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Town Council Names Julia Wheatley Queen Creek Vice MayorAt its January 15 meet-ing, the Queen Creek Town Council selected Julia Wheatley to serve a one-year term as Vice

Mayor. Responsibilities of the Vice Mayor include conducting meetings of the Town Council when the Mayor cannot be pres-

ent and representing the views of the Mayor and the Town at official and ceremonial functions.Continued on page 5

US 60 Pinto Creek Bridge Closure ScheduledThe Thursday, Jan. 16, closure of US 60 between Superior and Miami for the Pinto Creek Bridge project was canceled.Continued on page 11

Costa Vida In Queen Creek Pres-ents Costa Cares WeekCosta Vida Fresh Mexican Grill will present a Costa Cares Week taking place at the Costa Vida in Queen Creek.CoContinued on page 6

Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory There are many projects taking place on local freeways this weekend. Be sure you know where the work is taking place.

Continued on page 16

Outdoor AdventuresBiking, Flashlight Hikes, Desert Ed-ibles, And A Mov-ie In The ParkSome night time fun with a hike and a mov-ie with another event giving you the oppor-tunity to learn about desert edibles.Continued on page 9

Always Free! January 17| Friday Edition

CELE

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G THE PAST, INSPIRING THE FUTURE

EST. 1969

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San Tan Valley Weekend WeatherJanuary 17 - 19, 2020

Plenty of sunshine. High 64F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph.

Generally sunny. High around 70F. Winds light and variable.

Partly cloudy. High 73F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

Town Coun-cil Names Julia Wheatley Queen Creek Vice MayorBy Constance Halonen-Wilson, Public Information Officer Queen Creek

At its January 15 meeting, the Queen Creek Town Council selected Julia Wheatley to serve a one-year term as Vice Mayor. Responsibilities of the Vice Mayor include conducting meetings of the Town Council when the Mayor cannot be present and representing the views of the Mayor and the Town at of-ficial and ceremonial functions and in meetings with other agencies when the Mayor is unable to attend. The Mayor nominates the Vice Mayor from among the Town Council members, and the Mayor and Town Council vote to con-

firm the appointment.

Vice Mayor Wheatley - group“Thank you for entrusting me with the respon-sibility of serving as Vice Mayor,” shared Vice Mayor Wheatley. “I would like to acknowledge the efforts of our outgoing Vice Mayor and the vote of confidence by my fellow council mem-bers. Most importantly, I would like to thank my family – my husband and my kids for supporting me as I do some-thing that I love. And my father, who Continued on page 10

Sunday

High 73° Low 53°

High 70° Low 42°

Saturday

High 64° Low 37°

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Costa Vida In Queen Creek Presents Costa Cares WeekCosta Vida Queen Creek Will Host A Grand Reopening WeekBy Brian CollinsContinued from page 1

Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill will present a Costa Cares Week taking place at the Costa Vida in Queen Creek, January 20, 2020 – January 25, 2020, featuring charitable donations to local organizations each day. The organiza-tions and the schedule for the week is as follows.

Monday – Pan De Vida FoundationTuesday – Central Arizona Animal RescueWednesday – Jack Barnes Elementary School PTOThursday – Queen Creek High School Basketball TeamFriday – 2 nd Chance Dog RescueSaturday – The Red Cross

Costa Vida will donate 20% of all profits to the organization tied to that particular day. Owner Brian Collins is enthusiastic about the impact his team can make.

“This is what living the dream means to me,” Collins said. “Being able to make a difference and help these or-ganizations and guests that mean so much to the community, that’s where the payoff is for me and my team.”

The following week, Costa Vida Queen Creek will host a Grand Reopening Week to give their guests a chance to see some of the renovations and remodel-ing that the store has gone through re-cently. During each day of that week, there will be a different offer that their guests can redeem. Guests can stay up to date with what offers will be com-ing, by downloading the Costa Vida app, and selecting Queen Creek as their favorite location.

About Costa Vida: Costa Vida Fresh Mexican Grill is a fast-casual restaurant inspired by the fresh food and vibrant lifestyle of Baja, Mexico. The food is made from scratch every day, and the menu offers a variety of made-to-order entrees like Burritos, Tacos, Salads, Enchiladas, Nachos, and Quesadillas.

