🌱 Rehoming For Abandoned Pet Rats + Kidstop Toys & Books Reopens

Happy Easter, neighbors! I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on the most important things happening in our community. Today we have these stories and more...

• A fatal crash on Scottsdale Road south of Shea Boulevard.
• Pet rats abandoned in Eldorado Park were rescued.
• SUSD enrollment declines.

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But first, today's weather:

Things are heating up! Today it will be sunny and very warm, with a high of 90 and low of 63.

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Here are the top stories in Scottsdale today:

1. Tragically, an adult and a child died in a crash on Friday night near Gold Dust Avenue and Scottsdale Road. Both "speed and alcohol appear to be factors in the crash," and Scottsdale Road was closed from Mountain View Road to Shea Boulevard while detectives investigated the incident. (Arizona's Family)
2. Any Rat Rescue, a nonprofit organization, is on a mission to save abandoned domesticated rats. A group of pet rats were recently abandoned at Eldorado Park, though the previous owner also left them a water dish and a head of cabbage. Any Rat Rescue volunteers rounded up 15 of the rats for rehoming. Pet rats, which "have more vivid coloring with their fur and tend to be nicer and bolder around people," don't fend well on their own, can cause damage to parks and can lure in predators like coyotes. (Arizona's Family)
3. After previously closing due to inflation and rent hikes back in February, Kidstop Toys & Books reopened under new ownership! Kate Tanner, the new owner and "toy expert at Kidstop for 24 years," partnered with lifelong customer Kristin Roehmer and the community to bring this beloved toy store back. A local bank assisted with filling up the store's inventory, and local attorneys helped negotiate a new, lower lease. (Arizona's Family)
4. Scottsdale Unified School District enrollment is reportedly declining and expected to continue to decrease. Why? A main reason cited is increased enrollment in charter schools. (Daily Independent/paywall)

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Today in Scottsdale:

• The Scottsdale Civic Center Public Library continues to offer Scottsdale Sister Cities Association - Young Artists & Authors Showcase 2023 (All Day)
• Western Spirit: Scottsdale's Museum of the West is hosting Big Buffalo Bunny Family Blast! "Join us for a day of Western family fun! Hope into an action scavenger hunt, enjoy a holiday photo-op with the 'Biggest Buffalo Bunny in the West,' join our coloring challenge, design your own bunny mask, and more! Children (ages 18 years and younger) are admitted at a special Buffalo Bunny rate of just $5." (11:00 AM - 4:00 PM)

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From my notebook:

• "Enrollment is open now for the city's Back to School Program. Each year, we provide eligible Scottsdale students with school supplies, clothing, shoes, food, dental hygiene bags, backpacks and more! Enrollment is required and space is limited. Learn more and sign up today: http://ScottsdaleAZ.gov/.../vista.../back-to-school-program" (City of Scottsdale - Government via Facebook)
• "SMALL BUSINESSES: The #ChooseScottsdaleHUUB is available to support you by providing free access to advisors, funding opportunities and other digital learning tools, as well as a place to connect with other small business owners. https://scottsdale.myhuub.com/" (Scottsdale Economic Development via Facebook)
• Have you heard about Veterans AZ? "Veterans AZ is a video series that shares the stories of Arizona veterans and focuses attention on the many organizations and programs that serve veterans in the Valley of the Sun. The program is produced as part of the Scottsdale Veterans Advisory Commission's efforts to increase communication and awareness about veterans, their accomplishments, and the services and organizations supporting those who have worn the uniform of the United States armed forces." Check out the latest episode online or in your favorite podcast app! (City of Scottsdale)
• In nearby news, "Portland-based Voodoo Doughnut is bringing its sweet treats to metro Phoenix. The doughnuts shop announced Thursday that it is opening a location in Tempe on the southwest corner of Rural and Apache roads." (KTAR.com)

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You're all caught up for today. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with a new update!

— Megan Moreno

About me: Megan Moreno is a registered nurse, leader, cancer survivor, wife, and mother of two. Megan loves spending time with her husband, who is an Army combat veteran, and their children exploring the beautiful city of Scottsdale.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Scottsdale Patch newsletter? Contact me at meg_n_more@outlook.com