🌱 How fast is Apache Junction growing compared with the rest of Arizona?

Hi Apache Junction! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• How fast is Apache Junction growing compared with the rest of Arizona?
• Why a Chandler fraudster is also linked to a killing near Apache Junction

📸 Have a great pic of holiday decorations from around Apache Junction? Post it to Apache Junction photos of the day! ☃️ 🟢-🟠-🟣-🔴-🟡-🔵 ☃️

Today's riddle: Can February March? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, with a high of 74 and low of 50 degrees.
• Wednesday: Mostly sunny and pleasant, temps: high: 75, low: 48.
• Thursday: Sunshine and pleasantly warm, with a high of 74 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Communities at outskirts of major metro areas pace population count for Arizona (azdailysun.com) — Apache Junction’s population is estimated at 44,934 as of July 1, 2025, growing a rapid 8% annually—one of the fastest rates among Arizona cities. A new Arizona Commerce Authority table compares that surge with growth in nearby and statewide communities, underscoring how fast the metro outskirts are expanding.
   

• Chandler Man Sentenced to 87 Months for $5.6 Million Fraud, Awaits Trial for Murder Allegations (hoodline.com) — Residents should know that a Chandler man tied to a 2023 killing near Apache Junction has been sentenced to more than seven years in federal prison for a $5.6 million fraud scheme. He still awaits trial in the separate case involving an 18-year-old whose remains were found in a burn pit near the area.
   

📸 Around Apache Junction

Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!

🗓 Upcoming Events in Apache Junction

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

Thursday December 18

• Santa Stories
  Apache Junction Calendar , 1177 N Idaho Rd , Apache Junction
  10:00 am
• Operation Save Santa
  Apache Junction Calendar , 1177 N Idaho Rd , Apache Junction
  5:00 pm

Saturday December 20

• Photos with Santa Paws
  Painted Sky Dog Park , 10200 S. Picacho Trail , Apache Junction
  10:00 am

Wednesday December 24

• Multi-Generational Center Hours
  Apache Junction Calendar , 1035 N Idaho Rd , Apache Junction
  7:00 am

📣 Apache Junction Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 16

• "Business Runs in the Family" - Women In Leadership Series
  SoHo 63 , 63 East Boston , Chandler
  11:30 am
• Career Services - Need Help Finding a Job?
  Pinal County, AZ Calendar
  2:00 pm
• Chandler for the Holidays: Cookies & Carols
  Basha Library , 5990 S. Val Vista Dr. , Chandler
  3:30 pm
• Chandler PetSmart Adoption Event
  Maricopa County Animal Care & Control Events , 2860 E Germann Rd , Chandler
  4:00 pm

Wednesday December 17

• Story Time With Recorder Lewis @ Coolidge Head Start
  Pinal County, AZ Calendar
  9:00 am
• Little Penguin and the Lollipop story and craft
  Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
  10:15 am
• EVENT FULL: Little Penguin and the Lollipop story and craft
  Southeast Regional at The Dig (Event Room in Children's Section)
  10:15 am
• C-Town Suitcase Club: Snowy Day
  Chandler Museum , 300 S. Chandler Village Drive , Chandler
  10:30 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.

💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Snickers got out 12/14 Sunday 9am.
  Foothill St and Cedar Dr. He is about 6 years old. 43 lbs. I rescued him 20 days ago. He was tied up to a fence behind a Circle-K with a muzzle on… (Nextdoor Foothill)
• I-10 eastbound is closed near Vail due to a crash at milepost 277, causing traffic delays with no estimated time to reopen.
  8:35PM on Dec 14: Police activity affecting vehicle at Interstate 10, Arizona, per local source (Nextdoor )

• Equity LifeStyle Properties posted a job opening for Activities Assistant in Apache Junction. Apply here.
• Waste Connections posted a job opening for Laborer/Forklift Operator in Apache Junction. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Apache Junction here.

🗞 Nearby News

Mesa

• Go Underground at Alchemy 48, Mesa's Hidden Cocktail Lounge (fabulousarizona.com)
• E-bike access to Mesa parks seems assured (eastvalleytribune.com)
• Probe confirms allegations of Mesa park rangers going rogue (eastvalleytribune.com)

Gilbert

Ok Apache Junction! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I don't know, but April May!
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

👉 Help make Patch AM better

• Help us grow by suggesting local news sources.
• Shape this newsletter with your feedback.
• List items for sale or services offered

We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what’s happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.

Share to NextDoor     Share to Facebook