Author: Tommy Acosta

Phoenix AZ (August 21, 2020) – Water is the essence of life, and it’s just as precious for Arizona’s wildlife.For that reason, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) has trucked and airlifted about 250,000 gallons of life-sustaining water to catchments throughout the state since January.Trail cameras document the results of this critical work, with footage of elk, deer, bighorn sheep and other species leaning over for a refreshing drink at one of 3,000 catchments maintained by AZGFD.“Water catchments don’t discriminate; they’re used by all wildlife from big game to some of the smallest squirrels, lizards, birds, bats and even…

PANT Detectives investigate and shut it down – 4 Suspects ArrestedCottonwood AZ (August 21, 2020) – During the second week of August 2020, detectives from the Partner’s Against Narcotics Trafficking Task Force (PANT) received information that 28-year-old Moriah Calhoun from Sedona was involved in the use and sale of methamphetamine and heroin along with a male by the first name of ‘Joel.’ Detectives identified the motel and specific room in the 800 block of S. Main Street, Cottonwood. During follow-up, detectives received additional information confirming illicit drug activity at the motel, which resulted in the granting of a search warrant. 

Liam Neeson and Micheál Richardson star in heart-warming new dramaSedona AZ (August 21, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to present the Northern Arizona premiere of “Made in Italy” — starring Liam Neeson and Micheál Richardson showing Aug. 28-Sept. 3 at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre.The Mary D. Fisher Theatre is re-opening following CDC guidelines and social distance seating at a limited capacity with the approval of Governor Doug Ducey and his staff.“Made in Italy” is a heart-warming father son story set in glorious Tuscany about bohemian London artist Robert (Liam Neeson), who returns to Italy with…

By Darcy Hitchcock Co-Founder, Sustainability AllianceSedona AZ (August 21, 2020) – To protect our climate, we need to retrofit all our buildings to make them more energy efficient. The passivhaus (or passive house) standard is the most energy efficient building standard, creating tight but well-ventilated space. We should start with low-income housing since poor people spend a disproportionate amount of their income on energy. See two examples of passivhaus retrofits.

By Elizabeth Cate, Collection Development LibrarianSedona AZ (August 21, 2020) – What is your impression of true crime books and movies? Some people find true crime fascinating, while others avoid the genre because they associate it with serial killings, kidnappings, and other disturbing acts. In reality, true crime is a diverse genre that delves into topics such as history, art, sociology, and politics. And with the popularity of true crime documentaries like Tiger King and I’ll Be Gone in the Dark, the genre is becoming more acceptable to mainstream audiences.

By Ted Grussing… maybe if I continue and sing the rest of the lyrics it will snow … rain … something. If not we have this shot of the 13th hole of Oak Creek Country Club to look at and dream on … a beautiful snow and a pleasant day it was. Perhaps some cooling over the weekend and more pleasant days to come … September is coming too and with it, Fall, my favorite time of year. The earth and creatures are preparing for the winter slumber and life focuses on spring when it all happens again … but…

By Jon Trautwein, Fire ChiefSedona Fire DistrictSedona AZ (August 20, 2020) – The Sedona Fire District on an annual basis recognizes its members, outstanding citizens, and community organizations for service-related and performance-related excellence. We are pleased to recognize and acknowledge the following members of the Sedona Fire District and our community for their excellent service and performance.

Sedona AZ (August 20, 2020) – The city of Sedona is seeking applicants for two seats on the Planning and Zoning Commission as two current member terms approach expiration.This voluntary body, established by city council, consists of seven citizens appointed to play a critical role in the city’s planning process. The commission serves as council advisor on land use, growth, and development issues. Commission duties include making recommendations to the city council on Community Plan annual and 10-year updates, Community Focus Area Plans, Land Development Code amendments, property zone changes, and subdivision applications. In addition, the commission makes the final…

By Joanna Horton McPhersonSedona AZ (August 20, 2020) – Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic, the little preschool in the Village of Oak Creek is safely open. The school realized the importance of maintaining coronavirus-preventative practices for the long haul into next year. The program in the Big Park school building waited until June to open in the classroom. Founder Joanna Horton McPherson and school director & teacher, Shara Coughlin with the board of the school spent time all summer researching credible sources. “We had to create a classroom health protocol,” says McPherson. “We couldn’t open without…

By Ted Grussing… as the heat continues, so does my preoccupation of working on snow and winter shots … last November provided many days for good shots and I love this one too. I took the shot from Airport Mesa near the SW end of the mesa and within the airport boundaries. Not sure what the flat mesa is, but the snowy mountain in the background is Casner Mountain … the gap between Casner and Black mountain is off the left side of the photo and Sycamore Canyon is on the back side of Casner. I love the winters here…

Governor Ducey and his committee applaud festival’s plans and grants permission for re-opening; Festival will follow CDC guidelines with patron/staff safety prioritySedona AZ (August 19, 2020) – The Sedona International Film Festival is proud to announce that it will be safely re-opening its Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Friday, Aug. 28 after receiving the approval of Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and his committee as well as the state and county health department officials.“The board and staff — with significant input from our patrons and volunteers — have put a lot of thought and planning into making the theatre a safe,…

Jerome AZ (August 19, 2020) – On July 26, 2020, the owner of a 2020 Yamaha Raptor, was involved in a collision on Forest Road 413 outside of Jerome, Arizona. Both the owner and his passenger were transported by air to the hospital. The next day, the owner sent a tow truck to remove the Raptor and it could not be found. 

Sedona AZ (August 19, 2020) – Instead of live classrooms, OLLI Sedona•Verde Valley has gone to Zoom to provide virtual classrooms, which are just as lively as the real ones. In a new video, “OLLI Members Discuss Zoom Technology,” available on YouTube.com, OLLI Sedona•Verde Valley, you can see what a Zoom session looks like. From the comfort of your own home, you can Zoom to one of the 90-plus classes and workshops offered this Fall by Yavapai College Osher LifeLong Learning Institute. OLLI offers classes without those old bugaboos of quizzes, tests and grades. Follow your interests and curiosity as…

Local First Arizona Foundation to issue grants to businesses required to close during the pandemicPhoenix AZ (August 19, 2020) – The Governor’s Office is partnering with Local First Arizona Foundation to launch the Arizona Small Business Rent and Mortgage Relief Grant program and distribute $10 million in grants to small businesses who have had to shutter their doors during this pandemic. The partnership leverages the grantmaking experience and small business expertise of Local First Arizona Foundation, which has already distributed over $2 million in grant funds to small businesses across the state of Arizona, to continue their work of putting…

By Ted Grussing… frequently after taking off on R21 I crank and bank left following Verde Valley School Road through the Big Park area to the Village and then pick my departure route from there. I took this shot just as I was entering the Village area and if you live in the area you can likely see where you live. Verde Valley School Road enters the image on the lower right side, goes up and to the right a bit before a bend to the left and to SR179 where it joins a round a bout. SR 179 is…