InBuckeye Magazine September 2025

InBuckeye September 2025 InBuckeye Magazine InBuckeye.com InBuckeye is Buckeye's premier local news source. InBuckeye is your go-to source for hyper-local news and information about Buckeye, Arizona. Stay informed with the latest community updates, events, and stories that matter to our city. InBuckeye is the only dedicated news outlet focusing exclusively on the city of Buckeye, ensuring residents are always in the know.

September 2025

InBuckeye.com

BEHIND THE BEARD

Buckeye-bred councilman talks growth, community

HISTORY • COMMUNITY • GOVERNMENT • BUSINESS • MORE

To reflect our appreciation, flip this page to find $30 in Loyalty Bucks for you to use on your next service!

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

September 2025

Choose us for an unbeatable value on fast, reliable internet and you will be. Buckeye , are you well-con Choose us for an unbeatable value on fast, reliable internet and you will be. Buckeye , are you well-con

Choose us for an unbeatable value on fast, reliable internet and you will be. Buckeye , are you well-connected?

With at least 1 Unlimited Cox Mobile line plus internet speeds of 500 MBPS or higher. Taxes and fees excluded from price guarantee. COX INTERNET + COX MOBILE When you bundle select internet and mobile plans, you lock in the price of your plan for 3 years—guaranteed. Plus, enjoy unlimited data at no extra cost. No annual contract*. No surprises. With at least 1 Unlimited Cox Mobile line plus internet speeds of 500 MBPS or higher. Taxes and fees excluded from price guarantee. • Price Lock Guarantee • Equipment Included • Unlimited Data • Price Lock Guarantee • Equipment Included • Unlimited Data cox.com/local/search COX INTERNET + COX MOBILE Bundle select internet and mobile plans, and lock in the price of your plan for 3 years—guaranteed. Includes: Visit your local Cox Store COX INTERNET + COX MOBILE Bundle select internet and mobile plans, and lock in the price of your plan for 3 years—guaranteed. Includes:

COX INTERNET + COX MOBILE Bundle select internet and mobile plans, and lock in the price of your plan for 3 years—guaranteed. Includes:

• Price Lock Guarantee • Equipment Included • Unlimited Data

LEADING OFF Editor’s letter 6 HISTORY The Western Star Drive-In 8 Buzz Bartylla was Buckeye Union's first big leaguer 10 COMMUNITY Local artists help city find its creative voice 12 Buckeye veteran joins all-women's Rebelle Rally 16 Donating? Here are the city's 4 qualifying charities 20 Loose cattle clash with suburbanites in a master-planned neighborhood 22 GOVERNMENT Lawsuit says city councilman's water company defaulted on big loan 26 Meet City Councilman Curtis Beard 29 BUSINESS Mapping new businesses 32 Proposed and upcoming businesses 34 When the unthinkable happens, you can trust these local injury attorneys 36

cox

Includes: Visit your local Cox Store No annual contract means no minimum term period requirement and no early te and depend on equipment (cox.com/modems), end user devices, and other fact Other restrictions may apply. Services subject to Cox Residential Customer Servic arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to termin and other policies: cox.com/policies. ©2025 Cox Communications, Inc. All Choose us for an unbeatable value on fast, reliable internet and you will be. Buckeye , are you well-connected? No annual contract means no minimum term period requirement and no earl and depend on equipment (cox.com/modems), end user devices, and other Other restrictions may apply. Services subject to Cox Residential Customer Se arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to term and other policies: cox.com/policies. ©2025 Cox Communications, Inc. With at least 1 Unlimited Cox Mobile line plus internet speeds of 500 MBPS or higher. Taxes and fees excluded from price guarantee.

With at least 1 Unlimited Cox Mobile line plus internet speeds of 500 MBPS or higher. Taxes and fees excluded from price guarantee.

No annual contract means no minimum term period requirement and no early termination fees. Actual speeds vary and depend on equipment (cox.com/modems), end user devices, and other factors (cox.com/internetdisclosures). Other restrictions may apply. Services subject to Cox Residential Customer Service Agreement (including mandatory arbitration provisions), Acceptable Use Policy (including Cox’s right to terminate service for abuse of network), and other policies: cox.com/policies. ©2025 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. CCTY25-652350

COX INTERNET + COX MOBILE Bundle select internet and mobile plans, and lock in the price of your plan for 3 years—guaranteed. Includes:

Price Lock Guarantee

Visit your local Cox Store cox.com/local/search

Equipment Included

REAL ESTATE Extreme home sales 38 SPORTS Hawks notch big win against Moon Valley 40 DIRECTORY Your guide to Buckeye businesses 42

TRENDING What’s the latest in Buckeye? 45 PARTING SHOT The snowbird that never flew home 46

Unlimited Data

• Price Lock Guarantee • Equipment Included • Unlimited Data

cox.com/local/search

With at least 1 Unlimited Cox Mobile line plus internet speeds of 500 MBPS or higher. Taxes and fees excluded from price guarantee.

ON THE COVER Photographed by Michael McDaniel, Curtis Beard is a man of many hats — Buckeye City Council member, real estate agent, three-time Buckeye business owner, family man. Here, he’s pictured in one of those hats, embroidered at his downtown 4th Street business, Absolute Screen Printing.

