Local News

In many instances, I've noticed that mental health issues are not the primary problem – children being bullied at school is the root of these mental health issues this year. Any sudden change in the child’s usual behavior could be a good indicator that something is going on. And these behavior changes can all affect performance in school.

Local nonprofits in the Valley are partnering with Robert Craig Films in the hopes of spreading awareness and helping with the ongoing homeless epidemic in our country.

Yesterday, family friend LaTia McCray created the GoFundMe account. She said Jamiere was her son's best friend. Today, that GoFundMe account for the Jenkins family has reached $10,022.

The Higley Unified School District, with 16 schools located in Queen Creek and Gilbert, has earned two national awards for its financial reporting and accountability, bestowed by both the Association of School Business Officials International and the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.

To date, more than 200 tips have been received and processed, including 29 through the FBI. Each and every tip has to be reviewed, assigned, investigated, and documented. It is important to note not all tips lead to significant breakthroughs in the investigation. However, this does not diminish the importance of the information shared, but reflects the complexity of the investigative process.

The first 50 people in line on Thursday, Nov. 30 will receive free ice cream for a year and there will be giveaways throughout the day. They are open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and located in the Queen Creek Marketplace, next to Trader Joe's, at 21182 S. Ellsworth Loop Road, Suite 104.

According to the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the shooting occurred just after 5 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 28 on Cambria Drive, near Ironwood and Ocotillo roads, in San Tan Valley. Jamiere Jenkins, 17, a junior at Combs High School was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died.

November students and employees of the month are from Jack Barnes Elementary and Katherine Mecham Barney Elementary schools.

Residents Philip and Kristina Batton took over the old Mooner’s BBQ space at 5388 E. Skyline Dr. after it closed in June. They purchased all of Mooner’s equipment and furnishings in August to get ready for their first barbecue restaurant of their dreams in the Queen Creek area to open in September.

Arizona Health and Physical Education recognized San Tan Valley resident Toni Chilton, health and physical education teacher at Highland Junior High School in Gilbert, by presenting her with its Honor Award during the group's state convention last month in downtown Phoenix.