Good day, neighbors! Geoff Campbell here with a fresh copy of the Scottsdale Daily.

First, your weekend weather:

• Friday: Cooler with partial sunshine. High: 71 Low: 52.
• Saturday: Mostly sunny and cool. High: 67 Low: 43.
• Sunday: Partly sunny and cool. High: 63 Low: 45.

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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. John Merryman, 38, accused of killing Scott Harkness, 59, “beloved Special Olympics athlete” early last month pleaded not guilty last week in Maricopa County Superior Court. According to Patch reporting, Harkness was killed after leaving Zipps near Miller and Camelback. Merryman’s charges included “first-degree murder, drive-by shooting, and possession of a weapon by a prohibited person.” Bail was set a $1M – Merryman remains in Jail. (Scottsdale Patch)
2. Will, a “Director of Design,” make Rose Law group better able to represent their development clients through the planning and approval process. They think so. With “almost two decades of experience as an architect with a specialty in 3D modeling, Virtual 3D tours, creation of VR experiences, and Metaverse design and development,” Eduardo Davalos was hired recently by Rose Law Group, according to AZ Big Media. Tap on the resource to learn more.
   (AZ Big Media)
3. Lightsabers, blasters, and C-3PO’s head — it’s not a kid’s toy chest from the ’80s. These original artifacts are part of The Science of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! According to AZ Bib Media reporting, there is a new Star Wars-themed display at Arizona Boardwalk. The unique show will be shortlived from March 4 – 27. IF you are all in, dress in appropriate garb for the opening this weekend, Star Wars Days March 4 – 6. (AZ Big Media)

ICYMI And In Other News:

• Cars become stuck together due to a fiery Loop 202 crash near Scottsdale Road; no injuries were reported. (The Arizona Republic)
• Amazon will close all of its bookstores, including the Scottsdale location. (Arizona’s Family)
• Mermaid Magic opens at OdySea with meet and greet and photos. (ABC15 Arizona in Phoenix)
• This week’s Wow House is a $9M Scottsdale home touted as a “piece of livable art.” (Scottsdale Patch)

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This weekend in Scottsdale:

Friday, March 4

• Jill Marderness — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (10 a.m.)
• Laurie Trygg Dance Lessons — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (4 p.m.)
• Arizona Trolley Dances — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (4 p.m.)
• Healing Circle with Mark Earlix — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (6:30 p.m.)
• Chess: The Musical — Desert Stages Theater. (7:30 p.m.)

Saturday, March 5

• Sun Circuit Horse Show — Scottsdale WestWorld. (All Day)
• Persian New Year Festival 501c3 — Arizona Persian Cultural Center. (11 a.m.)
• SCUCC Open Arts Studio — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (Noon)
• DC Dance AZ presents Wizards — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (5:30 p.m.)
• Chess: The Musical — Desert Stages Theater. (7:30 p.m.)

Sunday, March 6

• More Than Modeling — Scottsdale Neighborhood Arts Place. (1: p.m.)
• Charles Lewis Quintet plus Alice Tatum — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (2 p.m.)
• Chess: The Musical — Desert Stages Theater. (2 p.m.)
• Connie Jahrmarkt Violin Studio Recital. (4:30 p.m.)
• Jazz at Lincoln Center: Songs We Love — Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community wants to know. Do you have an interest in becoming a foster parent? (Facebook)
• The 34th Annual Memorial Championship Disc Golf Tournament is coming to Scottsdale’s Vista del Camino Park from March 3-6. (Facebook)
• SRPMIC Kickball League team registration begins! Starting March 23. Facebook)
• Scottsdalians, do you want your voice to be heard? The city is updating the Old Town Scottsdale Character Area Plan and sections of the City’s Zoning Ordinance specific to the downtown area and needs your input. (Facebook)
• The SRPMIC Salt River Job Board is hiring! Day work program; temporary jobs at the RHPC; WIOA Adult Program; Temp Pool. For more information, call the Job Connection Line at 480-362-7870. (Facebook)
• Tickets are now on sale for Tents by the Tracks at McCormick Park! Don’t miss out on your chance to camp overnight at the happiest place in Scottsdale. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you’re all caught up for today. I’ll see you back in your inbox next week with a new update!

— Geoff Campbell

I live in Scottsdale, and I am a freelance writer, published in print and on the web. Following a 40-year career as a teacher, administrator, and coach, now committed to education in the broadest possible sense.