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State Route 74 restricted west of I-17 for pavement work Oct. 18-22Delays of approximately 15 minutes possible due to pavement sealing

Drivers who use State Route 74 west of I-17 in the north Valley should plan on delays during daytime hours Monday through Friday, Oct. 18-22, while crews work to complete a project to extend the lifespan of the highway’s pavement.

Banner Medicare Advantage gives you
quality care and savings on coverage

With the Medicare enrollment period starting on October 15th, now’s the time to make sure you’ll have the right coverage for your needs in 2022. See if you’re eligible to save money and get added coverage and benefits with a Banner Medicare Advantage plan. 

Surprise, A‌Z (October 14, 2021) Join the City of Surprise for the Surprise Care & Share Expo: Creating Connections to Community Services.

The Care & Share Expo is a free community event that will help create connections to human service organizations, health resources and medical checks. It’s a one-stop source for accessing programs and services that promote health, financial growth and self-empowerment. Plus, there will be fun events for the entire family to enjoy!

Regular City Council Work Session & Meeting

Agenda Name: Regular City Council Meeting

Meeting Date: 10/19/2021

Click to View Agenda

Agendas for the October 19, 2021 Regular City Council Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting have been posted at:

Questions concerning the City of Surprise

S‌urprise, A‌Z (October 15, 2021) Drivers may encounter temporary road restrictions in Surprise due to Fiber Slurry Pavement Preservation projects throughout the city, now through the beginning of November.

Surprise, A‌Z (September 7, 2021) The City of Surprise is excited to announce the 2^nd Annual Care & Share Expo will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021. This year’s all ages event will be from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Surprise City Hall 1^st Floor Parking Garage, 16000 N. Civic Center Plz.

The City is currently seeking organizations, schools, businesses, etc. to join this year’s expo.

S‌urprise, A‌Z (October 5, 2021) At tonight’s Regular City Council Meeting, the Surprise City Council voted to appoint someone familiar to the community to serve as the next City Manager.

Bob Wingenroth will replace Michael Frazier, who previously announced plans to retire on January 7, 2022.

Surprise, A‌Z (October 6, 2021) Mayor Skip Hall officially proclaimed October as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” at last night’s Regular City Council Meeting and City Hall is lit purple to raise awareness.

S‌urprise, A‌Z (September 27, 2021) The city of Surprise Marketing & Communications Department earned first and second place wins in the National Association of Telecommunications Officers & Advisors’ (NATOA) Annual Government Programming Awards.

Surprise, A‌Z (October 12, 2021) Have fun with science and technology at the Surprise SciTech Festival on November 6, presented by the City of Surprise in partnership with Arizona SciTech, City of Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission, EPCOR, First Things First, Ottawa University-Arizona, Salvation Army, Waste Management of Arizona, and Zona Wyyerd

Surprise, AZ (October 8, 2021) The City of Surprise Youth Council is inviting you to  participate in the first ever pumpkin carving contest during G.A.I.N. Night at Mark Coronado Park (15850 N. Bullard Ave.) on Saturday, October 23 from 5-9 p.m.! Prizes will be awarded to the following category winners

:

Surprise, AZ (October 7, 2021) Did you know pumpkins float? Join the City of Surprise on Saturday, October 23 from 12 – 3 p.m. and see for yourself! We’re excited to bring back the now annual Surprise Pumpkin Splash at the Surprise Aquatic Center, 15831 N. Bullard Ave.

Participants can swim with the pumpkins and then select a pumpkin to paint and take home! Fun games and a spooky photo-booth will be available for all to enjoy. Concessions will also be available for purchase during the event.

Pre-registration is required for all ages. For more information and details on how to register, please contact the Parks & Recreation Office at 623.222.2000 or visit https://bit.ly/387wd2c.