Location:21152 E. RittenhouseQueen Creek, AZ

Hours:Monday-Thursday: 10:30AM-9PMFriday-Saturday: 10:30AM-10PM.STT

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Outdoor AdventuresBiking, Flashlight Hikes, Des-ert Edibles, And A Movie In The ParkBy San Tan Times StaffContinued from page 1

Advanced Beginner/Intermediate Skill Level Mountain Bike RideSaturday, January 18, 202008:00 AM - 10:00 AMSan Tan Mountain Regional Park6533 W. Phillips RoadSan Tan Valley, AZ 85142(602) 506-2930 ext. 7

Join us for an exciting beginner moun-tain bike ride among the beautiful San Tan Mountains. This 7-9 mile ride is open to all ages and skill levels. Our lo-cal experts will be available to help you understand your bike’s features and learn the ins and outs of safe riding. “No Rider Left Behind” is our policy, because we ride together in a group. This is your opportunity to be around others who are passionate about moun-tain biking as a sport to have fun and get some exercise. Helmets are required. Under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Essentials: water, helmet, extra tube, tools to change a flat tire. Meet at the San Tan Trail sign at the main trailhead. 8-10am.

Flashlight HikeSaturday, January 18, 202007:00 PM - 08:00 PMSan Tan Mountain Regional Park6533 W. Phillips RoadSan Tan Valley, AZ 85142(602) 506-2930 ext. 7

Join us for a guided dark sky night hike with the ranger. We will travel 2.2 easy/moderate miles on Moonlight, Stargaz-er and San Tan Trails. We will listen and look for nocturnal creatures who may be stirring in the bushes so be sure to bring your flashlight. Wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. Meet at the Main Trailhead map kiosk/picnic table. 7-8pm.

Desert Edibles and Medicinals Walk with Dave MorrisSunday, January 19, 202010:00 AM - 11:00 AMSan Tan Mountain Regional Park6533 W. Phillips RoadSan Tan Valley, AZ 85142(602) 506-2930 ext. 7

Join Native American naturalist Dave Morris on an easy trail walk to identify some of the desert plants, shrubs and trees that line the trails at San Tan. Many of these plants have been used the local native people for centuries. Learn some of the uses and traditional stories of how these desert plants have helped sustain native people since prehistoric times. What to bring: Closed-toe shoes, water, hat, sunscreen. Meet at the flag pole. 10-11am.

Continued on page 12


Students Making A Difference Local Kids Making The Most Of Their Opportunities To Make A DifferenceBy QCUSD

A QCUSD middle school student with special needs is wrestling this weekend.

Cole Ludwig is in 8th grade and in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop him from gearing up and wrestling like the rest of his team. Thanks to help from one of his coaches he is able to take part in the sport. Cole is unlike any student you will ever meet. He AL-WAYS has a smile on his face and truly is the light of campus.

Breanna Jonaitis Breanna Jonaitis grows and donates her hair for Wigs for Kids. She has done this 6 times in her QCUSD career. Below, you will see the differences and the big smile she presents when she holds her hair that is harvested for do-nation..STT

Town Coun-cil names Julia Wheatley Queen Creek Vice MayorContinued from page 5

Julia Wheatley was elected to the Town Council in 2010. She serves on the Town’s Budget Committee and Le-gal Policy – Public Safety, Military Af-fairs and Courts Committee.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies with a minor in Crim-inal Justice and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration to extend her great interest in law, poli-tics and local government

Wheatley and her husband Benjamin have four children. She and her family moved to Queen Creek in 2007.

For more information about the Queen Creek Town Council, visit QueenCreek.org/TownCouncil. To keep updated on Town news and happenings, vis-it QueenCreek.org and follow Face-book.com/QueenCreek or Twitter.com/TownofQ.STT


US 60 Pinto Creek Bridge Closure Scheduled For Jan. 16 Was CanceledProject Schedule For The Week Of Jan. 20 Has Been UpdatedBy Arizona Department Of Transportation

The Thursday, Jan. 16, closure of US 60 between Superior and Miami for the Pinto Creek Bridge project was can-celed. Instead, motorists should expect flaggers between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. No flaggers are anticipated Friday, Jan. 17.

The tentative work schedule for the week of Jan. 20 has also been updated as follows:

• Monday, Jan. 20 - Lane restrictions and flaggers between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, Jan. 21 - Full closure from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lane restrictions and flaggers, if needed, between 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, Jan. 22 - Lane restric-tions and flaggers between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Thursday, Jan. 23 - Full closure from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lane restric-tions and flaggers, if needed, be-tween 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Friday, Jan. 24 - Lane restrictions and flaggers between 6:30 a.m. and noon.

