2_27_13 SEV Ledger

Building Community Connections in STV & QCVol. 1 No. 15 Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2013 FREE

To buy or not to buy ...

Queen Creek voters will decide, See 2

SoutheaSt Valley ledger February 27, 2013

Southeast Valley LedgerJames Carnes….....................................PublisherMichael Carnes...........................General ManagerJennifer Carnes................................…Managing EditorMila Lira...................................Advertising DirectorChase Kamp............................................ReporterCourtney Trumbull…................................Offi ce Manager

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Published each Wednesday at 22308 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 by Copper Area News Publishers. Mailing address is Southeast Valley Ledger, c/o Copper Area News Publishers, PO Box 579, Kearny, AZ 85137.

Telephone (480) 745-1055The Ledger is distributed via stands and mailed free to

subscribers. Subscriptions are free to those with a Queen Creek or San Tan Valley address.

“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”

—-David Brinkley

Obituaries

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30 acre village East on Hwy 60 past Gold Canyon GOLF Resort

Jeffrey Dale Brigham Sr., 52, passed away Feb. 16, 2013 at his home in San Tan Valley.

He was born Sept. 8, 1960 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He lived in San Tan Valley for

four years and worked as a computer operator at Fiduciary Trust. He leaves behind his

Shirley Faye Crow, 72, passed away at her home in San Tan Valley on Feb. 17, 2013. She was born in Manila, Arkansas on July 31, 1940 and was a cook by trade. She leaves behind a daughter, Candina Rainwater of San Tan Valley. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season’s End Mortuary, 861 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction.

Christine Lenore Lytle, 67, passed away at her home in Queen Creek on Jan. 22, 2013. She was born Jan. 11, 1946 in Pittsfi eld, Massachusetts and was a real estate agent. She leaves behind a daughter, Melinda Miller of Worcester, Massachusetts. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season’s End Mortuary, 861 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction.

Jeff rey Dale Brigham Sr.September 8, 1960 - February 16, 2013

wife, Liz; children, Amanda (Ivan) Murguia of Cookeville, Tennessee, Jeffrey (Marshawn) Brigham Jr., Ryan Brigham, Wendi Coppernoll, Teri Coppernoll, Holly Coppernoll, Heidi Coppernoll and Harry Coppernoll; and six grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Services for Mr. Brigham were held Saturday, Feb. 23, at LifePoint Church, 28479 N. Main St., San Tan Valley, with Pastor Gary Kinnaman offi ciating. Interment will be held Feb. 27 at National Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season’s End Mortuary, 861 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction.

Shirley Faye Crow

July 31, 1940 - Feb. 17, 2013

Christine Lenore Lytle

Jan. 11, 1946 - Jan. 22, 2013

February 27, 2013 SoutheaSt Valley ledger

Church DirectorySt. Michael the Archangel Church25394 N. Poseidon Rd., Florence • 520-723-6570

Rev. Fr. Dale A. Branson, Pastorwww.stmichaels77.org • [email protected] Masses (held at Copper Basin K-8 School)

Saturday 4 p.m., Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m.CCD Classes Sunday 9:15 a.m.

Psalm 1:2

Call Mila Besich-Lira at 520-827-0676 or email [email protected] to be included in the directory

4815 W. Hunt Hwy, Queen Creek • 480-677-2100www.mvfcaz.com

Service Times ................ Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9:15 & 11 a.m.Children’s Classes held during all services

4th/5th grade & Jr. High ....... Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 9:15 a.m.High School .................................Saturday 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.

February Teaching Series “What is Love?”

Steve Lee Fillmore, 64, passed away Jan. 25, 2013. He was born April 21, 1949 in Blackfoot, Idaho. He had been a resident of Queen Creek for 20 years and was self-employed as a handyman. He leaves behind a wife, Eileen. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season’s End Mortuary, 861 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction.

Sharyl June Semeniuk, 64, passed away at her winter residence in San Tan Valley on Jan. 28, 2013. She was born March 6, 1948 in Canada, which is where she resided during the summer months. She was a retired realtor. Mrs. Semeniuk leaves behind her husband, Raymond. Arrangements were entrusted to At Season’s End Mortuary, 861 W. Superstition Blvd., Apache Junction.

