INI acquires Upper Westsider, Scottsdale North News, North Tatum Times, Paradise Valley View
Independent Newsmedia, Inc., USA, continues to expand its footprint in the Phoenix Metro market.
The Arizona group, home of the Phoenix Daily Independent at YourValley.net, and the Fountain Hills Times Independent at FHTimes.com acquired EG Publishings’ four community newspapers The Upper Westsider, Scottsdale North News, North Tatum Times and Paradise Valley View.
INI President & CEO Charlene Bisson, who grew up in Arizona, believes the business and community news publications are a good fit for INI because they are in ZIP Codes that the company has not served yet. Also, she continues to have a strong business relationship with former owners Natasha and Brian Beal.
“The Beals are well-known in the North Phoenix market,” Bisson said. “They have been excellent business associates and we look forward to a working relationship in years to come with them.”
The Beals will continue to publish Epic Kids as well as the Good Deeds Guide, a nonprofit guide that EG Publishing distributes each March and November.
Multimedia Advertising Consultants Kris Marler and Jim Bounds joined the INI family as well as graphic designers Erica Odello and Shannon Carrillo.
“I believe this is an excellent opportunity for my past, present, and future clients and am excited to be a part of their growth. I look forward to joining forces with Independent Newsmedia,” Marler said.
Bisson noted the Independent is committed to expanding throughout the Phoenix market, so there are no news deserts in our Arizona cities and towns.
“We have ambitious plans in 2025, and we’re blessed to have great people at INI to excute the plans,” she added.
Independent Newsmedia has been publishing in Arizona since 1970.
The company opened two newspapers during the pandemic – Florence and Mesa – and expanded its Scottsdale circulation October 2022. The Arizona group launched the Tempe Independent in April 2022, then acquired JG Media National’s Phoenix operations, which included Community Impact of Chandler, Gilbert and Tempe in July 2022. In October 2024, it acquired Tempe’s longest circulating newspaper the Wrangler News.
Independent Newsmedia owns Valley Newspapers, a state-of-the-art commercial printing plant that is located near Deer Valley Airport. The company also publishes community newspapers in Delaware, the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Florida and owns a press in Delaware.
Arizona Balloon Classic to take flight in Goodyear
The 14th annual Arizona Balloon Classic will set to the skies from Friday, Jan. 24 to Sunday, 26, at Goodyear Ballpark, 1933 S. Ballpark Way.
The festival will feature colorful hot air balloon ascensions, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and a variety of food options.
Each morning from 7 to 9 a.m., the event will host Morning Ascensions, where dozens of vibrant hot air balloons will fill the sky. Spectators can walk onto the field to watch the balloons inflate and then lift off. This free event offers opportunities for photos as the balloons rise over the horizon.
On Friday, Jan. 24, and Saturday, Jan. 25 from 7.-9 p.m., the Desert Glows event will light up the night. A field of tethered, glowing balloons will create a visual display.
The festival will also feature plenty of entertainment for all ages. The Family Fun Zone includes free inflatables for children, while BMX stunt shows will provide high-energy action. Hot air balloon tethered rides will give guests the chance to experience the thrill of a balloon ride, safely anchored to the ground. Food lovers can explore the 8th annual StreetFoodFest, offering a wide range of festival favorites, as well as new culinary experiences. The festival will also feature a Beer & Beverage Garden, live music, and a variety of shopping and commercial exhibits.
General admission tickets are available for $22, with discounted tickets for seniors at $18 and group tickets for $15. Active military members, veterans, and children 12 and under can attend for free. Parking is also free.
All ballooning events are weather-dependent, and the schedule is subject to change. Visit abcfest.com for more information.
Ground breaks on new Surprise housing project
The city of Surprise recently joined with local partners for the groundbreaking of a new community designed to address the need for housing for low-income families.
This project is in collaboration with Native American Connections, Maricopa County, the cities of Avondale and Peoria, along with other partners.
The project near El Mirage and Bell roads is estimated to cost $28.5 million. Maricopa County is providing most of the funding, contributing more than $16 million through its HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program and American Rescue Plan Act funds. The city of Surprise is contributing a total of $779,157 from its HOME-ARP funds.
When completed in late 2026, the project named the Cross Winds at Three Star Pointe will bring 45 affordable three-bedroom rental units to the area providing immediate short-term housing solutions for those experiencing homelessness, as well as creating a pathway to more permanent homes. Of the total units, 32 of them will offer affordable housing benefitting low-income families with an annual household income at or below 60% of the Area Media Income.
The remaining 13 units will support families experiencing homelessness with short-term (six to 12 months) housing. This will provide individuals and families the opportunity to transition to permanent housing after the successful completion of a supportive service program.
Peoria HOSTS SUSTAINABLE CLASSES
Peoria’s Sustainable U is starting up a new set of classes for 2025.
Sustainable U is the city’s free adult education series that teaches residents how to live in harmony with their natural surroundings.
Composting
9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 at Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Road.
Unlock the potential of your kitchen scraps and yard waste by transforming them into nutrient-rich treasures for your garden.
Vegetable Gardening
9:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at Rio Vista Recreation Center 8866 W. Thunderbird Road
Discover what plants do best in the Arizona springtime. From planting tips to harvesting tricks, instructors cover everything needed for a bountiful garden.