 

Surprise, AZ (October 6, 2021) The City of Surprise Economic Development Department has been recognized with three Excellence in Economic Development Awards by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC):

·         Silver Award – Surprise Virtual Spring Training Tent Event, a project in the category of Special Event

·         Silver Award – City of Surprise Annual Retail Survey, a project in the category of Multi-Year Economic Development Program

·         Silver Award – Drive to Surprise Virtual Tour, a project in the category of Multimedia/Video Promotion

IEDC’s Excellence

!  

Surprise, AZ (September 16, 2021) The initial maps for Arizona’s redistricting process were approved on September 14, 2021 by the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (IRC), and the public is being asked to weigh in on them.

The approved grid maps are of equal populations for the congressional and legislative districts as required by the state constitution. The link for the adopted grid maps is: https://redistricting-irc-az.hub.arcgis.com/.

Go to surpriseaznews.com

Motions are the most challenging aspect of Robert’s Rules of Order, but you can use the system of motions to make the moves that advance your goals. Once you understand it, you can work within the system effectively. 

Update: US 60 lane restrictions planned between Morristown and Sun City West to resume Thursday, Sept. 23

COUNTY TO SENATE: SEE YOU IN COURT
Maricopa County will not comply with the Senate’s latest subpoena for materials related to the 2020 election and a supervisor warned the Senate of a potential lawsuit over audit results.

 Mayo Clinic in Arizona Patient,

Recently the Phoenix metro area (Maricopa County) returned to a state of “substantial spread” of the COVID-19 virus. The Delta variant, which is now the most common strain, is extremely contagious, and the respiratory impact on those it infects is substantially greater than the original strain of COVID-19.

Regular City Council Work Session & MeetingAgendas for the September 21, 2021 Regular City Council Work Session and Regular City Council Meeting have been posted at:https://www.surpriseaz.gov/agendasQuestions concerning the City of Surprise Council Agenda? Contact the City Clerk’s office at: 623.222.1200 or via email: clerk@surpriseaz.gov.

Surprise, AZ (August 5, 2021) Cactus Road is closed at Cotton Lane due to a sinkhole in the westbound lane of the roadway just east of 175^th Avenue. 

Traffic on Cactus Road will be detoured to Waddell Road and 175^th Avenue. 

Surprise, AZ (August 5, 2021) City Manager Mike Frazier announced today that he has selected Donna Meuse to serve as the next Surprise Human Resources Director. I believe that the city council should hire all directors including the fire & police chiefs as per Arizona Statutes. Director – Means the head of a department and includes any appointed official who serves as a department director (e.g. Presiding Judge, City Attorney). Employee – A person working for the City for compensation who occupies a position subject to appointment, promotion, demotion, or removal by an Appointed Official or city council.

Surprise, AZ (July 30, 2021) The city’s Human Service and Community Vitality department reminds Surprise and El Mirage residents that rent, eviction prevention and utility assistance programs are available for income eligible applicants at the Surprise Resource Center, 12425 W. Bell Road #124.

Surprise, AZ (July 27, 2021) Hollyhock Pool has reopened, and all afternoon programming will be held as scheduled.

For questions about Hollyhock Pool programming, please call 623.222.2530.

Surprise, A‌Z (July 21, 2021) Valley Metro’s RideChoice program, which offers discounted transportation options, has been expanded to allow more access for Surprise residents. All veterans with proof of eligibility will now qualify, and the FY2021 Income Limit Category has been changed to Low (80%) Income Limits – this is up from Very Low (50%). Persons age 65 and over and people with disabilities still automatically qualify for this program.

Surprise, AZ (July 22, 2021) The city has completed work to install traffic signals at the intersection of Waddell Road and 145^th Avenue and will activate the signal lights on Tuesday, July 27.

 

Surprise, AZ (July 21, 2021) Work on the Greenway Road improvement project will require intermittent road restrictions and a change in traffic pattern as a new traffic signal becomes operational. 

Drivers can expect intermittent restrictions from Monday, July 26 – Thursday, July 29 as the final striping, signing, and signal activation takes place from Sarival Avenue to Loop 303.

