The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the growing inequalities in our world, country, state, and city. With crisis, however, comes opportunity and the challenge to tackle the racial, economic, …
With the hope of a new start at a new year, it seems clear that the coronavirus has also made a New Year’s resolution to persevere with a vengeance and stick around and mutate.
A new year brings new resolutions for many and those New Year’s resolutions could also lead to some health benefits.
According to a report published in JAMA, “setting resolutions …
What do you think Arizona’s K-12 schools will look like in 2031? Does the prospect excite or dishearten you? After a year of countless hardships for families, we could use some positivity.
With the approval of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, the major tasks are now distribution and vaccination. Developing the vaccines has been a technological marvel, but until we get shots in the arms of 80% of the population, the COVID-19 pandemic will not be aborted.
Be careful when dealing with online mortgage companies. Many of these companies like LendingTree and Paymybills.com are not mortgage companies, but marketing companies intending on selling your …
The advent of COVID-19 vaccinations is a positive step in the pandemic fight. While more vaccination sites are opening and eligibility for receiving the vaccine is increasing, below are a few basics to know during the vaccine rollout.
In a 4-3 decision with important consequences for online privacy in Arizona, the state’s highest court ruled Jan. 11 that the Arizona Constitution’s “private affairs” clause does not protect individual rights any more than the federal Constitution.
The United States Supreme Court isn't merely one of America's most important institutions, it is also one of the most important elements of our constitutional system of checks and balances, not to …
This is in response to Norman Webb’s letter (“Do not force your opinions on others").
I read your response to a previous letter about the use of the term Happy Holidays. As I read it, …
2020 taught us a lot, and as the clock struck midnight New Year’s Eve, perhaps we all gave thanks we made it to 2021 with our health intact and with a renewed focus on maintaining it.
While …
For many of us, thinking about renewing our driver license rarely crosses our mind. Sure, we update it with a new address when we move, and some change their name after getting married, but the first time most of us will actually renew our driver license is when we turn 65 years old.
Anyone who wants to build a better American future has to recognize that our problems cannot be solved by partisan politics. Washington today is completely out of whack.
We have lots of media attention recently to the problem of housing the homeless. Local nonprofits are studying the issue with seminars and research reports. But nearly all these efforts focus on the …
Last year was a harrowing time in America’s rich and complicated history. Our great nation was faced with a novel coronavirus and an old, deeply ingrained racial disease aching for healing and remedy.
Many of us are doing home repairs these days. For the repairs that we can’t do on our own, we have to hire someone to do it for us. Then we end up asking ourselves the question, where do I …
There is an early warning sign that high-demand jobs may be hard to fill when the labor market fully reopens, even with millions of Americans looking for work.
If President-elect Joe Biden is serious about addressing climate change, preventing future outbreaks of zoonotic disease, or minimizing animal cruelty on factory farms, he should support the nascent …
A study in California revealed that the cost of capital punishment in the state has been over $4 billion since it was reinstated in 1978. Since California has executed 13 prisoners during that time, …
When I was being interviewed for my current job (I’m the pastor of a Sun City West church) the call committee chairman told me, “The most dangerous place to drive is the parking lot at …
On Jan. 7 the nation watched in horror the breach and sacking of the United States Capitol building by unlawful acts of breaking and entering. The violence witnessed illustrated the vast ideological divide in our country and the enormous need for leadership from the top to heal our nation.
2020 was a harrowing year in America’s rich and complicated history.
Our great nation was faced with a novel virus and an old deeply ingrained racial disease aching for healing and remedy. …
For 23 years, the Town of Paradise Valley has had a tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with an in-person celebration and luncheon, and this year, while dramatically different in some …
It’s tempting these days to believe that once COVID-19 is contained, the U.S. economy will bounce back quickly, replenishing jobs and incomes lost in the pandemic. Yet there is an early warning …
At the recent Pinal County Board of Supervisors meeting, the head of public health gave a presentation on the COVID-19 vaccination program.
