May 4 Ina Road Celebration Weekend to welcome community back to the corridor after reopening of Ina Interchange

MARANA – The Town of Marana is celebrating the reopening of the Ina Road Interchange with the “Ina Road Celebration Weekend” on May 4-5. Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

 The celebration weekend kicks off with an opening ceremony on Saturday, May 4, at 9 A.M. and features Marana Town Council and representatives from the Arizona Department of Transportation, Regional Transportation Authority, and Marana Chamber of Commerce. The ceremony will be located at the Lowe’s Home Improvement parking lot at 4075 W Ina Rd. The ceremony will then be followed by a weekend-long business block party located along Ina Road Corridor between Thornydale Road and the interstate.

For more block party information, visit the “Ina Road Celebration Weekend” Facebook event page, which will be updated with business specials and attractions.  

The “Ina Road Celebration Weekend” is a collaboration between the Town of Marana and the Regional Transportation Authority, with support from the Marana Chamber of Commerce.

BACKGROUND

The celebration follows the near completion of two separate projects: the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Ina Road Interchange project and the Town of Marana Ina Road Beautification project.

The Interstate 10/Ina Road Interchange improvement project required rerouting local street access to Interstate 10 to reconstruct a new interchange that stretches over the interstate and the Union Pacific railroad tracks and eliminates the at-grade crossing.  The project also included widening I-10, widening Ina Road to two lanes in each direction between Silverbell Road and Camino de la Cruz, reconstructing the frontage roads and building two Ina Road bridges over the Santa Cruz River. This project met the long-range planning objectives of ADOT, the Town of Marana, Pima County, Pima Association of Governments (PAG) and the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) to improve interchange capacity, public safety, and operations. The Arizona Department of Transportation and Town of Marana managed the RTA plan-approved project.

The Town of Marana Ina Road Beautification Project was done in conjunction with the Ina Interchange project in an effort to improve portions of Ina Road. The project includes landscape, mill and pave, street light and traffic signal improvements along Ina Road between Camino de las Capas and the eastern Town limits. Arizona Department of Transportation is administering the work between Silverbell Road and Camino de las Capas.

ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is a multimodal transportation agency serving one of the fastest-growing areas of the country. ADOT is responsible for planning, building and operating a complex highway system in addition to building and maintaining bridges.  

REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

The Regional Transportation Authority is a state-established political subdivision within Pima County that collects a half-cent excise tax from the RTA’s special taxing district. The tax funds the RTA’s 20-year regional transportation plan, which voters in the district approved in May 2006 along with the excise tax. To date, the RTA has invested over $1 billion in the region to deliver transportation projects and services that improve our region’s mobility, safety, economic vitality and quality of life. Please visit www.RTAmobility.com for more information. 

MARANA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Marana Chamber of Commerce is the voice of business that works to build economic growth and quality of life in our community. It is committed to building business and community relationships.  

RELATED 

March 14, 2019 - Ina Road opens over I-10 in Marana as interchange nears completion


March 6, 2019 – Ina Road Beautification Project Update

October 19, 2016 – Marana sets up program to help businesses affected by Ina construction

EVENT FLYER

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Marana In The Media: Bringing history to life in Marana

The Marana News had a story about this weekend’s Wings of Freedom tour at the Marana Airport.

An interactive tour coming to Marana gives the term “history lesson” a whole new meaning. This WWII plane tour brings real, fully restored World War II-era planes to Marana for a chance to brush up on history and experience what it was like to be around these giant metal birds.

The Collins Foundation is an educational, nonprofit organization that puts the “Wings of Freedom” tours together. Going to over 30 cities across the United States, the tour will take place at the Marana Regional Airport from March 29 to 31. 

The Town of Marana has been one of the tour’s stops for about 15 years, giving the community a little piece of World War II history no one else could provide. Attendees can even hop inside of each plane and take it up into the air with a pilot for a fee. 

Read the rest of the story at the Marana News.

The Wings of Freedom Tour is coming to the Marana Regional Airport from March 29-March 31.

Mayor's Message: Enjoy Founders' Day

Marana Mayor Ed Honea provided a Mayor’s Message to the Marana News regarding Founders’ Day.

Marana Founders’ Day logo.

This Saturday is the return of Marana Founders’ Day, one of my favorite events in the town. Founders’ Day is a great way to remember Marana’s humble beginnings, while also celebrating where we are going as a community. 

I take great pride in our community, and love showing it off during our signature events. At Founders’ Day, we remember how the town’s founders came together over 40 years ago to protect the water rights of local farmers. Many of those families, including my own, still call Marana home. 

