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1 Always Free! Get To Know Your Propositions: Prop 125 Several Propositions are up for vote this election. Proposition 125 would allow the Arizona State Legislature to make adjustments to two state pension plans. Continued on page 5 Look. Listen. Learn. During Fire Prevention Week Today s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Continued on page 15 Poston Butte s New School Zone Starts Today! Be Aware Of The New Safety Zone As School Re-Starts A long overdue school zone is in place after a lot of hard work from the school district, the county, and Pinal County Since 1964 Johnson Ranch Ranch E. Hunt Highway #108 Queen Creek, AZ % OFF Any Order Sherrif s Office. Order Online! ST10 Offer Expires 4/30/18. Carryout or Delivery Only. Please mention coupons when ordering. Not valid with any other offers. The added school zone will increase the safety of both students and drivers as the October 8 Monday Edition Road Work & Travel Advisory Important Commuter Updates Some completed projects and some new road restrictions take place this week. Continued on page 12 Hydrogen Sulfide Monitoring An increase in the number of exceedances and the number of days exceedances occurred took place last week at Section 11 Wastewater Treatment Plant 11. Continued on page 7 reduced speed will provide better reaction times for drivers during the morning and afternoon hours. Continued on page 10

2 Get the San Tan Times sent to your every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday! Subscribe online at /subscribe Do you have information you would like to share with the community? A complaint, or praise, or concern you that you would like to submit to our editor? Do you have an upcoming event? Send it to us! It is simple and easy to do. Submit an article: /story-submit Submit a letter to the editor: /letter-submit Submit an event: /event-submit/ Are you a business looking to advertise? We have a variety of advertising option available, from print, to online advertising, social networking advertising and promotions. Much like San Tan Valley, we are growing and growing fast. Contact a sales representative today: sales@santantimes.com Do you have questions for us? Do you have concerns about something in our area? Reach out to us at: info@santantimes.com Or write to us the old fashion way: 270 E Hunt Highway, Suite 16 #192 San Tan Valley, AZ Pg. 2

3 October 8, 2018 Monday s Word Search Puzzle

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5 Get To Know Your Propositions: Prop 125 There Are A Few Propositions Up For Vote In November By San Tan Times Staff Continued from page 1 As with candidates, San Tan Times will not tell you how to vote. We will simply try to get you non-biased information about the proposition so that you can become a more well-informed voter. A yes vote supports this amendment to make adjustments to retirement plans based on cost-of-living adjustments, rather than permanent benefit increases, for correctional officers, probation officers, and surveillance officers (Corrections Officer Retirement Plan) and elected officials (Elected Officials Retirement Plan). A no vote opposes this amendment to make adjustments to retirement plans based on cost-of-living adjustments, rather than permanent benefit increases, for correctional officers, probation officers, and surveillance officers (Corrections Officer Retirement Plan) and elected officials (Elected Officials Retirement Plan). What would the ballot measure change? Proposition 125 would allow the Arizona State Legislature to make adjustments to two state pension plans the Corrections Officer Retirement Plan (CORP) and the Elected Officials Retirement Plan (EORP) based on Senate Bill 1442 and House Bill Proposition 125 itself would not make changes to the two state pension plans, but would rather authorize the legislature to make changes. The legislature passed two bills to implement Proposition 125 if the constitutional amendment is approved: Continued on page 16 October 8-10, 2018 San Tan Valley Weekday Weather Monday Tuesday Wednesday High 74 Low 54 High 77 Low 55 High 79 Low 59 Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 74F. Winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. A mainly sunny sky. High 77F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Partly cloudy with isolated thunderstorms possible. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%. Pg. 5