Sharyl June

SemeniukMarch 6, 1948 - Jan. 28, 2013

Steve Lee

FillmoreApril 21, 1949 - Jan. 25, 2013

ObituariesBy Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has fined the Florence Unified School District more than $31,000 for asbestos violations found in a 2011 inspection of Flor-ence High School. However, district officials said the issues have been addressed and FHS will ultimately not owe fees to the EPA as the documented costs of compli-ance were the same as the fine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency fined six Arizona school districts a combined total of $94,575 for Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) violations in Feb. 2013. More than 15,000 children attend the 25 schools not in compliance with the federal AHERA in these districts. Florence Unified School District was fined $31,705, but no cash payment was due because the docu-

mented costs of compliance exceeded the penalty. Rules allow each school district to subtract properly docu-mented costs of complying with the regulations from the penalty amount. Florence USD spokesper-son Dana Hawman said the cost of review, remediation, planning and training was equal to the price of the fine. She said all surfaces con-taining asbestos have been identified and any areas needing remediation have been addressed. “Asbestos does not become a problem, though, unless and until it is disturbed, so there are some areas where asbestos is still in place,” she explained. Necessary repairs are com-pleted, she added, with the caveat that monitoring is an ongoing requirement. “As per EPA regula-tions, FUSD has enacted a management plan with designated, trained person-nel performing routine checks and all appropriate

Florence HS addresses asbestos violations found by EPApersonnel trained in proper maintenance and monitoring of the affected areas,” Haw-man said. Also in Pinal County, the Apache Junction USD was fined $21,675, which was reduced to $7,933 due to costs of achieving compli-ance. During inspections conducted in 2011, EPA inspectors discovered nu-merous violations at Arizona schools, from failing to inspect facilities for asbestos containing materials, failing to re-inspect campuses with known asbestos contain-ing materials, and failing to have an asbestos manage-ment plan. “Asbestos in schools has the potential to harm the health of students, teachers,

and maintenance workers,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administra-tor for the Pacific South-west. “EPA takes these violations seriously, and we are satisfied the schools have now conducted inspec-tions and put their asbestos plans in place.” Florence High School was established 1915, starting out in the building that is now used as the district office. The EPA issued stan-dards for asbestos in 1988. Since then, the district added buildings to the school cam-pus in 2002, 2003 and 2010. Federal law requires schools to conduct an initial inspection using accredited inspectors to determine if asbestos-containing build-ing material is present and

develop a management plan to address the asbestos ma-terials found in the school buildings. Schools are also required to appoint a desig-nated person who is trained to oversee asbestos activities and ensure compliance with federal regulations. Schools must also conduct periodic surveillance and re-inspections of asbestos-containing building material, properly train the mainte-nance and custodial staff, and maintain records in the management plan. Local education agencies must keep an updated copy of the management plan in its administrative office and at the school which must be made available for inspec-tion by parents, teachers, and the general public.


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Formerly known as the Strong Kids and Families campaign, the Valley of the Sun YMCA Annual Community Support Campaign benefits children and families throughout our communities. The YMCA is dedicated to positively impacting our local communities through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. Donors who support the campaign, enable the Y to continue to transform the lives

of our most vulnerable children and families. Each dollar contributed to the campaign goes directly to making YMCA programs and membership available in 17 branch locations, inspiring positive and lasting social change and ensuring that “No one is turned away due to a lack of ability to pay. We served more than 400,000 children, teens and adults last year,” said George Scobas, CEO/President of the Valley Y. The Y is known to most

people as just a health and fitness facility, but few know the huge impact the organization has on the communities of Greater Phoenix and San Tan Valley through its social services and programs such as GED opportunities, youth mentorships, medical and dental services for uninsured youth and supporting seniors to eliminate isolation to name a few. With your support, the YMCA can continue to inspire positive and lasting

YMCA begins community support campaign – why your gift matters

social change amongst our most vulnerable children and families. The Copper Basin YMCA in San Tan Valley has set its fundraising goal at $60,000 for the local community. Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu made a donation in the amount of $10,000 to ensure the YMCA can continue to serve kids and families in

the local community. To donate or for more information, please contact

Julie Starkey at 602-212-5116 or go online to valleyYMCA.org.


Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Valid at San Tan Valley location only.Offer expires March 31, 2013.

1758 W. Hunt Hwy, San Tan Valley • 480-888-1636

America’s Diner is Always Open!