The facts presented: 10,000 doses allocated by the end …
The Town of Paradise Valley will observe and celebrate Martin Luther King Day on Jan. 18, 2021. However, due to the current COVID-19 situation and the safe distancing guidelines, the observance and …
I’m always thinking about the future and attempt to glean from the ethers what will happen next. It’s easier to predict the future when you create it, so the Southwest Valley Chamber of Commerce has taken new action to make sure the future of our community is bright.
How do you pick a single theme for beautifying the 22-mile Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway? That was the question facing the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Roadside Development Section once work began on the new $2 billion freeway.
Well a big shout out to my constituents in District 1, and indeed every resident in this great city in which we are lucky to live in, and a happy and safe New Year to all.
Never in my lifetime have we lived during a more consequential and threatening challenge than today in both our civic and our personal lives.
Your federal-legislator counterparts in Washington are …
Alleged irregularities surrounding the 2020 election have many deeply skeptical of the reported results. This skepticism is unhealthy for our republic and if not checked will further erode trust in our government institutions.
In response to the letter from the reader who made election and voting claims, thank you, Daily Independent, for printing the correct facts at the end of her letter.
There is so much …
I know that the Sun Cities lean Republican, and Kevin Payne ran an uncontested race for the state senate so he feels that he can ignore Democratic residents in District 21 with impunity.
Still, I …
A new eight-acre park at Greenway Road and Parkview Place will begin design in June of 2021. This new park will provide more programmable and rental field space.
In addition to the new park, …
Back in the early spring of 2020 (how long ago does that seem now?), the coronavirus pandemic arrived on the shores of the U.S., bringing with it a plethora of state and county lockdowns, and the …
Women are the majority of Americans as well as the majority of voters. What does that mean in practical terms? How did that play out in the November 2020 elections? A record-breaking number of women …
Mr. Barry Spinka (“Resident not happy to hear driveway music”), you really are the Grinch of Sun City.
I can’t even believe that you wrote this letter about our driveway concert …
The city of Surprise has experienced better-than-expected one-time revenues in Fiscal Year 2020 thanks to strong growth in housing permits and retail sales collections.
COVID-19 took a heavy toll on the U.S. economy in 2020, causing millions of job losses and forcing many businesses to close. It also affected lots of retirement plans in the process.
As this year comes to an end for the current Apache Junction City Council I’d like to say congratulations and welcome to our newly elected Councilmembers Kelly Gremmel, Braden Biggs and Tess …
Regarding your recent letter, (“In response to complaints in Sun City,” Daily Independent, De, 23, 2020), I was born and raised in Glendale, Mr. Foulke. Been in Sun City 15 years. …
I’m writing to call out Scottsdale Unified School District board members Jann-Michael Greenburg and Barbara Perleberg for their opposition to the anti-vaping resolution as reported by Delarita …
As vice president of philanthropic services for Jewish Family & Children’s Service, I have the rare privilege of working with individuals and families who transform others’ lives.
Our little company was one of the pioneers of non-profit ownership of newspapers. Fifty years ago, we made a few decisions that were, in retrospect, pretty unusual.
To protect their independence, …
One of my favorite songs as a teenager was “Only Shades of Gray.” It was more than the harmony; the lyrics of the song drove a deeper message into my youthful psyche. I remember it …
Every community seems to have those little hidden gems that folks aren’t really aware of. I’d like to share a couple right here in Apache Junction that truly deserve to be recognized and …
Many are looking forward to turning the calendar to 2021.
This year has brought us challenges and issues we could never have imagined, and there are many reasons to want to put 2020 in the …
I met Jesse Ramirez, Valley View Community Food Bank founder and director, a year ago and am constantly amazed at how much he does with so little.