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7 Hydrogen Sulfide Monitoring A Big Increase In Exceedances From The Previous Two Weeks By San Tan Times Staff Monitor results from September The recent monitoring report for the week of September 26th through October 3rd shows 14 exceedances. With thirteen of those exceedances taking place over the course of two days. Location: Monitor results from September This is a spike from what the monitoring had shown over the previous two weeks. The previous two weeks of this report had a combined 9 exceedances. EPCOR has been working on Section 11 Wastewater Treatment Plant. It is unclear what is causing the spike in comparison to the previous two weeks until we hear more from EPCOR. But, the entire community will have the opportunity to hear from the Interim Managers this week. To learn more about the work that is being done and the Hydrogen Sulfide issues, attend the October 11th Open House community event located at Central Arizona college. Central Arizona College San Tan Campus 3736 E Bella Vista Road, San Tan Valley, AZ STT Event date: Thursday, October 11, 2018 Time: 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Pg. 7

8 The 2nd Annual Friday, Oct 26th FALL FESTIVAL 6 pm to 9 pm Enjoy this FREE event featuring Hay Rides Pumpkin Painting Vendors Food Trucks Games Escape Room Music and More! Get to know your local community college! 3736 East Bella Vista Road San Tan Valley, AZ EventsAtCAC.com October 8, 2018 Monday s Sudoku Puzzle

9 Shop Local: Now And Then Resale A Quick Look At What The Local Furniture Store Has In Stock By San Tan Times Staff Tucked away in the Shops at Copper Basin is Now And Then Resale. For local residents it is a great spot to check out everything from furniture, to wall art, clothing, fun and decorative nick-nacks, and a lot more. Here are some of the many items you can find at Now And Then Resale: Hours for Now And Then Resale: Thursday Saturday 9 AM 5 PM Location: 2510 E. Hunt Hwy, # 19 San Tan Valley, STT Pg. 9

10 Poston Butte s New School Zone Starts Today! Be aware Of The New Safety Zone As School Re-Starts By, San Tan Times Staff Superintendent Chris Knutsen spoke about the work that was involved and the partnership with the county to make this happen, We are grateful for the hard work of our transportation department and the county to install the flashing signs and for changing the speed limit to 35mph in front of Poston Butte. The partnership between FUSD and Pinal County is vital for all parties involved. The flashing lights and a change in speed limit will help keep our kids safe. I ask our community to please be aware when you are driving through this area and help us all by going the correct speed limit. Supervisor Mike Goodman shared his thoughts on the development of the new school zone, We ve been working with The new school zone goes into effect Monday as Poston Butte students return from Fall Break. This long overdue need could not have happened without the county and the school district working together to create this solution. In the end, it will provide a greater level of safety for, both, students and drivers. FUSD for some time to address the safety concern of students from Poston Butte High School that are crossing Gantzel Road before, during, and after school. Collectively Pinal County Staff and FUSD Officials felt it necessary to encourage drivers to keep speed to a minimum through the school zone, and we hope that these new, flashing signs will do just that. Ultimately, for those of us passing by, we need to think of these kids as our own, and their safety as a top priority. We are thankful for our school leaders and for their diligence as they strive to keep all the kids safe. Morning and afternoon commuters need to be alert to the yellow flashing lights and be sure to keep in mind the new speed limit restrictions during the periods when the school zone is in effect..stt Pg. 10

11 Local Rescue Highlight: San Tan Animal Rescue Upcoming Events And Rescue Of The Week Every weekend San Tan Animal Rescue puts on adoption events every Saturday at the Queen Creek Petsmart on Rittenhouse and the Ellsworth Loop in the Queen Creek Marketplace shopping center. They are there from 11 am until 3 pm with a variety of adoptable dogs. San Tan Animal Rescue of the week: Moses - Boxer - 12 Years Moses came to our rescue with 5 other dogs. his owner lost her home and rather than take all her animals to the pound she turned them in to us. Moses is 12 years old but still has a lot of life in him. He gets along with other dogs big or small. Don t shy away from older rescues. They can be the greatest pets you have ever had. Several years ago one San Tan Times staff member rescued an 11 year old Collie Shepard mix. Greatest dog that they ever owned... As long as they kept him away from pancakes and ham. He had a weird sweet tooth..stt Their next big event is in partnership with Wine and Design in Queen Creek for a benefit for San Tan Animal Rescue. On October 28 at 3 PM, Wine and Design will host a Paint Your Pet. To take part in this event you must register by October 13th. Time: 3:00 PM Date: Sunday, October 28, 2018 Register by October 13, 2018 Location: Wine and Design East Rittenhouse Rd. STE 102 Queen Creek, Arizona wineanddesign.com Pg. 11

