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Hi Maricopa, we made it to Thursday! In today’s edition: Gold and silver surge, the first woman to lead a regional agency, a Cactus Mine tour, and more.
— Cait Baker
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📰 In the news
Community workforce resilience spotlighted: ARIZONA@WORK Pinal County and Phoenix were honored with the 2025 Golden Prospector Award for their rapid response to Nikola layoffs, connecting local workers with employers and support across Pinal County — learn why this effort stood out.
The toll of mineral buildup: Maricopa’s tap water ranks among the nation’s hardest, affecting everything from your morning coffee to plumbing. A local expert explains why it matters and what homeowners can do — explore filtration and softening options.
Milestone for regional governance: Audra Koester Thomas was named executive director of the Maricopa Association of Governments, becoming the first woman to lead the agency, shaping decisions in the Phoenix region — learn more about the appointment.
Reclaiming culture through education: Mesa Community College’s Hoop of Learning has supported Native American high schoolers since 2006, offering up to 36 free college credits before graduation. Funding covers up to 100 students — get all the program details.
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 precious metals are 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 per 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.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.
*We do our best to avoid paywalled articles. If any slip through, let me know which ones and I’ll permanently remove them from our source list!
Highlights this week:
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🫶 We got your back
More ways to get around: Casa Grande expanded its CG LINK transit service to Kortsen, extending coverage from north of Cottonwood and reaching key spots such as the Post Office plus medical and dental offices. Buses operate Monday through Saturday, roughly 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., improving nearby travel options. Get all the details.
Powering progress through partnership: ED3 is celebrating 100 years of public power in Maricopa this year. Launched in 1926 to serve farmers and rural Pinal County, the district still taps Hoover Dam hydropower and has expanded with a 210 MW Mesquite contract and 100 MW from Box Canyon Solar II. Read the full story.
Locally sourced comfort: The Loft and Pantry Cafe keeps it cozy with made-here soups, stacked sandwiches, and green chili cornbread you’ll think about later. Everything leans on local ingredients, so it tastes like your neighbor cooked it, only your neighbor finally nailed it.
Upgrade your kitchen game: Planning a faucet refresh, new sink, or a sleek dishwasher swap? Central Arizona Supply carries plumbing fixtures, appliances, lighting, and easy design guidance to tie it all together. Family-owned in Arizona since 1968, and proudly serving Casa Grande.
What do people see when they search your name? Search results can surface past mistakes or outdated information that no longer reflects who you are. BetterReputation helps remove and clean up unwanted content so your online presence matches your real life today. Not worried about yourself? Doesn’t hurt to mention it to family or friends who might be.
Take control of your credit card debt: High interest can keep you stuck paying more than you need to. A balance transfer card with 0% intro APR until 2027 and no annual fee gives you time to pay down what you owe without interest working against you. By transferring your balance, more of your payment goes toward the principal so you can actually make a dent in what you owe.
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📆 Around town this weekend
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.
🎨 Art & Sip Glow Painting @ Cobblestone Farms | Friday (2/27) at 7:00 PM – Turn off the lights and pretend you’re edgy again at a music-filled blacklight painting night where neon paints pop under UV, food and drinks included, and BYOB fair game. Perfect for date night, girls’ night, or anyone who wants tonic water to glow on purpose.
🛤 Terminus Days @ Historic Downtown Casa Grande | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – Round up the crew to tour Cactus Mine, let the kids hit the Kid Zone, and you sample food trucks while nodding along to live tunes. Free, hands-on neighborhood shindig with arts, crafts, and interactive booths. Feeling helpful? Sponsor or host a booth.
🎖 Veteran Business and Service Expo @ Central Arizona College-Maricopa Campus | Saturday (2/28) at 9:00 AM – American Legion Post 133 and VFW Post 12043 are teaming up for a homegrown expo that spotlights veteran-focused services and the small businesses our vets run right here. Think practical resources, straight talk, and shopping that feels good. Show up, shake hands, support your neighbors.
✊ NAACP General Meeting & Black History Panel Discussion @ City of Casa Grande Public Library | Saturday (2/28) at 10:00 AM – Casa Grande Library is hosting a no-frills NAACP meetup followed by a Black History panel, the kind where you learn something and leave with names, not swag. Meet the committee chairs, swap ideas with neighbors, and figure out where your skills fit, caffeine optional.
🎨 Art & Sip @ Chilaquiles Modern Kitchen | Saturday (2/28) at 3:00 PM – Chilaquiles is hosting a painting and sip with your first drink on the house, plus all the brushes, canvases, and beginner-friendly guidance. Think mimosas, tacos, and creativity where coloring outside the lines is encouraged, then leave with art you will actually hang.
🎩 The 5th Annual First Responders Charity Ball @ Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino Events Center | Saturday (2/28) at 5:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dust off the tux, here it is. This black tie benefit delivers glamour, fine dining, and actual dancing, raising funds for the first responders who keep this town ticking. Shine shoes, book a sitter, feel civic pride.
🏆 Annual Awards Banquet @ Global Water Maricopa | Saturday (2/28) at 6:00 PM – GMBA’s annual awards bash is going full 60s, think Beatles flair, flower power, and community pride, so dust off the paisley. Come for food and entertainment, stay for a silent auction that powers GMBA programs in Western Pinal County. Attend, sponsor, or donate at GreaterMaricopa.com.
Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →
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📻 Maricopa report
Weather forecast
Today – High: 90°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 90. North northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. South southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
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Tomorrow – High: 94°F – Low: 57°F – Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 94. Northeast wind 0 to 5 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.
This house is wild
This former Engle Violet model delivers 2 beds, den, and 2 baths in Province’s most coveted spot, over the bridge from pools, spas, and 9 pickleball courts. The turn-key interior centers on a kitchen with built-ins, Corian counters, and a bay-window nook. An extra-deep garage adds storage. Out back, a BBQ bar, fire-and-water feature, and greenbelt views create an oasis.
Take a peek inside →
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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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