 

Surprise, A‌Z (July 21, 2021) The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Flash Flood Watch from 5 p.m. Thursday, July 22 through 11 p.m. Saturday, July 24 as an approaching weather system is expected to bring prolonged heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

Remember that it is NEVER safe to drive or walk into flood waters. When you come to a flooded area, please “Turn Around Don’t Drown.”

TOP PERSONAL LOANS
JULY 2021

Personal loans can be used for financing large purchases, home improvement projects, and more. Compare the top personal loan offers from top-rated lending partners and find rates and conditions that work for you.

When congress tries to decide between two new taxes, it’s like a woman deciding be-tween two dresses – she usually decides to take both.

It’s a lot easier to make a mistake than to undo one.

The argument you just won with your wife isn’t over yet.

You have to have patience on a diet – especially if it’s your wife who’s on it.

At today’s prices the shopper is left holding the bag – and there’s very little left in it.

It’s funny how a dollar can look so big when you take it to church and so small when you take it to the supermarket.

Millions of Americans aren’t working, but thanks to the good Lord they’ve got jobs.

A boss when asked how many people work for him replied, “About half of them.”

Executive ability is the art of getting credit for all the hard work that somebody else does.

It’s what you do when you have nothing to do that reveals what you are.

If money grew on trees some people are so lazy they wouldn’t shake a limb to get it.

A man’s fitness for public office can be judged by the means he uses to get in.

The City of Surprise cannot give us a map of the Saguaro Acres Community Facility District or how many acres it contains. They must have the answers.

Smart growth is not affordable without sufficient funding.

Pros and Cons

• reduced habitat fragmentation that is caused by urban sprawl.
• reduced carbon emissions from automobiles.
• reduced wasteful natural resource consumption and depletion of fossil fuels.
• less pollution such as run off from lawn fertilizers and pesticides.

Do local decisions about land use and related issues address the root causes of poor land use patterns in our community ? Does the city council decisions about land use and related issues reflect our vision and values ?

I was a first season ticket holder for our game between the Kansas City Royals and the Texas Rangers in 2003.

I was recognized by The National League of Cities for achieving the Bronze level in its Certificate of Achievement in Leadership program

Do a careful reseach on loneliness , there are some promising strategies.

 A new study found that diet mixers intensify the effects of alcohol compared to full-sugar mixers. Why? … Meaning: cocktails made with diet mixers make you drunker faster.

Best time for older men to have Sex. Older men who have trouble attaining erec-tions at night can do better with morning sex. Testosterone levels are higher earlier in the day……..Source:…. Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality

Be cautious when operating your computer.

People on summer cruises are usually 15 to 20 years younger than those on winter cruises.

MAJOR PACEMAKER RECALL

Over 60,000 pacemakers sold by Abbott and St. Jude Medical over nearly four years are being recalled because of the risk of electrical shorts, according to an announcement from the FDA. Learn which models are affected and what patients with these pacemakers should do now.

Governor Doug Ducey’s announcement on April 29 that the Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) will receive a $700,000 investment for the Beat the Odds School Leadership Academy (BTO Academy) demonstrates a clear commitment to school leaders and a recognition of the critical role they have in student success.

S‌urprise, A‌Z (May 5, 2021) Experience stories of Arizona history and culture at a speaker event presented by the Surprise Arts and Cultural Advisory Commission in partnership with Arizona Humanities.

A local expert from Arizona Humanities’ AZ Speaks program will present on the following topic:

June 8, 11 a.m. – Noon

The 1894 Lowell Expedition to Arizona (Speaker: Kevin Schindler)

George Floyd mural covered up in Phoenix; drew complaint it ‘celebrates White violence’

Governor Ducey Takes Action On 25 Bills

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey took action on 25 pieces of legislation today, including bills that celebrate cultural tradition in schools and expand opportunities for those who served their time and want to advance their careers.

Gov. Doug Ducey is blocking government agencies and some businesses from requiring customers to prove they have been vaccinated against Covid.

