2026 October InMaricopa Magazine

FROM THE EDITOR

M What takes root? MARICOPA IS GOOD AT GROWING. You can see it in the rooftops, roads and businesses that have filled in what used to be stretches of desert and agricultural fields. But growth isn’t always obvious while you’re living through it. Ten years ago, the Shops at Maricopa Station were a new development. Today, they’re simply part of the landscape: a place to grab coffee, dinner or a sandwich without thinking much about the fact that they weren’t always there. Buildings aren’t the only things that have taken root. In this issue, we look at some of the people, traditions and ideas that have become part of Maricopa. Contributor Tom Schuman shares a profile on the Pinal County Master Gardeners on what they’ve learned about coaxing plants form the desert, while reporter Karen Bartunek introduces two therapy dogs helping children practice reading and bringing comfort to hospital patients. Tom also highlights the return of a murder mystery dinner theater that gives residents another way to gather together. And our election guides offer a closer look at the candidates and propositions on the November ballot.

Publisher SCOTT BARTLE

Those stories might seem unrelated, but they’re all pieces of the same question: What does it mean to grow here? A city grows because of business and

Advertising Director VINCENT MANFREDI

Associate Editor MONICA D. SPENCER

infrastructure, but a community grows when people participate in it. That’s the part of growth that’s harder to measure. A city can count houses, businesses and miles of road, and it can track population and development. But it can’t measure the people and places that become part of everyday life. Maricopa is growing. The question is what, besides buildings, will grow with it.

Operations Director TIFFANY WELCH

One Visit. One Inspection. Total Confidence.

Advertising ERIKA PARAMO MICHELLE SORENSEN Writers KAREN BARTUNEK KRISTINA DONNAY DAYV MORGAN

$ 29 Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection Between the AC, the appliances, and everything else plugged in, your electrical system works harder than you’d think. Penguin’s licensed electricians will give it a thorough once-over and let you know if anything needs attention. Get a $29 Whole Home Electrical Safety Inspection — call Penguin today!

BRIAN PETERSHEIM KAYDENCE SHIPMAN TOM SCHUMAN MONICA D. SPENCER SHERMAN AND EUPHEMIA WEEKES

Until next month,

MONICA D. SPENCER ASSOCIATE EDITOR | Monica@InMaricopa.com

Photographers VICTOR MORENO MONICA D. SPENCER

New Financing Plans Available — 0% Interest for 12 Months *

Send your reactions with a photo of yourself at the QR code to be published in a future edition of InMaricopa magazine.

Designer CARL BEZUIDENHOUT

*On approved credit

MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.

Our Services

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

Now O ffering!

CONTRIBUTORS

VALUES

Our Services

• Integrity • Accountability

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

Now O ffering!

Volume 21, Issue 10 InMaricopa 44400 W. Honeycutt Road, Suite 101 Maricopa, AZ 85138

PLUMBING

HVAC

INSULATION

ELECTRIC

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

· Hard Water Treatment · Clogged/Slow Drains · Sewer Line Replacement

· Panel Replacement · Lighting and Fan Install · Electric Car Chargers

· AC/Heat Repair · Annual Maintenance · HVAC Replacement

· Eliminate Hot/Cold Spots · Lower Energy Bills · All Year Comfort

Published advertisements are not an endorsement of products or advertising claims by InMaricopa . No part of this magazine may be reproduced by any means without the prior written permission of InMaricopa . Copyright 2026.

Residential or non-owner occupied properties. Not valid with other offers. Must present at time of service. Doesn’t apply to past work. Call for details. Exp. 11/30/2026. AZ ROC 291261, 291262, 321010, 326088.

TOM SCHUMAN Tom helps readers get acquainted with our gardening columnists.

SHERMAN AND EUPHEMIA WEEKES The real estate duo talk what happens when a rental property sits vacant for too long.

KAREN BARTUNEK Karen looks at the benefits of therapy dogs for our annual health guide.