Author: Tommy

Cottonwood AZ (December 2, 2015) – Today at 3 p.m. in Garrison Park, the former Verde Valley Fire District Captain Mike Rauton announced he is running for Third District Yavapai County Supervisor.  The seat will be vacated in 2016 by five-term Supervisor A.G. “Chip” Davis, who is running for State Representative.

Verde Valley AZ (December 2, 2015) – Late last month, YCSO Detention Services Staff again deployed inmate workers to provide clean up in high trash public right-of-ways of Yavapai County. The photos above portray an area off Forest Road 9618, west of Highway 260 near Thousand Trails Road, Cottonwood, where an abandoned camper shell and a large amount of trash had been dumped. The Sheriff’s Office plans to continue such efforts throughout the County. Recent projects include clean-up of the Doce Pit camping area – Prescott National Forest, ongoing trash removal over portions of Highway 260 in Camp Verde/Cottonwood, and…

Cottonwood AZ (December 2, 2015) – On December 2, 2015 approximately 11:30 am the Verde Valley Fire District (VVFD) responded to a house fire on Silver Leaf Trail. Upon arrival the crews found a medium size home with smoke showing from the roof vents.Crews went in to an offensive mode and were able to detect the origin of the fire, make access to the attic, and extinguish.  The fire appeared to have started around a wood burner vent pipe. 

Sedona AZ (December 2, 2015) – The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting their annual “Christmas in the Park” open house on Saturday, December 12th from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The event extends free admission to the museum as a holiday gift to residents and guests. During the day everyone will be treated to hot apple cider, holiday cookies and free entertainment and activities. A fire will burn in the native stone fireplace of the old Jordan house and the museum will be decorated in vintage holiday decor. A tumbleweed ‘snowman’ will greet all visitors. Museum admission and all activities…

Sedona AZ (December 2, 2015) – Crossing Worlds Hopi Projects is beginning its 16th annual Hopi Holiday Project this weekend.  “This gifting to help support Hopi families in the winter season is from a place of respect and friendship,” says director Sandra Cosentino. “Hopi ceremonial life includes our Verde Valley area’s ancestral prehistoric sites and has roots going back thousands of years.”

By Ted GrussingI got this shot of a Blue Heron heading away from the ponds late in the afternoon heading for a roost in the forest … the solitude and the beauty of days end … a gaze into the future as he heads there alone and such is each of our lives in the final analysis as our choices determine who and what we are.

Results of Recent Roundtables to be Presented for Action TuesdaySedona AZ (December 1, 2015) – Representatives from the Arizona School Board Association (ASBA) will present results and recommendations from the recent community forum roundtable for possible action to address declining enrollment at the Sedona Oak Creek Unified School District (SOCUSD) Governing Board meeting beginning at 4 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 1 in the SOCUSD District Office, 221 Brewer Road, in Sedona.

By Ted GrussingA very fun weekend spent with longtime and new friends … much laughter and the special feeling you get when with friends. Later this morning we are all going flying and then another evening of great fun, food and merriment. Tuesday they return to California and I will be heading over there too for a couple of days; some business and some relaxing … life is good.

Sedona AZ (November 30, 2015) – The League of Women Voters Greater Verde Valley is launching a political book club as part of the membership offerings. League members are probably among the most active “political junkies” in the area and getting together to discuss issues and politics is part of League DNA. With 2016 such an exciting election year, books can add another dimension and focus to political conversations. 

Sedona AZ (November 30, 2015) – The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, in collaboration with the Sedona Village Vision Alliance, is pleased to announce a special holiday piano concert on Friday, December 18, at 7 pm.   This concert will feature three award-winning piano soloists performing in the Hilton’s Grand Ballroom.Enjoy the concert performed on a Steinway Concert Grand piano featuring the solo piano performances of the following three artists:

Sedona AZ (November 30, 2015) – At its annual meeting on November 19, 2015, the board of the Sedona Art Museum held its elections.  Mark Schrader took the helm as Chairperson, and Mary Byrd as Vice Chair.  Mark, who  has been involved in the Sedona Art Museum since its inception, is owner of ALT Gallery in Hillside Sedona. Prior to moving here, he operated a Southern California business specializing in advertising and electronic media.  Mark has been involved in the world of visual arts as a collector for 30 years.

Sedona AZ (November 28, 2015) -DivineIn-Take Date of April 2015 Animal ID# 11051Hi, my name is Divine and I am spayed, 2 year old Heeler type breed of dog. I was a bit shy when I first came to the shelter but my animal care staff and volunteers have been so nice to me that I am slowly turning into a more secure and spunky girl. Once I have a real home to live in with a real forever family to love . . .  I am sure that I will be less afraid of things.  I have to admit that…

Information and Perspective by Warren Woodward (November 28, 2015)  Yesterday I filed a complaint with the Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct against the judges in my “smart” meter case. It was wrong for Judge McClennen to do the work of the Defendants (the Arizona Corporation Commission and the five ACC commissioners) by asking to me to prove that his Court had jurisdiction. Plus, after McClennen demonstrated bias against me by doing the work of the Defendants, it was wrong for Presiding Judge Warner not to allow me a change judge. According to its website, http://www.azcourts.gov/azcjc/, “The Commission on Judicial Conduct…

By Ted Grussing… perhaps one of the funnest days I can remember … more than 300 text messages going back and forth with Sus & Jogi this morning dealing with the fun and absurd and the marvel at sharing messages and photos with Sus preparing a thanksgiving feast in Half Moon Bay, Jogi having a relaxing day in New Canaan, and me in Sedona. Each of us using instruments with more computing power than was used to guide our missions to the moon … you wonder. Then a day with friends and consuming far more excellent food than can possibly…

Sedona AZ (November 27, 2015) – Verde Valley Libraries are collaborating to kick off the first in a series of community conversations with Let’s Talk in December. A screening of the Ric Burns film, Debt of Honor: Disabled Veterans in American History will be followed by a moderated public dialogue and Question & Answer period.Join your librarians on Friday, December 4 at the Cottonwood Recreation Center from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. or on Monday, December 7 at Sedona Public Library at 10:00 a.m. or 6:00 p.m. to view the film, participate in the community discussion and sample the variety of…