I have a suggestion for all of us that can make …
Jason Whitlock, a journalist and writer, makes the case that the most important part of the election was that hate won over love. Trump voters voted for Trump because they loved him, even with all of …
Nicaragua, Panama, Belize, Sri Lanka, Ukraine, Pakistan, Egypt, Cambodia, Burma, etc. received several billions in the new COVID “relief” bill and the American people get …
For 23 years, the Town of Paradise Valley has had a tradition of honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr with an in-person celebration and luncheon, and this year, while dramatically different in some …
Beginning January 1, 2021 the use of portable communication devices while driving will become a violation of civil traffic statutes for which law enforcement officers may issue a citation.
Pinal County is a county where people need to wear masks.
I had the COVID-19 virus. I am still recovering.
You guys are not following the rules. These people need to wear a mask.
I got the …
The idea of maintaining civil discourse when debating public issues of the day is more than lip-service at Independent Newsmedia.
At Yourvalley.net, which is powered by the work of local …
The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 today to direct its attorneys to respond to the subpoenas issued by the Arizona Legislature by filing a complaint in Superior Court.
The two subpoenas …
This building in Washington, D.C., houses all documents of our history, both the good and the bad.
Our founding documents are on protected display inside the main entrance area: The Declaration of …
We are all excited about the COVID-19 vaccines and the daily updates on the effort to get it to us.
However, what is missing is how we will actually sit in a chair and have it administered. All I …
As COVID-19 cases climb again around the country, people may be considering skipping visits to the doctor to reduce risk of exposure to the virus. But the decision to delay preventive screenings like …
The Independent reported recently that our Southwest Valley friends claim a proposed solar energy facility will block their view of an ancient cinder-cone volcano (“Southwest Valley residents …
Throughout the COVID-19 response, the Arizona Department of Health Services has continually reevaluated how we are collecting, analyzing and presenting COVID-19 data for cases, hospitalizations, and …
Mark Carlisle wrote a recent article (“Spend it or lose it: Phoenix doles out remaining $43 million in coronavirus relief before Dec. 30 deadline,” Daily Independent, Dec. 12, 2020). In …
As a founding member of the Arizona Human Rights Fund, which has now morphed into Equality Arizona, I have always worked on the issues that have been at the forefront of the LGBTQ …
I just spoke with Rep. Lesko’s D.C. office after receiving a non-response email to my simple election inquiry. I posed a simple yes-or-no question as to whether Joe Biden is our president …
The most magical thing about the holidays is the way we so joyfully give to others. Not just our friends and families — but to complete strangers who are in need.
I respectfully request that Congress pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act, H.R. 5434/S. 2602, in 2020.
The bipartisan RPM Act protects the right to convert an automobile or …
As an attorney and retired judge I have always considered the Arizona Constitution to be the highest law of the state, not a set of guidelines.
That’s why I am a plaintiff, along with a top …
About two months back, you wrote an article about lack of pools in Surprise. In that article you stated for a community of 1,000 homes the additional cost would be $10 per month.
For many people, life as they knew it has been put on hold due to the restrictions we all must adhere to with COVID-19.
The days of waiting patiently for life to return to “normal” …
On R.H. Johnson Boulevard driving home from the store at about 4:30 p.m. with my son the other day, we noticed a pickup sitting half on the sidewalk with its flashers blinking.
As we got closer we …
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s latest research finds drivers who have been in at least one crash in the past two years are significantly more likely to engage in risky behaviors like speeding or texting, even when they think the police may catch them.
The 2020-21 flu season is on track to be one of the worst in years, and with COVID-19 still running rampant in Arizona, being infected with both could be dangerous.
I know, I know ... you are sick and tired of hearing about, talking about or being afraid of the COVID virus and I agree with you. But, there are real solutions to this, if you can give me a few …
The strength of a building is in its foundation.
The same is true with small business in a community. If small businesses are healthy and prospering, job, schools and lifestyle are unique, healthy and burgeoning.
With the proliferation of clinics that offer vein treatment, how do you choose the one that is right for you? And, do you really know what condition your veins are in?
