The recent passing of "Jeopardy" host Alex Trebec has sparked a flood of tributes for him and the game show itself.  Former contestants and celebrities who've competed there have shared numerous …

I would like to respond to the letter to the editor by Carolyn Copeland regarding polling places.

I was surprised to learn there is not a single place in Sun City where I can vote on Nov. 3. When Helen Purcell was in charge, our polling place was printed next to our address on our sample …

I would like to respond to the letter from Jean Goncalves of Sun City West, in which she writes about the differences between the Democratic and Republican Party platforms for this year and cites them as a reason to vote Republican.

I have to laugh every time I see a sign “Republicans for Biden.”

I would like to respond to the letter from Jean Goncalves, regarding the vice presidential debate. The letter writer makes a ridiculous claim regarding the “speaking” time that …

Again, another debate, another biased moderator. It was very obvious in the way the questions were asked and the way more time was given to Kamala Harris.

The long-awaited and much-anticipated Paloma Community Park is now open. This park is the newest example of Peoria’s commitment to providing the highest quality of life to our residents and the importance of bringing families together.

I would like to respond to the letter from Frank Gilbert of Sun City West (“Gilbert: Masks are useless, mind control,” September 23, 2020, Daily Independent).

Masks are not effective tools for protecting against COVID. Much to the chagrin of the mask-wearing crowd, there is no statistically significant study that proves conclusively that wearing a mask protects you from COVID.

We recognize the important role that parents play in supporting our schools and ensuring the best possible education for all students in our community. Public School Review agrees stating, “Extensive research has shown that students achieve more in school when their parents are involved in their education.”

Davita Solter, candidate for board bember of the Peoria Unified School District’s Governing Board, is a top choice.

For over 131 years, the Peoria Unified School District has been teaching the students of the Northwest Valley.

I have always felt that a candidate should be judged on their individual beliefs and values, not those of a larger party.

Do you know a safe person when you see one? Do you know the signs of an unsafe person? Do you know someone in your life who is always telling you what you should or shouldn’t do? Telling you …

Kudos to Peoria students Danielle Kwan and Tatum Champion for their wonderful efforts, providing COVID-19 survival kits to seniors in our community.

Legislative District 21 has a clear contrast in candidates this year for the state legislature.

I would like to respond to Lyle Tuttle’s letter from Aug. 24, 2020, regarding Maricopa County Recorder Adrian Fontes’ decision to try to maximize voter turnout.

Concerns over COVID-19 and the reopening of Arizona schools are escalating dramatically. In unprecedented numbers, parents are reaching out to school board members and superintendents to voice their concerns. One parent, in particular, expressed what parents and students are feeling.

While daily life has changed over the last few months, many prospective homebuyers in Phoenix still want to own a home. With new passions like fitness or exploring the outdoors growing, some Arizonians may be interested in a home with a backyard or an additional room for a fitness studio.

It’s your money. Just in case you have not been keeping up with the events within the secretary of state, the recorder’s office, the county supervisors and the attorney general’s office, let me briefly review what has happened.

Arizona businesses continue to be affected by the economic impact of COVID-19. Particularly hard-hit are those individuals whose business is the ownership and management of rental homes throughout …

As a Black man who has worked in the community behavioral health industry for more than 30 years, I’ve seen a lot. I’ve seen the struggles that individuals and family members go …

Americans love anniversaries, whether it is the birth of our nation on July 4th, our parents’ 50th, Pearl Harbor or 9/11. The year 2020 has a number of significant anniversaries of laws that have changed American society in uncountable ways.

I appreciated your good news story on the young ladies from Peoria High School and their outreach to Sun City residents.

Valley residents are continuing to work through the slight declining trend of COVID-19, many are still concerned about the safety of themselves and their families.

Temporary grace and an extension of Arizona’s eviction moratorium to Oct. 31 means we have more time to do our literal “home” work, but there’s no free pass or less pressure …

The relentless pace of the coronavirus pandemic has challenged hospital and healthcare workers across the Valley and the country. Long days are spent caring for COVID and non-COVID patients. The stress of managing personal lives while balancing family needs and commitments adds yet another layer of challenge to manage.

The insanity we’re seeing in the Pacific Northwest would have free reign to spread to the rest of the country under a prospective Biden administration.

I’ve been a resident of Peoria for almost 30 years. Besides being a great place to live and having an excellent school system, I have enjoyed and respected our city government. It seems our elected officials were really responsive to the citizens and there was never, at least apparent to the public, back room dealings or self-serving or other shenanigans.

Given Arizona’s recent pandemic statistics, Peoria’s governing board and school administrators are confronted with a difficult decision — potentially opening schools after Labor Day Weekend. These officials must decide if the risk of reopening Peoria’s 42 schools outweighs the immediate and long-term physical, mental and academic well-being of our district’s 36,000 children and their families.

