Arizona’s real estate market remains “ridiculously hot,” says Arizona Association of Realtors President Gary Nelson. “We are seeing tremendous increases in home values in the last two years, increasing about 25% year over year in localized markets and about a 12% to 13% per-year increase in median home prices.” A lack of inventory, Millennials and investors are playing a huge role in the home-buying frenzy, say the experts, especially in scenic tourism destinations. Flagstaff, Sedona, … [Read more...] about Housing Market Expected to Remain Strong for Years
Hybrid, Electric Vehicles Growing in Popularity
With the high price of gasoline, sales for hybrid vehicles are increasing at Findlay Toyota in both Flagstaff and Prescott. Flagstaff residents Tom and Ellen Grabarek are among those making the transition from gas-powered cars. “I was hoping to buy a hybrid when I turned 70,” said Ellen. “But that wouldn’t be for another year and a half, so we decided to go ahead and get one now.” The couple purchased the 2022 Toyota RAV4 hybrid SUV, which Findlay Toyota Flagstaff Sales and Leasing … [Read more...] about Hybrid, Electric Vehicles Growing in Popularity
Getting Back to Full Fitness
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for Flagstaff’s gyms, but at least three Flagstaff businesses are very positive about the outlook for the future, forecasting an exciting and re-energized time ahead for the fitness industry. The combination of closure, then re-opening with restrictions, took a big toll, said Brian Schmitz. A partner in Summit Health and Fitness since 2009, Schmitz took over as manager a year and a half ago. He says the facility was pleased with how it was … [Read more...] about Getting Back to Full Fitness
Reinforcing the Path to Trail Preservation
It’s often said that the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Such may well be the case for visitors using the more than 400 miles of world-famous red rock trails in the Sedona Red Rock District of the Coconino National Forest. Sedona trails serve about three million people each year. As the gateway to Red Rock Country, the trail system is designed to educate and thrill travelers by providing an outdoors experience and information about the vegetation, geology, wildlife and cultural … [Read more...] about Reinforcing the Path to Trail Preservation
Colleen Biggs Bets on Women to Lead
Colleen Biggs grew up like a lot of little girls, imagining the life she thought she was supposed to live, including a prince, a big Disney-esque wedding and a happily ever after. But with her parents’ divorce, she watched her mom’s world fall apart. For 12-year-old Colleen and her mom, life was a struggle. They survived on food stamps in rural Chandler in the 1970s. “It was interesting because it was a horse town then. People would ride their horses to grocery stores. You would smell manure … [Read more...] about Colleen Biggs Bets on Women to Lead
Stoney Ward Teaches Hydroponic Gardening Through Spirit of the Canyon
"Changing lives one plant at a time,” is the heart and goal of Spirit of the Canyon owner Stoney Ward, who has had a vision for hydroponic gardening since moving to Grand Canyon Junction (also known as Valle) four years ago. “I want to show people, especially school children, how to be healthier and how growing healthy foods such as microgreens is tasty, inexpensive and fast,” said Ward. Ward’s vision has mushroomed into teaching 7th, 8th and 9th graders at Grand Canyon School, where … [Read more...] about Stoney Ward Teaches Hydroponic Gardening Through Spirit of the Canyon
Architect Mary Colter’s Legacy Captured in Stone
She was tough, funny, fearless, dogmatic, imaginative, and her Grand Canyon architectural marvels continue to intrigue historians and fascinate visitors, including the only inner canyon lodging facility, Phantom Ranch, which turned 100 years old this year. Meet Mary Jane Elizabeth Colter, born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on April 4, 1869. She was 33 years old when she was hired as an interior designer and architect by the hospitality forerunner Fred Harvey Company, a contractor for Santa Fe … [Read more...] about Architect Mary Colter’s Legacy Captured in Stone
CCC Students Gain Experience Building While Helping Habitat for Humanity
Circular saws whir and cut. Nail guns go “PSHHT!” Sawdust floats in the air. Safety glasses hang firmly in place, and all conversations are yelled. “Nail it there,” bellows Carrie Oakason over the noise. She’s a student in Coconino Community College’s Construction Technology Management program and is a project leader on the construction of panels for a new “Starter Home” for Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona. “I feel like I’m really lucky to have found CCC,” Oakason said. “The … [Read more...] about CCC Students Gain Experience Building While Helping Habitat for Humanity
Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Ten years of the Four Forests Restoration (4FRI) Phase I ends across Northern Arizona in May. After a decade of missed targets, frustration increased among local forest thinning contractors when 4FRI’s two-year Phase II Request for Proposals process was canceled last fall. “It was decided to change the approach to a blended one. Instead of awarding one big contract to a single company (NewLife Forestry), the new 4FRI Phase II will leverage funding with partner organizations and timber … [Read more...] about Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Mill Golf Offers Indoor Facility for Year-Round Practice
Winters in Flagstaff can be challenging for golfers who want to keep their swing consistent and their handicap low, as golf courses typically close between October and March. For Steve and Kyle Palmer, an epiphany they had during Christmas dinner led them to open Mill Golf, an indoor simulation golf course using state-of-the-art software. “My dad and I were discussing the dormancy of golf during the winters in Flagstaff and the challenge of practicing and keeping our game on track,” said … [Read more...] about Mill Golf Offers Indoor Facility for Year-Round Practice