This year has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although we’ve had a lot to worry about, and many of us have put our lives on hold this past year because of it, I wanted to discuss …
Why haven’t the top U.S. health officials been educating the American populace that our immune systems are the first source of protection from viruses and COVID?
A huge number of us are …
There are many impacts that the holidays can have on COVID-19 in Arizona. With people traveling and gathering with loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, we anticipate the cases and the need for hospitalizations to continue to increase over the next few weeks.
It has been my honor to serve the city of Surprise for the past three years. How little did I know that reaching out to serve my community would complete me.
I recently had the opportunity to hear from the Richard Stavneak, director of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee followed by revered economist Jim Rounds at the Arizona Tax Research …
My wife and I have been residents of Scottsdale for just under a year. We are a law enforcement family from New York who relocated to AZ — after unfortunate years in Los Angeles.
We have …
I have an idea for an addition to your weekly newspapers that would make it more enjoyable and would make more people read it.
In my neighborhood magazine, they always feature someone who has done …
The third annual AJ Prayer Walk will be held Jan. 9. This year’s event will be centered on the Bible verse 2 John 1:6, “And this is love; that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you …
One way is through adoption. While there are several categories of adoptable children, at Aid to Adoption of Special Kids we focus on the adoption of children in the Arizona foster care …
Over the years, we have delved into our archives to bring you photographs from a lot of times and places. From grading a road with mules to the Highway Hawk’s appearances at events to a …
I recently had the opportunity to tour the City of Surprise’s new Public Works Operations Facility. The facility was partially funded by the voter-approved 2017 General Obligation Bond. This …
If you receive a benefit verification letter, sometimes called a “budget letter,” a “benefits letter,” a “proof of income letter,” or a “proof of award letter,” we have good news for you.
The recent passing of Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek has sparked a flood of tributes for him and the game show itself.
Former contestants and celebrities who’ve competed there have shared …
As 2020 draws to a close, I wanted to take this last opportunity of the year to publicly thank you — the residents of Surprise — for your patience and support this trying year.
With millions unemployed and numerous industries struggling because of the coronavirus pandemic, some people who are out of work are considering a new career.
Every business in the country has been impacted by COVID-19 in one way or another.
But few sectors have been as hard hit, or face a longer road to recovery, than the travel agency industry. …
The annual Apache Junction Police Department toy drive could use a little assistance from the community this year.
In the past the AJPD has worked with the W Steven Martin 911 Toy Drive to …
Due to rising COVID-19 case numbers, city of Surprise City Council and all city boards and commissions meetings have been reclosed to in-person attendance until further notice.
After reading your letter in the Independent on Nov. 28, 2020, I just have one thing to say — ”Mr. Megee, mind your own business.”
There is no reason whatsoever to wear a mask …
To protect public health amidst rising COVID-19 cases, beginning Dec. 1, and until further notice, city of Surprise public meetings will close to in-person attendance.
As a resident of Goodyear during the past five years, I have seen the amazing growth throughout this community. That growth demonstrates the highly desirable environment in the city.
Thank you for your article (“Street racers invade Sun City”) regarding street racers.
I have not seen or heard the racers but am struck by another part of the article. Specifically, …
You may have seen this message on our digital message boards statewide: “Fender Bender? Save your rear, Quickly clear.” It was a reminder to move your vehicle safely onto a shoulder or exit and stay out of travel lanes if involved in a minor crash.