The idea of maintaining civil discourse when debating public issues of the day is more than lip-service at Independent Newsmedia. At Yourvalley.net, which is powered by the work of local …

I would like to respond to the letter from Ronald Edward of Sun City West, (“Warns of liberals ‘taking over’” Peoria Independent, July 8, 2020), in which Mr Edward laments …

Thoughtful and intelligent leaders know there is no easy path through the COVID-19 crisis. There is no “right” answer, no quick fix, no painless solution. Experienced leaders know …

The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on all our lives is clear.

Imagine living in your own home or apartment with days between any communications with another person. Many senior adults who have modest daily interaction with family and friends can easily become isolated inside their own residence. Depression often follows isolation, resulting in significant impact on physical health.

Nursing homes have become ground zero in the coronavirus disease 2019 COVID-19 pandemic, with outbreaks causing high rates of illness and death among vulnerable residents living together in close …

COVID-19 poses extreme obstacles for people who have intellectual disabilities and thrive on routine, familiar activities, and people, such as family and friends. So, with everything going …

When the work van pulled up in front of Arizona Helping Hands, I recognized the company name. I thought my friend Dale was coming to say hi and tour the Arizona Helping Hands facility where we …

I have lived in Peoria for 37 years. Once again, I stand before you to discuss much needed funding. Is it …

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the unrest that has been taking place in some cities, the impact has been felt in every sector of our economy. There has never been a more challenging time for …

This Friday, we celebrate Juneteenth --- a holiday that receives little attention but holds special significance for me as a black man in America this year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865 …

With the continuing unchartered territory that we keep encountering, the Peoria Diamond Club has been keeping busy with the obligations to our youth charities the best we can.

During difficult economic times like these, nothing is more valuable than a good job. As an economist, I routinely advise community and business leaders on how to recruit and create more of these …

I watched the City of Peoria Planning and Zoning Commission meeting held on June 4, 2020.  I came away with some questions after viewing it.

I met Curtis four years ago. He came to Arizona Helping Hands to receive beds, cribs, clothing, diapers, sports equipment and more to help his family. His daughter’s life had been …

I last wrote a public letter to you six years ago in BKNation. During that time, in 2014, we had just moved to the Phoenix area and I was a recently minted PhD. The world at that time seemed in …

In this unparalleled time where our emotional and physical well-being are threatened, staying healthy and maintaining a normalcy has become increasingly challenging. It’s imperative more …

I’ve had the honor to meet some amazing dads in my work at Arizona Helping Hands. Foster dads don’t have nine months to wrap their heads around the responsibilities of parenting. They …

Who am I? I am a white American man. I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, a husband, a father of four, a son, a brother and a servant to our nation as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. I …

COVID-19 has challenged the Peoria Unified School District and the surrounding communities that it serves in how we live, work, play and educate our youth.

We get it. After a couple months of relative seclusion, you’re probably eager to see friends and extended family, enjoy a favorite meal out of the house, and finally get that haircut …

In a year with many distractions and stressful events, we must not forget that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15. Annually, this day highlights the issues of elder abuse and the 10% of …

During this pandemic, we’ve seen our communities step up for one another to help flatten the curve. While we continue to practice social distancing, one of the most impactful civic duties that …

I want to explain how to stop the riots, looting and protests since no one seems to know and no one else is saying it. My son from Nigeria and my Russian/Ukrainian daughter from Ukraine thought it …

I am in support of the recommendations the citizen’s advisory committee submitted and which subsequently were approved by the school board at the last board meeting. I concur with the recommendation of putting both a bond and an override on the November ballot.

There is a rezoning case going through Maricopa County Planning and Zoning that residents of the Northwest Valley should know about.

There has been a lot of talk about the proposed Happy Valley Recycling and Transfer Facility near 115th Avenue and Happy Valley Road, and unfortunately not all of the information is accurate.

If you have Medicare and want to be tested for coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19, the Trump Administration has good news. Medicare covers tests with no out-of-pocket costs. You can get tested in …

The necessity of quality healthcare coverage has become abundantly clear for many Americans over the recent weeks For the one in 10 Americans now unemployed whose health insurance options were …

When I was in nursing school, I was surprised to learn that “patients have a right to fall.” The concept, then, and now, was based upon a person’s right to choose due to informed …

The coronavirus has shut down or slowed down many businesses throughout the United States, but the essential services provided to children in foster care by Arizona Helping Hands have continued on …

Now that commerce is resuming across Arizona, business owners are entering into uncharted territory taking a risk that customers and employees will catch COVID-19 at the business. If that happens, …

Here in Phoenix our summer months are not known as gardening weather but there’s important work to do in the yard this year --- remove your lawn. You probably already consider this every …

On behalf of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, I’d like to thank all those who work in nursing facilities --- doctors, nurses, food preparers, housekeepers and others --- for …

In conjunction with Governor Doug Ducey’s guidelines for reopening amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, I issued the Third Proclamation under the Declaration of Emergency, which calls for a phased plan to open city buildings, facilities and programs. The City of Peoria’s reopening plan begins Monday, May 18, with city hall and other city facilities opening to the public.