During the Tuesday and Thursday full closures, all eastbound vehicles trav-

eling to Globe/Safford will be redirect-ed at State Route 177 in Superior, and westbound vehicles heading towards Phoenix should take SR 77 east of Globe. Westbound traffic with Globe/Miami destinations will be able to trav-el as far west as Miami. Traffic will not be allowed to queue at the closure loca-tions.

Because of the potential for long de-lays, motorists should plan trips before or after the full closures.

Motorists should also expect flaggers and possible delays between Superior and Top-of-the-World for a paving and guardrail project.

For more information, go to azdot.gov/PintoCreekBridge.

Drivers should proceed with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment..STT


Outdoor AdventuresBiking, Flashlight Hikes, Des-ert Edibles, And A Movie In The ParkContinued from page 9

Home School Program: Mountain Lion MysteryFriday, January 17, 202002:00 PM - 03:30 PMUsery Mountain Regional Park3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.Mesa, AZ 85207(602) 506-2930 ext. 4

Kids, would you like to take a fun hike to see a cave where a mountain lion used to live? Join Ranger B on this exciting adventure as we discover amazing things about mountain lions and the mystery behind the disappear-ance of this cool cat. This 2-mile hike is on fairly-level ground. Not suitable for strollers. Please bring water and closed-toe shoes. Note: We won’t ac-tually climb up to the cave but will view it from below. Meet at Trailhead Staging.

Movie Night in the Park: Desert Dreams-Five Seasons in the Sonoran DesertSaturday, January 18, 202007:00 PM - 08:00 PMUsery Mountain Regional Park3939 N. Usery Pass Rd.Mesa, AZ 85207(602) 506-2930 ext. 4

This cinematic experience will immerse you in an unexpected world filled with desert life and year-round beauty.

With neither narration nor people, this film dispels the notion that deserts are uninspiring and “deserted”. Four years in the making, this production showcases 183 species of desert plants and animals. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you (no glass bottles), otherwise, snacks and drinks are avail-able for purchase. Location: Inside our Nature Center..STT


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Weekend Freeway Travel AdvisoryFriday, January 17, Through Monday, January 20By Arizona Department Of Transportation

1. Loop 101 WB (Pima Freeway) narrowed to three lanes (right lanes closed) between State Route 51 and Cave Creek Rd for widening proj-ect bridge work. SR 51 NB ramp to Loop 101 WB will be closed. Consider alternate routes including exiting SR 51 NB to NB Black Mountain Blvd, WB Deer Valley Rd and SB Cave Creek Rd to reach Loop 101. Note: These restrictions also are scheduled from 9 p.m. 2 to 5 a.m. Monday through Thursday nights (Jan. 20-23).

2. Interstate 17 NB narrowed to one lane (HOV and right lanes closed) at Rose Garden Ln for interchange reconstruction. 10 p.m. - 11:59 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 19) Interstate 17 NB narrowed to one lane (HOV and right lanes closed) at Happy Valley Rd for interchange reconstruction. 12:01 a.m. - 5 a.m. Monday (Jan. 20)

3. US 60 EB (Superstition Freeway) ramp to Loop 101 NB in Tempe area closed for barrier wall repairs. Consider alternate routes including exiting US 60 EB to NB McClin-tock Dr and using EB Southern Ave to reach Loop 101 NB. 9 p.m. Friday – 9 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 18)

4. US 60 EB (Superstition Freeway) narrowed to two lanes overnight between Loop 101 (Price Freeway) and Crismon Rd for pavement improvement work (crack sealing). Work will take place in approxi-mately 3-mile segments each night during the week. Please allow extra travel time and consider alternate routes, including if and when free-way ramps are closed. 10 p.m. – 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday nights (Jan. 19-23)

5. Loop 101 NB on-ramp at Ray Rd and NB off-ramp at Warner Rd closed overnight for widening project. Please plan on using other nearby ramps. 10 p.m. Friday - 6 a.m. Saturday (Jan. 18) 9 p.m. Saturday - 6 a.m. Sunday (Jan. 19)

6. I-10 EB off-ramp at Avondale Blvd in West Valley closed for paving. Traffic can exit at 107th Ave and use McDowell Rd or Van Buren St to access Avondale Blvd. 8 p.m. Friday - noon Saturday (Jan. 18)

Additional weekend freeway restriction information listed on ADOT’s website: azdot.gov .STT


Weekend Freeway Travel Advisory


21st FebruaryJan. 17, 2020


21st February Wildlife Of The East ValleyRod Small’s Visual JourneyBy, Rod Small

enroll today for the spring semeﬆer.confidence by my fellow council mem-bers. most importantly, i...

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