About Rita Venice’s recent letter (“Calls fraud allegations ‘clap-trap’”, Daily Independent, Nov. 24, 2020): many of the “down ballots” voting turned a …
We all are well aware of how different 2020 has been — a pandemic, a contentious election, social unrest, the hottest summer on record — all of these have frayed everyone’s nerves. …
America is dealing with an unprecedented shortage of skilled labor. The Department of Labor reports while there are 7.6 million unfilled jobs, only 6.5 million people were looking for work. This is …
Jack Hawn in his letter (“Says it’s over, Trump lost election,” Nov. 19, 2020) wants the Trump supporters to take down our signs and flags — really Jack? The election has not, …
I recently had the opportunity to hear from the Richard Stavneak, director of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee followed by revered economist Jim Rounds at the Arizona Tax Research …
In recent days, constituents of District 2, candidates for office, state lawmakers and congressmen have asked questions and made statements regarding Maricopa County’s voting system, hand counts, recounts and legal challenges.
The holidays are a time of celebrations, time spent with family and friends, and a festive and colorful time of year. For some older adults, it can be a time of extreme loneliness and depression, especially this year with COVID-19 still looming.
This is a response to Roy Miller’s recent letter (“Says voting a privilege, not a right,” Nov. 19, 2020). I didn’t wish to respond, but there is need to correct his statement …
When I sat down with my family to discuss my intention to run for the governing board in 2016 and then run for re-election in 2020, I continued to reflect on the influence that public education has …
Despite the United States tallying more than a million new cases of COVID-19 last week alone, congressional leaders appear in no rush to approve a new package of financial relief for businesses and …
Newly elected Arizona Corporation Commissioner Lea Marquez Peterson wants APS to slash its rates, but she is dreaming if she thinks she can accomplish this, even with her eight suggestions for the …
In response to the letter written by someone from the Surprise Chamber of Commerce, the headline reads the “Chamber wants politicians to focus on relief.” The letter then lists several …
The recent passing of "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebec has sparked a flood of tributes for him and the game show itself. Former contestants and celebrities who've competed there have shared numerous …
Editor's note: This opinion appeared on No Labels NoLabels.org, a national organization working to revive bipartisanship and to move Washington beyond gridlock to solutions to challenges faced …
I’ve been watching the stories on the auctioned property.
It just blew me away, the amount that was agreed upon.
I’ve never known any builder that could possibly come up with that …
During the fall months, drivers face an increased risk of animal-related crashes as deer and other wildlife begin to migrate and find their way onto highways and into suburban neighborhoods.
Members of the Board of Supervisors continue to hear from government leaders and the public about the integrity of Maricopa County elections. We want to assure you that proper steps have been taken to ensure a full and accurate count of all votes.
A few weeks ago I received a picture of a bird. The caption read: It doesn’t make any difference whether it is a left wing or a right wing, it is the same bird!
Put this in another …
It’s a question as old as transportation itself: How are we going to get across that? Whether it be a river, creek, wash, arroyo, canyon or crevice, getting a vehicle from one side to the other is a prime concern when it comes to building roads.
The Northwest Valley Connect Mobility Program continues to go forward with a ride solution for many seniors, people experiencing disabilities, and veterans residing independently in West Valley communities who lack access to public transportation.
If Sens. Kyrsten Sinema and Martha McSally care about the environment, they should support federal funding for cultured-meat research.
For those who don’t know, cultured meat is grown from …
The familiar joke, “Why did the chicken cross the road?,” has been around for many years. It really wasn’t meant to be funny, but it did provide the answer, “To get to the …
As a lifelong Republican, I praised President Trump’s court appointments, deregulation, and tax cuts; but I also criticized him when he was wrong on issues like tariffs and the national debt. …
The holidays can be challenging for anyone — but that’s especially true if you are grieving the loss of a loved one. Sadness can magnify the stress of the season. Instead of excitement …
I can only hope that the powers that be will make sure that first to receive the vaccine will be our first responders, EMTs, firemen, police and all medical front-line people, doctors, nurses and all …
As a lifelong Republican, I praised President Trump’s court appointments, deregulation, and tax cuts but I also criticized him when he was wrong on issues like tariffs and the national …
According to the media, Joe Biden has been elected president of the U.S. I guess I wasn’t paying attention in school because I don’t remember being taught that is the way our country …
The story of Phoenix, Arizona is the story of sprawl. After World War II, when cars, air conditioning, and home loans became affordable for the middle class, Phoenix’s population boomed.