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

Editor’s Letter ELIAS WEISS

Gears, steers and pioneers

T HERE’S NO BETTER WAY TO UNDERSTAND BUCKEYE THAN BY GETTING TO know the people who make it tick. This month, that starts with our cover story on Councilman Curtis Beard. Councilman Beard grew up here, raised his family here and built not one, not two, but three businesses right here in town. He’s also a realtor, a husband, a dad — and, fun fact, our neighbor at the InBuckeye office. Councilman Beard wears a lot of hats, and we wanted to show you the man behind all of them. Of course, there's a challenge for every success story, and Buckeye is no exception. Michael McDaniel sat down with Councilman Jamaine Berry, who is in the middle of a fight to keep his water company above water, so to speak. The Arizona Community Foundation has filed a lawsuit, and Berry is pushing back.

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

Editorial Director ELIAS WEISS

Advertising VINCENT MANFREDI TAWNI PROCTOR AMBER ROGALLA BRITTANY RUSSELL Writers BRENDAN FRANKS MICHAEL MCDANIEL Photographers MICHAEL MCDANIEL ANDY PEREZ

Michael also turned his lens on a moment that felt almost surreal: cows grazing in the middle of a Buckeye master-planned subdivision. It’s like watching two versions of Buckeye collide — the wide-open ranch town it was and the fast-growing city it is. Elsewhere in this issue, we profile a pair of veteran rally racers and the mountain-roving Jeep they’re steering toward a California competition in October. And don’t miss sharpshooting Buckeye photographer Andy Perez’s shots of the Union Hawks’ first win this season. Andy didn't miss a moment. And here’s the big news: InBuckeye is now bimonthly. That means you’ll see 50% more glossy pages hitting your mailbox and coffee tables. After this edition, we’ll be back in November, then

Maintenance and Operations Overrides are used to provide additional funding to support people and programs such as competitive salaries for teachers and staff to help maintain smaller class sizes and to support extracurricular programs for students.

Designer CARL BEZUIDENHOUT

MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.

January and onward from there. More stories, more photos, more Buckeye. See you in November, when we’ll be taking a very special look at Verrado.

BELIEFS We believe in: • An informed citizenry. • Holding ourselves and others accountable. • The success of deserving businesses.

Stay cool,

Visit InBuckeye.com/Join or scan the QR code to get every issue delivered to your mailbox.

VALUES

• Integrity • Accountability

ELIAS WEISS EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Elias@InBuckeye.com

• Open, honest, real-time communication • Prosperity for clients, community, company

Volume 1, Issue 5 InBuckeye 220 N. 4th St. Buckeye, AZ 85326

520-568-0040 Tel News@InBuckeye.com Advertising@InBuckeye.com

Published advertisements are not an endorsement of products or advertising claims by InBuckeye . No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of InBuckeye . Copyright 2025.

WWW.BESD33.ORG I 25555 W DURANGO ST. BUCKEYE, AZ 85326 I (623) 925 - 3400

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

HISTORY

Discover your new home in Buckeye that’s both affordable and exceptional. At Tyler Ranch, you won’t compromise on quality or style, in a home that you’ll be proud to call all your own. Choose from homes ready for you now, or build from the ground up and personalize every detail to fit your life. NEW HOMES IN BUCKEYE FROM THE MID $300S

WESTERN STAR DRIVE-IN

After opening a small but successful drive-in at Dove Creek, Colo., in 1953, and a less successful one in Holbrook in early 1955, Elizabeth Young and her son Robert tried again—this time in Buckeye. They named their new theater after the Holbrook site: the Western Star Drive-In. Its first mention in The Arizona Republic came on Sept. 26, 1955, when it appeared in an Independent Theatre ad for The Country Girl starring Bing Crosby and Grace Kelly. Clockwise: At the Buckeye Museum, Deanne Miller Forney confirmed her undated family photo was indeed the Western Star. A 1971 aerial photo shows the drive-in and its screen. A 1955 newspaper ad promotes the original Western Star opening in Holbrook. Buckeye would follow just a few months later.

FIND YOUR NEW HOME TODAY

In 1957, the Louis F. Long theatre company, which also owned Buckeye’s indoor Roxy Theatre, purchased the Western Star from Robert and Elizabeth Young. “The new owner made immediate arrangements to replace the big screen which blew down in an early spring windstorm,” Boxoffice magazine noted at the time. The Motion Picture Almanac first listed Buckeye’s Western Star in its 1957 edition, with Robert Young as owner and a capacity of 200 cars. By the 1960

edition, ownership had shifted to L. F. Long Theatres, where it remained through at least 1967. By 1969, the drive- in had disappeared from the listings. The site lingered a little longer on the ground. The drive-in and its screen still appeared in this 1971 aerial photo and were outlined in a 1972 topo map. But by 1981, housing had replaced them — though a 1988 topo map continued to show the drive-in, a reminder that such maps aren’t always reliable.

Source: Cinema Treasures

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

HISTORY

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

COMMUNITY

NEW ART SCENE MEETS OLD

“ I like to create an interactive experience with my art, inviting viewers to engage and complete the narrative, while adding depth and dimension through the use of bold colors and engaging design.” ROBERT PANZER, ARTIST

This spring, West Valley artist Robert Panzer unveiled his first Buckeye project with that wrap. Although new to the city, Panzer has been a professional artist for more than 30 years. His résumé includes public art projects across Arizona in cities such as Peoria, Surprise, Goodyear, Apache Junction and Flagstaff. He has also received national recognition, including a recent commission for a commercial development in California. Panzer’s artwork has been featured in venues such as the Arizona Biennial, Tucson Museum of Art, Casa Grande Art Museum, West Valley Arts Council’s HQ Gallery and the Herberger Theater Art Gallery. He said working with Buckeye’s Arts & Culture Department has been an energizing experience. “The department has made sure the participating artists have access to the project stakeholders and community information. This has helped shape the artwork and designs that I have created for the City of Buckeye,” he explained. For Panzer, public art is about capturing community spirit. “I like to create an interactive experience with my art, inviting

