Nancy Zguda, 92, of Phoenix passed away on May 29. She was born on Feb. 19, 1921 in the Bronx, N.Y., to Amelia and Joseph Conforti.

Culminating the first year of using a tool to evaluate its teaching staff, the Kyrene School District presented results that showed more than 800 teachers were rated as “highly effective.”

Compared to other basic cooking techniques, grilling is hard: the temperatures are high, timing is crucial and slight differences in the thickness or wetness of the food can dramatically affect how quickly it cooks.

Editor’s Note: Phoenix police remind all residents to leave nothing in your car when it is parked outside. If something must be left in the car make sure it is in the trunk or out of sight. Never leave your car doors unlocked even while leaving the car momentarily. Police have seen a string of these quick crimes of opportunity and say they are preventable.

On Aug. 27, you will once again have the opportunity to exercise your given right to vote — this time in the Phoenix City Council District 6 election.

Volleyball was Kyle Pitman’s secondary sport, but it was hard to tell with his effort and influence on the court.

Affectionately playing with their Miniature Dachshunds, Joey, Lisa Stapp and her son, Billy, praised the family pet after he rolled over on command.

Melissa Kahn has the regular season down.

Voters who have seen how medical marijuana works in Arizona may get a chance to extend the ability to use the drug to all other adults.

Humorist Dave Barry has said, “the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer. The wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.”

Dr. Pat Quigley has practiced clinical psychology in Ahwatukee for more than 10 years, and is offering something new to the area for kids and adults with attention-deficit disorders or working memory issues.

Culminating the ongoing discussion between local youth sports organizations and the Kyrene School District over use of facilities rates, the district presented a lowered rate structure Monday that now heads to the governing board.

A couple was found dead inside their Ahwatukee Foothills home on Monday afternoon from apparent gunshot wounds.

The scores junior golfers post make most weekend hackers shake their heads.

Five years ago Ahwatukee Foothills resident Joe Busone made headlines when his firing from a corporately-owned restaurant caused many of his employees to walk out with him. Those employees inspired him to open a restaurant of his own, and over the weekend of June 1 the business celebrated four years of doing what the staff loves.

It’s more than 75 days before the first kickoff, but there’s plenty of preparation going on already.

Three students recently promoted from the eighth grade at St. John. Bosco Catholic School in Ahwatukee recently received scholarships for private high school tuition, each worth $8,000.


Although it is almost a prerequisite the summer before senior year in high school, Jake Alexander isn’t about to take it easy.


Construction is under way at the new Lennar Homes subdivision near Desert Vista High School in Ahwatukee Foothills and because of a significant amount of interest, the company is allowing people to purchase homes before the models are even built.

Janet Liffiton passed away peacefully on May 18. She resided in Ahwatukee and is survived by her daughter, Nancy Breon, and husband, Mike, of Kailua, Hawaii; son, David Bartram, and wife, Tamie, of Poway, Calif.; niece, Kim Rolfe, and husband, Rick, also of Ahwatukee, as well as several nieces and nephews scattered across the East Coast.

Editor’s note: This is part three of a continuing summer series on the proposed South Mountain Loop 202 Freeway.

Gov. Jan Brewer today celebrated news that Arizona has been ranked the sixth best state in the nation in which to do business. That’s according to the 2013 report from Chief Executive Magazine, which surveyed more than 700 CEOs nationwide. Arizona’s ranking reflects a four-spot climb from last year’s report.
“This is exciting news for Arizona, and a true testament to the work we have been doing to attract businesses to our State,” Brewer said. “It is fitting that this report was released on the same day Arizona welcomed the major expansion of GoDaddy – a move that will create 300 quality jobs for our citizens and pump nearly $30 million into the state economy.
For its 9th annual report, Chief Executive Magazine surveyed 736 business leaders – the largest response to date – and asked them to grade states based on taxation and regulation, quality of workforce and living environment. 
Texas ranked first in the nation while California, for the ninth consecutive year, ranked last. 
To view the report, visit: http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business-2013.


Thunder Mountain Sports, 1334 E. Chandler Blvd., will have sand volleyball all summer through July 26.
The divisions are 12U girls, 14U girls, and Open (18U), with Friday being the day of competition most weeks.
The price is $55 per player on a doubles team and the price for a four-person team will be $110 for the season. Non-USAV members might have to pay an additional fee.
For more information, contact Tristan Moreland at azcat@cox.net.