Tucson Oddity: Animals are very low care down on his small 'farm'

The cost of animal feed is nonexistent at Phil Bushey's spread on the far east side. His plywood farm animals occasionally need a bit of paint, but that's about it.

Tucson Oddity: Animals are very low care down on his small 'farm'

Living on Tucson's far east side, Phil Bushey is no stranger to wild animals. Coyotes and javelina regularly frequent his home near East Old Spanish Trail and South Houghton Road, often attempting to lure his dogs and cats into the desert.

Lyons librarian tapped as top teacher

Mary Ellen Clements, librarian and reading teacher at Lyons Elementary school, was surprised with flowers and a check as she received TUSD's Evelyn Jay Excellence in Education Award on Thursday.

Lyons librarian tapped as top teacher

You can call Mary Ellen Clements a librarian, but you wouldn't be doing her justice.

Education notes

TUSD board meetings can be viewed online

Education notes

Sabino Hall of Fame class to be inducted

TUSD creates plan to help struggling kids improve skills

The Tucson Unified School District is trying a different approach to meet the needs of middle school students who sometimes fall through the cracks.

New backpacks for a new school year

Morella Bierwag and other volunteers with the Shyann Kindness Project want to make the world a kinder, gentler place one act of kindness - and one backpack - at a time.

Harrison neighborhood to hold meeting Tues.

The South Harrison Neighborhood Association will hold its quarterly meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday.

Tennis night is a love match for Tucson families

On Tuesday evening, the basketball courts at Ford Elementary School were converted into tennis courts filled with moms, dads and kids.

TUSD looks at closing Carson, on east side

The TUSD Governing Board has voted to initiate the process to close Carson Middle School. Four other schools that were recommended for possible closure were let off the hook.

Neighbors: Volunteering helps her cope with pain

In conversation, southeast-side resident Rebecca Tesar, 55, frequently refers to "when I was flat on my back."

Park aide, 79, just glides on

Volunteer Stan Tackett checks on the entrance booth at Saguaro National Park East during a regular patrol ride. Over the years, Tackett has logged more than 20,000 miles riding the loop circuit at the park.

Park aide, 79, just glides on

Saguaro National Park East has no shortage of bicyclists - many old enough to remember what they were doing on Pearl Harbor Day. But few, if any, have racked up the mileage Stan Tackett has in the last decade.

Music store man teaches TUSD students

Ashley Wright, 12, writes down notes in her music book during a music lesson with her fifth-grade class at Lyons Elementary School.

Music store man teaches TUSD students

Michal Jackson, 12, left, and Seth Pederson, 11, right, play a song on their clarinets during music class at Lyons Elementary School.

Music store man teaches TUSD students

Fifth-graders at Lyons Elementary School have only had musical instruments in their hands for four months, but with practice and direction, they can now play a few tunes.

Tucson Oddity: Tube atop a pole signals money for city

At first glance, the light pole directly across from the Sun Tran bus shelters at the North Harrison Road and East Speedway park-and-ride lot looks insignificant.

Pilot thanks students for cards, treats

After months of sending cards and cookies, a group of second-graders at Lyons Elementary School received a special visit from their pen pal, Air Force Capt. Mark Uberuaga.