E-edition

PUSD board approves new superintendent contract, includes annual salary of $205K

The Peoria Unified School District and future Superintendent Jason Reynolds came to terms on his contract effective, July 1, his first day on the job. The contract expires June 30, 2022. Mr. …

‘Hike for Hope’ benefit for West Valley nonprofit coming to Peoria

The seventh annual Hike for Hope benefiting Billy’s Place will take place 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. It will start and finish in WestWing at Copper Hills Church near Sunrise Mountain, 27035 …

Overall violent, property crimes down in some Arizona cities in first half of 2019

Preliminary statistics show overall declines in both violent and property crime in the first half of 2019 in the United States compared to the same time frame the previous year, according to FBI …

Off-roading: Peoria Police Department receives $30K grant for OHV

The Peoria Police Department will be getting a new a side-by-side off-highway vehicle to patrol and use in the city’s desert areas.

Update of Peoria's fleet shop planned for  2022

Welcome to an ongoing series informing residents about city projects that affect them directly. The Peoria Independent features capital improvement projects that have begun construction, are in design, or planned for the future.

Courts: New Year’s Eve DUI citations unchanged in Peoria area

The Peoria area has held steady when it comes to DUI citations over the last few New Year’s Eves, when there is a higher level of drunk driving than other times of the year. A public …

PUSD CFO: Time is of the essence

A sense of urgency is ramping up as funds for capital improvement projects in the Peoria Unified School District are about to run out, making another bond election a priority. To get a measure on the November ballot, the district will have to act quickly. 

Peoria police officer to be assigned to FBI task force

For the first time, a city of Peoria police officer will be assigned to the Desert Hawk Violent Crime Task Force, within the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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A medical marijuana dispensary in Peoria is expanding its operations.

189-unit gated community approved for 83rd and Olive

A new 189-unit single story, multi-family residential gated community is planned for nearly 18 acres at the northwest corner of 83rd and Olive avenues.

Charter academy to host career fair

Great Hearts Academies in Arizona is looking to hire 250 teachers and teaching assistants for the 2020-2021 school year.

189-unit gated community on 18 acres proposed for Peoria

A new 189-unit single story, multi-family residential gated community is on track for nearly 18 acres at the northwest corner of 83rd and Olive avenues.

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Getting the word out at Peoria Unified More teachers could apply for prestigious certification By Philip Haldiman Independent Newsmedia A group of Peoria Unified School District teachers …

Apprentice Artist Program seeking student applicants

The West Valley Arts Council, 16126 N. Civic Center Plaza, Surprise, in partnership with Estrella Mountain Community College, 3000 N. Dysart Road, Avondale, is seeking students to participant in …

Zuni Hills gets latest Friendship Bench

      Zuni Hills gets latest Friendship Bench Peoria Pioneer Lions Club project will add 16 new benches this year A Friendship Bench was recently erected in the school …

Peoria Unified opens SMart Center early, home of former Challenger Center

Just in time for the spring semester to kick off, the Peoria Unified School District opened the Sunrise Mountain Art Center, also known as SMart Center, for students on the campus of Sunrise Mountain High School.

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As we move our city into the future, I am often asked about important topics related to new construction, future development, public safety, transportation, schools, water and many others. One question I have been asked is how is Peoria addressing the growing issue of homelessness?

Binsbacher: Happy Valley Road construction shifts from day to night

For most living in the Mesquite District, Happy Valley Road is the main corridor we use to access our neighborhoods, shopping centers, parks, schools and more.

Duncan: Free benefits assistance interviews available in Sun City

The Mission of the Sun City Community Assistance Network is to, “Connect people with resources to enhance their standard of living.”

Haldiman: Youth environmental battle cry rumbles into the West Valley

If you haven’t seen 16-year-old Greta Thunberg fight for environmental justice over the last year, then you’ve probably been under a nice, cool rock.

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