90 Seconds With Patrick

Gary Carlson with AAA Landscaping discussed potential solutions for the litter accumulating in the Santa Cruz River. He pointed out that the trash isn’t solely caused by unhoused individuals; a significant portion washes in directly from city streets through storm grates that drain into the river.

Heidi Lasham is the Town of Marana’s Director of Water.

She said the expanded water reclamation facility helps secure Marana’s water future. The recycled water recharges the ground water.

Keri Stanford, Career and Technical Education (CTE) Data Integrity Specialist, has been named the 2026 Marana Unified School District Support Staff of the Year.

Tuan Mai owns Classic and Fancy Nail Spa in Marana. He says business is great!

Monica Harper is the Director of Human Resources at Marana Unified School District. She noted it was a wonderful evening recognizing dedicated employees.

Naya Persaud is Principal of Gladden Farms Elementary. She is honored that she and her staff have been recognized for this award!

Paige Salzbrenner is owner of the Marana HAVN. Designed with pain management and restoration in mind, HAVN offers intentional modalities to reduce inflammation, support recovery, and promote lasting balance.

The company also provide a curated selection of retail essentials to help you continue your healing and self-care beyond the session.

3605 W Cortaro Farms Rd #145, Tucson, AZ 85742

Marilyn Islava at the Ina office says they offer a full range of lending solutions including Title Loans, Personal Loans, and Registration Loans with low rates, budget payments transparent terms, and flexible repayment options.

New in Marana Cash Time Loan Center at 3720 W Ina Rd.

Marilyn Islava at the Ina office says they offer a full range of lending solutions including Title Loans, Personal Loans, and Registration Loans with low rates, budget payments transparent terms, and flexible repayment options.

New in Marana Cash Time Loan Center at 3720 W Ina Rd,

Melanie Islava at the Ina office says they offer a full range of lending solutions including Title Loans, Personal Loans, and Registration Loans with low rates, budget payments transparent terms, and flexible repayment options.

Bandon Mazzola is President of the NW Firefighter Charities Local 3572 Union, providing steadfast advocacy for dedicated firefighting professionals.

Engineer Brandon Emans was recognized for his work in training other engineers at the Northwest Fire training center. Many others were awarded Gold Lifesaving medals, Commendation Medal, Fire Chief Citations and Exception Duty Recognition.

The Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery in North Marana Celebrated 10 years in service for local veterans. David Seia is the Chair of the Board of Directors at the Cemetery.

It was a big day of celebration for Marana Unified School District Students, Teacher’s and Alumni. Kristin Reidy Assistant Superintendent, Educational Services and Title IX Coordinator was the MC of the event.

Emilo Perez is with Wheel Fun in Marana. Wheel Fun is a turnkey no-cost mountain bike program for public schools. They provide everything needed to launch and support a school-based bike club.

Suzanne Showalter and her husband Steve, own Bricks and Minifigs, a major Lego Shop with classic projects already completed, and highly collectable. There are also many new Lego Sets to put together and a big bulk-bin of Legos for purchase.

On December 14, 2025, Sanctuary Cove celebrated the 70th anniversary of the beloved Chapel — a place of quiet beauty and reflection in the heart of the Sonoran Desert.

The founding members of All Creeds Brotherhood, Inc., envisioned this sacred land — the ancestral homeland of the Tohono O’odham people — as a perpetual sanctuary for all.

A new Peachwave Frozen Yogurt and Gelato shop has opened near the Gladden Farms Fry. It’s owned by Cali and Steve Norman. 

Dr. Estheimer has been in business for 5 years, and the Arizona Daily Star Readers’ Choice Awards have recognized her as the best veterinarian in the area for five years in a row.

For about eight years, Jim Conroy served as the Director of Marana’s Parks and Recreation, and he left his mark on two signature projects. One was the extension of the pedestrian and bike loop from Avra Valley Road to the Gladden Farm’s Neighborhood. The second major thing was the opening of the Marana Aquatic and Recreation Center. Plus, he oversaw the development and design of many Marana Parks!

Michael Rosso, with Architekton and lead Architect for the MARC dicusses some details on the design.

A combination Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins is now open in Marana off Sandario Road. Gerry Wilson is a partner with the franchise along with Roy Patel.

Max Ivankovich, Director of Market Development & Planning, for Wyyerd Fiber based in Southern Arizona in the Marana and the greater Tucson area.

It’s a beautiful new stretch of road running two lanes each way from Twin Peaks at Silverbell through Rattlesnake Pass. It will add safety and efficiency for those traveling through the pass, particularly those living in the Saguaro Bloom Neighborhood.

The art project was a collaboration between the Marana High School Welding Program, the Town of Marana, and the Pima Association of Governments. The project was led by Tucson Sculptor Trevor O’Tool.

I was on a tour at the Airline Lambert Water treatment facility recently. And I was very impressed. It was led by Johnny Arvizu, the Town of Marana’s Chief Water Quality Operator, Andrew Bahr, Water Quality Specialist (center), and Tony Almader, Water Quality Technician. They walked our group through Marana’s water purification process, starting with well water drawn from 850-foot deep aquifers and ending with chlorination and release to the public.

Manny Fregoso is the program manager for the Marana Facility on the NW corner of Ina and Silverbell. The facility will employ upwards of 90 people.

David Anway is the fourth generation of the Anway Family who first entered the Marana area in 1919. Listen to his pioneering story!

Nancy Wright is the President of Rescue Me Tucson. They are in the Outlet Mall in Marana. They work with many other rescue groups in Arizona to rescue dogs and cats who need homes. They also provide information about the problems with puppy mills. 

Sol Dog provides services to ensure that dogs stay with their forever family and out of the over-crowded and over-burdened shelter and rescue system.

Wade McClean started his career at Marana High School. It took off from there!

Pete Nani is the CEO of Clean Freak Car Wash. He comments on the new car wash.

30,000 residents in North Marana are now connected to the entire 137-mile Chuck Huckelberry Loop trail system. This path is on the east bank of the Santa Cruz River, adjacent to the CalPortland Cement Plant.

This is a quick story about Cathey Langione, Avra Valley Airport’s first woman fixed-based operator. In 1999, the town of Marana purchased the airport from Pima County.

The Marana Chamber of Commerce helped organize the grand opening of Amavida Apartments in mid-November. The Phoenix owners were there, and they said working with Marana to build the apartments was great from start to finish!

Joaquin Saldana is a driver at the new Amazon Distribution Center. He said drivers are busy delivering all over the Marana area.

Arizona Artisan Creations is a store for local artisans and small businesses to sell their homemade items all in one location. It recently expanded, nearly tripling its sales floor with many great artistic items.  The store is located in Rillito at 8800 W. Water Street on the I-10 frontage Road.

Aubrey Garza is the proprietor of Arizona Artisan Creations

arizonaartisancreation.com

Jackie Craig, who ran for the Marana Town Council office and won a seat during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, has stepped down to pursue other interests. At her last Council meeting, Oct. 15, she was praised by Mayor Honea and other Council Members as being very professional, adding Jackie always came to the meetings prepared,

The long-awaited Fry’s Supermarket opened Oct.16 on Tangerine Road in Gladden Farms, Marana,

The New Fry’s is sure to provide convenience to the North Marana population