Author: Tommy Acosta

By Ted GrussingThis Gambel’s quail was sitting on top of the desert olive bush in the back yard, looking back at One and me and asking the question, “do you really want to try to get me?” well in response I shot him and One was frustrated by her inability to climb up through the safe haven of that bush. So in the end the quail flew off untouched leaving me satisfied after getting this shot of him and One vowing for a rematch. Such is life! When our daughters were quite young they modified the phrase “It’s a dog…

Cottonwood AZ (June 24, 2019) – Friends of the Verde River (Friends) is excited to share the National Audubon Society’s announcement of a third Important bird area in Camp Verde. This month, the Arizona office of the National Audubon Society science review team approved a third Camp Verde IBA—the 17-mile corridor of the Verde River, plus West Clear Creek and Wet Beaver Creek, within the corporate boundary of Camp Verde. The Camp Verde IBA is one of six in Yavapai County including Tuzigoot, Lower Oak Creek, Upper Verde River State Wildlife Area, Agua Fria National Monument and Watson Lake/Willow Lake in…

Sedona AZ (June 24, 2019) – Don’t miss the last chance this summer to enjoy a feature film under the beautiful skies of Sedona at the Posse Grounds Pavilion. On June 26 Arizona Water Company brings you the final film in the Sedona Summer Cinema series. The film is free and begins just before dusk at approximately 7:45 p.m.

New production from Stratford-Upon-Avon makes premiere at Mary D. Fisher TheatreSedona AZ (June 22, 21019) – The Royal Shakespeare Company’s extraordinary new production of “The Taming of the Shrew” makes its Sedona big-screen debut on Sunday, June 30. The Sedona International Film Festival hosts the high-definition premiere of William Shakespeare’s renowned play from its home in Stratford-Upon-Avon. There will be one show at 3 p.m. at the festival’s Mary D. Fisher Theatre.In a reimagined 1590, women are in charge.

Verde Valley AZ (June 22, 2019) – Researchers recently found the first instance of tamarisk beetles along the Verde River during routine monitoring. This is the first-time tamarisk beetles have been found in the over 434,000 acre Verde River watershed. The beetles feed only on the leaves of non-native tamarisk trees and can completely strip a tree of its leaves in a short time. After several years of defoliation and re-sprouting, some trees will die. This benefits river restoration efforts but can harm some bird species that have begun using tamarisks for nesting.

By Beverly HeddenCottonwood AZ (June 22, 2019) – Join us for this award winning PBS documentary presented by the film maker, Professor Stefan Sommer. A River Reborn is an important story to share because it is about human collaboration in the face of environmental conflict. In the end Native American Tribes, Environmental Groups, a major Corporation, State and Federal Agencies all worked together to restore and conserve the Fossil Creek watershed which is such an important resource in our region. It takes viewers behind the scenes of a 15-year struggle over the future of Fossil Creek, the challenges and opportunities…

Rulemaking package next goes to Governor’s Regulatory Review Council for reviewPhoenix AZ (June 22, 2019) – The Arizona Game and Fish Commission on June 21 voted 4-0 to approve a Notice of Final Rulemaking that, if approved by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC), would designate a predator or fur-bearing hunt contest, as defined by the rule, an unlawful manner and method of take for these species.The Commission’s intent in adopting this rule is to address social concerns over formally organized and publicized contests that award prizes to competitors that kill the largest number or variety of predators or fur-bearing…

Clarkdale AZ (June 22, 2019) – First Friday – In their own words living history presentation will feature “From the Old Sullivan Ranch to the story of Clarkdale Artist Don Reitz and Today’s Reitz Ranch” on Friday, July 5, at 10:00am in the Historic Clark Memorial Clubhouse Mens’ Lounge. The program will be presented by Ben Roti, Ceramic Artist and former Studio Assistant to Ceramic Artist Don Reitz. Jerry Wombacher, Clarkdale Historical Society and Museum Historian, will also share some of his memories of the Old Sullivan Ranch which was part of Clarkdale’s ranching history from the late 1880’s forward.…

Sedona AZ (June 22, 2019)- The Sedona International Film Festival begins its 26th year with new board officers.  Elected at the annual May Board meeting were Charles (Chuck) Marr, Chair; Linda Goldenstein, Vice Chair; Patty Herrman-Juda, Secretary; Barry Maketansky, Treasurer. Special recognition was given to Beverly Hurff, outgoing Chair and Earle Weatherwax, our longest serving board member.

Sedona AZ (June 22, 2019) – From now through the end of August Nicholas Kirsten Honshin’s captivating paintings and poetry are on display at Sedona City Hall, 102 Roadrunner Dr. Also exhibiting are the distinctive photographs created by Carol Kahn. The public is invited to meet Honshin and Kahn at a reception on Thursday, June 27 from 4-6 p.m. in the Council Chambers.

Sedona AZ (June 21, 2019) – The Sedona Fire District Board Chairman announces the selection of Mr. Jon Trautwein as the new Fire Chief. The announcement follows an extensive search conducted by Regional Government Services (RGA) which yielded 62 applicants. This search and evaluation process was intricate and collaborative, encompassing interviews by phone, video conferencing, and in person, a rigorous Assessment Center, and presentations by the top three (3) applicants. At the conclusion of this process Mr. Trautwein was identified as the top applicant unanimously by the Fire Board.

Sedona AZ (June 21, 2019) – The Sedona Parks and Recreation Department is excited to provide wonderful, free, 4th of July “daytime” fun! This water event takes place both inside the Sedona Community Pool and the surrounding area outside of the pool. There will be inflatable water slides, and of course the beautiful Sedona Community Pool and slide. Music will be sure to entertain and plan to enjoy lunch for sale. Festivities will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sedona Community Pool, 570 Posse Ground Road, Sedona.

By Anne Marie Mackler, Development DirectorSedona AZ (June 21, 2019) – ‘S’ is for summer, and the first day of this fun season is perfect for launching Some Smug Slug, Sedona Public Library’s newest StoryWalk* exhibit at Sunset Park. This hilarious book by Pamela Duncan Edwards, illustrated by Henry Cole, is stock full of alliteration, and it challenges children, and adults, to find the hidden ‘s’ on every page. Head over to the park, skip from frame to frame, and giggle yourself silly in Sedona sunshine as you read the new story.

Sedona AZ (June 20, 2019) – Drivers on State Route 89A in Sedona are advised to plan for travel delays while crews repair pavement between Upper Red Rock Loop Road and the SR 179 roundabout. Lane closures in both directions are scheduled to continue through 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20, and be in place again from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. from the night of Sunday, June 23, through the morning of Thursday, June 27.Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment. 

By Ted Grussing… this weekend? Another in the series of crow photos where I get to pick the topic of conversation to impute to the crows … these two seem a little more friendly than others I have shot so we have the date proposal. Crows are very intelligent creatures, they do have conversations and can remember individual human beings for as much as two years. Perhaps the one crow is doing a briefing on a recent encounter … hope it was good. Shot this Monday afternoon whilst out with One. First she does her hunt in the weeds, I…