12 Road Work & Travel Advisory Important Commuter Updates By San Tan Times Staff & Local Towns Continued from page 1 Copper Basin residents in San Tan Valley will have new access points to their community starting on October 9th. San Tan Valley Work is currently taking place in the south end of the project, from Johnson Ranch Boulevard/Gantzel Road to Magma Road in Hunt Highway to construct improvements. Current work includes utility work on the west side of Hunt Highway, with Hunt remaining open for travel, one lane in each direction, with traffic shifted away from the work zone. Scheduled to take place Monday, October 1, electric crews will work at the traffic signal on Copper Mine Road and Hunt Highway to place a temporary signal, and energize the new poles to keep the signal in service. During this work, there may be periods where signal timing is delayed with longer waits at the signal, so we ask your patience during this transition. Also scheduled for the week of October 1, paving crews will pave Judd Road with the base and surface layers of asphalt. This work is expected to be complete by the end of the week, with striping scheduled for October 8, so Judd and Tourmaline Roads can be opened for travel on Tuesday, October 9. Please note that rain or equipment issues may require adjustments to this schedule. Chandler: PECOS RD EB. Road construction on PECOS RD from EMMETT DR to GILBERT RD Lane Restrictions, lane closed. Fri, 07 Sep 2018 to Fri, 12 Oct :30 AM to 04:00 PM McQueen Rd from Riggs Rd. Road Pg. 12 Maintenance, closed due to road construction. Road closed, follow detour. Mon, 24 Sep 2018 to Fri, 19 Oct :00 AM to 12:00 PM QUEEN CREEK RD both directions. Work on manholes on QUEEN CREEK RD from MCQUEEN RD to GILBERT RD. Mon, 10 Sep 2018 to Mon, 15 Oct :30 AM to 04:00 PM Chandler Heights Area: Riggs Rd from Power Rd to Hawes Rd. Lane Restrictions, lane closed. Left lane closed. Sun, 29 Jul 2018 to Fri, 30 Nov :00 AM to 12:00 PM Sossaman Rd and Riggs Rd. Lane Restrictions, lane closed. Right lane closed. Sun, 29 Jul 2018 to Fri, 23 Nov :00 AM to 12:00 PM Riggs Rd from Power Rd to Hawes. Lane Restrictions, lane closed. Left lane closed. Rd. Sun, 29 Jul 2018 to Fri, 30 Nov :00 AM to 12:00 PM Continued on page 13