BUY 1 ENTRÉE & GET 1 FOR $1WITH PURCHASE OF 2 BEVERAGES

KIDS EAT FREETuesday and Thursday from 4-10 p.m.

Not valid with any other coupons or promotional offers. Valid at San Tan Valley location only.Offer expires March 31, 2013.

Queen Creek Olive Mill Farmer’s Market03/02/13 @ 8:00 am - 2:00 pm

8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Local seasonal produce from Green Bee Produce, olive oil popped popcorn, fresh bread, fresh fi sh 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 only.

First Mountain View Community Car Show

03/02/13 @ 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

If you’re looking for a family friendly event in San Tan Valley, well look no more! The First Mountain View

Car Show will feature music, food, raffl e prizes and of course a great variety of classic cars. Best of all, the car show is free to attend (does not include food). 4815 W. Hunt

Highway San Tan Valley, Arizona 85142. Free to attend, $20 to register a car. All are invited.

Superstition Sleepover03/02/13– 03/03/13

The weather is warming up, so what better place to be right now than outside enjoying the great outdoors! Join the

Apache Junction Parks and Recreation Department as we host the 2013 Superstition Sleepover on Saturday, March 2,

through Sunday March 3, at Prospector Park. Set up starts at noon and activities begin at 3pm. The Superstition Sleepover is a great weekend event for family and friends with a limited

budget looking to do something different and exciting. For only $8 a person, campers will get the chance to set up their

own camp site on the softball fi elds and participate in a variety of activities! The following morning we will rise to a beautiful sunrise and a continental breakfast. All you need is a tent and a sleeping bag and Parks and Recreation will take care of the rest. A big thank you goes out to our event sponsor for this

year, Superstition Mountain Promotional Corporation.

The recent tragic events involving children are having a major impact on the first responders and medical community here in San Tan Valley. Your San Tan Safety Coalition comprised of Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, Rural/Metro Fire Department, Southwest Ambulance, AirEvac, Banner Ironwood Hospital and the Johnson Ranch Home Owners Association are ready to tackle these issues head-on, starting with water safety.Drownings in the area, both children and adults, are tragic and can be avoided with simple measures. Spend time with your San Tan Valley Safety Coalition on Saturday, March 23 at the Circle K at Ironwood and Ocotillo to learn more about water safety, CPR and how – as a community – we can help prevent more tragic incidents from happening in our backyard. See you at the next San Tan Valley Safety Coalition Event! When: Saturday, March 23, 8 a.m. - noon Where: Circle K at Ironwood and Ocotillo

San Tan Valley Safety Coalition to sponsor community event March 23

Always watch

children around water!


Have a suggestion for a community pro� le? Email [email protected].

Mary GloriaFounder, Pan De Vida Foundation

When did you fi rst become interested in com-munity activism/public service? My parents were very compassionate. They helped our neighbors by picking fruit or vegetables left in the fi elds after the harvest, and taking it home, where folks would come and carry away a bag or bucket of the items our family had picked for their use. By their example, my parents instilled in us their values: love, help and compassion of those in need. What is your proudest achievement thus far? Each program that we have started has been an ac-complishment in itself. Pan de Vida started a food bank to improve the nourishment of area children. At the time, there was only one other food bank, now there are many. I was very pleased, that Pan de Vida Founda-tion was able to partner with the town of Queen Creek to start a senior center for folks who wanted and needed to socialize near home. Recently, it was the promo-tion of paving of dirt roads in the Valley of the Sun Es-tates. This area turned into a dust bowl in the mornings as folks left for work and in the evening when they came home. The neighborhood

lived in a cloud of dust, which was a danger to the children, as well as, to the senior citizens and adults of the area. We have also been doing health fairs for years. What additional im-provements to the San Tan region do you strive to achieve? Pan de Vida Foundation has an explorer’s program in the works which we hope to start at the end of February. It will be a monthly, kids and parents walking, hik-ing, swimming, horseback riding. What's your favorite thing about this region? The desert and mountains, the wide open spaces and the people. Who are your personal heroes? Mother Teresa, Gandhi. What is your favorite dessert? Anything with sugar on it, and I love fruit.