In …
The agave and yucca are not cactus (“Fallen cacti in Sun Cities leaves residents concerned”); they are from the asparagaceae family, which include the lily family and also onions, leeks …
Let me start out by saying that even in the veterans community there seems to be some confusion as to what makes someone a veteran.
Some say you have to have completed a contract of service. Most …
When you drive by a highway or interstate marker, there is comforting uniformity to them, no matter if you are driving Interstate 8, Interstate 15, State Route 92, State Route 377, U.S. 60 or U.S. 191.
James Kepler asked several questions (“Republicans don’t want responsibility,” Daily Independent, Nov. 2, 2020), who and what can be answered in one word: Democrats!
Reason you …
My thoughts about the country's sharp divisions is that we've gone from political discourse to "identity politics," fueled principally by the demise of local newspapers and reporting. How, you …
I started in early April stating I needed a new plate as nine years had taken the paint off my old one. As they don’t read emails, they sent the tag only.
After several more unanswered …
Arizona voters have two historic choices to make this November. The presidential election is the marquee event. But the U.S. Senate race is equally important. We need to think strategically, because …
I’m new to Arizona and was pleased to find a park about one-fourth mile away, the Surprise Community Park near City Hall.
The park overall is well taken care of. However, when the water is …
For countless Arizona voters, this presidential election is not a referendum on President Trump and his political beliefs — it is a vote to preserve our economic prosperity.
Arizona voters …
As a mom of young kids attending in-person learning, nothing is more important to me than the health of our kids and the safety of our schools. Close coordination across the public health system and …
I believe Jayne Smith forgot to disclose that Biden will cancel President Trump’s tax cuts for middle-income wage earners via payroll taxes (“Calls out falsehoods in TV ads,” Daily …
Rich Andrews’ latest letter to the editor (“Hopes for close election, more division,” Daily Independent, Oct. 22, 2020) was horrifying to me. Not only does Andrews clearly feel that …
Following her continuous string of nationally embarrassing comments, former Gov. Jan Brewer has decided to weigh in on the Maricopa County Attorney’s race — I wear her non-endorsement as a badge of pride.
My entire career, I have been committed to the safety and well-being of our children. It is critical that we have leaders at every level of government who are committed to the rule of law and …
I recently received a mass mailing paid for by the Arizona Republican Party. It stated, “Under Biden’s tax plan, 82% or Americans would face higher taxes.”
I went to …
When it comes to health care, most Arizonans want the same thing: lower costs, improved access and higher quality. That’s why I cannot understand how anyone could support a …
Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment season is underway, and I want to encourage all people with Medicare to review their current health and prescription drug coverage.
I’m just curious if anyone has looked into why the city of Surprise does not use solar panels in their businesses?
The schools have them, but we all know why.
Why not the businesses? For …
Mail voting is a popular mechanism for casting a ballot in the western U.S. Prior to 2020, of the states that mailed ballots directly to voters who had not requested them, many were Arizona’s …
In response to Rich Andrews letter (“Calls for confirmation for Barrett,” Daily Independent, Oct. 22, 2020), you believe Congress electing, or more accurately placing, Judge Barrett on …
We’re seeing millions of dollars flow into Arizona campaigns from California in an effort to change our Legislature and state policies to mirror California’s. Given California’s …
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a nation as divided as ours, which only benefits our adversaries and enemy nations alike. This has become an “uncivil” war, with President Trump …
Arizonans are already casting their ballots, and voters in Arizona’s 6th Congressional District have a special opportunity this election cycle to send a fresh voice — Hiral …
I hope we soon see Amy Coney Barrett confirmed as an associate justice on our nation’s highest court. She then will be the third justice placed on the court of last resort by our president. …
Dear Northwest Valley neighbor: My name is Wendy Garcia. I am an experienced radio news director and the mother of two.