COLOR ME BUCKEYE Local artists bring color, culture and community spirit to a city finding its creative voice BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL O NE OF THE LATEST ADDITIONS TO Buckeye’s burgeoning public art scene can be found at Yuma Road and Sundance Parkway, in a newer Buckeye community, where artist Robert Panzer has just installed a traffic cabinet wrap.

viewers to engage and complete the narrative, while adding depth and dimension through the use of bold colors and engaging design,” he said. In Old Town Buckeye, some rustic flair may be especially fitting. Residents are mindful, however, of the old Western motif, as seen in the Wild West Cowboy Steakhouse murals. There’s

City leaders say the wraps are a tribute to Buckeye’s identity, one neighborhood at a time. Against the backdrop of a rising sun over rugged mountains, a white mission-style building anchors the scene, enveloped by native desert flora and fauna. Prickly pear cactus blooms, desert marigolds and cotton plants frame the landscape, while a roadrunner perched on a rock livens up the setting. In the distance, a steel bridge spans a familiar-looking wash, and a Luke Air Force Base fighter jet races across the sky. Elsewhere in the neighborhoof, other traffic boxes carry their own neighborhood nods. At the edge of Sundance, one artist’s design pays tribute to the Windmill Village neighborhood’s iconic windmill installation. Near Fry's, another box features a coyote, a reminder to residents that the animals still roam the area. Across Yuma Road, like Panzer, other artists use bold colors, storytelling and natural imagery to create engaging themes for residents.

also the Hobo Joe icon, first installed in 1989 and then reinstalled in 2020 despite its somewhat controversial name and context. Still, downtown’s unapologetic cowboy

charm continues to resonate, and soon the Buckeye Downtown Library may showcase

western-inspired work on its walls. “I am one of two artists who are being considered for the Buckeye Downtown Library mural award this fall,” Panzer said. Buckeye City Councilman Jamaine Berry agrees public art can strengthen the city’s character. “Public art and

murals will add vibrancy and culture to our Old Town,” Berry said.

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

Buckeye’s trusted HVAC experts! Proudly serving Buckeye and the West Valley.

SCULPTING IDENTITY THROUGH LARGE-SCALE WORKS

Her latest Buckeye contribution is a large-scale installation inside the library, a piece she describes as both visually bold and accessible for residents. Lee’s path to public art started in the classroom. “I was teaching at a charter school for the arts, doing gallery shows on the side and eventually transitioned fully into public art. For the past 10 years, it’s been my full-time life,” she said. Her Buckeye project was approved through the West Valley Arts Program, which funds projects in several cities. With a $10,000 budget, she said she designed a sculpture meant to inspire while also adding culture to the community.

Inside the Buckeye Public Library on Yuma Road, visitors are greeted by Lauren Lee’s suspended sculpture. It’s a shimmering constellation of colorful acrylic discs. Children from the surrounding Sundance and Windmill communities pass by it daily, experiencing a sense of magic as they step into the library. Lee has been immersed in public art for more than a decade. Her career began with commissions through the Mesa Arts Center, eventually expanding to projects across Tempe, Scottsdale, Phoenix and Peoria.

❋ HVAC Repair ❋ HVAC Replacement

❋ Duct Work ❋ Insulation ❋ Water Heaters

$60 Fall Maintenance Special Call us today!

480-719-2917 @moderndegreeservices ModernDegreeServices.com

Family and veteran-owned

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

SALTY SERGEANTS Buckeye veteran joins all-women’s Rebelle Rally BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL I n the cold, dark hours before dawn, some 9,000 feet above sea level on Mammoth Mountain, headlamps will flicker across frosted ground as women stir from their tents, the air sharp enough to sting their lungs. For Buckeye's Heidi Bailly, the scene will feel strikingly familiar. Bailly and teammate Kristie Levy of Ahwatukee, both veterans, know what it means to push through early-morning missions where discipline, trust and precision mean everything. Only this time, the mission isn’t military — it’s the Rebelle Rally, an eight-day, 1,550-mile off-road navigation event across California and Nevada that demands as much mental grit as mechanical skill.

At 5 a.m., navigators huddle by lamplight, plotting coordinates with compasses and maps, while drivers check gear and prep vehicles. By 7 a.m., engines rumble to the line, sending competitors into up to 12 hours of unforgiving terrain. The Rebelle is the first women’s off-road navigation rally in the U.S., and unlike speed races, victory here comes from precision. Sixty- five teams compete without GPS, phones or smartwatches — just old-school tools and grit to guide them from the high Sierra to the Mojave Desert near Needles, Calif. For Bailly, former Marine now calling Buckeye’s Sienna Hills neighborhood home, the rally feels like a natural extension of the skills she sharpened during service. “Our military service has taught us discipline, resilience and the importance of teamwork, all skills that translate to the Rebelle Rally,” she said. Bailly serves as navigator for Team No. 167, the Salty Sergeants, while Levy takes the wheel of their Jeep, nicknamed “Atropia.” The pair met less than a year ago when Levy posted in a

Left: Driver Kristie Levy finds peace in remote landscapes. Above: Atropia is a true rally rig with storage and a sleeper compartment.

