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Articles by Sierra Poore
Struggles of Cave Creek district are emblematic of Arizona schools during Covid-19
By: Sierra Poore, Phoenix Business Journal CAVE CREEK, AZ — Students and teachers at the Cave Creek Unified School District returned to in-person classes in early September, joining other schools as petri dishes for how classes could be handled during Covid-19. Weeks later, early results show the struggle – teachers leaving schools over health concerns, students in classrooms led by long-term substitute teachers and parents trying to figure it all out.
Arizona schools struggle with teacher shortage
In the West Valley, Youngker High School was forced to move from hybrid to distance learning Nov. 6. “Youngker has to go to distance learning because we’re learning we’ve had too many staff members go to quarantine or test positive,” said Buckeye Union High School District Superintendent Rob Roberson at the time. “We don’t have the staff to supervise our students. And we can’t get the substitutes.” That is being seen elsewhere.
Struggles of Cave Creek district are emblematic of Arizona schools during COVID-19
Posted Dec 10, 2020, 4:01 pm Sierra Poore Cronkite News CAVE CREEK – Students and teachers at the Cave Creek Unified School District returned to in-person classes in early September, joining other schools as petri dishes for how classes could be handled during COVID-19. Weeks later, early results show the struggle – teachers leaving schools over health concerns, students in classrooms led by long-term substitute teachers and parents trying to figure it all out.
If You Want to See How the Pandemic Has Crushed Arizona Schools, Look at Cave Creek
Teachers are leaving at record rates and districts are struggling to fill open positions. Students and teachers at the Cave Creek Unified School District returned to in-person classes in early September, joining other schools as Petri dishes for how classes could be handled during COVID-19. Weeks later, early results show the struggle — teachers leaving schools over health concerns, students in classrooms led by long-term substitute teachers, and parents trying to figure it all out.
As COVID-19 continues, students struggle in Cave Creek district
What makes things more difficult for students in the Cave Creek district is that teachers have left key positions, such as language, math and special-education teachers, middle-school counselor Cadi Angeli says. (Photo by Annie Spratt/Creative Commons) CAVE CREEK – Students and teachers at the Cave Creek Unified School District returned to in-person classes in early September, joining other schools as petri dishes for how classes could be handled during COVID-19.
Mesa teachers union urges district to halt in-person classes
By Sierra Poore | December 3, 2020 at 7:37 AM MST - Updated December 3 at 7:37 AM The Mesa teachers association has urged Mesa Public Schools to halt in-person learning for its students, citing rising COVID-19 infections in the state’s largest district. Remote learning is the safest option for the district, which operates 80 schools, Joshua Buckley, who heads the Mesa Education Association, said Wednesday, Dec. 2.
Mesa teachers group urges district to halt in-person classes
The Mesa Education Association, which advocates for teachers, urged Mesa Public Schools to halt all in-person instruction because of rising cases of COVID-19. (File photo by Faith Miller/Cronkite News) The Mesa teachers association has urged Mesa Public Schools to halt in-person learning for its students, citing rising COVID-19 infections in the state’s largest district.
Glendale firefighters work through PTSD with peer support, counseling
Firefighters can seek help from a counselor and peer support group after calls. Dr. Tania Glenn has worked with firefighters at six fire departments to improve the mental health of firefighters. (Glendale Fire Department Photo) GLENDALE – The horror took place about a decade ago, but the scene regularly replayed on a loop in Ashley Losch’s mind.
Firefighters work through PTSD with peer support, counseling
By Sierra Poore | October 20, 2020 at 1:08 PM MST - Updated October 20 at 1:08 PM GLENDALE – The horror took place about a decade ago, but the scene regularly replayed on a loop in Ashley Losch’s mind. On that day, Losch, a Glendale firefighter and paramedic, entered a home and saw three gunshot victims: a 1-year-old, a 3-year-old and their father, who shot them both before killing himself. She walked in alone and made charts of the entry and exit wounds on each victim.
Firefighters work through PTSD with peer support, counseling
Firefighters across metro Phoenix are trained to put out fires and to recognize signs of post-traumatic stress disorder in themselves and their peers through a program implemented by a PTSD expert. (Photo courtesy of Glendale Fire Department) Firefighters can seek help from a counselor and peer support group after calls. Dr. Tania Glenn has worked with firefighters at six fire departments to improve the mental health of firefighters.
Making a splash: Resort, lagoon and sky bar added to Glendale sports entertainment district ahead of Super Bowl
By Sierra Poore | October 7, 2020 at 1:51 PM MST - Updated October 7 at 1:52 PM GLENDALE – A resort and water park planned for the city’s sports entertainment district can help anchor economic development and keep West Valley residents spending time and money closer to home, city officials and developers said.
