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Apache Junction & Gold Canyon's Daily News Source
Glamping

The Ranch at Salt River planned north of Apache Junction

Converting an existing ranch into a glamping guest ranch for up to 20 tents and one 5,000-square-foot lodge for people wanting to experience the Arizona ranching lifestyle is planned north of Apache …
Licenses

24 business licenses issued in May in Apache Junction

There were 24 business licenses issued in May 2025 in the city of Apache Junction. The following business licenses are listed by name — including doing business as or dba; city; and North …
SCENIC CALENDAR

Last call for 2026 Scenic Calendar photos

The Daily Independent at YourValley.net invites readers to submit photographs of desert landscapes, wildlife and prominent landmarks to be used in the 2026 Scenic Arizona calendar. Include a …
116 DEGREES

Pinal joins Maricopa County on extreme heat warning list through Friday

Special use permit

‘We Build Spaceships’ temporary banner approved for Virgin Galactic site

A temporary building banner that states “We Build Spaceships” can be placed at Virgin Galactic at Mesa Gateway Airport, the Mesa Board of Adjustment decided recently. The board voted …
First responders

Driving under the influence, other incidents reported in Gold Canyon

The Pinal County Sheriff’s Office took the following reports of driving under the influence and other incidents in Gold Canyon May 25-28: Fraud/forgery, reported at 10:22 a.m. May 25 …
First responders

Shoplifting, thefts reported in Apache Junction to AJPD

The Apache Junction Police Department took the following reports of shoplifting and thefts May 25-28: Shoplifting, reported at 1:56 p.m. May 26 in the 2500 block of West Apache Trail. …
first responders

Chlorine sickens 12 people at pool in south Apache Junction

Superstition Fire and Medical District crews — along with automatic-aid partners — on June 14 worked a second-alarm hazardous materials call in the area of Meridian and Radiance in south …
Development

336-unit rental community’s CUP appeal goes before Apache Junction council Tuesday

A 336-unit three-story residential rental complex proposed for 18 acres west of the northwest corner of Idaho Road and Apache Trail in Apache Junction has drawn criticism from neighbors around the …
Things to do

Congressman Biggs to provide congressional update in Apache Junction

Congressman Andy Biggs will deliver a congressional update during a special event in Apache Junction on Thursday, June 19, at Central Arizona College. This exclusive event, presented by the …
Liquor License

Liquor license sought for Dog Run Saloon in Apache Junction

A new series 6 bar liquor license is being sought for Dog Run Saloon in Apache Junction. The Apache Junction City Council at a 7 p.m. June 17 meeting in the council chambers, 300 E. Superstition …
Business

Smoothie Connect Restaurant opens in Apache Junction

Smoothie Connect Restaurant, 28 N. Ironwood, recently held its grand opening. It is open 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday-Thursday. Go to https://www.smoothieconnect.com . “This restaurant is …
Neighbors

Funeral service, procession route set honoring Apache Junction Police Officer Facio

The funeral service for fallen Apache Junction Police Department Officer Gabriel Facio will be on Monday, June 16, at Central Christian Church in Mesa. Facio, 46, a three-year veteran on the …
Liquor License

Liquor license sought for Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle in Apache Junction

A new series 7 beer and wine bar liquor license is being sought for Cat Wagon Tap and Bottle in Apache Junction. The Apache Junction City Council at a 7 p.m. June 17 meeting in the council …
OPINION
When economic uncertainties mount, Arizona families face impossible choices around housing, food, utilities and employment. Help is out there, though many don’t know it — a quiet but vital network working in neighborhoods to help cover essentials, weather financial shocks and regain stability. These are Community Action Agencies — CAAs — and Arizona is home to 11 of them.
Every year around the Fourth of July, Valley pet shelters receive a surge of calls from distressed pet parents. Some are looking for lost pets who bolted during fireworks; others are asking for advice on how to soothe a shaking, panicked animal. And sadly, we often take in new strays — terrified dogs and cats who broke free in fear and couldn’t find their way home.
While aerial and exploding fireworks such as rockets, firecrackers, skyrockets, bottle rockets, missile rockets and torpedoes are illegal in Arizona, Fourth of July revelers can legally use permissible ground-based fireworks from June 24 to July 6. For a list of permissible items, and when and where they can be used, visit your city, county or police/fire department websites.
EAST VALLEY THINGS TO DO
Free events to be hosted by the library include cooking classes, a radical reptile show, guided painting workshops, and a variety of other activities.

Apache Junction summer reading program has free events, prizes for all ages

The Apache Junction Public Library invites readers of all ages to a summer full of color and creativity by participating in the “Color Our World” summer reading program, which has a …
The Superstition Mountain Museum is at 4087 E. Apache Trail (State Route 88) in Apache Junction.

Superstition Mountain Museum a 2025 Blue Star Museum

The Superstition Mountain Museum is participating in Blue Star Museums, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families during the summer. …
Salt River Tubing is seven minutes from Loop 202 East on North Power Road in Mesa. It operates under permit of the USDA Forest Service in Tonto National Forest.

Salt River Tubing open seven days a week

Salt River Tubing is open on the Lower Salt River seven days a week from Saturday, April 26, through Monday, Sept. 1, weather and water-flow conditions permitting. It changes to Fridays-Sundays only …
Visitors may encounter butterflies and coatimundis, especially in the cool of the morning.

Boyce Thompson Arboretum lowers admission prices through August

Summer weather has arrived and Boyce Thompson Arboretum is ready to welcome guests with seasonal pricing, adjusted hours and a changing showcase of desert blooms and wildlife. The arboretum is …
The fireworks extravaganza begins at at 8:30 p.m. July 4, weather permitting.

City of Apache Junction hosting Fourth of July celebration

All festivities for the city of Apache Junction’s annual Fourth of July celebration take place on Friday, July 4. The event will be at Superstition Shadows Park, 1091 W Southern Ave., and …
Calendar of events