Good morning, Surprise.

Volunteers will join Surprise’s November day of service on Saturday, Nov.

15 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. to assemble care bags, hygiene kits, and holiday cards for deployed service members while also accepting donations to support at-risk veterans—an event run with Youth for Troops and the Travis Manion Foundation.

We3 trio — including Nicole Pesce, Renee Grant Patrick, and Suzanne Lansford — will perform at Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church at 15820 W.

Clearview Boulevard in Surprise on Sunday, Nov. 9 with doors opening at 6 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and can be reserved by calling 480-438-1115.

Councilmember Patrick Duffy supports an upcoming bond and override to fund essential student resources without raising taxes — he noted that academic performance has improved as 18 schools now earn A ratings compared to 12 a few years ago.

His vote aims to secure better education and boost Surprise’s future growth.

West-MEC has grown over 20 years into a key center for career and technical education that now serves more than 40,000 students from 130 schools in the region.

It opened a Career Academy at Agua Fria in September and is constructing a Southeast Campus in Surprise with programs like artificial intelligence and medical assisting that will open in June 2026 — a move that aligns with local job market needs.

The Arizona Department of Economic Security is addressing delays in unemployment benefits caused by its new CACTUS system—local claimant Krystal Ashton from Surprise has not received benefits for eight weeks and DES is working to resolve the issue.

The department has also experienced setbacks in processing food assistance as staff reductions slow down its services.

Valley Vista badminton struggled to reach the Division I playoffs because on Friday the Monsoon dropped from 17 to 18 and Millennium fell from 16 to 17+ Queen Creek moved into the final playoff spot with brackets to be announced next week.

Open the Floodgates of Heaven Revival Crusade 2025

7 a.m.-7 p.m. — Surprise Stadium — Free entry — Experience a divine revival gathering uniting churches, ministries, and businesses in Christ's love.

Fire and Fjord with Guest Soloist Cathal Breslin The Vista, Surprise AZ

Tickets sale at noon on Wednesday, September 17. New Music Director Daniel Wiley has put together an exciting season featuring Breslin's piano solo, Grieg's Piano Concerto, and including music with an embodiment of sweeping Nordic color!

Fire and Fjord with Guest Soloist Cathal Breslin The Vista, Surprise AZ

Tickets sale at noon on Wednesday, September 17. New Music Director Daniel Wiley has put together an exciting season featuring Breslin's piano solo, Grieg's Piano Concerto, and including music with an embodiment of sweeping Nordic color!