Police: Officers wound man who fired at them

PHOENIX — Police shot and critically wounded an armed suspect who fired at officers in Phoenix on Sunday, officials said.

The shooting, which took place at about 3:30 p.m. near 47th Avenue and Baseline Road, ended a standoff between police and the armed suspect, said Officer James Holmes.

Officers had responded to reports on Sunday morning of a fight at a party in the area, said Holmes, a Phoenix police spokesman.

One man reportedly involved in the fight fired a weapon at responding officers, Holmes said. The man fled into a nearby backyard, where police surrounded him.

Get tips on obtaining college financial aid

PHOENIX — College Depot, on the second floor of Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix, will host four free workshops in December.

» Writing Winning Scholarship & College Essays, 5:306:45 p.m. Tuesday.

» How to Pay for College (presented in Spanish), 6-7 p.m. Dec. 10.

» Understanding Financial Aid, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

» Scholarships101+ Handson Lab, 2-3:30 p.m. Dec. 27.

Space is limited. To register or for more information, call 602-261-8847 or e-mail college.depot@phoenix.gov.

Gingerbread-house contest set in Tolleson

TOLLESON — The annual Luces de Navidad has been around for more than 20 years as a way to bring the community together for a free parade and festival during the holidays. The theme for this year’s festival is Fairytale Christmas. A new event this year is the gingerbread-house competition.

There are two age categories: 11 and younger and 12 to 18.

Each house must have a fairy-tale theme, and all visible materials must be edible. Judging will be based on imagination, creativity, degree of difficulty and overall appearance.

Prizes will be awarded for first to third places in each age category.

The contest is open to the public, and there is no fee to compete. It is set to begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 14, and the houses must be dropped off between 1 and 1:45 p.m. An entry form must accompany each gingerbread house.

The houses must be built on a sturdy surface no larger than 1 square foot. Name and phone number should be written on the underside of the display base.

Luces de Navidad will be open from noon to 10 p.m. Dec. 14 and noon to 8 p.m. Dec. 15, at Veteran’s Park in Tolleson, 8601 W. Van Buren St.

The entry form for the contest can be found online at tollesonaz.org.

For more information, call 623-936-2754.