13 Road Work & Travel Advisory Continued from page 12 Gilbert: Lane Restrictions, lane closed at the following location: Higley Rd btwn Guadalupe Rd and Elliot Rd. Additional Details: NB/SB restricted to one lane with left turn restrictions at Washington,Park Cullumber and Page. Mon, 27 Aug 2018 to Tue, 09 Oct :00 AM to 12:00 PM Pecos Rd from Allen to Lindsay Rd. Lane Restrictions, lane closed. Lane Restrictions at the following location: Pecos Rd from Allen to Lindsay Rd. Additional Details: Lanes restrictions. Sun, 09 Sep 2018 to Sat, 20 Oct :00 AM to 12:00 PM. Queen Creek: Pg. 13 Riggs Rd EB and WB lane shifts from Power Rd to Hawes Rd for roadway improvements. Mar. 18 Nov. 12; 24-hour Power Rd NB and SB lane shifts between Ocotillo Rd and Brooks Farms for road improvements. Jun. 25 Oct. 31; 24-hour Ellsworth Rd NB lane shift at Fulton Pkwy for electrical work. Oct. 08 Oct. 12; 9 am 2 pm. **Additional delays anticipated Oct. 10, 9 am - 2 pm during traffic signal installation** 220th St NB and SB lane shift at Ocotillo Rd for boring and utility work. Sep. 24 Oct. 19; 9 am 2 pm Ironwood Rd SB right lane shift at Pima Rd for landscape work. Oct. 03 Oct. 11; 9 am 2 pm Hunt Hwy EB and WB flagging operations at Bell Rd for pavement preservation work. Oct. 09 Oct. 23; 8:30 am 4 pm Sossaman NB and SB flagging operations at Twin Acres Dr for pavement preservation work. Oct. 09 Oct. 23; 8:30 am 4 pm **Advance Notice** Victoria Blvd NB full closure at Ocotillo Road for Sewer work. Oct. 15; Oct. 19; 24- hour **Advance Notice** Ellsworth Road full closure from Ocotillo to Rittenhouse for Trunk or Treat Event. Oct. 20 at 5 am until Oct. 21 to 1 am Rittenhouse Rd NB and SB lane shifts between Ocotillo Rd and Pickett St for bore and pothole work. Sep. 10 Oct. 10; 9 am 2 pm Cloud Rd EB and WB lane shift between 214th St and Crismon Rd for Cloud Rd widening. Jul. 26 Nov. 09; 24-hour Victoria Ln WB right bike lane closure between Ellsworth Rd and Ellsworth Loop Rd for driveway work. Oct. 05 Oct. 19; 24-hours.STT

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15 Look. Listen. Learn. During Fire Prevention Week A Message From Queen Creek Queen Creek Fire and Medical By The Town Of Queen Creek The Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department (QCFMD) is joining forces with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 7-13, to urge residents to Look. Listen. Learn. Be aware fire can happen anywhere. The campaign focuses on three basic, but essential steps to reduce the likelihood of having a fire, and how to escape safely in the event of one: Look for places fire could start. Take a good look around your home. Identify potential fire hazards and take care of them. Listen for the sound of the smoke alarm. You could have only minutes to escape safely once the smoke alarm sounds. Go to your outside meeting place, which should be a safe distance from the home and where everyone should know to meet. Learn two ways out of every room and make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily and are free of clutter. Today s home fires burn faster than ever. In a typical home fire, you may have as little as one to two minutes to escape safely from the time the smoke alarm sounds. Knowing how to use that time wisely takes planning and practice. Continued on page 17 Deadline To Register To Vote Is October 9th Last Chance To Be Able To Vote In November s Election The deadline is midnight, October 9, Voter registration forms sent by U.S. mail must be postmarked on or before the deadlines mentioned above. How To Register To Vote Online If you have an Arizona Driver License and/or an Arizona non-operating I.D. card issued by the Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) you may register to vote through Service Arizona EZ Voter Registration Log on to Service Arizona servicearizona.com/voterregistration Select your language preference, then click Begin/Update Voter Registration Verify your voter eligibility Enter your information in the required fields Verify address information You can now select your party preference By Mail You can either print off a form online (PDF) or request that a registration form be mailed to you from your County Recorder. After completing the voter registration form, mail it to your county recorder s office. In Person You may visit your County Recorder s office and fill out a registration form in person. Pinal County Recorder 31 North Pinal Street, Bldg. E Florence, Arizona STT Pg. 15