women veterans’ group seeking a rally partner. A test run in California’s Glamis dunes proved their chemistry, and Bailly signed on. Training since then has taken them everywhere from Johnson Valley to Big Bear in California, sharpening their navigation, off-road driving and vehicle recovery skills. “Prepping for the Rebelle Rally over the past nine months has been exhausting at times… but it has also been a blessing,” Levy said. “Heidi and I have improved our communication and understanding of each other through all these efforts.” That bond is crucial. Bailly will be responsible for plotting daily coordinates, tracking time limits and guiding the Jeep through wilderness routes, while Levy drives and keeps the vehicle in shape. Their shared military background sets the tone. “If Heidi says she will do or handle something, that’s all I need to hear. It’s part of the baseline expectation of fellow veterans,” Levy said. The Rebelle tests both body and mind. Teams endure long days inside their vehicles, navigating everything from freezing mountain mornings to punishing desert heat. Bailly anticipates the mental toll will be steep. “Long days in the Jeep, varying terrain, navigating without GPS, and making constant decisions under pressure can be mentally exhausting,” she said. Representing Buckeye on the global stage is something Bailly doesn’t take lightly. “It’s both exciting and an honor to represent Buckeye and the veteran community on such a unique stage as the Rebelle Rally,” she said. “Competing on a global stage allows us to highlight resilience, teamwork and grit, and we hope to inspire others, especially women and veterans, to take on challenges that push them beyond their comfort zones.”

Kristie Levy and Buckeye's Heidi Bailly (right) pose on top of their Jeep, Atropia, on a cloudy August afternoon in Buckeye.

KRISTIE LEVY

HEIDI BAILLY

Occupation: Federal agent Residence : Ahwatukee Rebelle role: Driver

Occupation: Senior research project coordinator at HealthPartners Residence: Buckeye (Sienna Hills) Rebelle role: Navigator Military highlights: Served 14 years on active duty as a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear defense specialist, achieving the rank of staff sergeant; assignments included Japan, Korea, Guam, Australia and multiple U.S. postings.

Military highlights: Drill sergeant, first sergeant, ROTC instructor at Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University Family: Married to a retired U.S. Army vet of 27 years; proud mom of a son, 21, studying at Eastern Kentucky University Fun fact: She’s an avid trail and ultra- runner who finds peace in remote landscapes and has completed multiple endurance races. Rebelle experience: Fourth year

Family: Married, mom of three (son, 18; daughters, 24 and 26) Fun fact: Earned the nickname

“Super Navi” during Rebelle U training for her exceptional precision in plotting

coordinates and map reading. Rebelle experience: Rookie

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

Back home, support has already started. Bailly’s Jeep, decked out in decals, has sparked conversations in Buckeye neighborhoods. “People stop me all the time to ask what the Rebelle Rally is,” she said. “Explaining it is always fun, especially because the idea of spending eight days without a phone, smartwatch or GPS feels almost unimaginable to many.” As October approaches, Bailly and Levy are focused on the road ahead. They know the rally will test their endurance, strategy and partnership. But for them, that’s the draw. “Crossing the finish line will symbolize resilience, perseverance and the power of teamwork,” Bailly said. “As veterans, we know the value of pushing through hardship, adapting to every obstacle and never giving up. “I hope other veterans, especially women, see that their service has prepared them for challenges far beyond the military.”

ATROPIA

Model: 2020 Jeep Wrangler JLUR Rebelle role: The vehicle

Origin story: Purchased stock in 2021 to celebrate Kristie’s retirement from the U.S. Army, then transformed into a mission-ready machine. Performance upgrades: 4.88 gear ratios for torque and power, RPM 2.5-ton steering components, Apex heavy-duty

ends and a 3½-inch suspension lift with 35-inch Pirelli All-Terrain tires on Method bead-grip wheels. Protection and recovery: Artec aluminum belly pan, rear shock and differential skids, Rusty’s Off-Road rock sliders, Bulldog winch, ARS rack system with MaxTrax boards and recovery gear. Recent upgrade: 2½-inch Fox Performance adjustable off-road racing shocks installed by Jax Motorsports for pro-grade suspension. Interior modifications: Custom storage and sleep platform by Aiden James Customs with dual locking drawers, 25 cubic feet of hidden storage and a flat sleeping surface for extended rallies. Fun fact: Atropia doubles as both a rally rig and a hotel room. Her backseat conversion means she’s always road-trip ready.

Kristie Levy and Heidi Bailly (right) use a compass rose to chart a course on a paper map. Branded headgear backdrops their backseat benchtop.

WANT TO FOLLOW THE SALTY SERGEANTS?

Catch the Rally’s daily live show streaming on its official YouTube channel beginning Oct. 10.

Call us today to meet our team! 623-401-2959

Are you happy with your smile? Come meet Dr. Wheeler and Dr. Tarr to see how we can help you achieve your ideal smile.

Now Open – Verrado 20650 W Roosevelt St In the Costco Plaza (623) 624-8183

Buckeye 825 S Watson Rd In Sundance Towne Center (602) 975-4783

Scan to learn more and claim this offer. †

Quality, Personalized Care. Walk-Ins Welcome. Open Evenings & Weekends. Affordable Treatment Without Insurance.

