Stepping into his role as chaplain for the Flagstaff Police Department, Nathaniel Bradford says he comes into the position with a great deal of understanding about the kinds of challenges officers face. “I led a violent life and was a drug addict at the age of 14,” said Bradford, who, at age 15, lived on the streets of South Bend, Indiana. “I was so bad, I was kicked out of the school system. I joined the army at the age of 17 and that brought discipline and stability into my life. As bad as … [Read more...] about Streetwise Chaplain Brings Experience to the Police Force
FBN Spotlight
Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up
Off the top of his head, UniSource Energy Services Director Martin Anaya can easily quote the dates and positions of his 41-year career in gas utilities, which began in 1981. Working literally from the ground up, Anaya’s first position was installing gas lines. As he progressed, his work kept steel pipes from corroding underground. “I started with Southern Union Gas and moved into doing corrosion control, also known as cathodic protection. I stayed in that discipline for many years. It is my … [Read more...] about Understanding Natural Gas from the Ground Up
New Hitchin’ Post Owner Angel Heckethorn Keeps Tradition Alive
The early days of Flagstaff have not been lost. History is being retained and entertained at the Historic Hitchin’ Post Stables just outside of Flagstaff on Lake Mary Road. Working every aspect of the business, Historic Hitchin’ Post Stables Operations Manager Angel Heckethorn is happier than ever. “I get to be around horses and meet people from all over the world.” The Heckethorn family acquired the property earlier this year and will be offering the same trail rides as the previous … [Read more...] about New Hitchin’ Post Owner Angel Heckethorn Keeps Tradition Alive
Moon Rover Continues to Gain Traction
While Neil Armstrong’s and Buzz Aldrin’s footsteps have been imprinted on the moon and in world history, the Moon Buggy they explored in left tracks on the lunar surface and also in the imaginations of the news media and fans. At 88, the Northern Arizona man who played a role in designing the buggy prototype continues to be tracked down by the news media and fans. Grover, or Geologic Rover, spends its days in retirement in the U.S. Geological Survey building in Flagstaff. Bill Tinnin, the … [Read more...] about Moon Rover Continues to Gain Traction
Strings Attached
When Luana Mangold, 87, performs, it is often on a handmade Paraguayan harp she learned to play more than 30 years ago. “When I play, it’s usually with strings attached,” she said with a smile. Her strumming these past 20 years earned her a national honor. She was selected from nominees from among all 50 states as winner of the Good Samaritan Society “Ever Forward Champion Volunteer Award.” Hundreds recognized Mangold publicly during June 24 formal ceremonies at the Good Samaritan … [Read more...] about Strings Attached
Camp Verde Bicycle Gearing Up for Growing Demand
Loving the abundance of water, greenery and long country bike rides, Camp Verde Bicycle owner James Cornelius has found his happy place. “I’m from Ohio, and my wife, Lani, is from Hawaii, so we really love the climate here in Camp Verde. Plus, it’s unusual to have a verdant area mixed with desert climate.” Cornelius lived in Flagstaff for 25 years, went to Coconino High School for his senior year, worked at SCA Tissue North America as a maintenance lead for most of his career and, until … [Read more...] about Camp Verde Bicycle Gearing Up for Growing Demand
Turning Dreams into Wine
Early morning reflections mirrored in the flourishing pond at Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery suggest a perfect terroir – a French term pertaining to a region’s climate, soil and terrain that affects the taste of the wine. With grape vines stretching across most of his 10 acres in Camp Verde, Clear Creek Vineyard & Winery Owner Ignacio Mesa has cultivated sustainable solutions for his viticulture paradise. He purchased the land in 1998. Today, he produces about 1,150 cases of red and … [Read more...] about Turning Dreams into Wine
Going the Distance
The time it takes most of us to get ready in the morning is just about the time Flagstaff professional runner Stephanie “Steph” Rothstein Bruce ran this year’s Boston Marathon. At 2:28:2, Stephanie placed 12th overall and was the 2nd American at the Boston Marathon 2022. In the last eight years, she has been ranked among the top 10 runners in the United States and sixth at the U.S. Olympic Trials. “Impressive” just doesn’t seem to describe Stephanie, who trained hard but also had a … [Read more...] about Going the Distance
American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
If Jack Rodgers’ life had a theme, it would be all about water. On the night this fourth generation cowboy was born, Sept. 23, 1955, the rains came: 17 inches in the little city of Rotan, Texas, near Sweetwater, marking the end of a devastating drought. “I remember my dad talking about the bad drought in Texas that happened in the early ‘50s. It was so bad, they would take propane burners and burn the needles off prickly pear so the cattle could eat the cactus for moisture,” said … [Read more...] about American Cowboy Keeps Northern Arizona’s Thirsty Rangeland Watered
Royal Plumbing Owner Chose Flagstaff for Family and Business
Royal Plumbing & Rooter Services owner Gabriel “Gabe” Ontiveros’s career successfully came about when he took over his uncle’s business 19 years ago. “When my family and I visited Flagstaff in 1997, my uncle, Ruben, offered me a job at his plumbing business,” he said. “At the time, I was working at Smith Pipe and Supply as an irrigation warehouse manager in Oxnard, California. My kids were young and I thought Flagstaff would be a good city to raise them in. So, we moved here.” After … [Read more...] about Royal Plumbing Owner Chose Flagstaff for Family and Business