Marana’s history dates back further than its incorporation in the 1970s. Western people have settled here since the late 1800s, and in the 1930s the residents in the area came together to form the Cortaro-Marana Irrigation District in an effort to protect water resources and purchase electrical power at a low rate.

Once again, Founders’ Day will be located at the Marana Municipal Complex in the heart of Downtown Marana. The first Marana Town Hall was in a small strip mall on the corner of Sanders and Marana Road. Today, we have a beautiful, modern complex that has become even more striking with the addition of our brand-new police facility.

The highlight of Founders’ Day is the parade. To me, the parade sums up how diverse and interesting Marana is. Horseback riders travel the same parade route as modern police vehicles. We will have marching bands, kids on bicycles and floats. We will also have vintage tractors that harken back to Marana’s farming roots travelling alongside giant concrete mixers that remind us that we live in one of the fastest growing communities in the state. 

The floats represent so many great organizations that make Marana a great town. All of the schools from Marana Unified School District as well as the Open Doors School are represented, as is MHC Healthcare, Northwest Fire and so many of our great churches. The Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts will be in the parade, as will organizations like 4-H, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Marana-Foothills Optimists Club and the Shriners. Truly a cross section of Marana.

The Anway Family will serve as the Grand Marshalls of the Parade. They represent the families that have called Marana home for generations. The Anway family first arrived in Marana over 100 years ago. They were among the first families to plant cotton, and were the first to sink a well in Avra Valley and bring dairy cows to the area. 

It is exciting to welcome so many generations of the family to the festivities, and I believe they are the perfect representatives for what Founders’ Day is all about. They are truly the history of the Town, as well as the future of this community. 

This year we are bringing the festivities to the courtyard of the Municipal Complex. Those watching the parade near MHC, Ora Mae Harn Park or the roundabout will have just a short stroll to get to all of the great activities.

Town staff will be on hand getting feedback on the next iteration of the Marana General Plan, and our Community and Neighborhood Services Department will be answering questions and helping to license and adopt dogs. A number of great local non-profits and businesses will also be on-site.  

A new addition to Founders’ Day is the Marana Art Expo. This is the second Art Expo hosted by Marana Parks and Recreation. This time, local middle and high school artists will be featured. These great works of art will be hosted in the main lobby of the Municipal Complex.

At the town we strive to provide free family activities, and Founders’ Day will be no different. This year, we will have a variety of inflatable attractions, a kids’ craft area and a small recreational train. 

I like to think there is a lot of great talent in the Town of Marana, and that talent will be showcased at Founders’ Day. We have four diverse acts performing, beginning with Ballet Folklorico Xochitl starting at 11:30 a.m., and followed by the Marana High School Choir, the Lion Dance Chinese Cultural Dancers and classic rock ban Sonora Borealis. 

Founders’ Day is about the history of the town, and there will be a number of historical and cultural displays and booths. This is a great way to learn more about Marana’s rich history.

I love Founders’ Day, and hope you will join me on Saturday to take in the festivities. See you there. 

Ed Honea is the Mayor of Marana.

UPDATE - Traffic Alert: Aerie Drive

UPDATE - Due to a construction delay final paving on Aerie Drive will begin on Friday, March 29 and conclude on Monday, April 1.

Aerie Drive  reconstruction will begin on Monday, March 25, 2019 through Monday, April 1, 2019. Construction crews will mill and repave the surface of the road. Expect lane closures and traffic delays.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

UPDATE Traffic Alert: Overnight lane closures for Interstate 10 near Ina

Overnight lane closures set for Interstate 10 near Ina Road starting March 26

Motorists who use Interstate 10 near Ina Road should expect overnight lane closures starting Tuesday, March 26.

Lane closures are scheduled in the following locations:

• March 26 - Eastbound and westbound I-10 near Ina Road between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.

• March 28 - Westbound I-10 near Ina Road between 8 p.m. Thursday and 5 a.m. Friday

• March 29 - The far right lane of both eastbound and westbound I-10 will be closed near Ina Road between 8 p.m Friday and 5 a.m. Saturday

The lane closures will allow crews to complete striping, move barriers and other work.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Bilingual Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or go to azdot.gov/contact and select Projects from the drop-down menu. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT's Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

NW Fire among top 1% of nation's fire districts

Northwest Fire engine.

The Northwest Fire District, a community partner of the Town of Marana, announced that they have received an improved Class 1/1Y Public Protection Classification (PPC) rating issued by the Insurance Service Office (ISO) which places the District’s fire protection community in the top 1% in the country.

The enhanced score takes effect on July 01, 2019 and works to ensure lower insurance costs for property owners within the Northwest Fire District, including much of the Town of Marana and areas of unincorporated Pima County northwest of Tucson.

