August 22, 2012 • Vol. 10, No.33
POSTAL PATRON CAVE CREEK
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Anthem • Black Canyon City • Carefree • Cave Creek • Desert Hills • New River • N. Phoenix • Tramonto
Cross country bike ride supporting first responders passes through New River MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
Despite the fact that the two countries are on opposite sides of the globe, Australia and the United States have always shared a kinship. “I think throughout history we’ve always shared similar belief systems and supported one and other,” Dan Farguson of the Australian Army said. Farguson is one of 12 Australians participating in the Tour of Duty Ride, which
rode through Anthem on Thursday, making a stop at the Roadrunner Restaurant and Saloon in New River. Joined by 12 American riders the group of 24 consists of a mix of military personnel, as well as fire fighters and police officers. Two years after conducting a relay race to raise money in remembrance of Sept. 11, 2001 this year’s effort is a bike ride, which started on Aug. 12 from
RIDE
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Jackscht convicted on 4 counts of manslaughter STAFF REPORT
Marc Buckhout/The Foothills Focus
The Tour of Duty Ride, a bike ride supporting military, police and fire personnel rolled through Anthem and New River on Thursday. 24 riders, 12 from the United States and 12 from Australia are riding from San Diego to New York.
Public offers opinions on installation of APS power lines MARC BUCKHOUT MANAGING EDITOR
Marc Buckhout/The Foothills Focus
More than 250 members of the public turned out to APS’s open house at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School on Aug. 15. APS is looking for input regarding five possible routes for new power lines that will run from the Gavilan Peak Substation to the Cave Creek Substation. Public comments are being accepted through September, with a decision expected to be made by APS in October.
Inside:
THEATER:
ProMusica kicks off 10th season with tribute to historic women
Page 4
The old saying is close only counts when it comes to horseshoes and hand grenades. Members of the public that showed up to the APS open house at Horseshoe Trails Elementary School on Aug. 15 had an addendum to the old standby. Close only counts when it comes to horseshoes, hand grenades and power lines. “I don’t doubt that it is needed, but I don’t want it in my backyard,” Cave Creek resident Roger Thorton said. That was a popular refrain expressed by many in the crowd of approximately 250 who were encouraged to fill out comment cards with their preferred route and any questions or comments
POLITICS:
they might have. The open house put on display five routes APS is considering for a new 69 – kilovolt power line designed to improve the reliability of service by constructing a new overhead 69 – kV power line on the 65 – foot high steel poles between the Gavilan Peak Substation and the Cave Creek Substation. As it stands there is only one line into the Cave Creek Substation. The additional line will help prevent an extended loss of electric service to area customers in the event of a single-line or transformer outage. Along with explaining the need for the project APS staff
PUBLIC
continued on page 12
SPORTS:
Michael Jakscht, the driver of a dump truck, which struck and killed four motorcyclists on March 25, 2010 was found guilty on four counts of manslaughter on Aug. 15. Jakscht was accused of being high on methamphetamines at the time of the accident. Jakscht collided with eight motorcycles and four other vehicles in front of them, all of which were stopped at the intersection of 27th Drive and Carefree Highway. Clyde R. Nachand, Stephen Punch, Daniel L. Butler and Dayle Downs-Totonchi all died in the accident while five others were injured. A judge declared a mistrial last year when jurors deadlocked over whether to convict Jakscht of manslaughter or endangerment. Phoenix police say toxicology tests showed Jakscht had methamphetamine in his system. Jakscht’s attorneys say he took diet pills and the brakes on the truck weren’t working well. He was also found guilty of five counts of aggravated assault, one count of endangerment imminent death, and three counts of endangerment physical injury. Sentencing has been set for 8:30 a.m., Sept. 21.
OTHER :
Candidates turn out in force for New River candidate forum
Cactus Shadows, Boulder Creek square off on gridiron in Friday’s season opener
• Editorial Page
• Service Directory
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