Book your appointment today! 20800 W Market Street #107 Buckeye AZ 85396

*Offer valued at $55. Valid for new patients only. Initial visit includes consultation, exam and adjustment. Offer and offer value may vary for Medicare eligible patients. NC: IF YOU DECIDE TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TREATMENT, YOU HAVE THE LEGAL RIGHT TO CHANGE YOUR MIND WITHIN THREE DAYS AND RECEIVE A REFUND. (N.C. Gen. Stat. 90-154.1). FL & KY: THE PATIENT AND ANY OTHER PERSON RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYMENT HAS THE RIGHT TO REFUSE TO PAY, CANCEL (RESCIND) PAYMENT OR BE REIMBURSED FOR ANY OTHER SERVICE, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT WHICH IS PERFORMED AS A RESULT OF AND WITHIN 72 HOURS OF RESPONDING TO THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR THE FREE, DISCOUNTED OR REDUCED FEE SERVICES, EXAMINATION OR TREATMENT. (FLA. STAT. 456.02) (201 KAR 21:065). Subject to additional state statutes and regulations. See clinic for chiropractor(s)’ name and license info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual results may vary. † Visit thejoint.com for official privacy policy, terms and conditions. Message and data rates may apply. © 2025 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.

Scan to see why we are voted “Best InBuckeye”!

thejoint.com

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY MORE THAN A TAX WRITE-OFF Meet Buckeye’s 4 qualifying charitable organizations BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL I N EVERY THRIVING COMMUNITY, QUIET champions work behind the scenes to distribute food, lift families, support first responders and ensure no one falls through the cracks. In Buckeye, four nonprofits have Why it matters All four of these organizations are registered QCOs with the Arizona Department of Revenue for 2025. Buckeye Outreach for Social Services (BOSS) 501 E. Mahoney Ave. 623-386-6365 Founded in 2005, BOSS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to

AZ Community Impact

22236 W. Twilight Trail 623-882-2468 AZCommunityImpact.org

This Buckeye-based nonprofit is dedicated to transforming communities by providing pathways to sustainability for families in need. The organization connects people with essential resources such as furniture, food, housewares and appliances, while partnering with school counselors, first responders, churches, nonprofits and local businesses to ensure families and individuals experiencing distress receive the support they need. By leveraging community resources, Arizona Community Impact works to strengthen partnerships and amplify efforts that make a lasting difference.

2024 TAX FILINGS

That means individual taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar state income tax credit, up to $495 for individuals or $987 for married couples (2025 limits), for contributions to any of these nonprofits. Whether you’re passionate about fighting hunger, supporting youth, helping vulnerable families or backing public safety, Buckeye residents have homegrown options that make a difference every day.

EXPENSES

ASSESTS

REVENUE

earned the distinction of being recognized as Qualifying Charitable Organizations, or QCOs, by the State of Arizona. That designation means donations to these groups are eligible for the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit, allowing residents to keep their tax dollars local while making a direct impact on their neighbors.

supporting economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Buckeye and the Far West Valley. The group’s mission is to empower people toward self-reliance by providing immediate assistance and long-term resources. BOSS has offered programs such as financial support during emergencies, food and clothing assistance, and mentoring services for people transitioning from prison through initiatives like the Prison Recidivism Program, or PREP. Its work has centered on meeting people where they are, delivering care packages, connecting residents to services and fostering dignity and stability during times of crisis.

$305,000

$255,000

$49,500

All Faith Community Services

Buckeye Police Foundation

214 S. 5th St. 623-386-3513 AllFaithCSAZ.com

21699 W. Yuma Road, Suite 103A 623-349-6459 Facebook.com/BuckeyePolice- Foundation The Buckeye Police Foundation is a private nonprofit dedicated to supporting crime victims, survivors of domestic violence, and displaced families and children. The foundation provides temporary shelter, clothing, food, transportation and resource referrals to help people in crisis find stability and long-term support. Each year, the organization assists hundreds of families and domestic violence survivors across the West Valley with essential needs such as job placement, school supplies and childcare services. Through partnerships with local community members and businesses, such as Shirley Youngker’s Allstate office on Watson Road, the foundation distributes “Challenge Bags” filled with clothing, socks and other necessities for children and adults. With

Founded on the belief that “faith without works is dead,” All Faith Community Services has been a staple in the West Valley since 1996. What began in Avondale as a small group of volunteers determined to fill service gaps for families in need has grown into a full-fledged nonprofit serving thousands each month. From the start, the organization embraced a “hand up, not a handout” philosophy, according to its leadership, empowering people to overcome challenges with access to food, job training, education

2024 TAX FILINGS

and volunteer opportunities. In 2004, All Faith earned its own 501(c)3 status, setting the stage for board development and expansion. Today, more than 2,500 households benefit from its programs every month. At its Buckeye location, All Faith operates a robust food bank and community resource center, helping low-income families, seniors and individuals navigate tough times with dignity.

REVENUE

$112,000

its mission rooted in safety, compassion and empowerment, the Buckeye Police Foundation works to ensure victims and survivors of crime receive the assistance they need to rebuild their lives.

EXPENSES

$116,000

2023 TAX FILINGS

2018 TAX FILINGS

ASSESTS

EXPENSES

ASSESTS

EXPENSES

ASSESTS

REVENUE

$68,700

$309,000

$323,000

$264,000

$15,700

$6,000

$969

Source: ProPublica.org

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

Repairs • Springs • Openers • New Doors

Edwards said she frequently encounters the cattle on her daily walks in Tartesso. On one occasion, she intervened when a distressed cow had become separated from her calf. “She was darting into traffic, trying to find her way back into the field on the other side of Sun Valley Parkway,” Edwards said. “I called 911 but had to act myself before someone or the cow was hurt.” She called the situation “ongoing and unsustainable” and urged officials and the property owner to strengthen the fencing, lock the gates to prevent ATV access and establish clear response protocols. In response to a database of photos of errant cattle provided to InBuckeye by Edwards and her neighbors, Mike Swift, regional manager for Tartesso’s Kinney Management Services, said the issue has persisted in the neighborhood for years and is complicated by Arizona’s open-range laws. Under state law, ranchers are not required to keep cattle from entering communities, according to Swift. Swift said he has been in contact with both the rancher whose herd grazes near Sun Valley Parkway and the Arizona Department of Agriculture, which said it recently terminated the lease for the herd Edwards said was causing the most trouble. Swift noted, however, new herds are arriving from other directions, creating continued challenges. “It is also unfortunate that homeowners in Tartesso are cutting fence lines constantly so they can ride their ATVs and four-wheelers in the desert,” he said. “The cattle see the opening in the fence line and immediately go toward it, so they can get to the water from our irrigation lines.”