ASU researchers developing coronavirus test that could get results in 10 minutes
Arizona State University researchers are working on a home-based coronavirus test that could deliver results within 10 minutes rather than 24 to 48 hours, university officials said Wednesday. Researchers want to create a rapid, saliva-based coronavirus test that can “quickly determine whether the virus is present,” said Dr. Joshua LaBaer, director of the ASU Biodesign Institute, which is overseeing its COVID-19 research and testing efforts.
ASU researchers developing coronavirus test that could get results in 10 minutes
Posted Sep 17, 2020, 1:20 pm Sierra Poore Cronkite News TEMPE – Arizona State University researchers are working on a home-based coronavirus test that could deliver results within 10 minutes rather than 24 to 48 hours, university officials said Wednesday. Researchers want to create a rapid, saliva-based test that can “quickly determine whether the virus is present,” said Dr. Joshua LaBaer, director of the ASU Biodesign Institute, which is overseeing its COVID-19 research and testing efforts.
ASU researchers working on quick-response test
TEMPE — Arizona State University researchers are working on a home-based coronavirus test that could deliver results within 10 minutes rather than 24 to 48 hours, university officials said Wednesday. Researchers want to create a rapid, saliva-based test that can “quickly determine whether the virus is present,” said Dr. Joshua LaBaer, director of the ASU Biodesign Institute, which is overseeing its COVID-19 research and testing efforts.
ASU coronavirus test could get results in 10 minutes
Students at Arizona State University walk on the Tempe campus. ASU researchers are trying to create a rapid, saliva-based test that can determine whether the coronavirus that causes the disease is present in 10 minutes or less. (Photo by Megan Marples/Cronkite News) TEMPE – Arizona State University researchers are working on a home-based coronavirus test that could deliver results within 10 minutes rather than 24 to 48 hours, university officials said Wednesday.
Sky Harbor scrubs airport as fliers take off for Labor Day weekend
These family members traveled to Phoenix to celebrate their grandmother’s 88th birthday on Friday. (Photo by Allie Barton/Cronkite News) Nelli Kaplunskaya and Alex Sturwold arrived from Chicago on a United flight Thursday morning with their dog, Gracie Lou. The couple has flown three times roundtrip to Arizona during the last six months, because they’re moving to the state. Sturwold said Sky Harbor is “less chaotic” than other airports, but overall he feels less people are traveling.
Mesa teens help dying woman realize her last wish
By Sierra Poore With only months to live, Sue Pulvirenti, a 74-year-old hospice patient, fulfilled her lifelong dream of publishing a book March 23 when she attended her own book signing at Half Price Books in Mesa. The book signing was made possible by students in the DreamCatchers Red Mountain High School club and Rage for Charity. And it brought Pulvirenti to tears. “It’s like it shouldn’t have even happened,” she said.
Mesa snack manufacturer focuses on healthy living
To those familiar with the Lehi Valley Trading Company, it’s no surprise the business has launched a Snack Outdoors challenge. Snacks are what the Mesa company is all about. The company, which was started back in 1985 by Arthur and Anita Freeman, is now co-owned by their son, Lewis Freeman, and his wife, Trecia.
Mesa teens help dying woman realize her last wish
With only months to live, Sue Pulvirenti, a 74-year-old hospice patient from Mesa, fulfilled her lifelong dream of publishing a book last Saturday when she attended her very own book signing at Half Price Books in Mesa. The book signing was made possible by students in the DreamCatchers Red Mountain High School club and Rage for Charity. And it brought Pulvirenti to tears. “It’s like it shouldn’t have even happened,” she said.
Super Bowl party chili bar
Hosting a Super Bowl party? Up your snack options with a chili bar this year.
Downtown Phoenix is getting 3 new restaurants
Three new restaurants are coming to downtown Phoenix, thanks to Tuck Shop owner Grace Unger.
Home Stretch: Mesa Veteran’s House Is A Christmas Dream Come True
By Sierra Poore Linda Rhodes repeated one phrase as she walked through her newly renovated and decorated Mesa home for the first time in December. “I’m so overwhelmed,” the 61-year-old Army veteran and cancer survivor said. The home was a gift from Patty and Ron Gottshalk, a Gilbert couple and cofounders of a nonprofit called Word In Motion, who had originally bought the house with the intention of renovating it and “flipping” it.