ISO collects and evaluates fire suppression capabilities in over 48,000 communities in the United States. ISO notes that most insurers use the PPC classification for underwriting and calculating premiums on residential, commercial, and industrial properties. The PPC score is a measure of the community’s overall ability to reduce property losses due to fires.  

The scale of a PPC rating ranges from 1-10, with Class 1 being the highest rating. Northwest Fire’s community Class 1 PPC rating, improved from Class 2, comes on the heels of a recent analysis performed by the ISO on the Northwest Fire community’s fire prevention and suppression systems. The ISO is one of two third-party entities that regularly assess the Northwest Fire District.

The Commission on Fire Accreditation International also evaluates Northwest Fire District is one of only 258 accredited fire and rescue agencies in the country.

Northwest Fire Boundary Map

Map of Northwest Fire’s coverage area.

Traffic Update: Marana Road

Road work on Marana Road just west of Sandario Road.

Portions of Marana Road at Sandario Road will be closed beginning on Monday, March 25, 2019 through Friday, March 29, 2019. The closure will be in place to construct a traffic control median. Sandario traffic will not be affected. Marana Road drivers should use the traffic circle located at Sandario Road  and Marana Main Street.

This will only impact the western portion of the intersection. All driveways to Circle K will remain open.

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested.

If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Marana Road and Sandario Road.

Marana named the state's fifth safest city

Marana made the list of safest cities in Arizona by Safewise

The Town of Marana was named one of the top-10 safest cities in Arizona by safewise.com, ranking 5th overall. That is up from No. 6 in the previous rankings.

The Town scored particularly well in terms of violent crime, with just 0.89 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. In the previous rankings Marana had 0.93 violent crimes per 1,000 residents. The national average is 4.49 per 1,000 citizens.

Marana only had 26.24 property crimes per 1,000 residents.

To determine the safest cities in Arizona, safewise.com reviewed the 2017 FBI crime report statistics and population data.

Their evaluation is based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder, rape, and robbery) in each city. If there was a tie, we also factored in the number of property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft). To level the playing field, we calculated the rate of crimes per 1,000 people in each city. This makes it easier to directly compare the likelihood of these crimes occurring in cities with vastly different populations.

See the full list.

Traffic Alert: Thornydale Beautification milling update

The Ina/Thornydale Intersection will be milled on Wednesday, March 20./Google Maps

Milling work will begin at the Ina Road and Thornydale Road intersection and adjacent side streets the week of March 18.

Beginning Monday March 18 Meredith Blvd, Firestone Alley, Juniper Road, and Ulene Place will be milled in preparation for final pave.

Oldfather Road will be milled on Tuesday March 19.

The Ina/Thornydale intersection will be milled on Wednesday March 20. Milling on Ina Road and Thornydale Road will happen between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in an effort to minimize impacts during rush hour. Expect heavy delays.

Milling to be done at Ina/Thornydale and on Meredith Blvd.

Milling work on Ulene Pl, Oldfather Road, Juniper Road, and Firestone Alley.

Pavement assessment beginning on Monday, March 18

A van with special equipment will be analyzing Marana roads.

The Town of Marana is committed to having the best possible roads. This goal led to the creation of the Town’s Pavement Preservation Program, which strives to preserve Town roadways on regular basis.

A van will help assess Marana roadways beginning Monday, March 18.

The Town has been collecting pavement condition data and prioritizing project selection for pavement preservation since 2009. Six years ago, the Town created a six-year pavement preservation program.  The program is in its last year of implementation.

As the pavement preservation program was developed in-house, it has evolved over the years to take advantage of advances in computing capabilities as well as changes in pavement preservation philosophy. The most notable latest advancement is the move to prioritize projects based on “life cycle cost concept.” In an effort to best prioritize projects and properly manage resources, the Town roadways will be undergoing a pavement assessment beginning on Monday, March 18. This will not only allow the Town to develop long-term maintenance plans and budgets, but also help guide Town staff into “applying the right treatment, to the right road, at the right time, and right cost.” This will allow the Town to best utilize their resources, while also providing the best possible driving surfaces.

“The pavement assessment will help the Town in initiating cost-effective decisions relative to the “what,” “where,” and “when” in terms of pavement maintenance and rehabilitation,” said Town of Marana Public Works Director Mo El-Ali. “What treatment is cost-effective; where are the treatments needed; and when is the best time to program a treatment?”

Special vans with cameras on the bumper will analyze Marana’s roads.

