NW Valley Times

Students Showcase Natural Sciences Projects at GCU Capstone Event

By NW Valley Times | Apr 24, 2024

Students at Grand Canyon University recently showcased their innovative projects in the field of natural sciences at the Biological and Environmental Sciences Capstone Showcase. Elisabeth Bruce and her team presented their project focusing on analyzing sites where wild horses congregate along the lower Salt and Gila rivers. Bruce explained, "We were trying to locate where they would congregate along the rivers."The goal of the project was to assist the Bureau of Land Management in managing the wild horse population in Arizona, where a lack of natural predators has led to...

Eric Ries Shares Startup Wisdom at Canyon Angels Event

By NW Valley Times | Apr 23, 2024

New York Times best-selling author Eric Ries recently shared his insights on startups and entrepreneurship at the Canyon Angels Startup Pitch Event in the Canyon Ventures Innovation Center. Ries, who is on his third startup, emphasized the importance of learning from both successes and failures in the startup world.During the event, Ries discussed the significance of angel investors in the startup ecosystem, stating, “The first and most important part of being an angel investor is first learning to be a nondisruptive investor, and then eventually learning to be an...

Trades Pathway Celebration Marks a 'Life-Changing' Moment

By NW Valley Times | Apr 23, 2024

Ezekiel Nuñez, one of the participants in Grand Canyon University's Pre-Apprenticeship for Electricians Pathway, expressed his relief and excitement about the future, stating, “It’s going to be nice to start and get a 401K and invest in myself.”During the Night of Celebration at Global Credit Union Arena, Mickey Nuñez, a program manager, highlighted the readiness of industry partners to hire the program graduates, emphasizing, “Our industry partners, a lot of them are ready to hire today.”Reflecting on the impact of the program, Mike Greenawalt, CEO of Rosendin...

JOB OF THE WEEK: Part-time Bus Driver Position in Peoria

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

Peoria is hiring a Part-time Bus Driver in the Neighborhood and Human Services department. The position involves not only driving but also helping to organize and plan recreational activities for youth ages 4 to 14. The salary for this role is $19.00 per hour.Interested individuals can apply for the position by visiting the website provided in the job listing.In the words of the job advertisement, "Bus Driver – Summer Program (Schedule: Varies)."

Peoria Fire-Medical Youth Firefighter Academy Offers Teens a Glimpse into Firefighting

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

Peoria Fire-Medical is gearing up to host a Youth Firefighter Academy, inviting teens aged 16 to 19 to explore the world of firefighting. Scheduled for June 10 to 13, the event offers participants a firsthand experience in the field, with a focus on various aspects of the profession.According to the announcement, each attendee will receive a personal set of firefighting gear for their use throughout the academy. This hands-on approach aims to provide a realistic insight into the challenges and responsibilities faced by firefighters.The academy will cover a range of...

Peoria Solid Waste Division Announces Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Schedule

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

The Peoria Solid Waste Division has announced the schedule for the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) pickup, aiming to prevent potential hazards caused by improper disposal of such waste. "Imporper disposal of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) can cause fires in solid waste vehicles, contaminate the water system, and endanger the environment," warned the division.Residents can take advantage of the service provided by the Peoria Solid Waste Division, which collects HHW from residents' homes multiple times a year. "The Peoria Solid Waste Division collects HHW from residents’...

Open House to discuss Peoria General Plan Amendments

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

The city of Peoria has announced two open houses for the public to engage with proposed amendments to the General Plan. The amendments aim to re-designate 8,300 acres of State Land to allow for future entitlements.According to the announcement, attendees are encouraged to participate in the open houses to gain a better understanding of the proposed changes. One of the key amendments highlighted is the re-designation of the significant acreage of State Land.The first open house is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23, from 6 to 7 pm, at the Rio Vista Recreation Center located...

Contentment, communication, confidence highlight TEDxGCU event

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

"Contentment, communication, and confidence were at the forefront of TEDxGCU event held at Global Credit Union Arena on Saturday night. The event featured a lineup of inspiring speakers who shared their personal experiences and insights."Grace Valentine, an author and speaker, emphasized the importance of choosing contentment over comparison, stating, “If you choose comparison, you’re only going to be cruel to yourself.” She highlighted the significance of cheering others on and making contentment a daily choice for achieving success.Tracy Mergler, CEO of Safe Space...

Upcoming City Council and Planning & Zoning Commission Meetings in Peoria

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

Peoria, AZ - The City Council of Peoria has announced the upcoming meetings for both the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission in the city.The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7, at 6 pm, in the Peoria Council Chamber located at 8401 W. Monroe Street. Citizens interested in attending can find meeting agendas and information on the city's official website at www.peoriaaz.gov/council. According to a city representative, city council meetings and study sessions will be broadcast live for public viewing through various platforms,...

