Southwest of Center

A BRILLIANT SPECTACLE OF LANTERNS will light up the night as more than 5,000 people attend the 9th ANNUAL BENSON LANTERN FESTIVAL September 19 at the San Pedro Golf Course; festival founder Vicki Vivian details what's become one of the region's largest family events, where people launch hundreds of rice paper lanterns, some to remember loved ones, send a message to heaven, or even propose marriage! More than 40 food trucks, activities for the kids, and more will  be featured this year, and the lanterns are supplied with the tickets!

LOST JOBS, LOST CAREERS - Jason Joseph's done his homework on the loss of almost 100 high-paying careers the Aluminum Dynamics plant would have brought to the area, and the positive direct and indirect impact to the regional economy the recycling plant (NOT a smelter) would have had. And, he's a firm believer in everyone's right to self-expression and protest - until the name-calling and gutter talk begins. It's a fascinating conversation with a man who's hopes for a life-changing new career are now gone.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION IN MESCAL! The Mescal Movie Set is going gangbusters - pardon the pun - and we talk to Mark Sankey, Director of Media and Marketing, and actor Craig Hensley, about new and ongoing developments that make the set more attractive to movie makers, actors and crew - and the general public - you know, the people like you and me, who love movies!
 

Tee One Up For First Responders, Custom Flags - What's Not to Like?!
Swing a club and raise badly-needed money for our regional first responders, the Tee One Up For First Responders first annual golf tournament is fast approaching! And, organizer Gary Lakin talks about his other passion - making custom U.S. flags from scratch, out of 2X4 planks.

Gov. Hobbs Takes Credit For What She Tried to Block
State Rep. Lupe Diaz exposes the hypocrisy of Gov. Katie Hobbs as she tries to take credit for a state budget she tried to block; Rep. Diaz breaks it down and highlights the tax breaks for seniors, working class families, day care expenses, and more provisions state house Republicans fought for that Hobbs wouldn't support, but now takes credit for.  

Benson Crime, Response Times, and Other Public Safety Issues
Police response times in Benson - you might be surprised! A revealing conversation on the issues of crime and public safety in Benson, with Police Chief and City Manager Greg Volker.

To All Good Dads - A Father's Day Tribute
Fathers - Good Dads - set the agenda. This short tribute is a loving shout out to my Dad and all you other fathers who are - and always have been - there for us. (I first wrote this tribute 20 years ago when I was a columnist for Scripps Howard newspapers in Florida, I hope you enjoy it!)

No Bullsh*t, Just Solutions (and Jobs) From One of Benson's Next Council Members
Rick Hardman has solutions to the city of Benson's serious challenges - a shrinking job market, aging infrastructure, and public safety among them - and has done the research, unlike the recall cabal, to back up his ideas.