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By Heather SneedThe Bubbly Hostess Welcome Back! On Feb. 9, the hubby and I attended The Good Life Festival’s Food and Wine Event at Encanterra. It was a cold day in the Valley – but well worth donning a coat and boots for a few hours. My number one priority at the event was to get a photo with Chef Tyler Florence. About 10 years ago when he was promoting his cookbook, Tyler Florence’s Real Kitchen, we were living in Atlanta and the hubby learned

that he was going to be signing his cookbook at a small, local bookstore. We headed down there, bought the cookbook, Tyler signed it, and the hubby took a photo of us. I kept the 5x7 print of the photo in my cookbook and for Christ-mas that year, the hubby surprised me by getting an 8x10 print and framing it. I promptly added it to my kitchen décor. When we moved to the Phoenix area, it moved with us and continues to sit on our kitchen counter. When I learned about this

Bubbly Hostess attends the Good Life Festival at Encanterrafestival and that Tyler Florence was going to be there, I promptly marked it on my calendar and lined up a babysitter. I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to make this photo op happen, but I figured I’d come up with some-thing once there. Our oldest had a basketball game that afternoon, so we only had a couple of hours to attend. Once there, we found out that Tyler was going to be signing his new cookbook – but it was scheduled later than we were able to stay. We scouted out the food trucks to decide what we were going to eat for lunch and then planned to find a spot in front of the Jenn Air stage to watch Tyler’s cooking demonstration. Then the hubby says to me, “There he is honey, right over there – just go ask him if you can take your picture with him”. He was right – Tyler was right next to the stage talking to some of the other chefs. With my Canon Rebel and 5x7 photo from 10 years ago in hand, we headed towards him. I waved to him and he walked right over. Sharing the photo was a great way to start the conversa-

tion and I asked him if we could take another one. He looked at the picture for a long time - the hubby and I told him where it was taken and how long ago. Then we joked about how we both look better now, at the same age of 41. The celebrity chef happily obliged to a picture and the hubby did a great job taking the second one too. I do have to say that af-ter seeing a lot of the photos from the event, I was pretty impressed with the one I got with Tyler! The hubby and I grabbed a quick bite for lunch and headed to the Jenn Air stage to watch Tyler’s cooking demonstration. Such a personable and genuine man, it was a joy to sit out in the cool, fresh air and watch him cook. Thanks for the updated photo, Ty-ler – it looks great in my kitchen! Feel free to visit my blog or Facebook page and leave a comment. You can find me at TheBubblyHostess.Blogspot.com. You can also “LIKE” my page on Facebook at Facebook.com/The-BubblyHostess. Lastly - always remember to make the most out of your plan-ning, so you have time to enjoy your champagne…Tyler Florence and Heather Sneed


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By Andrew LuberdaSoutheast Valley Ledger At its inception in 2009, the San Tan United Sports Academy (STUSA) pro-vided soccer training to local area youths, eventu-ally creating a success-ful soccer league in Jan. 2012. Now the academy is moving into fl ag football, establishing respective adult and youth leagues that will begin play on Apr. 6, 2013. According to youth soc-cer league director Rico Cruz, it was only a matter of time before the academy expanded to other sports. “The vision was always to be a multi-sport organiza-tion,” Cruz said. Registration for both leagues is Mar. 2, 2013 and can be done in person at Rebecca Park at Rancho Bella Vista South. League representatives will be available at the park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interested participants are encouraged to visit the

STUSA website at San-TanSports.com to down-load the registration form. For those who are unable to register in person on Mar. 2, they can download the form, fi ll it out, and return it via email to [email protected]. Pay-ment must be received before the league starts. The registration fee for youth players is $40 per child. Cruz said the acad-emy is encouraging team registrations for the adult league, the fee for which is $250. There is a 10-player limit per team. Adults who wish to participate and are not part of a team are also eligible to register. Those adults, called “free agents” by Cruz, will be placed together to form teams. Single adult registration is also $40. The registration fee includes eight games, a jersey, a team photo, and an award medal at the end of the season. All games,

S.T.U.S.A. to start fl ag football leagues

for both leagues, will be played on Saturdays at Oasis at Magic Ranch. Cruz explained the reg-istration fee is lower than other fl ag football leagues

in an effort to make sure everyone has an opportu-nity to play. Cruz also emphasized the lower cost does not refl ect any less quality or profes-

sionalism. Participants can expect the same dedica-tion, expertise and profes-sionalism they’re accus-tomed to in other academy programs and leagues.

