Art Babbott feels good. For at least two decades, he’s been mulling over the challenge of what to do with low-value forest products – branches and woody biomass – left over from thinning projects designed to improve forest health and protect the Flagstaff community from wildfire. Today, Babbott and business partners David Hayward and Chris Lloyd are confident they have solved a small piece of the forest restoration puzzle with their new business, Restoration Soils, which also can keep much of … [Read more...] about Getting Their Hands Dirty for the Environment
Local News
Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Flagstaff’s budding restaurant scene is at a crossroads. A number of local restaurants and chefs are gaining national acclaim at the same time economic conditions — inflation, higher wages and prices — are creating headwinds for operators. “People are paying more for their food than they ever have and they’re not happy about it,” said John Conley, owner of Salsa Brava and Fat Olives. “It is the most challenging time ever,” said Conley, who started Salsa Brava 36 years ago when he left … [Read more...] about Restaurant Reputations Rise Along with Operating Costs
Fall Harvest Brings Families to Mortimer Farms
Mortimer Farms has sweet corn and 50 types of pumpkins available during its month-long Pumpkin Festival in October. While the festival is every day, there are more events on the weekends. Mortimer Farms has 54 vegetables and fruits growing at various times of the year. Mortimer also has an area where visitors can pick their own. In addition, Mortimer has a greenhouse for growing fruits and vegetables all year. Cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are plentiful in October. All of the events … [Read more...] about Fall Harvest Brings Families to Mortimer Farms
Flagstaff Considers its Transportation Future Part Two: Onward or Upward?
On June 15, 2021, a Carbon Neutrality Plan was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council in response to its declaration of a climate emergency in 2020. Forty percent of Flagstaff’s carbon emissions come from the transportation sector – mostly from vehicle emissions. The total distance traveled per day by Flagstaff area residents (21 miles per person) is shorter than the national average (36 miles), with walking and biking mostly reserved for shorter trips – an average of one mile for walking and 1.8 … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Considers its Transportation Future Part Two: Onward or Upward?
Sandy Adams is the Georgian Behind Painless Peach Pain Care
According to the great philosopher Aristotle, “The aim of the wise is not to secure pleasure, but to avoid pain.” As many of us may well know, just going about daily activities can cause soreness, discomfort and pain, and finding relief can be challenging. However, Painless Peach Pain Care owner Sandy Adams has devoted her career to helping people live pain free. “Keeping people living their best life, that’s my goal,” said Adams, whose business name is a reminder of her home state, … [Read more...] about Sandy Adams is the Georgian Behind Painless Peach Pain Care
Scholarships Changing Lives at CCC
She’s dealt with poverty and hunger, abusive parents and the foster care system. Yolanda Yazzie has battled many challenges and hardships, but that did not stop her from reaching for a better life for her own family by making the decision to attend Coconino Community College. Her goal is to graduate from CCC, get a degree from NAU and land a career in the hospitality industry. And the journey will be possible, in part, with the help of scholarships awarded through the CCC Foundation. … [Read more...] about Scholarships Changing Lives at CCC
Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Award in Prescott
An invisible, yet powerful, thread of overcoming adversity to achieve long-held dreams wove its way through the audience of more than 100 attendees during the 4th Annual Quad Cities Leadership Awards as women came together to honor and celebrate each other Sunday, Sept. 24, at Starting Point in the Prescott Gateway Mall. As Yavapai College President Dr. Lisa Rhine and Prescott College President Dr. Barbara Morris shared deeply personal stories of their own challenges, women could empathize … [Read more...] about Carmen Frederic Receives ATHENA Award in Prescott
Getting Chili
As fall descends upon Flagstaff, changing leaves and cooler temperatures denote signs of the season, but, as many locals are aware, there’s another hint of the season that has them excited: roasted Hatch green chilies. For almost 19 years, this spicy ingredient to savory dishes has been sold annually by Got Chili owner Mario Cruz. “It’s hard to say, but I sell about 6,000 pounds during the season,” said Cruz, who also sells them frozen throughout the year. “I know many people in the … [Read more...] about Getting Chili
Celebrate Fall: Immerse Yourself in Nature, Be Unapologetically Messy
Fall is nature’s beautiful and colorful dance that gently escorts us away from long sunny days. Our aspen trees paint the high elevation mountainsides in gentle hues of autumn. Their delicate leaves float to the ground to create golden pathways that light up the woods. It’s a magical time and humans like to frolic in it. Before McDonald’s had the ball pit, leaves were the things kids would roll around in. Leaves are fun. And that’s what I would try to explain to my after-kindergarten … [Read more...] about Celebrate Fall: Immerse Yourself in Nature, Be Unapologetically Messy
Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival
With the risk of a heart attack for first responders 300% higher than the average person, organizers of the Big Sting country music festival and campout are hoping to raise $200,000 so they can continue to support health screenings and patients in need through money raised at the 9th annual event, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Oct. 13 and 14 at Watson Lake. “We invite everyone to come on out, bring your RV, pitch a tent and enjoy the natural beauty while listening to your favorite … [Read more...] about Ned Ledoux, RaeLynn Headlining at Big Sting Country Music Festival