A group of volunteers in Saddlebrooke took it upon themselves to help some canine friends by donating 125 customized dog beds to the Pinal County Animal Care and Control Center. Joy and Bud Wegner began the project in 2018 and worked with shelter staff to design an economical bed that would be both comfortable and safe.

In Maricopa, the Maricopa Community Theatre is searching for local talent to be a part of their rendition of the hit Lin-Manuel Miranda musical “In the Heights.” Auditions will be held in early March, and all are welcome to audition for a spot in the show.

And, in crime news, Paul Matus, an alleged ranking member of the Mexican Mafia gang, pleaded not guilty earlier this week to another charge in an incident while awaiting trial. According to one prosecutor, Matus continues to be a danger to everyone at the county jail, which is why the prosecution is requesting he be tried as soon as possible.