Additional information can be found by phone at 480-442-GOAL or online at SanTanSports.com and Facebook.com/SanTanS-ports.

Flag football games like the one pictured above will soon be played in San Tan Valley. San Tan United Sports Academy will begin registration for the new league soon. (File photo)


EDUPRIZE Queen Creek held its annual Spelling Bee earlier this month. The top five spellers are:Champion: Lucas ShawRunner up: Jaxon Castro3rd: Nathan Charlton4th: Nicolas Preston (al-

ternate for county bee)5th: Britton Broschart (alternate for county bee) The Pinal County Spell-ing Bee was held Feb. 15 at Coolidge High School auditorium. The top three students from EDUPRIZE

competed. The following students were given separate awards for their positive and encouraging actions during the Spelling Bee.Best Sportsmanship Award: Nathan Charlton

Poise Award: Christian CarltonCamaraderie Award: Britton BroschartBest enunciation of let-ters Award: Geordie EllisSpirit Award: Holly Olszak

EDUPRIZE celebrates super spellers

At Coolidge Unified School District’s Feb. 13 regular Governing Board meeting, Gov-erning Board Student Character Awards were presented to students from Coolidge schools. This award is given to students who best dem-onstrate any or all of the Character Counts! traits of Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsi-bility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. The following students were recognized and given a bumper sticker (pictured at left with Gov-erning Board President T.J. Shope on the left and Interim Superintendent Patricia Jimenez on the far right): Ja’stajia Knight and Robert Feierstein of Heartland Ranch Elementary School, Maritza Colazo and Robert Gonzales of West Elementary School, Alexander Pol-lard and Kaley Gooden of Hohokam Middle School, and Erin Cherry and Serena Valencia of Coolidge High School.

Eduprize Queen Creek’s super spellers (Submitted photo)

Coolidge Schools students honored

FLORENCE, AZ, February 15, 2013 – 4th grade students in Ms. Darcera’s class at Florence K-8 and Ms. Dunning-Farmer’s class at Circle Cross Ranch joined online for an interactive video conference event entitled, “Na-tive Americans,” presented by Atlanta, Georgia’s award-win-ning Center for Puppetry Arts. During the lesson, the teacher in Atlanta, GA could see and hear students in both class-rooms, call on them to answer questions and direct them in activities. Students could also

see the teacher in the picture-in-picture screen, while watching the photo presentation and dem-onstrations projected through the teacher’s document camera. Over the course of an hour, students learned about three dif-ferent Native American cultures, focusing on the use of natural resources from the different re-gions, and how these resources shaped their lives in regard to clothing, shelter and transporta-tion. Students also discussed Kachinas and the Hopi culture in general, while being guided

through the creation of their own Kachina puppet. In total, 20 classes from all seven FUSD K-8 schools, STEP/SuMMit and the Poston Butte Life Skills class partici-pated in this ITV event, which is funded through a grant from SRP. Upcoming ITV opportuni-ties include Read Around the Planet, a program that matches classrooms from around the world to share cultural insights and exchange reading activities such as: skits, songs, illustra-tions or “Battle of the Books.”

Florence USD students learn about Native Americans via ITV


The Four Corners of Sports ... with Andrew Luberda

At the signing day ceremony, your Mom was very proud and emotional. She said you had overcome many obstacles to reach this point. Do you want to share some of the obstacles you have overcome? I was adopted when I was 10 years old. Before then, my biological mom was a drug addict. I was taken by CPS. My mom and dad adopted me into a family of six. I use my past experiences as motivation. Also, [I fi nd] being able to manage school is diffi cult but my family is inspirational, especially my brother.What are you looking forward to most as you get ready to graduate from PBHS? I would have to say the college life. The next few months will be bittersweet. I’m excited to be successful on my own. I want to take the knowledge my parents and brother have passed down. My parents prepared me for the realities of being on my own.What do you plan to study in college? Music management and psychology.Beside an athletic career, what other career goals do you have? I defi nitely would like to be a counselor or clinical psychologist.