American Girl Tea Party Invites Young Attendees for Fun-filled Event

By NW Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024

Girls ages 6 to 11 are invited to attend an American Girl Tea Party where they can bring their favorite doll for fun activities and snacks. The event is set to take place on Saturday, April 27, from 11 am to 1 pm at Sunrise Mountain Library, located at 21109 N. 98th Avenue.To secure a spot at the event, interested participants are encouraged to register at the provided link: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/2029797560109/false#/invitation.

Which former NW Valley Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 22?

By NW Valley Times | Apr 21, 2024

These former NW Valley Times area high school standouts will be in action in the week starting Mon April 22.

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NW Valley Times area weekly mass times

By NW Valley Times | Apr 20, 2024

The following parishes in the NW Valley Times coverage area hold weekly mass at these designated times.

Peoria Unified School District: 44% of students passed their AASA/ACT Language Arts tests in 2022-23 school year

By NW Valley Times | Apr 19, 2024

There were 18,166 Peoria Unified School District students who took the AASA/ACT Language Arts test in the 2022-23 school year, according to the Arizona Department of Education.

Listening to mom pays off for Canyon Challenge winner

By NW Valley Times | Apr 19, 2024

Lucas Patten emerged as the winner of the Canyon Challenge at Grand Canyon University's Sunset Auditorium, showcasing his Powder Pal product that was inspired by his mother's scoldings. Patten attributed his success to his mother, stating, “It started with my mother yelling at me (three years ago),” and emphasized the positive outcome of listening to her, “Listen to mother. It will always pay off, somehow, somewhere.”The entrepreneurial competition, reminiscent of the popular television show "Shark Tank," featured a panel of judges, including Weston Smith, CEO of LUX...

GCU Prioritizes Serving Vulnerable Populations, Says President Brian Mueller

By NW Valley Times | Apr 19, 2024

In the April issue of GCU Magazine, GCU President Brian Mueller highlighted the university's commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Mueller stated, "Ultimately, what it comes down to is, what should be the defining characteristics of a Christian university? And this should be one of the defining characteristics of a Christian university."The university has actively engaged with various groups, including youth in foster care, children with autism, and adults with neurodiversities. GCU's involvement with these communities demonstrates its dedication to making a...

Engineering, technology capstones geared for innovation

By NW Valley Times | Apr 19, 2024

The College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University recently held its Senior Capstone Showcase, where students presented innovative projects marking the culmination of their academic careers. The event featured a wide array of projects aimed at addressing real-world problems and showcasing technological advancements.One of the standout projects was a pulley brace designed by a team of students to help prevent finger injuries for rock climbers. Karsten Brandsma, a biomedical engineering senior, highlighted the importance of their invention, stating,...

Alum's Journey from Foster Care to Ph.D. Inspires Fostering Futures Students

By NW Valley Times | Apr 18, 2024

Grand Canyon University alumna Dr. Danisha Keating recently shared her powerful story of overcoming adversity from foster care to earning a Ph.D. at a Fostering Futures event. During the celebration, Dr. Keating, holding her daughter Harper, spoke to students who have aged out of foster care, offering words of wisdom and encouragement.Reflecting on her own challenging journey, Dr. Keating emphasized the resilience and determination needed to succeed. She shared, "I’m only 19, but I feel like I’m 90," acknowledging the weight of their experiences. Dr. Keating encouraged...

Helping others centers College of Humanities and Social Sciences Showcase

By NW Valley Times | Apr 18, 2024

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Grand Canyon University recently held a showcase featuring capstone projects from its students. According to Dean Dr. Sherman Elliott, the event was a celebration of student achievements over the years, showcasing their deep knowledge and skills acquired during their time at the college.One of the key themes that emerged from the showcase was the students' dedication to helping others. Psychology, social work, sociology, counseling, and behavioral health fields were highlighted as areas where students were passionate about...

Alums Show Dreamers Road to Success

By NW Valley Times | Apr 17, 2024

In a recent DREAMing of Careers business workshop at Grand Canyon University (GCU), alumna Melisa Gomez shared a poignant memory from her high school days, recalling, "My own teacher from high school, one of them in particular, told me she didn’t see the point in me graduating from school. That I might as well drop out." Despite facing discouragement, Gomez persevered and went on to achieve academic success, earning both a bachelor’s degree in health care administration and a master’s degree in business administration from GCU.Gomez, now the owner of M&M Envision home...