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5 Ways The Coolidge Examiner Documents Arizona's Fastest-Growing City: From Historic Dam To Lucid Motors

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The Coolidge Examiner, a venerable institution in Pinal County, Arizona, has anchored local news coverage for nearly a century, evolving from a simple dedication souvenir to the essential voice of one of the state's most rapidly transforming communities. As of late December 2025, the newspaper’s role is more critical than ever, chronicling Coolidge's explosive transition from a historic agricultural center to a modern industrial and residential hub, driven by massive economic development and a significant population boom.

This weekly publication, now operating under the umbrella of the PinalCentral network, serves as the primary historical record and contemporary watchdog for the city of Coolidge, AZ. Its pages connect the city's rich past—tied inextricably to the Coolidge Dam—with its dynamic future, dominated by major players like the Lucid Group Inc. electric vehicle manufacturing plant. The Examiner is not just a newspaper; it is the community's chronicler, ensuring that the stories of its people, politics, and progress are preserved for generations to come.

The Chronicle of Pinal County: A Brief Biography of The Coolidge Examiner

The history of The Coolidge Examiner is deeply interwoven with the history of Coolidge and the broader Pinal County region.

  • Founding Date: March 7, 1930.
  • Inaugural Issue: Published as a souvenir issue for the dedication of the iconic Coolidge Dam.
  • Predecessor: Effectively replaced the Coolidge News, which had been in operation since April 14, 1928.
  • Publication Frequency: Weekly.
  • Focus: Local news, community stories, and Pinal County affairs.
  • Current Publisher Network: PinalCentral, which also publishes the Casa Grande Dispatch, Maricopa Monitor, and Eloy Enterprise.
  • Current Format: Currently published within the Thursday edition of the Casa Grande Dispatch.
  • Location: Coolidge, AZ 85128, with operations tied to the PinalCentral newsroom.
  • Digital Presence: Articles are often featured on the PinalCentral.com website.
  • Historical Significance: Part of the Arizona Newspaper Association Hall of Fame and its archives are digitized in the Arizona Memory Project and the Library of Congress.

1. Documenting The Explosion of Residential and Economic Growth

Coolidge has quietly become one of Arizona's fastest-growing cities, a phenomenon that The Coolidge Examiner meticulously tracks. The local newspaper provides the essential context for this rapid transformation, translating raw data into human stories. The city's growth is staggering, with a significant surge in residential development. For example, reports indicated that 143 single-family permits were issued in January 2025 alone, a clear indicator of the enormous influx of new residents and the demand for new housing developments.

The Examiner’s coverage ensures that long-time residents and newcomers alike understand the infrastructural and political implications of this boom. Articles feature in-depth analysis of zoning changes, municipal bond issues, and the strain on public services like schools and utilities. By focusing on the hyper-local impact, the paper maintains its commitment to its slogan: focusing exclusively on the community that matters most to its readership.

The Lucid Motors Effect: A New Industrial Anchor

No story defines modern Coolidge more than the presence and rapid expansion of the Lucid Group Inc. (Lucid Motors) manufacturing plant. The electric vehicle (EV) facility is a massive economic anchor for Pinal County and a constant source of local news. The Coolidge Examiner has been at the forefront of this coverage, detailing the plant's growth from its initial development to its latest expansion plans.

The plant's expansion, which includes adding a new manufacturing facility and storage space, is a key focus. The paper details the local job creation, the impact on the regional supply chain, and the political machinations surrounding the development, such as Pinal County's purchase of additional acreage to facilitate the growth. This coverage is vital for local businesses and residents who rely on the paper to understand the shifting economic landscape driven by this industrial giant.

2. Preserving The Legacy of The Coolidge Dam

The very existence of The Coolidge Examiner is tied to a historical engineering marvel: the Coolidge Dam. First published on the day of the dam’s dedication in 1930, the newspaper has since served as the custodian of its legacy. The dam, a unique reinforced concrete multiple dome and buttress design, was a monumental achievement of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and a central component of the San Carlos Irrigation Project, which brought water from the Gila River to the region.

While the city focuses on its future, the Examiner regularly publishes historical features and archival photos, reminding the community of the foundation upon which it was built. This connection to history provides essential topical authority, linking the current water resource debates and infrastructural planning to the original vision of President Calvin Coolidge, who signed the authorizing legislation for the dam in 1924.

3. Serving as a Critical Voice in Pinal County Politics

As a key component of the PinalCentral newspaper group, The Coolidge Examiner plays a crucial role in regional politics, often sharing coverage with the larger Casa Grande Dispatch. This collaboration allows for comprehensive reporting on Pinal County Board of Supervisors meetings, local elections, and regional transportation plans that affect Coolidge residents directly.

The paper holds local government accountable, ensuring transparency in decisions that impact the fast-growing city. From reporting on the local Medical Examiner's office to covering the initiatives of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman, the Examiner provides the essential civic information that fuels an informed electorate. This vital function ensures that the community’s voice is heard as the city navigates its rapid expansion.

4. Connecting The Community Through Local Features and Sports

Beyond the headlines of industrial growth and politics, the heart of The Coolidge Examiner remains its commitment to hyper-local, human-interest stories. The paper is the primary source for community news, celebrating local achievements and documenting the work of non-profit organizations.

For instance, the paper’s reporters, such as Kimlye Stager, have provided detailed coverage of significant community milestones, including the ribbon-cutting for the new Hope Women's Center building. Furthermore, the paper’s sports coverage, often overseen by PinalCentral’s Sports Editor Brian Wright, highlights the achievements of local high school teams and youth leagues, fostering a strong sense of community identity and pride among Coolidge residents.

5. The Digital Evolution and Archival Importance

In the digital age, The Coolidge Examiner has maintained its relevance by integrating its content into the PinalCentral digital platform. This shift allows for real-time updates and broader reach, while its archival material remains a treasure trove for historians and researchers. The historical archives, available through partnerships with the Library of Congress and the Arizona Memory Project, provide an unbroken narrative of life in Coolidge, Arizona, from the Great Depression through to the modern era.

The paper’s commitment to preserving its past while embracing the digital future ensures that the stories of Coolidge—from the early pioneers and the San Carlos Irrigation Project to the workers at the Lucid Motors plant—will remain accessible. The Coolidge Examiner continues its mission of more than 90 years, serving as the trusted, definitive source of local news for Coolidge, AZ, and the greater Pinal County area.

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