Gilbert couple makes a dream come true
By Sierra Poore, GSN Contributor Linda Rhodes repeated one phrase as she walked through her newly renovated and decorated Mesa home for the first time last weekend. “I’m so overwhelmed,” said the 61-year-old Army veteran and cancer survivor. The home was a gift from Patty and Ron Gottshalk, a Gilbert couple and cofounders of a nonprofit called Word In Motion, who had originally bought the house with the intention of renovating it and “flipping” it.
Mesa police take new approach to homeless people downtown
Mesa community action officer Brandon Kozeliski and patrol officer Jason Blomberg approached a trio of homeless people on the streets of downtown Mesa. Although their belongings were strewn alongside the road and a makeshift bed had been constructed from a sleeping bag and bench, the officers were not there to hand them citations. “Our main purpose is to talk to them to figure out why they’re homeless and what they’re doing for the year,” Kozeliski said.
Student at Dysart Learning Center accused of attempting to assault teacher with a knife
Share This Story! Let friends in your social network know what you are reading about Student at Dysart Learning Center accused of attempting to assault teacher with a knife The student was apprehended by the school's on-site private security before he was able to injure anyone, police said. Sent! A link has been sent to your friend's email address. Posted! A link has been posted to your Facebook feed.
Police investigate aggravated assault on ASU's Polytechnic campus
Arizona State University police are searching for a man suspected of aggravated assault Monday evening on the Polytechnic campus in Mesa. Police said officers responded to a report of a man who "engaged in strangulation" of a victim about 6:48 p.m. at a campus residence. The man and the victim were not affiliated with ASU, but the victim knew the man, police said. Police said the man is accused of aggravated assault, criminal damage and theft.
String of trash fires under investigation by Tempe police
Tempe police officers responded to reports of approximately six trash fires Monday night. Officers responded to the incidents just after 9:30 p.m. near the area of University Drive and Beck Avenue, according to Tempe Police Department. The fires affected trash bins and furniture left in alleyways, police said. Police said investigators are looking into the cause and possible suspect associated with the fires.
Suspect fatally shot during U.S. Marshals' fugitive investigation
A suspect was fatally shot while U.S. Marshals conducted a fugitive investigation Tuesday morning at a home on North Second Street, north of Hatcher Road. Marshals were at the location, near the 9800 block of North Second Street, at about 10:45 a.m., the Phoenix Police Department said. Police said the suspect was pronounced dead and the location is safe. No officers were injured, police said. Details about the suspect or how the shooting occurred were not immediately available.
Trooper bitten by German shepherd running loose near SR 51 and Thomas Road in Phoenix
A state trooper was bitten by a German shepherd that was running loose Tuesday morning near State Route 51 in Phoenix. Troopers from the Arizona Department of Public Safety responded to a call at 5:20 a.m. about a dog running loose near State Route 51 and Thomas Road, according to DPS officials. Upon locating the German shepherd, troopers repeatedly tried to get the dog off the road. The dog bit one of the troopers, who was treated at a local hospital, DPS officials said.
Man fatally shot outside his Phoenix home; police looking for the shooter
A 47-year-old man was shot and killed Monday night outside his home and Phoenix police are looking for the shooter. Police responded to a call about a shooting around 11:35 p.m. near the 4800 block of South 35th Drive, south of West Broadway Road, according to Phoenix Police Department. Police say an unknown suspect shot the victim and left after a brief argument. The victim was transported to a hospital where he died. A description of the suspect is not available at this time.
Pedestrian struck by car at 59th and Missouri avenues in Glendale
A pedestrian was struck by a car Thursday morning at 59th and Missouri avenues. According to Glendale police, the pedestrian was crossing the street against traffic. The pedestrian was transported to a local hospital with possible life-threatening injuries, police said. Police recommend commuters avoid the area as the roadways will be shut down for a few hours.
Due to severe shortage, Red Cross issues call for blood and platelet donations
CLOSE Some people may safely donate blood as often as every eight weeks - but that may not be a healthy choice for all, a new study suggests. Wochit American Red Cross worker supervises a blood donation on June 11, 2018.(Photo: Kelsey Mo/The Republic) The American Red Cross issued a call Tuesday morning for immediate blood and platelet donations because of a severe shortage.
Former Arizona correctional officer found guilty of abusive sexual contact with inmate
Former correctional officer Darrell E. McCoy was found guilty last week by a federal jury in Phoenix of two counts of abusive sexual contact with an inmate under his supervision. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the evidence at the trial showed that McCoy, 51, formerly of Scottsdale, began a relationship with an inmate under his supervision while acting as the foreman of a crew of female inmates in late 2016. Between Sept. and Dec.
