Casa Grande Dispatch

09/18/2026

📰 People Behind the Pulse

Behind every story is a real person — someone who is out in the community, asking questions, talking with neighbors and working to bring you the news that matters.

At PinalCentral, we believe local news is more than headlines. It’s about the people who report it, the communities they serve and the relationships they build along the way. ✨️

There’s a real person behind every byline and we want you to know the faces behind the names.

Meet Mark Cowling and hear more about what it means to be one of the real people behind the pulse. 👇

Why are you passionate about local journalism? I'm proud that we're still here giving our neighbors the news that most directly affects their lives. 🏡

What do you like most about your job? The many great people in Florence and Pinal County. 🎁

Why do you like Pinal County? Nature, natural beauty, and for at least half the year, the weather. 🌧

What do you like to do in your free time here? See friends and enjoy the outdoors; when I can do both at once, it's all the better! 😊

09/18/2026

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that made a huge impact on the United States and the world, hundreds of Casa Grande residents will come together next week to remember those who lost their lives by rolling up their sleeves.

CASA GRANDE — Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks that made a huge impact on the United States and the world, hundreds of Casa Grande residents will come

09/18/2026

A century of service to the community will be recognized Monday night as the City Council celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Casa Grande.

CASA GRANDE — A century of service to the community will be recognized Monday night as the City Council celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Rotary Club of Casa Grande.

09/18/2026

Apache Junction Unified School District is opening its classrooms to students outside the traditional public school system, allowing ESA families to use state scholarship dollars for individual public school classes.

09/18/2026

Francisco Solano Jr., the third suspect sought in connection with the Monday shooting outside the Casa Grande Union High School District Office, has been taken into custody.

CASA GRANDE — Francisco Solano Jr., the third suspect sought in connection with the Monday shooting outside the Casa Grande Union High School District Office, has been taken into custody.

09/18/2026

Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis said she was “thankful” to hear the U.S. Supreme Court voted against enforcing the president's executive order on mail-in ballots in time for the next election.

FLORENCE — Pinal County Recorder Dana Lewis said she was “thankful” to hear the U.S. Supreme Court voted against enforcing the president's executive order on mail-in ballots in time for

09/18/2026

A San Tan Valley woman was sentenced on Monday to 14 years in prison for fraudulently billing the state's Medicaid system more than $69 million in less than one year by falsely reporting addiction treatment services.

PHOENIX — A San Tan Valley woman was sentenced on Monday to 14 years in prison for fraudulently billing the state's Medicaid system more than $69 million in less than

09/17/2026

The Casa Grande Union Cougars are seeking to repeat their Week 2 pattern with a bounce-back win this Friday against the Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks.

CASA GRANDE — The Casa Grande Union Cougars are seeking to repeat their Week 2 pattern with a bounce-back win this Friday against the Oro Valley Ironwood Ridge Nighthawks.

09/17/2026

Following an unplanned bye week, the No. 25 Vista Grande football team is gearing up to face its toughest opponent so far this season.

CASA GRANDE — Following an unplanned bye week, the No. 25 Vista Grande football team is gearing up to face its toughest opponent so far this season.

09/17/2026

For Doris Betuel and other members of the Robson Ranch Gourd Art Club, embracing art and creativity is a way to stay, involved, active and youthful in retirement.

ELOY