-882-95308/21/12 Coolidge Youth Coalition: 4:00 p.m. City Council Chambers8/21/12 Florence Chamber: 12:00 p.m. monthly luncheon www.florenceazchamber.com 8/22/12 GCBA Mixer/Meetings: 5:30 p.m. www.gcba.biz 8/22/12 WOAMTEC Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. $15 May attend twice before membership is required Cantina Laredo 2150 E Williams Field Rd. Gilbert8/23/12 San Tan Valley Chamber of Commerce: 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. SRP Service Center - 3735 E. Combs Rd, San Tan Valley 480-626-7757 8/28/12 San Tan Lions Club: 7:00 p.m. Copper Basin Fire Station 480-882-2710


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Stoner said every time she attends a class at Chandler Regional or Mercy Gilbert she thinks it can’t possibly be better than the previous one; but then ends up being pleasantly surprised to learn something new. “They really all have been helpful,” she said. “I might be in a bad mood when I get there but then I listen to

Kirk speak and I walk out of there with a whole new attitude.” Valadez said he is pleased that the classes are continuing at both hospitals. “They provide that dose of encouragement that we all really need,” he said. For more information on the Living Your Life with Purpose series, call Valadez at 480-728-7170. To register, call 877-728-5414.

PurposeContinued from Page 15

success of the program is the $22 million collected for approximately 11,000 families during the last fiscal year. Currently there are four lawyers and 28 other employees who oversee child support cases, according to Walsh his team is one of the best, and they have the state incentive grants to prove it. “We’ve been recognized as the best or one of the best in the state,” he said. “The Department of Economic Security sets benchmarks expecting certain things and we always beat them.” To celebrate the

designation of Aug. as Child Support Awareness Month, Walsh says that his office will be displaying a banner (pictured) to show their support of the program and their dedication to its importance. “Those funds go directly

to clothes or nutrition, school supplies or medical assistance,” Walsh said. “This is important work otherwise they have no other recourse.” For more information on the child support services provided by Pinal County, visit PinalCountyAZ.gov.

SupportContinued from Page 5

with senior issues, when I was with the Arizona Attorney General’s Office I worked with the elder abuse task force in Tucson. It was an easy transition from there to the notion of Triads.” Currently, County Attorney’s Office Community Liaison Blanca Varela attends Triad meetings and keeps the County Attorney’s Office abreast of any needs the multiple groups might have, a task that Walsh explained was vital as each Triad group operates independently of the rest. “The notion of Triads is every Triad looks a little bit different than the next,” Walsh said. “Each includes community components and needs that shapes the Triad and makes it unique.” Services provided by each Triad vary but Walsh discussed three of the Triads’ most common services, lock boxes, home

alone units and reassurance calls. “We offer lock boxes, boxes placed usually on the porch with a key to the residence inside that only emergency responders can open,” Walsh said. “That way if we know something is going on inside they can get in without breaking down the door or forcing a window.” “The notion of a home alone unit is simple,” Walsh continued. “Elderly individuals are often isolated by themselves and all kinds of things can happen be it a fall or a stroke or what-have-you. Using the unit is quicker than dialing 911 and it sends a first responder to the home to see what assistance is necessary. While not focusing on immediate response in times of emergency, Walsh noted that another Triad service, reassurance calls, can pick up on potential issues before they get out of hand. “Community members contact seniors every day to make sure everything

is alright,” he said. “Oftentimes volunteers who go to people’s homes can see what’s wrong and report to us and then we can follow up.” “Approximately 1 in 10 seniors will be the subject of financial, physical or psychological abuse,” Walsh warned. “All of these things are out there, just as young people are more vulnerable the elderly are vulnerable.” For more information on the Triad program or to find the program in a specific area, contact County Attorney’s Office Community Liaison Blanca Varela at 520-866-6804. Pinal County also has a Senior Resource Center located at 94 W. Butte in Florence, which exists to assist seniors with problems that they may encounter. The Center does not provide services in most cases but volunteers will assist seniors in finding the resources they need. Call the Resource Center at 520-866-6075 for more information.

TriadContinued from Page 6

course each with approxi-mately 25 students and while growing the interest in the program to justify a full schedule would nice; he is equally excited about

teaching psychology. “I’ve taken a ton of cours-es in child development psychology,” Franco said. “It’s an exciting new chal-lenge and I’m ready for it.” Despite only being in class for a few weeks so far, Franco’s students have already completed a com-

mercial promoting the school that is scheduled to run on QCHS.QCUSD.org in the coming weeks. “[Filming the commer-cial] it went relatively smoothly,” Franco noted before explaining that he wasn’t surprised at that fact as all of his students are

anxious to be involved in the process. “They’re not just there waiting for lunch,” Franco continued before pointing out that it is the same for students who get to be in front of the camera. “While filming the com-mercial they worked with student council and when they asked who wanted to be in the shot, every hand went up,” he enthused. “Kids just gravitate to-wards it.” Having just graduated from ASU in 2009, Franco says his age and his fa-miliarity with technology

helps him connect with students. “Being able to relate to kids is one of the most im-portant things we do as ed-ucators,” he said. “Just the fact that I know what Twit-ter is gets me in the door so I can have a conversation on their level.” Moving forward, Franco plans to help his students to start a media produc-tion company complete with time in the morning announcements, highlight footage of every sporting event and a top-secret proj-ect that will include all of QCHS’s approximately

1,700 students. “We’re going to have cameras everywhere,” he said, “People don’t know how much awesome stuff is going on at the school, we’re anxious to promote it.” While several of his proj-ects were still under wraps, Franco is confident that everything will come to-gether. “I have some pretty grandiose ideas,” he said, “It’s going to be fun.” Visit QCHS.QCUSD.org and SoutheastValleyReg-ister.com in the coming months for video from the QCHS A/V Club.

TeacherContinued from Page 8


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