Truck found in canal north of Dunlap on 35th Avenue; no sign of driver
Phoenix firefighters responded Monday night to reports of a pickup truck in a canal north of Dunlap Avenue on 35th Avenue. Crews responded just after 10 p.m. and determined the black truck was unoccupied by extending a ladder over the water, according to Phoenix Fire Department. It was not known where the owner of the vehicle was. A Phoenix police dive team was to decide if there is a need to search the water.
Police identify man fatally shot near Phoenix park Sunday as Adelbert Yazzie
A man who was shot and killed Sunday evening in Phoenix has been identified as 37-year-old Adelbert Yazzie. Police officers responded to a shooting shortly after 7 p.m. near 1400 East Glenrosa Ave., where they found Yazzie with a gunshot wound, according to a Phoenix police news release. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to police. There are no suspects in the case at this time.
Man shot in parking lot outside UPS building in Tempe
A man was shot early Tuesday morning in the back parking lot of a UPS building in Tempe, police said. According to police, a brief argument may have taken place at 1975 E. Wildermuth Ave. before a man driving an SUV shot another man as he exited his car. The shooter then fled in his SUV shortly before police saw the vehicle and attempted to stop him, police said. The SUV crashed in the area of McClintock and Cornell drives before the driver fled on foot, police said.
I-17 remains closed in both directions due to officer-involved shooting Monday
Interstate 17 remains closed in both directions, from the I-10 split to Seventh Avenue, Tuesday morning due to an officer-involved shooting that occurred Monday afternoon, according to Phoenix police. The I-17 is expected to remain closed through the morning rush, police said. It's unknown when the freeway will re-open.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.When confronted by officers about her abduction story, Folwell said she took a bath with the baby and fainted, and when she came to, the baby was face down in the bathtub and not breathing, police said.Police said Folwell admitted to putting the baby in the duffel bag before driving to the park and calling police about the kidnapping.After securing a search warrant for Folwell's cellphone, police said they found...
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead - CBS News 8 - San Diego, CA News Station - KFMB Channel 8
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Chandler mom of infant son found dead is in jail on suspicion of murder
Jenna M. Folwell, the 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, Chandler police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at Brooks Crossing Park, located south of Warner Road between Dobson and Alma School roads, according to Chandler Police Department.
Tempe resident shot in home by armed intruder, masked suspects fled
A Tempe resident was shot at home by an armed intruder Wednesday night in the 600 block of East Manhatton Drive. Police responded to a call about gunshots fired in the area, where they found that multiple masked people had forced entry into the victim's residence, according to Tempe Police Department. Police said one of the masked suspects fired multiple rounds with a firearm, one of which hit the resident.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
19-year-old Arizona mom jailed after 4-week-old baby found dead in duffel bag
Jenna Folwell, a 19-year-old mother whose infant son was found dead in her Arizona apartment, was booked into a Maricopa County jail overnight on suspicion of first-degree murder, police said Thursday. Police found the body of the 4-week-old boy inside Folwell's apartment at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, a couple of hours after she reported her son was abducted at a local park, according to Chandler, Arizona, police. According to a police report, the baby was found dead inside a black duffel bag.
21 Arizonans sick after salmonella outbreak from JBS Tolleson recalled beef
The Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed that 21 cases of illnesses in Arizonans are linked to an outbreak of salmonella in raw beef products from a local meat processing plant. The raw beef products, which were recalled earlier this month, are from JBS Tolleson, Inc., the ADHS said in a news release. JBS Tolleson Inc. has expanded the scope of the recall to include nearly 7 million pounds of raw beef products packaged on various dates from July 26 to Sept. 7.
Man sentenced to 50 years in killing of 2 women outside Holbrook courthouse
An Arizona man was sentenced to 50 years in prison Thursday for the shooting deaths of two women outside a Holbrook courthouse two years ago, according to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office. Salomon Diaz, 48, of Snowflake-Taylor, was sentenced to consecutive 25-year terms for the fatal shooting of Ashley Utley, 25, the mother of his two grandchildren, and her mother, Sherry Quintero-Davenport, 45, outside Navajo County Superior Court in Holbrook on June 28, 2016.
Mark Lopez killed, Nefartiti Ford hurt in shooting in Phoenix
A man was killed and a woman was seriously injured in a shooting Wednesday night in Phoenix. While responding to the shooting call shortly after 10:30 p.m., a Phoenix police officer saw a vehicle driving away from the location in the 4600 block of North 39th Avenue at a high rate of speed, according to a news release from the Phoenix Police Department. The officer stopped the car and found 30-year-old Nefartiti Ford inside with a gunshot wound.
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