Good morning, Surprise.

The city of Surprise is calling on West Valley artists to design a nature-themed sidewalk chalk mural for the Roots of Creation: Arts and Nature Festival on Jan.

24 (entries are accepted until Sept. 30) with a $200 stipend. Surprise-based student art and science clubs will build free-standing recycled sculptures (applications are due by Oct. 19) for a $500 stipend.

Surprise Public Library is launching a new reading program called Stars and Stories to honor America’s 250th Birthday, asking readers to log 1,776 minutes from Wednesday, Oct.

1 through July 4 and awarding prizes like books, American flags, challenge coins and patriotic swag. A kickoff party is set for Saturday, Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at Surprise Regional Library — featuring a public reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music and family-friendly activities.

After one more hot day, cooler temperatures with rain and thunderstorms are expected starting Friday and lasting through Saturday — Flood Watches are active for southeastern Arizona and areas east of Phoenix, where flash floods may occur.

A study by ASU researcher Swastik Ghimire shows that when soil is dry, much of the snowmelt soaks into the ground rather than reaching our rivers—ABC15 Meteorologist Justin Hobbs says water leaders may use the findings to better predict water supply and guide future Colorado River talks.

Protesters will gather peacefully outside Rep. Abe Hamadeh's office at 12515 W.

Bell Road tomorrow from 7:30 to 9 a.m.—Northwest Valley Indivisible organized the protest after Hamadeh recently dismissed critics by labeling them 'paid professional protestors' and towing a constituent's car.

USTA tennis championships will begin Friday at the Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex—six events, starting with the Southwest Adult Mixed League Championships, will let co-ed teams compete for a chance to advance to national play while open court availability may be limited.