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Community Corner

🌱 Scott Harkness: Accused Killer Wanted Gun Rights Restored

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Scottsdale.

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Geoff Campbell, Neighbor
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(Patch Media)

Morning, neighbors! It's me again, Geoff Campbell, your host of the Scottsdale Daily.

First, today's weather:

Partly sunny and cooler. High: 60 Low: 43.

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Here are the top stories today in Scottsdale:

  1. John Merryman, the man accused of killing Scott Harkness earlier this month, had his gun rights taken away in 2020 by Maricopa County Courts. The drug paraphernalia case resulted in probation and a suspension of his right to own a gun. According to Patch reporting, fast forward to Dec. 16, 2021, "Merryman's lawyer asked Maricopa County Superior Court to set aside his conviction and to restore his civil rights, including the right to own a gun." The appeal to the court included, "This was a non-violent, non-repetitive and non-dangerous crime." Merryman's gun rights were never returned, reportedly due to an unpaid portion of the original fine — $65. Scottie Harkness was shot coming home from Zipps after a night with friends. (Scottsdale Patch)
  2. Miguel Angel Rodriguez, 22, has been charged with manslaughter following the crash that killed Ross Farnsworth on Sunday morning. The Arizona Republic report included this description from police reports, "Rodriguez was heading eastbound at a high speed in a Chevy pickup truck near McKellips Road and Miller Road when he failed to stop for the red light." HonorHealth Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center treated the injured. Rodriguez attempted to flee the scene but was caught and reportedly admitted to having six drinks before getting behind the wheel. (The Arizona Republic)
  3. Driftwood Capital, a Florida-based company, purchased the Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. The planned renovations reduce the total number of rooms but increase room size and upgrade several amenities. The result will be another member of the Curio group by Hilton. Canopy by Hilton Tempe Downtown and the Doubletree Suites by Hilton Phoenix Airport Hotel are also owned by Driftwood. (Phoenix Business Journal — subscribe)

ICYMI And In Other News:

  • DNA on gun links suspect to murder Harkness murder in Scottsdale. (Arizona's Family)
  • Scottsdale private meeting will include new presiding judge candidates. (Your Valley)

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Today in Scottsdale:

  • Divorce Boot Camp — Vesta Scottsdale, Arizona Hub. (11:30 a.m.)
  • Library Board-Regular Meeting — Fire Station 602. (3:30 p.m.)
  • Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting — Online. (5 p.m.)
  • Scottsdale Environmental Advisory Commission Meeting — Civic Center. (5:30 p.m.)
  • Arizona Persian Cultural Center Book Club, گروه کتابخوانی — Online. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

  • Happy belated birthday, Arizona! Arizona was admitted into the Union on Feb. 14, 1912, as the 48th state. (Facebook)
  • SRPMIC Tribal Government Services have transitioned to phase 2. (Facebook)
  • Need your child's or grandchild's safety seat checked? There's a big event on Feb. 26, and you don't need an appointment! Otherwise, sign up for one of SFD's events here. (Facebook)
  • In partnership with Scottsdale Public Library, Scottsdale Parks and Recreation collects plastic grocery bags used at Chaparral Dog Park to clean up dog waste. Please bring them to the park for distribution. (Facebook)
  • The SRPMIC Salt River Job Board is hiring! Day Work program; temporary jobs at the RHPC; WIOA Adult Program; Temp Pool. For more information, call the Job Connection Line at 480-362-7870. (Facebook)
  • A Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community member-only virtual meeting will be held on Monday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. (Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Divorce Boot Camp — Vesta Scottsdale, Arizona Hub. (Feb. 16)
  • Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (Feb.19)
  • Taxes in Retirement Seminar. (Feb. 22)
  • Social Security Seminar. (Feb. 22)
  • Add your event

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door this Wednesday. I'll see you soon!

— Geoff Campbell

I live in Scottsdale, and I am a freelance writer, published in print and on the web. Following a 40-year career as a teacher, administrator, and coach, now committed to education in the broadest possible sense.

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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