Governor Issues Declaration Of Emergency

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey issues a Declaration of Emergency and announced he is deploying the Arizona National Guard to the state’s southern border to support local law enforcement efforts as the nation experiences a rapid increase in apprehensions and migrant children in federal custody. The State will provide up to $25 million in initial funding for the mission.

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today issued an Executive Order that requires all sex education curriculum to be posted online for parents to review, without exception. This Executive Order includes more aggressive transparency requirements than Senate Bill 1456, which was vetoed by the Governor. Under that bill, posting sex education materials online would have been optional.

Corp Comm starts new plan on power cutoff ban

The Arizona Corporation Commission took an important first step to creating a permanent rule change on utility companies shut-off policies that stemmed from the death of a 72-year-old woman in 2018. 

Join us via Zoom – It’s free to attend! 

All signs point to a Colorado River shortage in 2022. How is Arizona preparing for this challenge? What conservation efforts are being explored? What steps can Arizonans take to prepare for less water and carve a sustainable path? Send in your questions! Tune in – it’s free to attend!

“The people of this state do not yield their sovereignty to the agencies which serve them. The people, in delegating authority, do not give their public servants the right to decide what is is good for the people to know and what is not good for them to know. The people insist on remaining informed so that they may retain control over the instruments they have created.” from the Ralph M. Brown Act. 1953

Colorado River water is currently the only renewable surface supply available to Surprise. All meetings of the city council and the mayors subcommittees will comply with the Arizona revised statutes.

Aquatics Maintenance Assistant: This is a part-time, entry-level position for those that enjoy working outside. This position will work between 15-20 hours per week assisting in the overseeing of the Surprise Pools by performing both grounds and aquatics maintenance. Early morning and weekend hours required. Experience is not necessary but is desired. The individual chosen will receive training from an experienced team member. 

Assistant Swim Coach: Surprise Storm is in need of a swim coach! Surprise Storm is a year-round, USA Swimming program with the Parks & Recreation Department. Team member ages can range from 7-years old through high school. Visit www.surprisestorm.com for more information! This part-time role is for those who enjoy working with the youth, has prior swimming experience, and is willing to learn from a great coaching staff. If you are a former swim coach, we would like to have you; if you are looking to get into coaching, this can be your first step! 

Interested in joining our team? Visit surpriseaz.gov/jobs or call 623.222.2000 for questions on how to apply!

Cactus Rd to be closed, 175th Ave to Magnolia Dr, April 10-12

Cactus Road will be closed between 175th Avenue and Magnolia Drive from 5 a.m. Saturday, April 10 until 5 a.m. Monday, April 12, for utility work. Read more…

Surprise, AZ (March 29, 2021) A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications.

Marley Park Splash Pad closed for maintenance April 12-18

Splash pads at both Dick McComb City Park and Veramonte Park will remain open. Read more…

COST OF LIVING	Arizona	United States
Grocery	96.1	100
Health	95.2	100
Housing	107.8	100
Median Home Cost	$249,300	$231,200

Ducey gets proposed ban on private funds for elections

Republican legislators voted April 7 to block counties from applying for private grants to make up for shortfalls in what they say they need to properly run elections.

Surprise pushing drop-off recycling, touts alternative until curbside options return.

City court Judge Catherine A. Gaudreau picked for fellowship.

City updating water plan to meet planned growth.

Ranks Surprise 221st for diversity, rankings put city in top half of U.S.

Surprise, A‌Z (June 14, 2021) A traffic pattern change is coming to two intersections of 175^th Avenue in Surprise. Four-way stops will be added at Surprise Farms Loop North and Surprise Farms Loop South on Monday, June 28.

Due to Dysart Unified School District boundary changes slated for the upcoming school year, the city and school district collaborated on a Safe Routes to School study to identify new/modified locations for crosswalks.

Surprise, AZ (March 22, 2021) The city is accepting applications for a new Arts & Cultural Advisory Commission-led grant program that intends to assist community organizations that are pursuing arts and cultural events or activities that benefit City of Surprise residents.