To conduct the pavement assessment, the Town of Marana will utilize IMS Infrastructure Management Services LLC, to complete a detailed inventory and condition rating of all roadways and collect right-of-way assets. The data will be collected and loaded into an asset management program specifically designed to assist the Town in developing a long-term pavement preservation program.  

The field surveys are completed in two phases using specialized surveying equipment.

The first phase will begin on March 18 and last two weeks. This initial phase will inventory and collect pavement performance data using a device known as a Laser Road Surface Tester or RST. This device measures pavement roughness, rutting, cracking and other surface distresses as it travels down the roadway. It will also be used to collect digital video and Global Positioning Satellite (GPS} information for cataloging right of way assets.

The RST is a one-ton Ford van with 4 inside mounted cameras and GPS receivers and a modified front bumper. Operated by three field technicians, the RST travels at posted speed limits and will survey each roadway at least once.

Ina Road opens over I-10 in Marana as interchange nears completion

Ina Road bridge construction/Courtesy ADOT

Ramps connecting with I-10 expected to open in next few weeks

Ina Road has opened over Interstate 10 in Marana, a major step toward completing a modern traffic interchange that is one of the Tucson area’s largest road projects in years.

Early Thursday, traffic began taking Ina Road over I-10 and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks. While work continues in other areas of the project, one lane of Ina Road will be available in each direction and the speed limit will be 25 mph.

Ramps connecting Ina Road with I-10 are expected to open in the next few weeks. The final pieces of the project – widening Ina Road from I-10 west to the Santa Cruz River and connecting with a new bridge over the river – will be completed later this spring. Ina Road is open throughout that area of the project. 

Ina Road Bridge over I-10 is now open.

Before this $128 million project, Ina Road offered just two lanes under I-10, and drivers regularly had to wait for trains to pass. The new overpass will offer four lanes while eliminating the need to wait for trains, enhancing mobility and safety.

Improvements also include replacing a single two-lane Ina Road bridge over the Santa Cruz River with two bridges, doubling the road’s capacity west of I-10, and creating a bicycle path that connects with The Loop, a system of trails and bike routes in the Tucson area. Meanwhile, new technology will monitor traffic and allow ADOT engineers to adjust signal timing based on need.

ADOT is overseeing the improvements, which are funded by the Federal Highway Administration, the Pima Association of Governments and the Regional Transportation Authority. The town of Marana contributed $7.9 million toward the cost of the new Santa Cruz River bridges west of I-10.

Ina Road is the third major I-10 interchange replacement in Pima County. Projects at Prince Road and Twin Peaks have created overpasses that eliminated the need for drivers to wait for trains. A similar project at Ruthrauff Road is expected to begin this summer.

Manager's Message: Spring into March with the Town of Marana

Marana Municipal Complex.

Marana Town Manager Jamsheed Mehta provides a monthly Manager’s Message to the Marana News.

There’s much to look forward to during the month of March. March Madness, Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, Spring Equinox—and now Marana’s Community Conversations!

The Town of Marana will host three community meetings this month at various locations, and we encourage our residents to come and learn about new development and construction projects, parks and recreation programs and the fiscal year 2020 budget process. 

A lot of new projects are reaching completion. 

The Town regains access to Ina Road Interchange soon, and with it the freshly paved and landscaped Ina Road, complete with sidewalks and accessibility ramps. New businesses are opening everywhere, including the Hampton Inn & Suites at Marana Center, and the future Dutch Bros. and Serial Grillers located near the Interstate and Cortaro Road. The town is also busy working on capital improvement projects that will further prepare our community for continued growth, like the North Marana Drainage Study. 

Meeting attendees will learn about the latest residential and commercial growth reports, as well as the General Plan update that maps Marana’s future for the next twenty years.

This is a big year for Marana Parks and Recreation. Town staff begins the 10-year Master Plan study that will give the community a chance to assess its recreation needs and interests, and prioritize projects that are publicly supported, financially responsible and environmentally sound. National reports find that 85 percent of Americans consider high quality park amenities and community centers important factors when choosing a new place to live, and more than 90 percent of Americans agree parks and recreation is an important local government service.

By participating in the 10-year Master Plan process, the public can have an impact on future park developments. Learn more about this process at the Community Conversations events, as well as all the exciting parks and recreation programming happening this year near your neighborhood. 

Every year, the Town of Marana organizes an annual budget based on the priorities set by the Town Council. The annual budget serves as the funding plan for policies, goals, and service-levels provided to the citizens of Marana, and gives staff the authority to spend funds according to the policy goals set by Town Council. Citizen feedback plays an important role in this process, and members of the public are invited to attend the meetings to learn more about budget year 2020.

