😳 Peoria to buy 835 acres & Ricemill review 🍚

What a week it has been!! Monsoon season showed up in a historic way with one of the craziest haboobs we’ve seen in years. The cooler temperatures have been a blessing, hopefully they continue through the holiday weekend.

In this edition:

Thanks for being here, Happy Labor Day!

In a decisive move for community advancement, the City of Peoria emerged as the winning bidder in the State Land Public Auction on August 27, 2025. The city secured a substantial 834.5-acre parcel with a successful bid totaling $46.7 million. (link)

Reminder: Eastbound Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) ramps to I-17 closed through Aug. 29
Overnight closures of 51st Avenue at Loop 101 scheduled Aug. 25-29

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following closures and restrictions as part of the Loop 101 (Agua Fria Freeway) widening project:

Overnight closures of 51st Avenue 

City of Peoria crews and its contractors have started road construction the area, preparing for asphalt pavement overlay that will be scheduled for late September.

83rd Avenue south of Bell Road to the New River bridge is the area affected.

If you’re escaping the heat this weekend and heading to Northern Arizona, you will have the opportunity to experience the brand new flex lanes on I-17.

The flex lanes run adjacent to the existing southbound lanes for approximately eight miles between Black Canyon City and Sunset Point, are an additional two-lane roadway that carries one direction of traffic at a time, and can alternate between north- and southbound directions during peak travel times, or if there is a crash or another emergency situation that causes traffic delays. The flex lanes will be operational seven days a week. The flex lanes will open, as needed, to whichever direction has the heaviest traffic.

Monday - Saturday Typically, the flex lanes will be open to northbound traffic Monday through Saturday.

Sunday Typically, the flex lanes will be open to southbound traffic on Sunday.

Learn more here.

Ricemill held their grand opening this past weekend. I had the chance to stop by for lunch this week.

Check out the full review here.

If you’re on Instagram, check out the WEEKEND LINEUP, its full of some good stuff happening this weekend you’ll want to know about! And give us a follow too 😎

Tre Bicchieri is hosting their Grand Opening on Thursday, September 4th, beginning at 3pm.

Let's Cut the Ribbon...join us for a celebration to officially Grand Open! Join Chef Francesco, Tina and staff, along with the Glendale Chamber of Commerce for this event. The party starts at 3PM, which happens to be Happy Hour too! Cake and bubbly also provided. Stick around for live music starting at 5:30, Jennifer Harris and her guitar accompanist will be performing live. We are so excited to be part of this business community! Thank you to all for our support! (link)

Thank you to everyone who completed the survey. I have received a lot of good insight on what to do with this part of the newsletter. Keep an eye out for changes in September! If you have not completed the survery, there is still time to have your voice heard!

Can you do me a quick favor and complete this one question survey, to help me understand what you the reader want to see when it comes to local events? Pretty please??? 🙏

In this episode of the Everything Arrowhead Podcast, Nick checks in from Tillamook, Oregon while J.D. keeps us updated on what’s happening back home in Glendale & Peoria, Arizona.

Here’s what we cover:
✅ Tillamook Cheese Factory Tour & Harvest Hosts RV stay in Oregon
✅ Peoria AZ 835-acre land auction – what it means for jobs, Amkor Technologies, and development near Lake Pleasant
✅ New Escapology escape room opening near Westgate in Glendale
✅ Labor Day weekend travel update – brand-new I-17 flex lanes finally open
✅ Rice Mill restaurant grand opening 🍚
✅ 83rd Ave construction project near Bell Rd
✅ Summer hiking safety tips in Glendale & Phoenix

We’re bringing you the latest Arrowhead community news, updates, and events—even when Nick’s on the road!

You can find the episode YouTube and Spotify, or EverythingArrowhead.com

📬 Got a story idea, business, or neighbor we should feature? Email us at [email protected] or [email protected].

HOME OF THE WEEK: This one in Top of the Ranch is a great opportunity, Yes, it needs some TLC but it backs to Thunderbird Conservation Park, so you’ll only have two neighbors.

See all the pics & details here.

Last week’s trivia question was ‘Who is considered the found of Glendale, Arizona?’

The answer is: William J. Murphy

William J. Murphy, often called the founder of Glendale, Arizona, was a visionary entrepreneur who played a key role in transforming the desert landscape of the Salt River Valley into productive farmland. In the early 1880s, Murphy oversaw construction of the Arizona Canal, which brought much-needed irrigation to the region. As partial payment, he accepted land north of Phoenix, land he would later develop into the town of Glendale. In 1892, Murphy formally established the town as a temperance community, banning alcohol to attract families and religious settlers, particularly from the Midwest.

Murphy actively promoted agriculture in the area, helping launch Glendale as a hub for crops like sugar beets, citrus, and vegetables. He also brought in a railroad line to support shipping and development, and helped establish local churches and schools. Though he faced financial setbacks later in life, Murphy’s lasting impact is seen in the city's layout, infrastructure, and identity. Today, his legacy is honored through places like Murphy Park in downtown Glendale.

We studied what roofers are saying about gutter guard prices in 2025… and here’s what we found out.

Finding the best price comes down to just two simple things:

With a little help, you can find the best gutter guards at a great price.

Check out this no-cost website where you can ‘skip’ the middleman and get (fair) local pricing.

Just hit the link below, and complete a 1-minute survey to get started on finding the perfect gutter guards for your home.

Learn More

Are you in to hiking? Enjoy spending time in the desert?

You’ll want to check out my brand new hiking newsletter called HikePhoenix.

And…there may be an Arrowhead based hiking club coming this fall 😲🤔

Want to advertise in the Everything Arrowhead Newsletter? Let’s chat