Surprise, A‌Z (March 26, 2021) On Monday, April 12, Surprise City Hall and other city administrative buildings will open to the public, following a temporary closure due to COVID-19. Additionally, meetings of the City Council and all boards and commissions will open to in-person attendance effective that date.

Surprise, AZ (March 29, 2021) A City Council-led initiative to assist community organizations in providing programs and events that benefit City of Surprise residents is now accepting applications.

The City of Surprise is pleased to announce the Community Outreach Program. The major purpose of the program is to provide funding assistance to organizations within the City of Surprise for programs, events, and activities that enhance the overall lifestyle of the community. Council set aside up to $100,000 for FY2021-2022 in an effort to support and grow qualified local programs and events to improve the health and welfare of Surprise residents.

The Parks & Recreation Director application period runs May 10 – May 30, and the city anticipates filling the position in July 2021.

Why are elections in the United States held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November rather than on the first Tuesday in November ?

Surprise is bounded by the expansive White Tank Mountain range to the west and the beautiful Sonoran Desert and Lake Pleasant Regional Park to the north. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy that hiking, fishing and camping are within a 20-minute drive when living-in or visiting Surprise.

I have been fortunate to spend nearly my entire working career in the same field – community journalism. I enjoy just about all aspects of my work, particularly meeting and working with people. My goals remain what they have been for many years – to provide interesting reading and images for readers and give them balanced news coverage… see more

It’s Rusty’s Ramblins instead of Rusty’s blogs.

Supreme Court to hear Sun Cities wastewater case

Panel to address two issues

By Rusty Bradshaw
Twitter: @SunCitiesEditorPosted 3/11/21

The opposition to consolidation of EPCOR Water Co. wastewater districts will continue to be heard.

Bob Vukanovich, what are the 2 issues ?

ASU researchers in Tempe use virus deadly to rabbits to kill cancer cells.
What Is Cancer Immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy uses medicine to improve your immune system’s ability to identify and destroy cancer cells. Immunotherapies can be used alone or combined with other treatments. Here’s what you should know about these promising drugs.

• SPENCER BLAKE
• POSTED FEB 17, 2020

States have received 21 million doses since the Food and Drug Administration in December authorized two vaccines – from Pfizer Inc with partner BioNTech SE and Moderna Inc – but only about 6 million have been administered. I took my first shot yesterday, God Bless America.

  Breaking Health News

‘I just ask God to help me’: Texas funeral home crushed by death as U.S. COVID toll nears 500,000
Sunday is traditionally a quiet day for Chuck Pryor’s Houston funeral home, but on this Sunday in February, almost a year after the global pandemic reached Texas, the phone was still ringing.

Arizona opens vaccine appointments to everyone 16 and olderArizona is among the first states to allow anyone to sign up for vaccine appointments.

In an interview with ABC News’ Martha Raddatz on This Week,  Governor Doug Ducey called out the Biden administration for failed border policies that have led to a surge in illegal immigration, weakened security and a historic humanitarian crisis. On Friday, Governor Ducey visited the border in Cochise County to see firsthand the situation being made worse by the Biden administration’s policies.

As vaccinations continue to ramp up across the state, Governor Ducey announced more than one million Arizonans are officially fully vaccinated and a vaccination site in Yuma is expanding. The Governor this week also traveled to Douglas to discuss safety in border communities and across the state. Details below: 

Rejecting claims the measure amounts to little more than window dressing, a House panel voted Tuesday to give local governments more power to regulate short-term vacation rentals.

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Eastbound US 60 near Morristown overnight lane restrictions planned March 15 and 17

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the following nightly lane restrictions along US 60 at London Road and Center Street in the Morristown area, for maintenance repairs:

Arizona has administered its 2 millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccine as the state and local partners work to get the currently limited supply into arms as quickly as possible. As of this morning, 2,016,512 doses had been administered to 1,312,951 individuals, including 711,074 who have received both doses.

Home / education / Ducey swings open school doors

Ducey swings open school doors

By: Howard Fischer, Capitol Media Services March 3, 2021