Community Conversations will be held Wednesday, March 13 at the Wheeler Taft Abbett Library (7800 N. Schisler Drive); Wednesday March 20 at The Highlands at Dove Mountain (4949 W. Heritage Club Blvd.); and Thursday, March 28 at the Town of Marana Police Department Community Room. (11555 W. Civic Center Drive). All three events begin at 6 p.m.

We look forward to seeing you! For more information, visit our event calendar at MaranaAZ.gov. 

Jamsheed Mehta is the Town of Marana Town Manager.

Marana News: Marana prepares for Founders’ Day

A Shriner gives a high five during the Marana Founders’ Day Parade.

The Marana News has a great preview of Founders' Day, which will take place on Saturday, March 30.

More than any other event in town, the Marana Founders’ Day celebrates local people and culture. And this year’s Founders’ Day celebration brings the cultural exploration to another level, by examining the past, present and future of the community. 

“We’re bringing in all the cultural groups that can point back to the people currently in Marana, and those who inhabited the area before us,” said Monique Hagberg, Town of Marana Special Events Coordinator. 

While every Founders’ Day celebration focuses on the history of Marana, the plan is for this year’s to look both forward and back; the festival features booths and exhibits displaying Marana’s history, including Native American history, a presentation from the Chinese Cultural Center, a performance by Ballet Folklorico Xochitl and more.

Members of the Anway family, celebrating 100 years since arriving in the Marana area, will serve as marshals for the Founders’ Day parade. 

“Founders’ Day, by its very terminology, is for anyone who helped develop the community,” said Marana Mayor Ed Honea, whose own family dates back multiple generations in the region. “And this year we’ll honor the Anway Family as founders of the community.” 

Read more about the parade, activities, vendors and more.

Coachline Boulevard Reconstruction – Twin Peaks to Silverbell

Between March 11 through March 22, 2019, the contractor will begin milling (remove existing pavement) and paving operations along Coachline Boulevard south of Twin Peaks Road and at the intersection of Continental Reserve Loop (north end) at Silverbell Road. This work schedule is dependent on weather. Rain may delay the operation.

During the week of March 18 – 22, Continental Loop Reserve will be closed at its intersection with Silverbell Road/Coachline Boulevard. This will allow the contractor to complete the work during the Spring Break holiday, thereby reducing impact to the traveling public:

• North and southbound through traffic at Continental Reserve Loop will not be permitted
  All southbound turn movements from Silverbell Road to Continental Reserve Loop will be restricted
  East and westbound travel on Silverbell Road will be maintained
  Northbound turn movements from Silverbell Road to Coachline Boulevard will be maintained
  Access to businesses will be maintained
  North and southbound traffic will be shifted as work progresses
  One travel-lane in each direction will be maintained
  Access to side streets will be intermittently impacted as work crews and equipment move through the area       
  Turn movements from Coachline Boulevard to both Twin Peaks and Silverbell roads will be   maintained
  REMINDER – Vehicles parked on Coachline Boulevard will be towed at owners’ expense
  Inclement weather or mechanical failure may impact this operation

*The new pedestrian crossing at Rivulet Drive will re-open after the final paving and striping operation is completed. 

For your safety and that of the contractor’s personnel, please comply with traffic control devices, flagging personnel, and/or detour signs.

 Travel time through the project area may increase during construction so please adjust your schedule accordingly. Construction may restrict traffic lanes and create congestion. Taking alternate routes is suggested. 

 If inclement weather or other events cause delays, the work may be rescheduled without further notice.

  Stay up-to-date on Town of Marana news, projects, and events. Visit MaranaAZ.gov, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter.

Expect traffic delays and lane closures in the areas highlighted in orange.

The Marana Police Department honors their best

2018 Marana Police Awards portrait.

On Wednesday, March 6th the Marana Police Department held their annual awards ceremony. The event recognized police officers, volunteers, and civilians who contributed to the mission of providing unparalleled service, unwavering protection, and uncompromised integrity.

Officer Randy Korth was named Officer of the Year, Jennifer Mangialardi was named Civilian of the Year, and Guy Shaw was named Volunteer of the Year. In addition, Officer Abel Samano and Officer Neil Jordan were promoted to sergeant, eight officers were sworn in to service, and members of the Town's Technology Services Department and Public Works Department were awarded Letters of Commendation for their work on the new police facility. 

Officer of the Year-recipient Officer Korth has continually displayed a high level of performance and commitment that greatly exceeds expectations for the Marana Police Department. As a Field Training Officer, he trains, guides, and mentors new police officers and recruits. He understands the importance of this role and the impact he has on their careers. He is actively involved in the development of the field training curriculum and evaluation process of the program.   

