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This Week
OPINION............. 8
Judy Bluhm decides about a Christmas tree
BUSINESS.......... 14
YC’s Mongolian Grill opens new store in Scottsdale
FEATURES......... 17
Desert Foothills Theater hosts holiday fundraisers
OPINION.......................8 BUSINESS.................. 14 FEATURES................. 17 CLASSIFIEDS............. 22 Zone 2
Serving the communities of Cave Creek and Carefree
Cave Creek - Carefree Area Edition
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Fire kills woman in Rio Verde foothills BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI Foothills Focus Executive Editor
A
woman was killed during a fast-moving fire in the 30000 block of 140th Street in the Rio Verde foothills at 1:45 a.m. Dec. 2. The crews originally responded to a travel trailer and SUV on fire, with a person inside. Upon arrival, they found a second trailer on fire and the flames beginning to extend to a small outbuilding. Crew members from Engine 826 discovered propane tanks on the trailers were feeding the fire. “Due to heavy fire, crews were forced into a defensive fire attack protecting livestock and additional recreational vehicles while containing the fire,” said Shawn Gilleland, Rural Metro Fire public information officer. “Fire control was quickly established, and fire suppression allows on-scene crews to visually search the fire ground, during which time a victim was discovered deceased.” Gilleland said crews believe the occupant may have barely exited the trailer before being overwhelmed by smoke or fire. “The property owners confirmed the trailer housed an unidentified
Rural Metro finishes fighting a fire in the 30000 block of 140th Street in the Rio Verde foothills at 1:45 a.m. Dec. 2. (Rural Metro/Submitted) female occupant and several birds kept in cages,” Gilleland added. The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fire.
Fight for education funding is an ongoing debate
BY SUE KERN-FLEISCHER Foothills Focus Contributing Writer
F
ive years ago, Arizona teachers went on strike for eight days with the RedforEd movement to protest ongoing funding cuts and low salaries. In 2022, the strike ended but the fight continues. Arizona’s educators make 5.5% less than the state’s average wage across many occupations, comparing 2020-2021 average
wage data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, according to Business.org. While other states such as Pennsylvania, which ranks first, have made little adjustments to their teacher pay in the last 10 years, their educators make up to 28.5% above the state’s average salary. Business.org reported the average teacher salary in Arizona for 20202021 to be $52,157. There is a continuing debate over teacher compensation and whether state education
funds are helping teachers or being diverted to other budgetary priorities. Meanwhile, inadequate salaries for educators are cause for concern for Beth Lewis, director of Save Our Schools Arizona, a nonprofit teacher advocacy organization. She said the biggest fear is the impact it will have on teachers and the education system as a whole. “It is no surprise that we have a massive
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