$500 OFF New Double Garage Door With mention of ad. Cannot be combined with any other oer. Expires 10/31/2025. $150 OFF Any LiftMaster Brand Openers $100 OFF Spring Replacement Lifetime Warranty Incl. Always 10% OFF for seniors! Financing Available Through With mention of ad. Cannot be combined with any other oer. Expires 10/31/2025. With mention of ad. Cannot be combined with any other oer. Expires 10/31/2025.

• Same Day Service • Emergency Services Available • Evenings & Weekends • No Extra Charge

T ARTESSO RESIDENTS ARE RAISING ALARMS OVER LOOSE CATTLE NEAR SUN VALLEY PARKWAY, describing it as a growing threat to both motorists and livestock. Cindy Edwards, who lives in the master-planned community, said fencing along nearby grazing land is inadequate, with some areas secured only by loose chains cattle can step over. She said all-terrain vehicle riders sometimes access the land and leave the gates open, allowing cattle direct access to neighborhoods and busy roadways. “This creates a highly dangerous situation for both motorists and the animals,” Edwards said in an Aug. 27 interview. She said cattle cross the roadway nearly every night, and earlier that month, she witnessed the aftermath of a crash where a motorcyclist collided with a steer. The driver suffered a broken finger, while the steer died, according to police reports. HOOFIN’ IT! Loose cattle near Tartesso draw safety concerns BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL

Licensed & Insured

#ROC 329183

Call today to schedule a FREE Inspection & Estimate

(602) 551-7053 IconicGarageDoorServices.com

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

COMMUNITY

Business Tax Returns on extension are due September 15, 2025. Individual Tax Returns on extension are due October 15, 2025. DON’T FORGET!

Our team of trained experts is here to assist you with: • All business and personal returns and all states • Tax controversy resolution services • ITIN Applications • New business planning and set-up • Monthly bookkeeping • Certied Public Audits and & Reviews • Payroll, Independent Contractors • Sales tax reports • Tax-Exempt entity planning and set-up

Swift said the rancher currently has two workers in Tartesso ensuring no cattle enter the neighborhood and plans to close the entry with a new structure to prevent further breaches. He added the rancher’s crew would be on horseback by mid-September to gather the cattle. Swift also requested additional guidance from the city or the Department of Agriculture, calling it “a very difficult situation to manage.” Neither party released the name of the rancher. Keenan McGuire, who operates the West Valley’s BO-Nine Ranch, believes the conflict stems less from ranchers’ negligence and more from how master-planned communities have expanded into historic range land without adequate safeguards. “‘Range state’ means that if a rancher is in an area and you build a house within that rangeland, then it’s up to you. You’re required to put a fence up. It’s not on the shoulders of the rancher to protect your house from our cattle,” McGuire said. He added that while his family has worked closely with communities like Vistancia and Tartesso to address issues, developers often stopped building perimeter fences and cattle guards as costs rose, leaving gaps that cattle exploit during droughts when food and water are scarce. “It hadn’t been a problem until probably three-and-a-half years ago when the drought hit,” McGuire said. “Cows are going to go where there’s food and water, and if greenbelts and irrigation lines are left unfenced on the edge of subdivisions, that’s where they’ll go. We’ve lost several cattle to highway collisions near Tartesso in the past six months. Luckily, no one was injured, but we can’t patrol 24 hours a day.”

Kat & Bud Enterprises, LLC ACCOUNTING & TAX PROFESSIONALS Kathryn (Kat) Tracy, EA Dane Bolden, CPA Proudly serving Buckeye and the Far West Valley for 33 years.

Former IRS Revenue Agent/Auditor

We specialize in many industries, including rental properties, realtors, educators, small business owners, farmers,

construction businesses, transportation services, non-profits, and first responders.

FREE

Scan for Client Handouts

Scan to Upload Documents

KathrynStracy.com kathrynstracy@gmail.com

21069 W. Main St, Unit 209 (623) 386-4674

Se Habla Español

“ The cattle see the opening in the fence line and immediately go toward it, so they can get to the water from our irrigation lines.” MIKE SWIFT, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, TORTOSA HOA

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

GOVERNMENT

DEEP WATER? Lawsuit says city councilman’s utility defaulted on a $660,000 loan

Clearwater Utilities is among three defendants in a recent lawsuit in which Councilman Jamaine Berry is named.

BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL T HE ARIZONA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION IS SUING BUCKEYE CITY COUNCILMAN JAMAINE BERRY AND the utility companies he leads over an alleged $660,000 loan default. Both sides told InBuckeye they are working toward a settlement. The complaint, filed May 29 in Maricopa County Superior Court, names Berry Utilities Inc., Clearwater Utilities Company Inc. and Aguila Water Services Inc. as defendants. Berry, who represents Buckeye’s District 2 on the city council, is listed in the suit as president, CEO and chairman of Berry Utilities. According to court documents, the foundation loaned Berry Utilities $660,000 in March of 2021 to purchase Aguila Water Services and upgrade its facilities in Aguila, Ariz., 25 miles west of Wickenburg.

than $64,000 in accrued interest, additional interest at a 12% default rate starting in June 2024, plus attorneys’ fees and court costs. On Aug. 29, attorneys for the foundation said the parties were working toward a negotiated settlement agreement, which could be executed soon. There was no settlement by publication time. In an interview, Berry said the lawsuit was a giant misunderstanding. “I am no longer being sued; we worked that all out,” Berry said. Attorneys for the ACF disagreed Sept. 3: “The case is not dismissed. The parties are working toward a negotiated settlement agreement that will hopefully be executed in the coming days,” said Kyle Hallstrom, attorney for The Hallstrom Law Firm. Berry, a fourth-generation Buckeye resident, was elected to the city council in 2022 and has been active in redevelopment efforts in Old Town Buckeye.

no further payments were made, placing the company in breach of contract. The lawsuit alleges Berry treated the three utilities as “alter egos” of one another. The Arizona Community Foundation, a statewide family of charitable funds, argues the councilman ignored corporate rules and instead used loan money to buy Aguila. The foundation is asking the court to order repayment of the $660,000 loan principal, more

The loan carried a 3.5% interest rate and was scheduled to mature in December that year. According to the lawsuit, after Berry Utilities missed the repayment deadline, the foundation twice amended the agreement, extending repayment to June 2022 and later to December 2023. Despite the extensions, Berry Utilities made only four $2,500 payments toward the loan, with the last one in June 2024. The foundation claims

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

GOVERNMENT

THE MAN BEHIND THE BEARD Meet Councilman Curtis Beard

"Curtis proves his love for the city every time we chat,” said Tony Mangat, a constituent and entrepreneur who founded The Mangat Group. “He only wants what's best for his family, friends and his community. He is highly motivated in everything he works on and is a great council member for the city. His generosity shows he's a selfless individual and a positive influence on others, and he continues to show continuous growth." Balancing act As one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities, Buckeye faces pressure to balance expansion with preserving the character of its neighborhoods. Beard said he supports “smart growth” that creates opportunity without erasing the city’s small-town feel. “Buckeye’s growing fast, and that’s a good thing, but I don’t want us to lose what makes our neighborhoods feel like home,” he said. Among the projects he’s most eager to see are the widening of Miller Road, which will help ease congestion, and the arrival of a Fry’s grocery store, which he said will benefit residents. Citywide, he also highlighted the upcoming opening of the Joe Foss Shooting Range as a draw for both locals and visitors. “There’s so much growth citywide it’s hard to mention all of them I’m excited about,” he said. Infrastructure and safety Infrastructure has been one of Buckeye’s biggest challenges as new developments continue to spread across the city. Beard said the city’s general obligation bond has helped launch key projects such as road widening and the

G ROWING UP IN BUCKEYE, CURTIS BEARD LEFT HIGH SCHOOL EARLY. BUT HE DIDN’T STOP LEARNING. “I went to school here all the way through, dropped out after a year-and-a-half of high school, got my GED and then my associate’s degree in visual communications,” he said. “I actually graduated from college the same year I would’ve graduated high school.” Now a fourth-generation Buckeye resident raising the fifth, Beard’s story is one of persistence, family roots and the resilience that has long defined this once-small, now fast-growing desert community. Beard will tell you, for him, serving on the Buckeye City Council isn’t about politics or self- interest. It's about leaving a legacy. BY MICHAEL MCDANIEL

“I was inspired to run because I believe Buckeye’s growth should benefit everyone, not just a few,” Beard said. “My biggest responsibility is to listen to our residents and make decisions that keep our community safe, thriving and united as we plan for the future.” He believes new development will improve life for everyone in his district, including residents around Old Town Buckeye. "Miller Road will be a lot nicer once it’s widened, and eventually it’ll be six lanes all the way down," he said. "It just takes time, but things are getting better than they were 30 years ago.” Representing District 3, Beard brings a business owner’s perspective to city leadership. With two decades of small-business experience, he said he treats city finances with the same care as his own, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and practical choices. “Being involved in operating several small businesses helps me to look at spending money as if it were mine, not just taxpayers,” Beard said. “It’s about making responsible choices for what’s best for the residents and community as a whole.”

CURTIS BEARD

Age: 41 Residence: Northwood Park

Businesses: Absolute Screen Printing, AZ Septic Works, One Site Construction Side hustle: Real estate agent Family: Wife and three kids Elected: November 2024 Term expires: November 2028 Council liaison to: Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Family Advocacy Center Phone: 623-349-6943 Email: CBeard@BuckeyeAZ.gov Fun fact: His family has continuously owned businesses in the City of Buckeye since 1960.

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

GOVERNMENT

WELCOME TO IMAGINE BUCKEYE!

construction of critical utilities, though much work remains. “Over time, it will all come together, and Buckeye will be the best city ever,” he said. Public safety, Beard added, is also a top priority. He recently toured the city’s new 911 communications center and praised its advanced technology. “All the technology that we have — and no other cities have — is incredible,” Beard said. “The police, fire and communications staff all do a fantastic job, and I firmly believe we have the best departments and staff.” Community and small businesses When it comes to quality of life, Beard pointed to the city’s Parks and Recreation Master Plan, developed through extensive community outreach. He also stressed the importance of supporting small businesses, which he called “the heart of Buckeye.” “Small businesses are the heart of Buckeye, they create jobs, keep money in our community, and give the city its character,” Beard said. “Supporting them means a stronger future for all of us.” Looking ahead In the next five to ten years, Beard envisions his district growing with more local jobs, safe streets, shopping centers and parks — all while retaining the small-town feel that drew families to Buckeye in the first place. “I want it to feel even more like home,” he said. “I’d say we are on the path to bring all of that over the next five-plus years.” He also said he is working with another council member to create a down payment assistance program to help families put down roots in Buckeye. “This will be an amazing program, and I hope to have something soon,” he said. “It’s all about helping people the best way you can.” For Beard, leadership is less about holding office and more about listening. He makes a point of sharing his contact information, attending cleanups and community events, and encouraging residents to take part in civic programs. “My door is always open,” Beard said. “Listening is the best way to make sure residents’ voices guide our decisions.”

