After six years of study, The U.S. Treasury Department has named Arizona’s Verde Valley an American Viticultural Area (AVA), elevating the Valley’s $56 million wine industry to the same status as Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley and other well-known wine-producing regions. According to the Treasury Department’s Tax and Trade Bureau, an AVA is a grape-growing region with geographic or climatic features that distinguish it from surrounding areas and affect how grapes are grown. Labeling local wines … [Read more...] about Verde Valley Wines Receive ‘American Viticultural Area’ Status
Local News
Blind Author Recalls Success of Canine Support on 9/11
Michael Hingson and his partner, Roselle, rode the train into New York City that day. Admittedly, the night before was a bit rough. A thunderstorm decided to camp out over their home. Roselle hated storms. They made her nervous. The pair worked together in the North Tower. It was September 11, 2001. Michael recently spoke at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona’s Rescue Me fundraiser. Michael is blind. Roselle was his guide dog. “Guide dogs do not lead blind people. Guide dogs don’t … [Read more...] about Blind Author Recalls Success of Canine Support on 9/11
Navigating with Purpose
Lava Falls Rapid is white-water fierce. It is, by far, the most famous and daunting rapid on the mighty Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. It comes up after a nice calm stretch of laid-back, almost complacent, floating. Most wouldn’t even notice the distant spray and subtle splashing up ahead. But Christa Sadler does. With oars thrusting forward, she remains on high alert, reading the river. Within about half a mile of the falls, the passengers in Christa’s raft also will be on high alert as … [Read more...] about Navigating with Purpose
Lowell Observatory Reopening General Admission
Lowell Observatory will reopen general admission on Monday, Nov. 15, with new guest protocols to keep guests and staff safe from COVID-19. Guests will again be able to visit day or night to explore the historic campus, look through state-of-the-art telescopes, and learn about the stories of the stars and our place in the universe. This will conclude a period of 20 months during which the observatory has been closed or offered only limited programming because of COVID-19-related health … [Read more...] about Lowell Observatory Reopening General Admission
Pandemic Pets: How Animals, Owners, Vets are Managing
As the COVID-19 pandemic has dragged on, veterinarians and pet owners say the emotional bond between people and their pets has had a significant positive influence on human mental health. But, while pets have provided valuable companionship during the lockdown, there’s been a big increase in pet adoptions, according to the Animal Policy Group, and also the workload for veterinary practices, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Veterinarians like Drs. Sarah Bason and … [Read more...] about Pandemic Pets: How Animals, Owners, Vets are Managing
Survival Space: Flagstaff’s Pandemic Yoga Experience
As with many personal fitness and wellness businesses state-wide, yoga studios in Flagstaff have taken a pummelling during COVID-19. When the extent of the pandemic became apparent and state mandates kicked in, there was no option but to shut down in-person group yoga classes. During the past 18 months, many yoga studios switched to online platforms like Zoom and YouTube in an attempt to keep their teaching programs alive. While this might sound like it would’ve been a relatively easy fix, … [Read more...] about Survival Space: Flagstaff’s Pandemic Yoga Experience
Carrying Kayla’s Message
When Kathleen Delany went online to buy a used backpack for her upcoming trip to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, she had no idea it would become a life-changing event. Delaney is an Arizona State University graduate and commercial airline pilot stationed in California. She moved to Prescott Valley in March 2021 after being put on leave because of COVID-19, and in the aftermath of a traumatic breakup with her boyfriend. The Phoenix native previously had bought a home there for her retired … [Read more...] about Carrying Kayla’s Message
Healing, Calming Pets with Reiki, Tuning Forks, Massage
Licensed massage therapist and energy healer Lori Lané says she has seen “miracles” happen when people come to her Raven’s Call Healing Center in Sedona. “One client couldn’t hear out of his left ear for three years. After one session, he could hear again.” She tells the story of others who have found relief from the pain of migraines and fibromyalgia. Her husband, Denton, was diagnosed with a brain tumor and expected to have less than two years to live. “Now, he’s cancer free,” she … [Read more...] about Healing, Calming Pets with Reiki, Tuning Forks, Massage
Journalists Team Up with CCC to Offer Mary Jo West Excellence in Communication Scholarship
Career journalist Bonnie Stevens has announced a unique collaboration with her lifelong mentor and pioneering television news anchorwoman Mary Jo West to support young women and help shape the future of communication. The Mary Jo West Excellence in Communication Scholarship will be offered through Coconino Community College in Flagstaff and the CCC2NAU program. Perhaps the greatest value of this award, says Stevens, will be the guidance and coaching that comes with it. The scholarship will be … [Read more...] about Journalists Team Up with CCC to Offer Mary Jo West Excellence in Communication Scholarship
Governor Ducey Announces $3.5 Million To Assist Arizonans, Small Businesses
Governor Doug Ducey today announced $3,575,000 to support programs that help Arizonans and small businesses recover financially from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.“This past year has brought extraordinary challenges on Arizonans and businesses across the state, and we are committed to helping them get back on their feet,” said Governor Ducey. “We’re making targeted investments that will go a long way in helping our small businesses create opportunities and foster growth in our state, and … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Announces $3.5 Million To Assist Arizonans, Small Businesses