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Sunday, December 11, 2022
Family blames Mesa Fire for destroyed home
INSIDE
BY SCOTT SHUMAKER Tribune Staff Writer
A
family that lost a home, four vehicles and two dogs in a fire on a county island has filed a claim against the city for $1.35 million, alleging Mesa Fire and Medical “refused” to stop the blaze from spreading to their house in April. The 1-acre property on a county island on Ellsworth Road north of Adobe is outside of Mesa Fire and Medical’s jurisdiction. It was also not subscribed to fire protection from Rural Metro, a private fire service with stations in the area that covers gaps between city limits and fire district boundaries.
NEWS................... 12 Legislature could cost Mesa Public Schools $88 million.
COMMUNITY...... 14 Dobson High native choreographs Phoenix Theater's "Cinderella."
see
CLAIM page 6
The Knourek Family – Naomi and Arielle Knourek, fiancée Autumn Holbrook and Joe Knourek – stand with their dog Lugnut in front of the charred remains of their house, which they lost to a fire April 13. They blame Mesa firefighters for the destruction and have filed a $1.3 million claim against the city. (David Minton/ Tribune Staff Photographer)
2 long-time volunteers are Mesa’s Citizens of 2022 TRIBUNE NEWS STAFF
SPORTS................ 22
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EV native debuts today as NFL starting quarterback. COMMUNITY .............................. 16 BUSINESS ................................... 18 OPINION ..................................... 20 SPORTS ...................................... 22 GET OUT ...................................... 24 CLASSIFIED ............................... 27 ZONE 1
wo long-time volunteers with involvement across a broad range of civic and charitable endeavors have been named the 2022 Mesa Citizens of the Year. Cheryl Laflen, whose leadership on the Dobson Ranch Homeowners Association Board made her a much-sought volunteer by city organizations and nonprofits alike, is the 2022 Mesa Woman of the Year.
Gateway Commercial Bank President/ CEO James Christensen, who has held leadership positions in a slew of financial and charitable organizations, is the 2022 Man of the Year. Both were selected by the Mesa Citizen of the Year Association, which comprises others who have held the titles of Man and Woman of the Year in years past. That association – and the annual awards it bestows – are among the oldest in Arizona. Founded in 1935, the organization
annually selects two individuals in the community who have dedicated a significant amount of time to volunteer activities. The many awardees have exemplified a long-standing commitment to volunteer activities and leadership. The group also promotes volunteerism in Mesa, citing its positive impact on Mesa’s residents and neighborhoods. More recently, it has also recognized see
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