The Voice of Marana since 2007
Volume 30 • Number 13 March 29, 2023
www.Maranaweeklynews.com
Fry’s creates opportunity for commercial expansion
Inside
This Week
BY VERONICA KUFFEL Tucson Local Media Staff
NEWS........................... 4
“As Christians, we need to stand against sin and this is a great chance for you to do so,” the post said on its website. “We hope that you will join us in calling, every day all the numbers below. We are hoping that many churches will decide to get involved and help stand for our community, city and society. It is a time to stand for our children and their future. Stand for God and His truth. Our goal is to have this event canceled.” The church staff refused to comment on the situation, saying, “We are going to not conduct any more interviews. We feel we have made our position against the sexualization of children clear.” Feeney said Bookmans received unsigned information online that called for “undercover attendants,” particularly men posing as fathers and
see THREATS page 10
see FRY'S page 10
A drag queen reads a children’s story to families gathered at a Drag Story Hour. (Valerie Richarme/Submitted)
Threats force cancellation of Drag Story Hour FEATURES.................... 6 Chevy Showdown comes to Desert Diamond Casino
SPORTS...................... 12 Teen bicyclists set to throw down at Old Tucson Studios NEWS...............................................4 FEATURES....................................... 6 SPORTS ......................................... 10 HEALTH ........................................ 16 WORSHIP/CLASSIFIEDS............ 18 PUZZLE/HOROSCOPES.............. 22 MLS #22300756
BY VERONICA KUFFEL
B
Tucson Local Media Staff
ookmans stands against censorship. President Sean Feeney said the company’s mission is to act as a public square, an inclusive space for everyone. But when The Bridge Church in Marana and Tucson and extremist hate groups organized a threat campaign against Bookmans’ March 25 planned Drag Story Hour, Feeney said he felt a line was crossed. “The line was to call to infiltrate the event ‘undercover’ in order to disrupt,” Feeney said. “That represents in my view a clear threat to the health and safety of everybody who’s at the event. To me, it’s unacceptable.” The Bridge Church encouraged its congregation on its website and social media channels to contact Bookmans on Ina Road and tell the staff to cancel its event.
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F
ry’s is moving into the Gladden Farms Neighborhood in 2025 and it will bring a fuel center and additional spots for retail and food. Marana Economic Development Director Curt Woody said it is a much-needed addition to the area. “This area up here is not only underserved, but it’s unserved,” Woody said. “There are no grocery amenities to speak of, no restaurants or retail. When you bring a major anchor into that corner… It’s going to have a big impact on the neighborhood.” The Fry’s was originally set to open in 2008 but was delayed by the recession. Following the downturn and company restructuring, the store was approved for planning. Woody said they hope to break ground by the start of summer. “The plans are in-house and being reviewed for permitting,” Woody said. “They should have the permits within the next month or two and they’ll break ground.” The 123,000-square-foot store will be located east of the intersection of North Tangerine Farms and North Lon Adams roads. The plot neighbors the Gladden Farms
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