A decades-old family business, a locally owned fast-food restaurant and a military contractor were given awards by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce Wednesday for their charitable efforts to help the community.

Four East Valley municipalities plan to develop a regional ambulance service and centralized dispatch system in what officials say will greatly improve efficiencies in the area.

LONDON - A British judge sentenced George Michael on Friday to 100 hours of community service and banned him from driving for two years for driving under the influence of drugs. Michael, whose real name is George Panayiotou, pleaded guilty May 8 to a charge of driving while unfit through drugs.

NEW YORK - Naomi Campbell, wearing black stilettos and slinging dark work boots over her shoulder, traded the catwalk for community service Monday at a sanitation garage to start a five-day sentence for assaulting her maid.

Mark Phillips of Scottsdale is a typical 15-year-old who enjoys playing video games, participating in sports and hanging out with his friends. Yet it’s the Saguaro High School sophomore’s atypical side as a volunteer that has endeared him to family, friends and many of the people whose lives he has touched.

New Coyotes right wing Georges Laraque has a well-established reputation as an enforcer and one of the toughest guys in the NHL.

New Coyotes right wing Georges Laraque has a well-established reputation as an enforcer and one of the toughest guys in the NHL.

September 30, 2004

A hero can be a prominent figure, someone people respect or emulate. A hero can be an athlete who has reached the pinnacle in his sport. Po lice officers and firefighters are true heroes. U.S. troops, especially those who have sacrificed their lives, have earned the title.

Catholic Charities Community Services is seeking volunteers from the community to help those in need receive free tax preparation.

On Monday, Gov. Jan Brewer set off an avalanche of Democratic discontent by vetoing legislation inspired by a student at Tempe’s McClintock High School that would encourage student volunteering.

Cub Scouts from Ahwatukee Foothills Pack 278 helped spruce up the grounds outside of the Kyrene de la Colina Elementary School on Aug. 7. Scouts, siblings and parents picked up trash and swept outside areas in preparation for the first day of school.

Erika Crandall, a junior at Mesa High School, was presented with an engraved bronze medallion Monday to signify her selection as a Distinguished Finalist in the 2011 Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program.

Steve Kovach, president of Kovach Inc., and Marge Ebeling, CEO and founder of WellCare Foundation, will be honored in October as East Valley Fresh Start Women’s Foundation Man and Woman of the Year. The “Night of Heroes” dinner honoring Kovach and Ebeling will take place Oct. 7 at San Tan Elegante.

Jose Garcia Jr., a Scottsdale equipment operator for nearly three decades, was honored with a prestigious city award Thursday for his dedication and service to the Scottsdale Penjamo Yaqui Community.

APACHE JUNCTION: Bread of Life Christian Fellowship Church, 32 N. 114th St., will present a Christmas concert at 6 p.m. today, led by Shirley Colvin, a member of the church’s praise and worship team.