Author: Tommy

Prescott AZ (July 2, 2020) – Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine has launched an initiative aimed at ensuring a welcoming, inclusive and supportive culture for everyone who studies, works and visits the community college serving Yavapai County.Resolved to act in solidarity with the movement to end systemic racism, Rhine has established the President’s Equity Task force comprising a diverse group of college faculty, staff, students and leaders of the YC Respect campaign. The taskforce will expansively study equity, listen and learn from the experiences of people of color at YC’s six campuses and centers and tackle   immediate and longer-term…

Crashes involving distracted drivers fall 11.8%Phoenix AZ (July 2, 2020) – Traffic crash fatalities on Arizona roadways in 2019 fell to their lowest total in three years, according to the Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report published Tuesday, June 30.Total traffic crash fatalities was one of several key measurements that decreased in 2019 from 2018. The 2019 report also tallied fewer pedestrian fatalities, alcohol-related fatalities, fatalities of those not wearing seat belts and distracted drivers involved in crashes compared to the previous year.

Prescott AZ (July 2, 2020) – It’s day 2 of Yavapai Silent Witness’ Catch 22 program.  Today the Yavapai County sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in finding Denver Allen Noble Jr.  On September 21, 2019, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the area of the 22600 block of Hylton way in Congress in reference to a report that Denver Noble Jr. had been waving a pistol around in the air the night before.  Upon speaking to witnesses and Noble himself, deputies discovered Noble had been in an argument with someone that night, and upon further investigation they discovered…

By John Roberts, Sedona Resident(July 2, 2020)Buried in the Arizona Republic was a polling report that RNC campaign workers prefer Nicki Haley for VP over Pence.But what if they would can Trump too ? He’s the Democrats best weapon these days with his obsessive attention in reaction to how issues and critiques pertain to Donald, only himself, and not the nation. A bloated ego is in the way. Polls, a tanking economy, raging COVID-19 spread all tell us Bidden will win in this scene.There”s an abundance of respected and popular Republicans who would win in November for the RNC to…

By Beverly Kievman CopenSedona AZ (July 2, 2020) – In the early 2000’s, visionary educator and community leader, Dr. Mel Copen, clearly saw the opportunity for uniting The Village with a common vision.  As a result of Mel’s inspiration, the Sedona Village Partnership was created in 2012.  Rooted in our core ideals; Connect, Educate, Respect, Collaborate, and Accomplish, our Mission is “To serve as a catalyst to inspire thought leadership and action in our community, to forge collaborative relationships, to build trust, to exchange ideas and information, and to find solutions for Village challenges as well as our dreams.”  This…

By Ted Grussing… inside dining is on hold in many places, but our friend has no intention of dining in as he dives into the water and grabs a fresh rainbow trout for dinner.  From the time he leaves his perch about 30′ above the pond until he clears the area is between 10 and fifteen seconds … planning for the shot takes a while, the uncertainty comes in when exactly he will leave the perch and dive and where exactly he will hit the water. There is no time once he begins his dive to plan your shot. He…

Flagstaff AZ (July 1, 2020) – A wildfire approximately 4 miles north of Flagstaff on the west side of the San Francisco Peaks was reported at 5:30 a.m. today and is producing a lot of smoke visible to surrounding residents.The Twisted Fire is currently about 2 acres with minimal activity, and firefighting resources on scene include a Hotshot crew, several engines, a dozer, and water tender.More information will be posted on the Coconino National Forest Facebook and Twitter accounts as it is received.

Travelers should remember face coverings, heed fire danger advisoriesPhoenix AZ (July 1, 2020) – No construction or maintenance closures are scheduled along state highways, including Phoenix-area freeways, over the Independence Day weekend, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.No matter the destination, those with plans to travel during the current health situation should bring face coverings, be prepared to practice safe distancing and follow other guidelines.Drivers should be prepared for slower traffic at times along northbound State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson. A 13-mile stretch of northbound SR 87 approaching the SR 188 junction is narrowed to one…

Supply of Pills recovered during Booking SearchCottonwood AZ (July 1, 2020) – On June 25, 2020, around 7:45 PM, 44-year-old Jerry Allen was arrested in the 900 block of South Main Street, Cottonwood, and charged with 3 counts of Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sales, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Promoting Prison Contraband. He was booked into the Camp Verde Detention Center and has been released on a $10,000 bond. Over the past several weeks, detectives from Partner’s Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT), developed information that Allen was involved in the ongoing sales of Fentanyl. On June 25, 2020, Allen was stopped…

Camp Verde AZ (July 1, 2020) – A portion of each parking lot at Fossil Creek will open to the public Friday through Sunday each week, beginning July 3, and remain closed Mondays through Thursdays.Due to limited seasonal staff and current coronavirus conditions statewide, Fossil Creek will be opening at a capacity of 50 percent through July, and may open additional spaces in August if conditions allow.“We feel very strongly about our responsibility to maintain recreation access to as many areas on the Coconino National Forest as possible,” said Red Rock District Ranger Amy Tinderholt. “The best we can do…

Eased limits are for commercial loads with critical suppliesPhoenix AZ (July 1, 2020) – The Arizona Department of Transportation has extended through July 30 the temporary higher weight limits for commercial trucks hauling critical supplies and goods during the current public health situation.In response to a national emergency declaration, and to align with the temporary increase in truck weights by neighboring states, ADOT in early April raised the gross weight limit for commercial vehicles to 90,000 pounds without the need for an overweight permit, up from the normal 80,000 pounds. That temporary measure, previously extended to June 30, will now…

By Camilla RossEmerson Theater CollaborativeAn Original Summer Youth Theater Virtual ProductionSedona AZ (July 1, 2020) – Emerson Theater Collaborative is proud to present an original Summer Youth Theater Production entitled What In The World?!, written and created by the participants of this year’s summer youth program. Shows will be presented virtually through the On The Stage online platform. Shows are July 10 at 4 p.m. and July 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available at bit.ly/Whatintheworld and are $10. A link to the performances will be provided upon purchase.

’19 Angels’ – A tribute to the Granite Mountain Hotshots on the 7th Anniversary of this tragedy…Prescott AZ (June 30, 2020) – Today, June 30, marks the 7th anniversary of the tragic deaths of 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots in Yarnell – As such, we would like to share a beautiful tribute in song to these heroes composed by Mr. John Wurtz.Mr. Wurtz has volunteered his time and talent in recent years to YCSO’s Right-by-Kids / Deputy Do-Right Safety program during several community and school presentations. John also works behind the scenes to help with YCSO’s July Prescott parade entry. The…

By Ted Grussing… a classic shot of the interaction between a Coopers Hawk and a Crow took place in a tree on the tee box in our back yard … this time the hawk held his ground (branch) and took a swipe at the crow with his very sharp beak. No damage to either party … the crow left and the hawk continued his quest for dinner … such is life in the natural world as lived by her inhabitants.

Cottonwood AZ (June 30, 2020) – Are you tired of seeing garbage clutter up your favorite outdoor spots? Trash dims the beauty of the great outdoors, and it poses serious threats to wildlife. The Verde Valley can pitch in to make a difference by picking up trash and help keep nature beautiful while protecting the animals.Friends of the Verde River, along with Prescott Creeks and the Oak Creek Watershed Council, is excited to announce a virtual trash pick-up challenge! This event, to be held July 5-12, encourages the greater Verde Valley community to pick up as much trash as possible from…