I want to help other people. I want to help people to see light in a dark situation. Also, I played electric guitar for 10 years and drums for four. I want to play music and write songs.I want you to fi nish this sentence: “My greatest athletic memory at PBHS is…” Football team camp in Flagstaff. Team camp is kind of what we did to kind of get away. It’s bonding. It’s just us. Waking up at 5:30 to run hills, working hard, and getting to know one another. What is something people would be surprised to know about you? One, I enjoy watching Dance Moms. I watch it with my mom. Another one is watching Keeping up with the Kardashians. I have dreads and some nights I can take up to four hours twisting my hair.Do you have a quote or a phrase you like to refer to that helps get through diffi cult times or provides inspiration? My Uncle Rick gave me a dog tag that says: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I live this daily and it inspires me to work hard, be successful and never take anything for granted. What is your favorite song to listen to before games? “Sail” by Awolnation.

Antwane SonneveldtSenior - Poston Butte High

Sports: Football, BasketballPositions: DB, PG

Notable Stats: 27 tkls, 2 int

Queen Creek HS Bulldogs BaseballBy Andrew Luberda Head Coach Mike Camp-bell and the 2013 Bulldogs baseball team have high expectations for the upcom-ing season. The Bulldogs have 11 players returning from last season’s team that finished 18-11 (13-5 in Power Point games). “Our players have very high expectations,” Camp-bell said. “Everything we do should be done with [all-out] effort.” Juniors Marcus Still and Chase Beal lead the group of returning players. The performance and ability of Still and Beal has attracted

the attention of college recruiters. They’ll be joined by five new players. The Bulldogs roster includes seniors Chris Ervin, Derek Arrington, Jaren Holmes, and Jett Wodiuk. Jake Schlosser, Ryan Kottcamp and Tan-ner Bradford are juniors. Sophomores on the roster are Bryce Dobbs, Josh Andrews, Kody Funder-burke, and Tre Baker. Austin Nichols is the lone freshman on the varsity roster. Coach Campbell expects his players to excel academ-ically and they have.

“Students are expected to have great grades,” he said. “Our team GPA has been (at least) 3.2 for the last eight years.” He also adds that Bulldogs players have completed over 1200 hours of community service over the past eight years. The Bulldogs started their 2013 season on Feb. 21, 2013 in the Laveen Baseball Classic with a 15-0 victory over Fairfax. After compet-ing in the Laveen Baseball Classic, the Bulldogs will have two games on the road before returning home on Mar. 4, 2013 vs. Higley. Game time is 3:45 p.m.

Queen Creek HS Bulldogs Softball Last season’s Lady Bulldogs finished 20-15. Head Coach Katie Bundy feels the 2013 edition of the Lady Bulldogs is very strong and versatile. She also believes the players are determined and want to win. The Lady Bulldogs have three returning players from last season’s roster: Bailey Cornwell, Ry-land Estrada and Lexis Valenzuala. Estrada and

Valenzuala earned All-Con-ference honors in 2012. Despite there being only one senior on the roster, Coach Bundy says, “Our leadership is very strong with the upper class.” Joining the returning players are 10 new players: Mariah Gallegos, Lind-sey Gaumen, Lindsay Gilchrist, Maribel Gonzalez, Ryann Holmes, Madison Merrell, Brie-Anna Nelson, Abi Rope,

Brooke Rushefsky, Court-ney Spurlock, and Asia Weddle. Coach Bundy likes this year’s team. “I have a good group of girls,” she said. “They feed off one another and are fun to watch.” The Lady Bulldogs started their season on Feb. 21, 2013 in the Dorado Clas-sic. Their first home game is Mar. 1, 2013 vs. Campo Verde at 3:45 p.m.

San Tan Foothills HS Sabercats Baseball The Sabertcats finished the 2012 season with a record of 8-18. New first-year Head Coach Loren Erich has coached the past six seasons at Mountain Vista Middle School. Becoming the Head Coach at San Tan Foothills should be a smooth transition for Erich. “I have coached most of the same boys before,” he said. “They are familiar with my style and they know what I expect.” The Sabercats have only one returning player from last sea-

son’s team, senior C ChrisBailey. Bailey is the team cap-tain and is expected to provide leadership. Three more seniors, two juniors, and a combined 11 sophomores and freshmen make up the remainder of the roster. Senior P Sergio Labrada is expected to contribute in CF as well. Seniors Calvin Franklin and Christian Harwood are on the roster. The juniors are Jordan Lopez and Jordan Heimer. Dillon Ramsey, Ro-man Arbisi, Marcus Fitzsim-mons, and Dale Bailey are the

sophomores on the team. Considering Coach Erich’s middle school experience, he is very familiar with the seven freshmen on the varsity club. They include Estevan O’dell, Anthony Liu, Caleb Ortiz, Kaleb McCarn, Nick Saults, Juan Lopez, and Joshua Santos. Coach Erich knows it’s a process to rebuild a program. Part of that process is improv-ing the facilities. During the offseason, San Tan Foothills

