New Movie Theater + Local Voter Fraud + Business Openings

Good morning Scottsdale! Welcome to the debut of Patch's Scottsdale Daily, a five-minute update on all the day's most important news, events, and general goings-on. You can expect this newsletter to hit your inbox every Tuesday through Saturday.

As a recent transplant to Scottsdale, I look forward to getting to know my new community — with your help! If you have any questions, suggestions, or news tips, please leave a review or email me at madison.feser@patch.com.

Now, let's get started!

- Madison

First, today's weather: The much needed monsoon storm that drenched Scottsdale is behind us. Today residents can expect our trademark blue skies and a high of 102, with a low of 85.

Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

1. In a rare prosecution of voter fraud, a grand jury indicted Scottsdale resident Tracey Kay McKee for allegedly casting an early voting ballot in her late mother's name. The case came to the attention of the Attorney General’s Office after Phoenix resident, Merissa Hamilton, submitted a list of deceased voters who might have ballots in their names. It was discovered that McKee's mother died two days before representatives began mailing blank ballots to constituents. McKee faces a maximum sentence of 2 years for voter fraud, and up to 2 and a half years for perjury. (AZMirror)
2. Touchstar Cinemas, a Florida-based movie theater, is opening its first Scottsdale location in Sonoran Village shopping center. Touchstar Cinemas is tentatively opening Labor Day in the space once occupied by Studio Movie Grill, which closed due to the pandemic. The theater shows first-run movies, feature luxury power reclining seats, dine-in service and DLP digital projection and 3-D. (ABC15)
3. Daniel Irl Kermmoade, of Scottsdale, was arrested after allegedly leaving a body in his car for hours before driving to the hospital. The 39 year old arrived at the hospital on July 21 and initially told investigators he discovered an unresponsive man in his car and immediately drove to the hospital. Kermmoade later revealed he and the man used fentanyl and, after the man became unresponsive, drove to Fry's grocery store to get Narcan. After discovering the store was closed, Kermmoade returned to his apartment where he stayed for hours before taking the man to a hospital. (Fox)
4. The pandemic hit businesses hard, forcing many to close permanently. But as the world reopens, new businesses are blossoming — especially in North Scottsdale past Camelback Road. Some of the highlights: Beard Papa's, a Japanese cream puff chain, opened its first Arizona location at Scottsdale Quarter; Chin Up Donuts on Frank Lloyd Wright Boulevard offers eccentric and atypical doughnut toppings; and The NOW Massage at the Shops at Zocallo, which offers relaxing sessions ranging from 25-80 minutes. (AZCentral)

Today's Scottsdale Daily is brought to you by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Scottsdale!

Today in Scottsdale

• Improv Training Classes: Online (6 p.m.)
• Live Music: Handlebar J BBQ Restaurant and Bar (12:30 - 4:30 p.m.)
• Bear Jokes! – Cartoon Drawing Workshop: Chaparral Park Community Center (6:15 p.m.)
• Taco Pizza Tuesdays: Bottled Blonde (10 p.m.)
• 1/2 Off Select Bottles: Sorso Wine Room (All Day)
• Medicare 101: Terry Laxton, Physicians Mutual (6 p.m.)
• One Team Scavenger Hunt Scottsdale: 7106 Stetson Drive (5 p.m.)

Scottsdale Patch Notebook

• Arizona State University Police Department: The 2021 Monsoon Season has already brought more measured rainfall to the Phoenix area than the prior two seasons combined. (Facebook)
• Scottsdale Parks & Recreation: "Registration for fall classes begins Monday, July 26 at 8 a.m. for residents and Tuesday, July 27 at 8 a.m. for non-residents." (Facebook)
• Scottsdale Parks & Recreation: "Due to the high volume of rain the valley received over the last several days, the off-leash area at Chaparral Dog Park is still flooded and will remain closed." (Facebook)
• Anuncia Relocates To Scottsdale: Anuncia Inc., a therapeutic medical device company, is moving its headquarters to Scottsdale. (Area Development)

From our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Divorce Boot Camp – Scottsdale, AZ Hub ~ No-Cost Webinar (July 28)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (July 31)
• Free Family Mini Photo Sessions (August 7)

Announcements:

• Find Your Funny with IMPROV Classes in N. Scottsdale! (Details)

Gigs & services:

• Handyman (Details)
• High APS bills? Let me help (Details)

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today. I'll see you soon! If you liked the debut edition of Scottsdale Daily, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Madison Feser

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Daily? I'm all ears. You can contact me at madison.feser@patch.com.