The 4:30 News

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Last updated at 4:27 pm on March 12
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Maricopa County Recorder's Office

P&Z will look at noise regulations
The Planning and Zoning Commission has moved to initiate a Zoning Ordinance amendment regarding noise in the Town Center Commercial District. The town has received complaints about amplified noise from music at a restaurant in the Plaza Fountainside. However, commission members say they want to encourage an active, lively atmosphere in the downtown area. Staff will be looking at changes that can balance the noise concerns of nearby residents and the opportunities for downtown businesses. At its Thursday meeting the commission also voted to recommend the council approve changes to cut and fill and grading regulations.

Green Fountain, beer Saturday
St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated slightly ahead of the traditional date on Saturday, March 13, in Fountain Park. Celtic music, Irish food, family-fun activities and the Fountain turning emerald green at noon and 5 p.m. should attract thousands from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Music will begin at 10:30 a.m.

Geocaching theme for Saturday hike
Fans of geocaching, and those just interested in finding out about this fun outdoor activity, will enjoy a hike this weekend in the Fountain Hills McDowell Mountain Preserve. This event is to introduce hikers to the Preserve and participate in a geocaching event and learn about map reading. Hikers will leave from the coordinates at 8 a.m. and begin to return at 11:30 am. The Preserve is 1.7 miles from the coordinates. The coordinates are N 33 degrees 36.357 W 111 degrees, 45.835, which is at the end of Eagle Ridge Drive by CopperWynd.

Have fun, learn at McDowell Park
Learn about the geology of the area and the Verde River Valley during an interpretive hike in McDowell Mountain Park on Saturday morning, March 13. This is a 1.2-mile hike on the Lousley Hill Trail starting at 10 a.m. On Saturday afternoon try “wildflower bingo” on the Nursery Tank Trail starting at 2 p.m. The McDowell Park entrance is north of Fountain Hills. There is a $6 per vehicle entry fee to get into the park.

Author Kris Neri at library Saturday
High Crimes on the Magical Plane author Kris Neri will be speaking at the Fountain Hills Library on Saturday, March 20, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. in the library conference room. Her novel is described as a “fun paranormal mystery,” featuring fake psychic Samantha Brennan and genuine Celtic goddess/FBI agent Annabelle Haggerty.

Brid Dower Band in park concert Sunday
The Parks and Recreation Department’s Concerts in the Park series continues Sunday, March 14 at 2:30 at Fountain Park with a performance by Brid Dower Band. The Brid Dower Band presents an impressive arrangement of traditional, well-loved folk and contemporary Irish songs. Singing in both the English and Irish languages, Bríd has a stunning ability to interpret each song, and breathe into each one new life and meaning. Bríd has been a leading figure in the Phoenix Irish music scene for the last 10 years, singing with local Irish rock group Ashling, shortly after she emigrated from Ireland.  

Weekend construction restrictions on highways
Access to the Red Mountain Freeway could be a challenge this weekend. Ramps at Scottsdale Road and Priest Drive will be closed during the overnight hours this weekend for construction. Van Buren Street will be closed at the Loop 202 Freeway also from 10 p.m. Friday to 5 p.m. Sunday. Those heading up north using Interstate 17 should be aware that the return trip southbound could be delayed by work between Sunset Point and Black Canyon City. Crews are repairing slopes where there is a concern about rockslides. Delays of 30 minutes can be expected between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Additional travel information is available on the ADOT travel website at az511.

Police calls
The following incidents were reported to Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Fountain Hills District 7 substation.

Report not available.