🌱 What this new air permit means for Benson’s aluminum plant plans

Good day Benson! We're here again with what you need to know today. Grab a cup of coffee and read on. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

• What this new air permit means for Benson’s aluminum plant plans
• How Benson patients are buying farm-fresh food with a doctor’s note
• How can Benson residents hike Arizona state parks free on New Year’s?

Today's riddle: My brother swallowed a box of firecrackers. - Is he all right now? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Thursday: Mostly sunny, nice and warm, with a high of 76 and low of 40 degrees.
• Friday: Very warm with sunshine, temps: high: 82, low: 43.
• Saturday: Sunny and very warm, with a high of 80 and low of 48 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• ADEQ issues proposed final air permit for Aluminum Dynamics' Benson facility (kgun9.com) — State environmental regulators have issued a proposed final air quality permit that lets Aluminum Dynamics start building its new facility in Benson, though it still can’t begin operations yet. The permit reflects public feedback and now goes to the EPA for a 45‑day review, a key step that will shape how this large industrial project moves forward in the community.
   

• Arizona hospital prescribes fresh food to patients (12news.com) — Benson Hospital is testing a “Produce Prescription” program that gives select patients weekly funds to buy fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, and early results show better blood pressure and blood sugar for many participants. Local farmers and hospital staff hope to expand the effort, potentially shaping how healthy food and preventive care work together in Benson and beyond.
   

• Arizona State Parks to start 2026 with free admission, hikes (ktar.com) — From Flagstaff down to Benson State Parks will ring in New Year’s Day 2026 with free First Day Hikes at select parks, kicking off the national Trails250 celebration. While specific nearby parks aren’t listed here, Benson-area residents can join guided hikes, enjoy free admission at participating locations, and start their resolutions with fresh air and exercise.
   

📸 Around Benson

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🗓 Events Nearby

Thursday December 18

• Craft Table
  Sam Lena-South Tucson Branch Library , 1607 South Sixth Avenue , Tucson
  9:00 am
• Visit the Bookmobile at Far Horizons RV Park
  Far Horizons RV Park , 8959 East Tanque Verde Road , Tucson
  9:30 am
• Community Meeting: Solano HOA
  Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library 601 North La Cañada Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614
  9:30 am
• Arts and Crafts for Adults: Tissue Paper Art
  Joyner-Green Valley Branch Library 601 North La Cañada Drive, Green Valley, AZ 85614
  10:00 am
• One-on-One Tech/Computer Help
  Sahuarita Branch Library , 725 W. Via Rancho Sahuarita , Sahuarita
  10:00 am
• Library Resource and Job Help
  Nanini Branch Library , 7300 North Shannon Road , Tucson
  10:00 am
• Mobile Farmer's Market - Mercado Móvil
  Quincie Douglas Branch Library , 1585 East 36th Street , Tucson
  10:00 am
• Drop-In Job & Resume Help
  Nanini Branch Library , 7300 North Shannon Road , Tucson
  10:00 am
• Movin’ & Groovin’ (Ages 3+)
  Club Rancho Sahuarita , 15455 S Camino Lago Azul , Sahuarita
  10:30 am
• Preschool Storytime
  Nanini Branch Library , 7300 North Shannon Road , Tucson
  10:30 am
• Japanese-English Toddler Storytime 日本語と英語の二言語おはなし会
  Kirk-Bear Canyon Branch Library , 8959 East Tanque Verde Road , Tucson
  10:30 am

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

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• SR 86 EB near Tucson was closed due to a crash, but all lanes are now open.
  9:24AM on Dec 16: SR 86 Eastbound is closed at MP 166 near Tucson due to a crash, with no estimated reopening time. (Nextdoor )

• Tractor Supply posted a job opening for Team Member in Benson. Apply here.
• Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores posted a job opening for Retail Cashier Part Time in Benson. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Benson here.

🗞 Nearby News

Tombstone

• Tombstone City Offices Announce Early Closures and Holiday Break Schedule (hoodline.com)

Vail

• Why Do Sierra Vista Residents Travel to Tucson and Phoenix? (wearesierravista.com)
• Vote for The Republic's 2025 top 10 flag football wide receivers (azcentral.com)
• Ariz. Construction Shed 1,800 Jobs in September (azbex.com)

Sierra Vista

Ok Benson! 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. I haven’t heard the last report.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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