Sabercats, Page 11


The 2012 season was disap-pointing for the Sabercats softball team. The 2013 season provides an opportunity to eliminate the disappointment of 2012. A new head coach and some new talent provide reasons for optimism. Head coach Scott Saults begins his first year leading the Sabercats softball team. Saults comes with some credentials. He has a history of rebuilding programs. Coach Saults does have talent to work with. The Sabercats have five returning players, including four starters. There are 13 newcomers including sophomore Schyler Johnson who Coach Saults calls a key addition to the team.

Johnson will be counted on to provide pitching. She also has a big bat and will turn some heads according to Coach Saults. He expects junior SS Tekatrianna Schulte-Evans and senior C Allie Gardner to contend for All-District honors. Other players on the 2013 Sabercats are seniors Claryssa Navarro, Megan Dubey, Tif-fany Haugen, Taylor Hand-ley, and Rubelle Gray. The juniors are Andreana Trejo, Lauren Ross, and Alyssa Misipeka. Besides Johnson, the sophomores are Sierra Mason and Courtney Craig. Ashley Keenan, Mikayla Eriacho, Hazel Wagner, and Sabrina Owens are freshmen.

Because of his history of rebuilding programs, Coach Saults knows what it takes to field a successful team.“Consistent pitching,” he said. “Our defense is solid and as a team we will put the bat on the ball. Saults says his team must master the fundamentals of the game. If they do, he says, “That will allow us to compete within our District.” Last year’s team earned only two victories. They are the only victories in the school’s history. “We have focused from day 1 on changing the culture,” said Saults. “That has changed!” When asked about the expec-tations of his players, Saults

replied, “Respect for our op-ponents and expect to win.” Coach Saults knows the Sabercats have a very difficult schedule. He figures some teams may overlook his team. He intends to use that to his team’s advantage and “catch a lot of teams off-guard.” He believes the Sabercats may contend for a playoff appearance. Why? “We have already improved dramatically as a team,” Saults said. The Sabercats softball team could become the first girls’ team in school history, in any sport, to earn a playoff appear-ance. The Sabercats first home game is March 1, 2013 vs. Se-quoia. Game time is 4:00 p.m.

San Tan Foothills HS Sabercats Softball

installed a batting cage, rebuilt the pitcher’s mound, reshaped the perimeter, and manicured the infield. “We have to take pride in our field and our facilities to take the program to another level,” he said. Coach Erich counts the contri-butions from our younger play-ers on the team as a key to this season. With more than 65% of the roster made up of under-classmen, he knows mistakes are bound to happen. “They will make mistakes,” he said. “But we are working with them to improve every day.” He plans to give younger players ample opportunities to play and contribute so they gain

experience that will pay divi-dends in the future. He knows the experience will be a great thing and help take the program to the next level. Coach Erich says the Saber-cats are on a three-year plan. He knows there will growing pains along the way, but “[they] are looking at the big picture down the road.” The Sabercats 2013 season was scheduled to begin on Feb. 20, 2013 in the Falcon Invitational at Fountain Hills. However, due to the inclement weather, their double-header was re-scheduled to Feb. 22, 2013. Beginning on Feb. 28, 2013 the Sabercats will be participat-ing in the Joe S. Padilla Tourna-ment. Their first home game is Mar. 5, 2013 vs. Queen Creek. Game time is 4:00 p.m.