Korth continued his involvement as an instructor in advanced officer trainings, was the facilitator for the GOHS Warrant Grant, and scheduled a total of eight warrant sweep deployments throughout the year. In 2018, the GOHS Warrant Grant resulted in approximately 200 warrants being served totaling approximately $115,000 in bonds. 

Civilian of the Year-recipient Mangialardi won her award not only for her duties as the Administrative Supervisor to Police Chief Terry Rozema, but for her role in planning the annual awards ceremony and department Christmas party. This year, she undertook an endeavor to find a Marana family in need for MPD to adopt during the holidays. She coordinated the donation of toys, clothes, and money for a family comprised of a single mother and her four children living in a 400 square foot house in west Marana.

Shaw earned the Volunteer of the Year award for undertaking a number of roles in his six years as a volunteer. He most recently served as Treasurer  of the MPD VIP’s. This past year Shaw made significant contributions to the Marana Police Department by securing a $5000 grant from the Pima County Attorney’s Office for its Child Car Seat Program. He has been an instrumental organizer for the annual Pride 4 the Patch charity golf tournament, which has raised over thousands of dollars the past three years. This past year he volunteered over 415 hours.

Thirteen officers and civilian staff received the Citation of Excellence, including ten who dealt with a man brandishing a gun at the Starbucks at Arizona Pavilions. MPD was able to work with the store manager to discretely evacuate as many customers and employees as possible. Eventually the man was taken into custody without incident, but with the ever present potential of an active shooter, officers had to consistently evaluate the risk to the employees and public while assessing the situation. The coordinated efforts between the officers, dispatch, and Starbucks manager contributed to sound tactical decisions and evacuation that resulted in a peaceful resolution.  

For her efforts, Store Manager Teri Lewis was awarded a Chief’s Letter of Commendation.

Officer Caylee Baker received a Citation of Excellence for her role in apprehending a mail thief who was stealing and cashing checks from the mail. Officer Jared Voigt earned his Citation of Excellence for locating stolen jewelry, and not only returning it to the owner. LPO John Pathammavong received his Citation of Excellence for his training and mentoring of newer officers, especially those he was serving with on the midnight squad.

Officer Luis Magana and Officer Esteban Norzagaray were awarded the Life Saver Award for their actions last March when they were able to save the life of a man who attempted to commit suicide.

Officers Gave Tapia and Abel Samano were awarded the Medal of Valor for their roles in locating a bank robber who was deemed to be armed and dangerous. 

Dispatcher Sheila Blevins was awarded the Distinguished Service Award. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of communications within the Marana Police Department. It is not uncommon for surrounding police agencies to call on Sheila for assistance and input for their communication and dispatching systems.  This past year, Sheila played a critical role in the Marana Police Department’s integration into PCWIN; which allows our dispatchers and officers to have radio interoperability with surrounding agencies in emergency situations. 

Officer Brian Neuman earned the Distinguished Service Award for his leadership. He is a General Instructor, Field Training Officer, Phlebotomist, and is HGN certified. He serves as an instructor for High Risk Stops for AOT. He continues to demonstrate his abilities as a knowledgeable officer, and completed the advanced accident reconstruction school through Northwestern University.  This has given him the opportunity to become a lead accident Reconstructionist for serious and fatal collisions 

Grace Neal has served over 29 years as a Marana Police Dispatcher and was awarded the . Distinguished Service Award.  During her career she has served in a variety of roles and has received numerous certifications and training.  Such roles have included; being a training dispatcher, Lead Dispatcher, and at times, has been appointed the acting supervisor of the unit. She has been awarded Dispatcher of the Year through the Association of Public Safety Communications.

Tina Destefano was awarded the Distinguished Service Award.  During her 23-year career as a Marana Police Dispatcher she has served in a variety of roles including; being a training dispatcher, Lead Dispatcher, and at times, has been appointed the acting supervisor of the unit. To this day she receives letters of appreciation from citizens who have appreciated her ability to communicate in a calming manner when they are in distress.  Tina was also awarded Dispatcher of the Year through the Association of Public Safety Communications. 

A pair of MPD Sergeants earned the Medal of Merit. Steve Johnson was awarded the medal for his role as a Homeland Security and Emergency Management expert, while Jose Alvarez was awarded the medal for his role in keeping illegal narcotics off the streets with the Street Level Squad of the Counter Narcotics Alliance. Over his three-year assignment at CNA, Sgt. Alvarez and the Street Level Squad was responsible for the seizure of over $173,000 and $134,000 worth of vehicles seized.

Officer Luis Magana and Officer Esteban Norzagaray were awarded the Life Saver Award for their actions last March when they were able to save the life of a man who attempted to commit suicide.

