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July 24, 2008 | Valley & State

DPS charging crime-lab fees

Local governments across Arizona face new fees that add up to big dollars to get crime-scene evidence examined by state Department of Public Safety labs.

Supervisors are asked to rein in sheriff

Hundreds of critics of Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio packed the county chambers Wednesday to try to persuade the Board of Supervisors to put an end to his controversial immigration sweeps, to better monitor lawsuits related to his office, and to more closely examine his emergency response times and jurisdictional reach.

Chihuahua's death caused by animal, not human being

Taco's demise was cruel, but it was not animal cruelty.

2 hurt when lightning hits pine tree they were under

Two golfers who sought refuge from a Flagstaff thunderstorm were injured when lightning struck the tree they were under, destroying the Ponderosa pine and then passing through them.

Volunteers help keep meal deliveries cookin'

While many home-delivery meal services are running thin with volunteers, Fountain Hills Home Delivered Meals is far from emaciated.

Killers sought in teen slayings

Two teens were murdered earlier this week in north Phoenix in separate incidents now under investigation.

Suspect named in assault on elderly woman

Tempe police have identified a suspect they believe broke into an elderly woman's home on Sunday and then sexually assaulted her. Now they're hoping citizens can help them find him.

Girl approached by possible attacker

A 13-year-old girl may have been approached by a Valley man believed to be behind 10 attempted sexual attacks on children, police said.

Wet winter fills Ariz. reservoirs

An unexpected burst of winter snow and rain filled Salt River Project's reservoirs with water to spare, but a dry spring kept 2008 from breaking any records.

3 killed in car crash near Lake Pleasant

Three people killed in a car crash near Lake Pleasant are believed to be residents of Uzbekistan, a country in central Asia, authorities said Wednesday.

County OKs settlement in deputy assault case

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors agreed Wednesday morning to pay a girl $140,000 to settle a claim that a Maricopa County sheriff's deputy sexually assaulted the East Valley teenager in 2004.

Funds grow for crash victims

Support has been high for two memorial funds set up for the families of seven victims killed last month when two medical helicopters collided in midair in Flagstaff.

County, Arizona State jointly creating center to analyze local crime trends

On Wednesday, the county Board of Supervisors unanimously approved an agreement to contract with the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety to create the Community Crime Analysis Center.

Veterans get 'back into life' at annual Wheelchair Games

Dan Koston spent nearly the first decade after being injured in a fall doing no physical activity. But things changed after the quadriplegic discovered the National Veterans Wheelchair Games a decade ago.

Governor: Counting inactive voters 'wrong'

Gov. Janet Napolitano on Wednesday called ''misguided and wrong'' a ballot proposal that would significantly raise the bar for future initiatives intent on raising taxes or mandating state spending.

Northeast Valley briefs

The tenure and community service of late Mayor William C. "Bill" Jenkins are commemorated through a photo collection on the city Web site, www.ScottsdaleAz.gov.

Phoenix briefs

Burton Barr Central Library plans to open a coffeehouse in the spring. The Open Book Cafe will be the first coffeehouse at a public library in Phoenix, and is part of a growing national trend.

West Valley briefs

Goodyear will get more than just a silver plaque for being named an All-America City. The community can expect economic and social benefits from the national recognition, city officials said.

East Valley briefs

Banner Baywood Medical Center in east Mesa will break ground Aug. 7 on a new emergency room.

East Valley roundup

Jury selection in the trial of Christopher Langin, charged with murdering 3-year-old Angelene Plummer in 2005, started Wednesday in Mesa. Opening statements are scheduled for Aug. 18.

West Valley roundup

Kokopelli Winery & Bistro, a mainstay in downtown Chandler, has opened its second Valley location at 14719 W. Grand Ave. It will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

Northeast Valley roundup

Maricopa County plans mosquito-control fogging after 10 tonight from McDowell Road to McKellips Road and from 87th Way (west of Loop 101) to Scottsdale Road.

Phoenix regional roundup

Students in the Creighton and Riverside elementary districts started the new school year this month and lessons start Monday in Balsz School District. The first day of school is Aug. 4 for Phoenix Union High School Districtstudents.