I founded Indivisible Surprise and helped organize Save Our Schools locally. …
I spent most of my life in California and never thought I would leave. But I left for good in 2016 simply because the liberal, one-party state government drove me out. If you have never lived in a …
Arizona seniors deserve to enjoy a future of economic security and prosperity for many years to come — and it’s imperative that we elect political leaders who have what it takes to build …
We’ll leave the social implications of this auditory isolation for another discussion, but how worried should you be that your earbuds are causing long-term hearing loss?
In reply to the comment by Paul Playford (“Too many ignore mask mandates,” Daily Independent, Oct. 12, 2020), we have to agree with him and his wife regarding the lack of people wearing …
Arizona’s Congressional District 8 has a unique historical opportunity to elect a congressman born and raised in this district. This isn’t an election between a Republican and a Democrat; it’s an election between a career politician and one of our own.
In response to Pam Kirby’s recent commentary (“We must reopen schools to protect our children’s future,” Daily Independent, Oct. 14, 2020), I’d like to offer a few …
In July, Phoenix police officers opened fire on James Porter Garcia as he sat in his parked car. Witnesses captured the fatal shooting on video.
Following Garcia’s death, dozens of …
I just returned from the Sun City West Post Office where I was attacked verbally because I have a Trump 2020 magnet on my car.
As I was about to get into my car, a woman stopped her car in back of …
While Democrats favor political games over the education of children across the nation, President Trump has unapologetically fought for the well-being of our students to safely return to school.
Herman Cain caught the virus at Trump’s Tulsa rally and died. Four people from Trump’s Minnesota rally caught the virus, three are in the hospital, one on a ventilator. And Trump’s …
I see all the signs opposing the legalization of marijuana, mostly misleading. Colorado has shown that teen use was down, impaired driving was down and state coffers up after legalization. Facts are: …
![Amber Kovarik enlisted the help of her daughters Jade (left), 5, and Tatum, 7, and father, Dave, to deliver almost 100 meals to Hospice of the Valley patients on Thanksgiving eve. [Courtesy of Hospice of the Valley]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201215-132439-121520%20op%20Lin%20Sue%20Cooney%20HOV%20commentary.jpg)
![ADOT officials seek the public’s help figuring out where this photo was taken. [ADOT photo]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201204-120551-120420%20op%20Rookhuyzen%20commentary%20Highway.jpg)
![Arizona Department of Transportation officials film a traffic incident management training video. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201127-100636-112720%20op%20John%20Halikowski%20ADOT%20commentary.tif.jpg)
![A deer has its eyes and ears on a passerby while foraging for food near a public park in Hillsborough, N.C., Wednesday, July 8, 2020. [AP Photo/Gerry Broome]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201120-112043-112020%20op%20AAA%20Arizona%20commentary.jpg)
![The original bridge over Queen Creek along U.S. 60 on the east side of Superior (foreground) served Arizona motorists for 30 years before it was replaced in 1953. [Courtesy of ADOT]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201118-123408-111820%20op%20David%20Rookhuyzen%20ADOT%20commentary.jpg)
![Thanks to a generous donation, Northwest Valley Connect was recently able to complete the decorative wrap on its newest transport van. [Courtesy of Northwest Valley Connect]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201117-125708-111720%20op%20Kathy%20Chandler%20commentary.jpg)
![Community education program manager Sulie Richardson of Desert Financial Credit Union teaches a class at St. Vincent de Paul. [Courtesy of Desert Financial Credit Union]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201105-125936-100520%20op%20Sulie%20Richardson%20commentary.jpg)
![Aspens in fall colors attract leaf peepers at Aspen Corner on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. [Steve Chernek/Independent Newsmedia]](https://cdn4.creativecirclemedia.com/yourvalley/medium/20201027-131006-102720%20op%20Doug%20Nick%20ADOT%20commentary.tif.jpg)
