Sedona News – In September 2024, the U.S. Forest Service announced a budget shortfall on the order of $750 million. One of the remediation measures enacted by the agency was a national suspension of hiring seasonal workers. In the Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest, its 411-miles of non-motorized recreational trails are maintained by a 16-member seasonal crew, along with support from the Friends of the Forest members and citizens at public volunteer days. The seasonal crew is comprised of trained workers who are resident in the Red Rock Ranger District from October through the end of…
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Verde Valley News – The Coconino National Forest is working to improve the power grid for many Red Rock Ranger District residents by taking the next steps in its APS McGuireville to Oak Creek 69kV Transmission Line Project. The McGuireville to Oak Creek Transmission Line Project will construct a new 13.7-mile transmission line between the communities of McGuireville and Oak Creek, which will connect existing lines into a looped system. The Coconino National Forest has published a Final Environmental Assessment and Draft Decision and has initiated a public objection process for the project. “This decision will strengthen the electric grid throughout the…
Verde Valley News – Dr. Rodolfo Martinez Morales, the University of Arizona’s Extension Director for Santa Cruz County, will discuss Regenerative Agriculture and its potential to increase sustainability as part of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s free “Munch & Learn” program, Thursday January 30, from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m., on Yavapai College’s Verde Valley Campus. As the UA Extension Director in Santa Cruz County, Dr. Morales is developing a strategy to integrate regenerative agriculture with ecological restoration to enhance small-scale farming. His January 30 topic will be “Regenerative Agriculture as a Strategy for Ecological Restoration and Sustainable Landscapes.” He is…
Sedona News – The city of Sedona invites business owners in brick-and-mortar locations within the city limits to renew their annual Business License by Jan. 31, 2025 online, which costs $35. Notifications were sent out via email to the email address on file in November 2024. Business owners are encouraged to check their spam folder and if they have not received a notification, call or email the City Clerk’s Office at 928-203-5113 or cityclerksdept@sedonaaz.gov. If renewal applications are not submitted and approved by Jan. 31, 2025, a $5 late fee will begin to accrue monthly on Feb. 1, 2025. New…
By Rabbi Alicia Magal The JCSVV offers soul-enriching services, programs, and classes, all listed on the synagogue website, jcsvv.org. Visitors are welcome to attend services after a security check. Those who cannot attend in person can access the service through zoom. Erev Shabbat services begin at 5:30 pm on Friday, January 24, 2025, led by Rabbi Alicia Magal. The Torah portion for this week is Va’eira (Exodus 6:2–9:35), in which Moses approaches Pharaoh and demands in the name of God, “Let My people go!” Pharaoh refuses, and the first seven of ten plagues are visited upon Egypt. the oneg refreshments…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Emilia Pérez”, showing Jan. 24-29 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4h7j_EcZ5fU “Emilia Pérez” is the winner of four Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture Musical or Comedy and Best Motion Picture Non-English Language. It was nominated for a total of 10 Golden Globes. The film is shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Feature Film, among several others. From renegade auteur Jacques Audiard comes “Emilia Pérez”, an audacious fever dream that defies genres and expectations. Through liberating song and dance…
Verde Valley News – On Saturday, February 8, 2025, the Citizens Water Advocacy Group (CWAG) will host an informational program on the Big Chino Pipeline. For over 20 years Prescott and Prescott Valley have envisioned piping groundwater from the Big Chino Valley to support a vastly increasing population. CWAG Executive Committee Member, Gary Beverly, will discuss the history and status of the proposed pipeline. Dr. Beverly will explain why the pipeline is so controversial, how much it might cost, who will pay for construction of the pipeline, how the pipeline will impact the upper Verde River and the Paulden-area wells…
Prescott News – On Friday, February 28th, Prescott’s 4th Friday Art Walk will welcome art enthusiasts to explore 16 downtown galleries showcasing local and nationally acclaimed artists. These galleries extend their monthly hours and offer unique exhibits, artist receptions, and signature events. Prescott, surrounded by cool mountainous forests, has long inspired its resident artists. The Art Walk provides a unique opportunity to meet these artists, gain insight into their creative processes, and immerse in the community. Historic buildings serve as a striking backdrop, preserving Prescott’s rich heritage. Since its founding in 2004, the 4th Friday Art Walk has been a…
Sedona News – Storyteller Michael Coyote Peach returns to the Sedona Heritage Museum with a new program for 2025! “Oops!” is a series of tongue-in-cheek stories about misadventures from Arizona’s past and present, featuring three new story-poems and the return of a few classics. An engineering failure leads to the birth of a town in which an enterprising pastor-turned-marshal learns that fashion can lead to fatality. Holbrook’s first sheriff pens an invitation that touches off an international fracas. Some Arizona Rangers learn that it’s not wise to irritate Mexican clowns. A Tombstone outlaw finds himself in the wrong place on…
Verde Valley News – The Regional Economic Development Center (REDC) at Yavapai College proudly announces a historic partnership with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), marking a transformative moment in education and intellectual property training. Yavapai College is the first and only college in the nation to collaborate with the USPTO on this pioneering initiative, setting a new standard for innovation and professional development in higher education. Revolutionizing Education and Economic Development This unique partnership establishes an unparalleled training program that provides participants with comprehensive knowledge and skills essential for navigating the complex world of intellectual property. Over…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Autumn and the Black Jaguar”, showing Jan. 24-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. Journey into a heartwarming tale of friendship, courage, and adventure in “Autumn and the Black Jaguar”. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1WvvmZSlUw Growing up in the Amazon rainforest gave Autumn the rarest of friendships – a lost jaguar cub she discovers named Hope. When a tragic event forces Autumn to leave Hope for the unknowns of New York City, she dreams for years of going back to the rainforest and her friend. Aged 14, and…
A beloved annual tradition continues at Rowe Fine Art Gallery with Counting Our Blessings on Friday, February 7, at 4 p.m. Ever since gallery owners Ken and Monica Rowe opened their doors in 2010, they have designated the first Friday in February as the day they show appreciation to their clients and artists. This year they have more to celebrate than ever. “In March, Rowe Fine Art Gallery celebrates its 15th anniversary,” says Ken. “Since we opened, we have placed more than 7,000 works of art in homes and businesses – and wardrobes! – all around the world. Monica and I are in…
… I stopped at the ponds yesterday on my way home from Cottonwood and was first greeted by Blue Birds as I left the parking lot and then a very bright spot of red caught my attention! A male Vermilion Fly Catcher was busy feeding at the ponds. Like other flycatchers this brilliant red treat searches for flying insects from a perch, makes a short flight to get them and then returns to the perch. This makes it relatively easy to get multiple opportunities to get a good shot. They are very tiny birds, the signal that they are about to takeoff…
Sedona News – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the encore of “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President”, showing Jan. 24-30 at the Alice Gill-Sheldon Theatre. “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President” is returning to theatres for a limited time to honor the life and legacy of the late 39th President of the United States. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfFF-PP78iA If it hadn’t been for a bottle of scotch and a late-night visit from musician Gregg Allman, Jimmy Carter might never have been elected the 39th President of the United States. “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President” charts the mostly forgotten…
Sedona News – The city invites the public to save the date for its next artist reception on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2025 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers and the Vultee Conference Room at City Hall, where 75 paintings created by Carol Benally will be on display through April 24, 2025. Special music guest will be the Michael Kollwitz, an award-winning Chapman Stick player. Originally from Boston, Benally spent time studying the art of Renaissance masters and impressionists, as well as Native American collections of art she found in the museums in Boston. She then pursued a…