16 Get To Know Your Propositions: Prop 125 Continued from page 5 Senate Bill 1442 (SB 1442) would make adjustments to CORP based cost-of-living adjustments capped at 2 percent, rather than permanent benefit increases. CORP is the public retirement plan for correctional officers, probation officers, and surveillance officers. SB 1442 would also require corrections officers hired on or after July 1, 2018, to enroll in a defined-contribution (DC) retirement plan, rather than the defined-benefit (DB) retirement plan. A DB retirement plan, which officers hired before July 1, 2018, would continue to have, is a retirement benefits plan that guarantees a monthly or annual payment to retired employees based on a certain formula using years of employment, employee age, and employee earnings. A DC retirement plan is a retirement benefits plan that serves as a deferred compensation retirement savings, such as a 401(k). House Bill 2545 (HB 2545) would make adjustments to EORP based cost-of-living adjustments capped at 2 percent, rather than permanent benefit increases. In 1990, Arizona adopted a permanent benefit increase (PBI) formula, which provided increases in retirement payments based on investment earnings. In 1998, the maximum possible increase was capped at 4 percent. The 2018 amendment s proposed cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) would be based on the inflation rate for the Metropolitan Phoenix-Mesa Consumer Price Index, with the maximum possible increase capped at 2 percent. Why does this change require a constitutional amendment? Article 29 of the Arizona Constitution describes public retirement systems as a contractual relationship between members and the state, requires that public retirement systems be funded with contributions and investment earnings, and declares that retirement system benefits shall not be diminished or impaired. Article 29 was added to the state constitution in 1998 via Proposition 100. Due to two court cases regarding the interpretation of Article 29 Fields v. EORP and Hall v. EORP the Arizona State Legislature needs to amend Article 29 to make changes to pension plans that would have the effect of decreasing benefits for current and retired members. According to the Arizona Senate Research Staff, the amendment could have a positive impact on the state s General Fund because of the lower 2-percent cap on annual increases could decrease pension benefits. Supporters of the proposition: Officials U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-8)[9] Sen. Karen Fann (R-1)[9] Rep. J.D. Mesnard (R-17)[9] Rep. David Livingston (R-22)[9] Arizona s Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (APSPRS) Board of Trustees For additional information regarding this proposition: ballotpedia.org azcleanelections.gov/arizona-elections/propositions.stt Pg. 16

17 Look. Listen. Learn. During Fire Prevention Week Continued from page 15 Escape planning and practice before a fire can be the life-saving difference when seconds count, stated Queen Creek Fire & Medical Chief Vance Gray. Situational awareness is a skill people need to use in all situations, not just in your home. No matter where you are, look for available exits. If the alarm system sounds, take it seriously and exit the building immediately. The Mayor and Council recently declared Oct Fire Prevention Awareness Week, and throughout the month of October, QCFMD will be visiting third graders in the community. Firefighters will work with the kids to teach them the importance of smoke alarms, general fire safety, pool safety, the importance of helmets and exit drills. QCFMD will also visit pre-schools to introduce children to firefighters. To schedule a visit, call the Fire Administration Office at For more safety information, visit Firepreventionweek.org or Sparky.org. To stay updated on Town news and events, follow Facebook.com/QCFire and Twitter. com/toqc_official. visit pre-schools to introduce children to firefighters. To schedule a visit, call the Fire Administration Office at For more safety information, visit Firepreventionweek.org or Sparky.org. To stay updated on Town news and events, follow Facebook.com/QCFire and Twitter. com/toqc_official..stt Pg. 17 Fire Prevention Week What Can You Do To Improve Your Safety? By San Tan Times Staff The National Fire Protection Association offers a lot of information and safety tips for families and homeowners. Basic Facts A closed door may slow the spread of smoke, heat, and fire. Install smoke alarms inside every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the home. Smoke alarms should be interconnected. When one smoke alarm sounds, they all sound. According to an NFPA survey, only one of every three American households have actually developed and practiced a home fire escape plan. While 71% of Americans have an escape plan in case of a fire, only 47% of those have practiced it. One-third of American households who made an estimate thought they would have at least 6 minutes before a fire in their home would become life-threatening. The time available is often less. And only 8% said their first thought on hearing a smoke alarm would be to get out! Read more about home fire safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association:

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19 Wildlife Of The East Valley Rod Small s Visual Journey By, Rod Small Stop touching me! It seems even horse have the same sibling relationships as my brother and I when we were kids. For more information visit Pg. 19

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