Officers Gave Tapia and Abel Samano were awarded the Medal of Valor for their roles in locating a bank robber who was deemed to be armed and dangerous.

Three members of the Town of Marana Technology Services Department and three members of the Town’s Facilities Management Division of the Public Works Department were awarded Commendation Letters for their work on the new Marana Police Facility. Mike Perez, Dan Bejarano, and  Joseph Mooney were the recipients from Technology Services, while Brendan O’Connor, Lee Boyett, and Jason Flood were honored from Facilities.

Cape Chase a Success + Photo Gallery

Marana Parks and Recreation held their first Cape Chase on Saturday and the event was a huge success. The first-of-its-kind superhero-adaptive fun run saw130 registered youth and their families participate, with some traveling from Phoenix to enjoy the event. 

Trumpet behavioral health sponsored and provided scholarships for a number of special needs students from Marana Unified School District. 

Families expressed so much gratitude and excitement, as they have very few adaptive options in the region. 

"You all did amazing," said Diana Salazar Garcia via Facebook. "Our family and friends had a marvelous time. Thank you." 

The Cape Chase is the latest in new programming created by the Marana Parks and Recreation staff in an effort to reach previously underserved portions of the community. In this case Cape Chase joins the Sensory Splash programs at the Marana Pool and the Gladden Farms Park Splash Pad in an effort to provide programs specifically for children with special needs.

Take the LINK For more information on these and other great Marana Parks and Recreation Programs.

Marana-based DAV office receives large donation

Representatives from Ricoh and the Tucson Disabled American Veterans pose for a photo during the ceremony to celebrate the donation of 15 printers.

On Wednesday, March 6 Chapter 4 of Tucson Disabled American Veterans received a donation of fifteen printers from the RICOH USA. The donation was conducted at the Marana location during a brief ceremony.

Joseph Campanella, Vice President RICOH USA, Federal Sales Division, Dan Ayer, Senior Manager, Federal Sales Division, and Bill Crow, Sr. Client Executive Federal Sales Division presented the printers. Accepting the donation on behalf of the DAV leadership was Kent Christofferson, Chapter 4 Commander and CW Hall, DAV Southern District Commander.

Councilwoman Patti Comerford attended the ceremony on behalf of the Town of Marana and was pleased to see more veterans in and around Marana benefit from the goodwill of the business community.

“I just think it is great to see businesses and corporations step up to the plate and help,” Comerford said. “Our veterans have done so much for us, so it is fantastic to see a corporation step up and provide something that can help make their lives better.”

The donation not only benefits the Tucson Chapter 4 DAV, but will be shared with several other DAV Chapters throughout the Tucson and Phoenix areas.

As a nonprofit, the DAV relies on donations to provide veteran services. The printers will aid in meeting the needs of the many disabled veterans who depend on the benefits assistance they receive from the DAV. The donation and support are valued at $35,000.

In 2014, the Military Order of the Purple Heart honored Marana with its highest distinction as a Purple Heart Town. That commitment includes a memorial at Mountain Vista High School, and the Arizona Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, as well as supporting a wide variety of veteran and military causes.

Ina Road Beautification Project update

Landscape work on Ina Road will conclude at the end of March.

The Town of Marana’s Ina Road Beautification Project is nearing completion. This project has been done in conjunction with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Ina Interchange Project in an effort to improve portions of Ina Road not part of the ADOT project, including road resurfacing, safety improvements, and landscaping.

Provided is a synopsis of events that will be occurring on Ina Road and Aerie Road in the next two months. Please note that the dates provided are subject to change due to inclement weather conditions.

Landscaping:
Ina road landscaping west of Thornydale is nearing completion. Landscaping crews will begin work east of Thornydale beginning the week of March 11 and is anticipated to last until the end of March. Final rock mulch will be added west of Thornydale on March 19 and east of Thornydale at the beginning of April.

Mill and pave:
Milling work will begin on Town of Marana roads north of Ina Road on March 18 through March 21. Milling on Aerie Road will start March 25 and is expected to last for two days.

Paving will begin on Aerie Road on March 28 then proceed to all Town of Marana roads north of Ina Road beginning on April 11.

Ina Road mainline final pave will begin on April 22 and is anticipated to last through April 26. Expect heavy traffic delays during Ina road paving. Expect two weeks of localized lane restrictions for lane striping and utility adjustments after the completion of the final pave.

Street lights:
Streetlight pole installation will begin the week of May 20 and is expected to last for three weeks. The installation of the poles will involve limited lane closures in isolated areas. Traffic impacts are expected to be minimal.

