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Hello Maricopa! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning.
In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Time travel on main street, a Navajo Code Talker honored, and the Cactus Fly-In + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.
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📰 In the news
Time travel on Main Street: A short drive from Maricopa, Florence offers Wild West roots, 140-plus historic buildings, Victorian to Spanish Colonial architecture, McFarland State Historic Park, and a courthouse clock tower — read the full story.
Family housing with child care: A New Leaf rebranded its Phoenix shelter as Thunderbird Apartments, shifting from short-term cots to 80 two-bedroom apartments near 23rd Avenue and Colter. Organizers seek $500,000 to finish renovations — learn how you can help.
Generations shaped by service: A 101-year-old Navajo Code Talker, Thomas Begay, was honored at 81st Anniversary Iwo Jima Parade in Sacaton, crediting Navajo language for victory and inspiring many in Pinal County — read the full story.
Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.
Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.
Highlights this week:
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🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+
Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance
Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.
From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.
As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.
It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.
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🫶 We got your back
Small plates, big vibes: Mandy’s Wine Bar pairs Mediterranean-inspired bites with a thoughtful wine list for easy date nights and catch-ups. This relaxed, woman-owned neighborhood spot serves shareable plates, well-poured glasses, and unfussy good times, where conversation drifts as smoothly as the vino.
Tune up those wheels: If your bike’s been squeaking around Casa Grande, Round Trip Bike Shop has kept riders rolling since 1979 with full-service repairs, e-bike expertise, and bikes from Cannondale, Salsa, and Surly. Expect a true community vibe, shaped by local trail-building and hands-on clinics.
Movie night, upgraded: When your couch has clocked too many rewatches, plush seats and in-seat service at Ak-Chin Circle Entertainment Center hit the spot. New releases play without the chaos, and the 21+ StarClass section offers a comfy, grown-ups-only escape that still feels close to home.
Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.
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📆 Fun for the whole fam
Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →
All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.
⭐ Mar Debs Got Talent @ Central Arizona College-Maricopa Campus | Friday (3/6) at 6:30 PM – Whether you sing along or just clap politely, this local talent night is an easy-on-the-wallet outing that does some good. Local standouts at Central Arizona College in Maricopa, five-dollar tickets, a family bundle, and every dollar fuels youth programs in college, jobs, and life skills.
✈ 68th Annual Cactus Fly-In @ Casa Grande Municipal Airport | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Clear blue desert sky, the rumble of radials, and more polished aluminum than a diner counter. The Cactus Fly-In gathers classic and antique aircraft from around the valley and beyond, perfect for a slow ramp stroll, some hangar talk, and remembering when flying still felt charming.
⚾ Casa Grande Little League Opening Day @ Casa Grande Little League Fields | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Spring Opening Day at Casa Grande Little League means fresh chalk lines, tiny cleats, and parents perfecting their sideline Zen. SRP is footing the sponsor bill, you bring lawn chairs, sunscreen, and cash for the snack shack, because orange slices only go so far.
🏁 Awana Clubs Grand Prix @ Victory Baptist Church | Saturday (3/7) at 1:00 PM – Whether you’re itching to relive pinewood derby glory or just clap for tiny speed demons, the Awana Clubs Grand Prix is calling. Grab a kit on Awana Club nights, tune it with sandpaper and graphite, or post up with coffee, applause, and unsolicited tips.
🍝 Spaghetti Dinner & Dessert Auction @ The Studio of Dance | Saturday (3/7) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been itching to carb-load with your neighbors, here it is. Pile into a spaghetti supper, then flex your paddle at a live dessert auction where pies, cakes, and other dangerous desserts go to the highest bidder, bragging rights included, regret delayed until morning.
🎸 Concerts in the Park @ Mike Ingram Heritage Park | Sunday (3/8) at 6:00 PM – The brand-new Heritage Park amphitheater finally gets a workout, with Sedona Red launching the first show, a free, family-friendly concert. Bring lawn chairs, blankets, and that neighbor who ‘never goes out,’ settle into the grass, and enjoy actual music, actual people, and no cover.
🐰 Bunny Bash @ Central Arizona College | Wednesday (3/25) at 2:00 PM – CAC’s Maricopa campus is going full spring mode with a Bunny Bash, complete with age-based egg hunts, free activities, giveaways, and goodie bags. Bring the kids, or borrow some, for photos with Hoppy the Bunny and Vaquero Pete, and toss in non-perishables for the pantry.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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🔥 Worth a peek
We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.
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📻 Maricopa report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 86°F – Low: 49°F – Precip: 0%
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. East southeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 49. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 79°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 0 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Clear, with a low around 44. West wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph.
Someone Googled you this week 👀
It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.
Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.
Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.
This house is wild
This 5-bed, 3.5-bath in Tortosa delivers space and flexibility, with a dedicated den, an expansive loft, and two primary suites including one on the main level. The oversized lot features a sparkling pool and open views with no neighbors behind. A 3-car garage handles gear, vehicles, and hobbies with room to spare.
Take a peek inside →
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