As plans are being perfected for the open house celebration on Aug. 12, the new Marana Healthcare Main Clinic is already making a difference as residents file in and out of the multi-service medical facility for treatment, education and services.

photos by J.D. Fitzgerald/ Special to the Explorer

A new, 13,953-square-foot firehouse with 13 separate bedrooms is quite the change from the cramped quarters Northwest Fire and Rescue Station 33 firefighters occupied until the beginning of March.

Progress to repair downed power lines along Ina Road enabled traffic lanes to reopen around 4 this morning; the remaining two restricted intersections are expected to reopen by this afternoon, said Tim Brunenkant, spokesman for the Marana Police Department.

Brace yourself Marana, there is a new orthodontist in town!

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly-opened Planet Fitness was held in Oro Valley on Friday. Members of the Oro Valley Town Council and several local organizations were in attendance. The facility is located at 10525 N Oracle Road.

Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013

‘Hitchcock’

It’s been more than seven years and $8.5 million in the making, but finally, Reid Park Zoo’s seven-acre exhibit, “Expedition Tanzania,” has been completed, and now houses five new elephants.

The Canyon Del Oro Dorados may have lost the championship game of the Dorado Softball Classic, 5-4, against Ironwood Ridge, but the prospects for the reigning state champions still look bright.

The Accenture Match Play Championship warm-ups started Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday, 64 of the top golfers pair off in Marana at the Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.

There’s a new hamburger joint in Marana, with the opening of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer outlined plans for the state’s future during the Centennial State of the State address at the Tucson Metro Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 10.