Between the Lines
WELCOME TO IMAGINE BUCKEYE!
Buckeye was built on growing business
W ITHIN THE PAGES OF THIS EDITION ARE A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF STORIES related to Buckeye business and industry. Here’s why: The more I explore our wonderful neighborhoods, the more I discover people involved in our local economy. From a rich history in agriculture to burgeoning industries focused on advanced manufacturing, Buckeye is quickly becoming an economic powerhouse in the West Valley. Find a good example of the transformation on page 14. To complement that shift, the city has seen a veritable explosion in retail
Publisher DAVID KENNARD
Associate Editor MONICA SPENCER
Editorial Consultants SCOTT BARTLE HAL DEKEYSER Advertising VINCENT MANFREDI ERIKA PARAMO BRITTANY RUSSELL
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.
shopping opportunities. A host of new restaurants have opened their doors in recent months, including 5 Guys and Panera Bread. Major employers are also opening: Target, Marshalls, Home Depot. My interviews with business managers and city leaders is on page 30. Anticipated openings still to come are the Harkins BackLot theaters and Dick’s Sporting Goods; these and more are all centered near the Interstate 10 and Verrado Way developments, but the City of Buckeye hasn’t lost focus on historic Downtown Buckeye. The recent repaving and restriping of Monroe Avenue has brought a new look to the central business district and its unique restaurants and small businesses. On page 8, you’ll see a story about a small business that has become legendary in Buckeye. The Roxy Theatre is no longer with us, but its tale of resiliency in downtown Buckeye was perhaps the forerunner to the small businesses that flourish downtown. As a relative newcomer to the area, I’m impressed by the stories of these small businesses and I look forward to telling more stories as I continue to meet the good people of Buckeye.
Operations TIFFANY WELCH
Designer CARL BEZUIDENHOUT
MISSION Inform readers/viewers. Enrich advertisers.
Middle School Athletics Program – NEW THIS YEAR!
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BELIEFS We believe in: • An informed citizenry. • Holding ourselves and others accountable. • The success of deserving businesses.
DAVID KENNARD PUBLISHER David@InBuckeye.com
VALUES
• Integrity • Accountability
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
WANDERING AROUND Stuff I’m excited about SQUARE LIP CRAWDAD: I’ve done a fair amount of fishing over the last few decades and I’ve accumulated a tackle box with some secret weapons. While I hesitate to share too many secrets, I will say the approach of Dick’s Sporting Goods means I can save on gas trying to find the Square Lip Crawdad made by Rebel Lures. If Dick’s has what I’m looking for, I’m hooked. –DK SWISS GEAR: I know, you can buy this — or something close to it — at Walmart, but with last month’s arrival of Target in Verrado Marketplace, I knew what my next retail
THEY SAID IT Reader comments from InBuckeye.com WHAT ABOUT WHATABURGER? Regardless of all the complaints, we’ve been anxious for a Whataburger here for years, and it seems we must wait a moment longer but here it comes!!!! Yayyyy. -Roberta Garcia SKYLINE REGIONAL PARK: This is phenomenal news. We need more outdoor space and activities like this. Mountain biking and skills parks etc. I can’t wait. Thank you for making Buckeye great. - David McKenna NEW LIBRARY: It is encouraging to see that Buckeye is expanding community services that will increase opportunities for families to spend time together. A library in the area is a positive investment in our Buckeye learning community. I applaud the effort and investment in Buckeye’s future which will result in a benefit to all citizens. - Beverly Prestage
• Open, honest, real-time communication • Prosperity for clients, community, company
Volume 2, Issue 4 InBuckeye 220 N. 4th St. Buckeye, AZ 85326
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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.
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purchase was going to be. I’m pretty tough on back- packs, but this piece of gear is something that goes with me pretty much everywhere. I’m glad to know that I can now find it close to home. –DK
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InBuckeye.com | July/August 2026
July/August 2026 | InBuckeye.com
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