SabercatsContinued from Page 10

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By Chase KampSoutheast Valley Ledger A recent ruling by the state appeals court in a Marana water case has halted the ef-forts by the Town of Queen Creek to acquire H2O Inc., a local water company that currently serves 3.5 square miles of the town and large swaths of northern San Tan Valley. The acquisition, which offi cials say would enhance the Town’s municipal water system and better prepare for

expected population growth, will now be put to the voters in a mail-only special election beginning Apr. 25. Town manager John Kross said the Town completed an agreement with H2O Inc. to envelop the company’s as-sets and service area into the Town’s own municipal water company for $44 million in Dec. 2012. However, a ruling passed down that month by the Court of Appeals in Town of Marana

Court ruling stalls Queen Creek acquisition of water companyvs. Pima County that forced municipalities to ask voters for approval to expand on existing municipal water systems was upheld by the state Supreme Court in Jan. 2013. H2O Inc. would ultimately serve about 20 percent of the Town population upon the completion of the Church Farms subdivision on Merid-ian and Rittenhouse Roads. Kross argued that rounding out municipal water service for the entirety of the town would ease growing pains for the town’s anticipated population growth. “It shores it up so that there’s absolutely no question about it for many years in the future,” he said. He said Queen Creek aims to provide suffi cient utility ser-vices to future employers, as well as housing developments, and ample water supply is critical. “We’re trying to be much more than a bedroom community,” he said, “and these facilities are absolutely key to have ample number of employers for jobs in the region.” H2O Inc. is a family-owned company that has served the Pinal and Maricopa County area for more than 40 years. In addition to Queen Creek service, the company’s service area includes large San Tan Valley subdivisions like Encanterra, Pecan Creek and Queen Creek Ranchos. Kross characterized the enveloping of H2O Inc. as a doubling of the Town’s exist-ing system, with the two hav-ing roughly the same amount

of customers and infrastruc-ture. He said H2O Inc. has about 9,500 accounts. Filling out the town limits for water service not only corrects a service situation that is un-usual for most municipalities, Kross said, but has practical implications. “It means we won’t have to expend $11.9 million in new capital infra-structure for new wells and pumps,” he added. The Town has reiterated that should voters approve the deal, rates for current H2O customers would match the current rates paid by Queen Creek customers, resulting in little to no change for average users. Kross said the Town would fi nance the acquisition through what he characterized as a self-fi nancing deal, saying the town will be taking out low-interest Water Infrastructure Finance Authority loans for the company that would ef-

fectively be covered by the net annual revenues of H2O Inc. “That was key for us because we were not interested in a situation where we would fi nance it through a rate increase for Queen Creek or H2O rate payers,” he said. The Town established its own municipal water company in the mid 1990s by voter ap-proval through language Kross said was used by every other Arizona municipality. The rul-ing in the Marana case renders that language too broad to allow municipalities to expand service. “For every single expan-sion of your system or to start something new, you have to ask that specifi c question of your residents and voters,” he explained. The Town and the company had reached an agreement just before the ruling complicated the deal, Kross said. “We were already well down the road

and the deal was done,” he said, adding that the acquisi-tion was conveniently slated to close at the end of the sum-mer, effectively accommodat-ing the election process. Should voters approve the acquisition, the Town will still need to perform a thorough audit of H2O Inc., apply for WIFA loans and get the pur-chase approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. Kross said he was optimistic that the ACC would approve the deal by Oct. of this year or sooner. “We’re hoping because there’s been a fair amount of due diligence on our behalf, and H2O being an outstand-ing company, that there aren’t a lot of information gaps to close,” he said. The offi cial ballot and election materials will be mailed to all qualifi ed electors beginning Apr. 25, 2013, with results tallied on May 21.

Town of Marana vs. Pima County In 1979, the Town of Marana turned over control of its wastewater treatment facility, located in the northwest portion of the town limits, to Pima County. How-ever, Marana has experienced encourag-ing economic growth in the last decade, nearly tripling its population from 13,000 in 2000 to 35,000 in 2010. State Senate Bill 1147 passed in 2011, which forced Pima County to sell one of its fi ve wastewater treatment facilities

to the Town of Marana for its assessed value of $18 million. In Jan. 2012, the Town of Marana acquired the facility but did not pay the required debt. Among other complaints, Marana offi cials said the permits required for running the plant, still under Pima County’s name, were not turned over. While several lawsuits were fi led and are still pending, one particular decision by the state Court of Appeals ruled that

Marana would not be able to acquire the wastewater utility simply through a voter-passed statute allowing a munici-pality to run a wastewater utility. The court ruled voters must approve acquisi-tion of a public utility in reference to specifi c projects and expansions. The case was brought to the Arizona Supreme Court, which decided in Dec. 2012 to let stand the previous appellate court ruling.

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