Traffic signals:
Installation of hardware to ensure proper functioning of the traffic signals will begin at the Ina – Thornydale, Meredith and Oldfather intersections on March 25th through April 4. Expect daytime lane closures and shifts during work hours only.

Celebration:
Join the Town of Marana on May 4 at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Parking Lot for the kick-off ceremony for Ina Road Celebration Weekend. The event will feature a cake cutting ceremony and business festival.

USMC Nighthawk-72 Memorial Improvements

A Marine color guard participates in the ceremony to honor those who perished in the April 8, 2000 crash of a MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft at the Marana Regional Airport.

Friends of Nighthawk-72 along with the Town of Marana and the Marana Regional Airport are making improvements to the existing roadside memorial that is located at the intersection of Avra Valley and Sandario Roads. The memorial honors those who perished in the April 8, 2000 crash of a MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft at the Marana Regional Airport.

The improvements are scheduled to take place in two phases beginning March 16, 2019. The project is expected to be completed by April 2020.

Phase One: The existing memorial, flagpole and benches will be relocated slightly northeast of their current location. The new location is in-line with the actual crash site of the MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft.

Phase Two: A sidewalk and pentagon area will be added that will have bronze markers of the 4 USMC units that were involved in the accident.

Skilled and unskilled volunteers are needed on March 16 to assist in the relocation of the memorial, and there will be more volunteer opportunities in the future.

Fundraising is being handled by Friends of Nighthawk-72, a non-profit organization working closely with
Nighthawk-72 Marana Detachment #1344 Marine Corps League, Town of Marana, and Marana Regional Airport.

The 19th Annual Memorial Service will be held April 6, 2019 at 10 am.

Once the existing memorial is moved and improvements are made, the goal is to transform the existing memorial into an official National Memorial and park.

For additional information or to volunteer contact: Terry Byron (520) 982-0023, FriendsOfNighthawk72@hotmail.com and www.FriendsOfNighthawk-72.org

Additional Background Information
The MV-22 Osprey Tilt rotor aircraft was conducting a training mission in support of Operational Evaluation (OPEVAL) when it went down at the Marana Regional Airport in Marana, Arizona on April 8, 2000. During the mission, the crew and Marines conducted Non-combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO) exercises as part of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, with Marines embarking and disembarking the aircraft. The mission was conducted at night utilizing night vision goggles and forward-looking infrared radar to enhance night operational capability. This mishap aircraft was part of the Multiservice Operational Test Team, based at Patuxent River, Maryland, but was temporarily attached to Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron-1 at Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona.

The 19 Marines Lost are as follows:

3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division

Sgt. Jose Alvarez, 28                              Pfc. Gabriel C. Clevenger, 21                              Pfc. Alfred Corona, 23

Lance Cpl. Jason T. Duke, 28.                Lance Cpl. Jesus Gonzalez Sanchez, 27            Lance Cpl. Seth G. Jones, 18
2nd Lt. Clayton J. Kennedy, 24             Lance Cpl. Jorge A. Morin, 21                             Cpl. Adam C. Neely, 22     
Pfc. Kenneth O. Paddio, 23     Pfc. George P. Santos, 24                             Lance Cpl. Keoki P. Santos, 24
Cpl. Can Soler, 21                                   Pvt. Adam L. Tatro, 19

Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38, Marine Air Control Group 38

Cpl. Eric J. Martinez, 21

Marine Helicopter Squadron 1
Maj. John A. Brow, 39                             Maj. Brooks S. Gruber, 34                                   Cpl. Kelly S. Keith, 22

Marine Tilt-Rotor Training Squadron 204
Staff Sgt. William B. Nelson, 30

Marana Town Talk Episode 7: Chamber legacy, General Plan Update, Cape Chase Adaptive Fun Run

Town of Marana has released its seventh episode of "Marana Town Talk", a local government podcast that balances education and entertainment with thoughtful commentary on local current events. 

Communications Manager Vic Hathaway and Communications Specialist Brad Allis kick off the episode with outgoing President/CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce Ed Stolmaker (4:00). Ed talks about his impacts on the community and his plans after retirement, before handing the mic over to incoming President/CEO Audra Winters, who tells us what her plans are for the upcoming year. Next, they sat down with Senior Planner Cynthia Ross (11:45) to discuss the 2040 General Plan Update, and how the public’s involvement can make a difference in their community. Finally, they spent some time with Recreation Coordinator Kevin Goodrich (19:40) to talk about Cape Chase and other modified recreation experiences for participants with special needs.

Resources on this episode’s content:

• Marana Chamber of Commerce

• General Plan Update

• Cape Chase Adaptive Fun Run