Author: Tommy

By Ted GrussingFriday was a day for blasting around on incredibly horrible roads in the RZR and I got some really great video clips of the ride … it made the run up Schnebly Hill Road (15 minutes flat) seem like a trip down the interstate freeway, but was it ever fun! One of our stops was at Robbers Roost, and we hiked the trail from the parking area to the upper right side of the top of Robbers Roost to just short of where the people are in this photo. The parking area for vehicles is in the upper left corner of…

Out of Africa and The Fish’s Garden Join Verde River ExchangeSedona AZ (November 27, 2017) – Arizona Business leaders are taking the lead in protecting water for our future while enhancing Verde River flows to support fish and recreation.  The Verde River Exchange Water Offset Program, a water conservation program aimed at protecting the flowing waters of the Verde River and connected streams, doubled its size in its second year with four Verde Valley business leaders joining the program. As a result, about 2,998,000 gallons (9.2 acre-feet) of water will be returned to the Verde River and its tributaries through the…

Sedona AZ (November 27, 2017) – The Sedona Marine Corps League, in cooperation with the City of Sedona, had its first patriotic display of American flags from Thursday, November 9 through Monday, November 13 in celebration of Veterans Day. American Flags lined both sides of 89A in a community display of patriotism. In 2018 flag displays are planned for Presidents’ Day, Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day.

By Jean Jenks, Sedona Resident (November 26, 2017)To help pay for the sewer system required by the courts, in 1999 the City Council formulated a financial plan and moved to subsidize the Wastewater System by allocating city sales tax revenue for the city’s Wastewater Fund instead of instituting property assessments. (Ref: “City Finances Part 2: Sedona’s Wastewater Fund,” SEDONA BIZ, September 11, 2009).  The small population would not have to carry the cost burden of the sewer system, and the commercial areas along SR 89A, SR 179 and the two residential subdivisions polluting Oak Creek got off the hook financially. Currently, although the sewer system is not completed, the City has been reducing the promised sales…

Silent Witness Issues $500 RewardSedona AZ (November 24, 2019) – Suspect Krista Cline, who was arrested for charges including Fraudulent Schemes and Theft failed to appear for court on these matters and warrants for her arrest have been issued and include nationwide extradition. Total bond is set at $125,000. Cline is a female, 5’ 08”, 140 pounds, 41 years of age, brown hair, brown eyes, may wear glasses and previously resided on Quail Ridge Lane in Sedona. It is possible Cline has left the state. If anyone has information on Cline’s whereabouts, please call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. If the tip…

By Ted Grussing… to the challenge, to face life, grateful for all that is … we are surely blessed and I was equally blessed to get this shot of a Canada Goose rising from the waters at Watson Lake as he took to flight. There is simply no better way to capture the beauty of waterfowl than from their level on the water and I am thankful for a boat that allows me to get shots like this that I can then share with you. You frequently hear people referring to these beautiful creatures as Canadian Geese, but that is…

By Julie LarsonRetired Superintendent, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School DistrictSedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – SedonaKind – its mission, To Encourage Acts of Kindness, Large and Small, Locally and Around the World has successfully made a positive impact in our local schools.  Last year, members of the group started the Kindness in Schools (KIS) effort where they went into the primary classrooms at West Sedona School to read books followed by activities on kindness and empathy. As the school year progressed the “Kindness Ladies” developed puppet shows which the children totally enjoyed.  The need for additional books to read was granted by…

Call 928-254-3930By Mark MooreheadSedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – The Giving Angels is a charity that provides 600-plus holiday gifts to independent, Low-income Seniors in the Verde Valley.    We desperately need volunteers to help us wrap, bag and deliver holiday gift bags on December 11 and 12 and to deliver the 600 gift bags on December 14.  Also, we’re in need to borrow 10 large 6’ folding tables for our volunteers to put the bags together.  

Sedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – Join Al Raitano, singer, comedian, and consummate entertainer, and Bob Grogan, keyboardist and member of the band J&B On The Rocks, for a special night of Music in the House, “50 Years in the Music Business! Tony Bennett With a Twist” at the Sedona Hub, at 7pm on Friday, December 8th.  This wonderful pair has a great collection of tunes in the style of the great Tony Bennett but with a unique twist of Raitano and Grogan. 

Phoenix AZ (November 24, 2017) – Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced today that he is part of bipartisan coalition of 11 attorneys general expressing strong opposition to the National Park Service’s (“NPS”) proposal to dramatically increase entrance fees at 17 national parks.Under the proposal, the per vehicle entrance fee would increase at the 17 parks during the five-month peak season from $25 or $30 to $70, including the Grand Canyon. Motorcycle, bicycle and pedestrian fees would also increase by double or more at the 17 parks. The new fees would go into effect at the Grand Canyon beginning May 1, 2018.

Sedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – Kohava Benatar will present the film, Jerusalem Thursday, December 7, 2:30-4:30, at the Jewish Community of Sedona and the Verde Valley, 100 Meadowlark Drive in Sedona. This is a look at modern day Jerusalem and the everyday experience of living there.Israel is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem.  Come and see this beautiful documentary made by Yehoram Gaon, the famous Israeli actor and singer.

Sedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – It is hard to believe that nearly a year has gone by since the current City Council was seated. Your council has met and dealt with a myriad of issues during the year. Among the most notable was the transportation study and its recommended solutions. Council has since prioritized the recommended solutions using citizen feedback and projected costs from the study.The most difficult and challenging question council faced from the study was: how are we going to fund the transportation improvements and what is the most appropriate funding source and level of funding needed…

By Anne Marie Mackler, Development DirectorSedona AZ (November 24, 2017) – Today, while you may be relaxing with family and friends, enjoying leftovers or Black Friday shopping, it is a perfect time to think of the many nonprofit organizations that make this community the wonderful place that it is.Sedona Public Library is just one of those nonprofit organizations. We play a key role in this community’s vitality and strength, and we are proud of that role. We are often called the heart of the community because everyone is welcome to all that we offer. And we offer a lot.

By Ted Grussing… beginning December 1st the Ladders area along the Verde River will be closed for approximately seven months in order to protect the breeding grounds for the Bald Eagle. The phototonight shows a substantial amount of the protected area and I shot it on a flight late morning today … taken from a couple miles S of the confluence of Sycamore Creek and the Verde River looking N. The Verde River runs from left to right in this photo and Sycamore Creek goes pretty much vertical into the canyon. The USFS works with many other agencies to not only protect…

Camp Verde AZ (November 22, 2017) – Make & Take Sprays for the Holidays on Thursday, December 14, 1–3 p.m. is a FREE CLASS with take-home recipes at Camp Verde Community Library. Using essential oils and innovative recipes, create refreshing, uplifting, soothing, or calming misting sprays! Hands-on class — make & take gifts! Small materials fee is only required for actual take-home sprays.