$300,000 down the drain: Rubber ducky, grease and currency clog treatment plant, cost taxpayers
SURPRISE – Surprise residents toss toys, money and food byproducts like grease into their drains that end up clogging equipment at the Surprise South Water Reclamation Facility. A new campaign teaches Surprise residents to save taxpayer money with proper disposal.
‘In God We Trust’ license plates spark funding furor
PHOENIX – The specialty license plate “In God We Trust” has come under fire because Alliance Defending Freedom, the group behind the plate, is designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center for its anti-LGBTQ views.
Arizona food banks prepare for possible government shutdown – again
PHOENIX – Food banks that helped furloughed federal employees learned lessons that will help if the government shuts down again.
Standing up for veterans who need haircuts, housing and other help
PHOENIX – Stand Down, a nationwide event conducted in Maricopa County for nearly two decades, once served only about 200 people. But in January, thousands descended on the State Fairgrounds for services from barbers, doctors and judges.
Arizona skateboards shred the Union Hills Classic competition
GLENDALE – Arizona skateboarders competed in Cowtown Skateboards’ Union Hills Classic skateboarding competition
Future of Suns, Diamondbacks in downtown Phoenix causing angst
PHOENIX – With the potential of the Diamondbacks and Suns leaving downtown Phoenix, growth of the area could slow down.
Rainy day fund, drought and teacher pay: Ducey proposes 2020 budget
PHOENIX – Gov. Doug Ducey’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2019-20 would set aside twice as much as last year for a rainy day, continue a salary hike for teachers and prepare the state for water shortages in the future.
Partnerships are crucial to saving dogs at Maricopa County shelter
PHOENIX – Maricopa County Animal Care & Control is always tight on funds and its facilities overcrowded. But thanks to creative marketing and partnerships, the county is able to place 95 percent of the dogs in homes.
Phoenix couple’s nonprofit helps more Haitian children get adopted
PHOENIX – Craig and Kathi Juntunen adopted three children from Haiti, and that experience inspired the couple in 2006 to launch Chances for Children, a foundation for Haitian orphans.
Save water, drink beer: Camp Verde collaboration swaps corn for barley
CAMP VERDE – A collaboration among Camp Verde farmers, investors and the Nature Conservancy has reduced Verde River water usage by getting farmers to swap our summer corn for winter barley, a key ingredient in beer.
Phoenix and some companies offer options for recycling holiday lights
PHOENIX – Phoenix now offers light-recycling services. Residents can drop off lights at one of two transfer stations, starting the day after Christmas.
ASU groundskeeper leaves his stamp on Cheez-It Bowl
TEMPE – Meet Brian Johnson, Arizona State’s athletic grounds facilities manager. He spends the bulk of his time during football season caring for the fields at Sun Devil Stadium, but he recently helped with the Cheez-It Bowl at Chase Field.