Character is tested when you are up against it. Over the last 60 days, in response to COVID-19, during this unprecedented time of uncertainty and duress within our Peoria business community, the …

As we navigate our way through this difficult time, the city of Peoria continues to work around the clock to find new and unique ways to meet the needs of our residents as they relate to the changes caused by COVID-19.

Whenever anyone questions the wisdom of allowing large-scale illegal immigration, the first thing we invariably hear from the open-borders left is that it will outrage Hispanic-Americans. More often …

While the nation’s focus is rightfully on the COVID-19 crisis, another crisis looming for a large group of young people. Dreamers are living a nightmare as they wait for the federal government …

As chair of the Arizona Senate Education Committee, I passionately work toward bettering the education of every child in the state and I fully support Arizona parents and their school choice rights, …

Governor Doug Ducey has again issued a proclamation declaring the month of May to be Foster Care Awareness Month. The governor urges “all citizens to do something positive to improve the …

Older adults, with diminished immune systems due to aging and with pre-existing conditions, are much more vulnerable to COVID-19 than the general population. In-home caregivers can help prevent …

Now that most of us are working and learning from home, you may be noticing that some websites may be a bit slow to load, and you may experience intermittent buffering when streaming video. While …

During these uncertain times, the economic impact of coronavirus-driven cancelations, postponements and shutdowns continues mounting. This is especially daunting for many nonprofit organizations …

Small businesses are the backbone of the Arizona economy and employ over one million Arizonans. These hard-working Arizonans often put everything they have into building their businesses from scratch …

At Medicare, we understand you may have concerns about going to your doctor’s office during the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Like so many Americans, our Medicare beneficiaries …

For nearly four years now I have enjoyed covering the city of Peoria, where new things are popping up all the time and growth supplies much to write about. But as our world has come to a practical halt due to the coronavirus, so too has much of the activity in Peoria.

Northwest Valley Connect (NVC) is now delivering groceries and medications to our clients in the West Valley. Our vulnerable adults age 65+ and/or with disabilities need the communities help more than ever right now during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many of us don’t have a primary care provider, and those who do rarely visit more than once a year. So why should you be checking in routinely with a doctor, even when you’re not sick?

COVID-19 has led to the necessity of finishing the school year at home. This is definitely not desirable but our teachers are doing their best to make it work.

There is an ongoing conversation about the worldwide spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and how to be prepared. According to the Centers for Disease and Control Prevention, anyone can get …

You may have noticed that every council member aside from the mayor attended the March 24 council meeting via conference call. We did this to emphasize the importance of social distancing.

Rotarians are “People of Action,” and Rotary clubs and their members throughout Arizona are pitching in to help where needed in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic …

We are really in an unprecedented time with a lack of answers, certainty and control, and there is no end in sight. With all the discussion and encouragement around “social distancing” for our physical health, it brings up a whole new array of potential mental health problems, especially for older adults.

These are troubled times. I know that sounds cliché, but that phrase regrettably represents our reality. We are now, on a daily basis, inundated with sobering health, financial and employment news.

Recent city and state mandates on how restaurants will be allowed to operate during this COVID-19 pandemic have thrown the hospitality industry into a tailspin.

To help keep our communities healthy, the need for social distancing is imperative right now. As such, on March 18, two U.S. senators --- Kevin Cramer and Mark Warner --- introduced a bill known …

Since older Americans are particularly vulnerable to coronavirus (COVID-19), I wanted to let you know the steps we’re taking to help our Medicare beneficiaries cope with the …

I have lived here in Arizona a long time and seen a lot of political maneuvering. Mostly bad. Pardon my cynical attitude. The pols here have a chance for more under-handed chicanery. The 2020 …

To all the people that have reached out to me and shown me love: I am so grateful for the Centennial community. Over the last two years you have filled my cup and I will eternally love every …

If you’ve been anywhere near Sunrise Mountain High School lately, you are probably familiar with the excitement that has been emanating from that part of the Peoria Unified School District.

Attempts to outlaw “dark money” are means to suppress speech (“A light in the dark: The quest to outlaw ‘dark money,’” Page 4). It will allow Jacobin thugs …

Under current U.S. law, when criminal organizations want to hide their money laundering and financing activities from law enforcement officials, they have the means to do so. The result is the …

Everything is connected to everything. Peoria Unified Superintendent Linda Palles Thompson was once told this and it has stuck with her over the years, especially when she looks at the new SMart Center, which now houses Sunrise Mountain High School’s visual arts program.

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?

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.

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

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.

Local camping enthusiasts recommend some areas for camping during the cooler months. Just moved from Indiana in March and now we are settled in we’d like to get to some camping. Where are …

This past weekend may have involved counting calories from the feast you indulged in on Thanksgiving. Nothing wrong with that. But one thing we should all give thanks for is a different kind of …