ABSOLUTE SCREEN PRINTING, founded in 1995, specializes in screen printing solutions. The business specializes in embroidery and direct-to-garment printing.

AZ SEPTIC WORKS, founded in 2024, offers Arizona Department of Environmental Quality-certified septic system inspections, pumping, maintenance, installation and repairs for residential and commercial properties throughout Arizona.

At Imagine Buckeye, we are proud to serve our students and families with a commitment to academic excellence and character development. Rooted in our core values of Respect, Responsibility, Open-Mindedness, and Honesty, everything we do—both in and out of the classroom—is designed to help our students grow into well-rounded, confident learners.

ONE SITE CONSTRUCTION, founded in 2024, provides professional excavation, demolition, grading and related site services across the West Valley, serving both residential and commercial clients.

Middle School Athletics Program – NEW THIS YEAR!

BEARD FAMILY BUSINESS TIMELINE

Our vibrant 21st Century After School Program offers students exciting ways to explore beyond the standard curriculum, including: • STEM-based LEGO Clubs • Sports clubs like soccer and cheer • Reading and math skill building • Opportunities for creative expression • Student Council • Yearbook

1960–1970s: Beard’s Upholstering i Owned by grandfather Ed Beard 1970s–2000: Beard Seats i Owned by grandparents Ed & Barbara Beard 1970s–1980s: Beard’s Buggy Center i Owned by father Levi Beard 1990s–2020: Beard Western Store i Owned by parents Levi & Judy Beard 1984–present: Absolute Screen i Printing i Owned by Levi & Curtis Beard 2018–2021: Hunter Safety Products i Owned by Levi & Curtis Beard 2024–present: AZ Septic Works i Owned by Curtis Beard

We believe education thrives through connection, which is why we proudly partner with families and the community. Through engaging holiday events, meaningful family partnerships, and local collaborations, Imagine Buckeye remains a welcoming place for every Firebird to grow, learn, and soar.

Click here to enroll NOW!

Offering Pre-k - 8th

2400 247th Avenue (623) 250-4570

School Days/Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-3pm

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS

NOW OPEN 1 A-KINGDOM ASSISTED LIVING A-Kingdom Assisted Living, a faith-based residential care home, opened its doors at 1840 S. 239th Drive. It offers a range of services, including Alzheimer’s and memory care, chronic illness and diabetes monitoring, fall prevention support, daily activities, personal care and home-cooked meals. As one staff member put it, “This isn’t just a job … it’s our calling to love people, care for them and treat them as our own family.” 2 BOBAZONA Bobazona opened in August at 20980 W. Sentinel Drive, Suite 103, in Verrado. The event includes giveaways, including Disneyland tickets. 3 CREDIT UNION WEST Credit Union West opened its newest branch at 20650 W. Roosevelt St., Suite 108, in Buckeye Commons. A fall grand opening event is planned for the financial cooperative’s 14th Arizona location, but the date hasn’t been announced yet. 4 D.R. HORTON'S REMINGTON D.R. Horton opened its new Remington neighborhood at 26040 W. Lynne Lane on Buckeye’s south side with a grand celebration featuring food trucks, giveaways and model home tours.

Nothing Bundt Cakes grand opening

The community offers a range of floor plans with homes starting in the high $300,000s. Buyers were introduced to special incentives during the launch, and visitors explored the neighborhood’s first completed models. Remington marks D.R. Horton’s latest addition to the city's rapidly growing housing market. 5 FRY’S MARKETPLACE Buckeye’s third Fry’s opened at the southeast corner of Miller and Broadway Roads. The 123,000-square-foot store includes a Starbucks, pharmacy and 24- hour fuel center.

2 13

6 THE JOINT CHIROPRACTIC The Joint Chiropractic officially launched its second Buckeye location at 20650 W. Roosevelt St., Suite 107, near Verrado. Although the clinic has already begun serving patients, a formal grand opening is tentatively planned for October, when the community will be invited to a celebration featuring special offers for new patients. The event will also highlight the franchise’s membership-based model, which offers insurance-free, walk-in chiropractic care with extended hours. 7 NOTHING BUNDT CAKES The bakery chain’s new store opened in July at 20650 W. Roosevelt St. to a crowd of more than 70 eager customers lined up outside. 8 OVER EASY The metro Phoenix brunch restaurant debuted its signature breakfast dishes at a new 1045 N. Verrado Way restaurant in

Cabana Verrado

14 10 Eighty-Five Logistics

InBuckeye.com | September 2025

September 2025 | InBuckeye.com

Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6-7 Page 8-9 Page 10-11 Page 12-13 Page 14-15 Page 16-17 Page 18-19 Page 20-21 Page 22-23 Page 24-25 Page 26-27 Page 28-29 Page 30-31 Page 32-33 Page 34-35 Page 36-37 Page 38-39 Page 40-41 Page 42-43 Page 44-45 Page 46-47 Page 48-49 Page 50-51 Page 52-53 Page 54