Praising Babbitt Ranches for the way the family business manages its operations and citing the Babbitt family’s long-running reputation for land stewardship and conservation practices, the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved a wind and solar project on Babbitt Ranches about 30 miles north of Flagstaff. The action allows NextEra Energy Resources to move forward with the Babbitt Ranch Renewable Energy Center (BREC, pronounced B-REC) across 669 acres of a nearly … [Read more...] about ‘Homegrown’ Wind, Solar Energy Project Approved on Babbitt Ranches
Local News
Babbitt Ranches Forges Ahead with Clēnera and SRP on Solar Project
CO Bar Solar is gaining energy with the recent purchase power agreement between renewable resources developer Clēnera, owned by Enlight Renewable Energy, and Arizona utility company Salt River Project (SRP). “Where we are today, as we embark on renewable energy endeavors, is truly inspirational for the Babbitt family,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “We are talking about what matters most for future generations. And, what we have all worked toward is not … [Read more...] about Babbitt Ranches Forges Ahead with Clēnera and SRP on Solar Project
Called to the Stage
Stage actress Robyn Allen has spent more than 30 years in the entertainment industry, but says she had to overcome her shyness to perform. “I was always very shy,” she said, “but if I had written a poem, I would just stand up and recite it in front of my relatives. I think that’s how they tricked me into auditioning for plays in school.” Soon she found her own trick, which was to become completely immersed in the character and stay focused. Allen shared her story with more than 100 … [Read more...] about Called to the Stage
Bashas’ Employee Nears Half a Century with the Grocer
For Bashas’ Supermarket Store Director Wayne Jones, “treating people the way they want to be treated” can create a long and rewarding career. Jones has been in the grocery business for 47 years. “That’s my platinum rule and whatever I do, I do to the best of my ability.” Moving to Flagstaff in December 1970, Jones was born in inner city Los Angeles and started his career in the grocery business at A.J. Bayless on North Humphreys in 1973. “My family would come here every year for the July … [Read more...] about Bashas’ Employee Nears Half a Century with the Grocer
Dark Sky Brewing Promoting Starry Nights with Circadian Rhythm IPA
Since 2014, Dark Sky Brewing Co., in downtown Flagstaff, has been promoting the community’s famously dark skies that have served as an inspiration for the brewery. “We chose the name Dark Sky Brewery as a homage to Flagstaff’s beautiful night skies and intend to support and promote the beauty of our home through craft beer,” said the brewery’s Event Coordinator Miguel Sotelo. “We rely heavily on our connection to the sky as we develop and design new beers year ‘round. By doing so we have … [Read more...] about Dark Sky Brewing Promoting Starry Nights with Circadian Rhythm IPA
Be Part of Someone’s Best Day
I met 7-year-old Maggie on the warm sands of Doheny State Beach in California’s Orange County. She arrived with her lovely family and upon our introduction, she hid her face behind her mom for a very long time. This tiny, beautiful, shy and frightened little girl did not look happy to be there. Despite a long struggle of pleading from her family and big warm smiles from me, she was not having any part of this Best Day Foundation playdate at the beach. Her amazingly encouraging big brother, Sam, … [Read more...] about Be Part of Someone’s Best Day
Healing Powers of the Herd
A point often proven by history: The horse has a lot to teach the human. Contact between the two became closer when man started domesticating the horse around 4000 BC, and the relationship has evolved over time to inexorably link the two species. Today, that link is being used effectively to bring the lessons of the horse herd into the healing process for veterans and first responders who are struggling with trauma resulting from their service. A non-profit staged out of the Prescott … [Read more...] about Healing Powers of the Herd
Thunder Over Flagstaff Makes Some Noise at the Airport
The Flagstaff Airport was bustling on the ground and abuzz in the air during the Thunder Over Flagstaff Open House and Car Display on Aug. 28. The show, which offered free flights to children ages 7 to 17, benefited the Experimental Aircraft Association Young Eagles Program. “The event captured an audience of about 5,000,” said Young Eagles Program Air Operations Coordinator Steve Allen. “About 350 kids took airplane rides. We had a great turnout.” Along with a rebuilt Vietnam Helicopter, … [Read more...] about Thunder Over Flagstaff Makes Some Noise at the Airport
Flagstaff Native Serving Aboard USS Iwo Jima
Jovani Rodriguez-Ruiz is serving aboard the USS Iwo Jima, a U.S. Navy Wasp class amphibious assault ship. Fireman Rodriguez-Ruiz, a 2018 Flagstaff High School graduate, is responsible for maintaining, operating and repairing various electrical equipment on board ships. Rodriguez-Ruiz joined the Navy three years ago for a better life and the opportunity to attend college. “I learned that I have a lot of potential within myself,” he said. “I was a small town boy, both scared and excited, … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Native Serving Aboard USS Iwo Jima
FBN Author Unveils Spiritual, Walking Book
Flagstaff Business News reporter Stacey Wittig has launched her fifth book at a gathering of American Pilgrims on Camino at Notre Dame, Indiana. When airlines canceled Wittig’s flight and subsequent pilgrimage walk across France because of COVID-19 last September, the author decided to walk a pilgrim path in the United States instead. When she reached out to Wisconsin Way organizers, a pilgrimage loosely based on the Camino de Santiago in Spain, she learned there was no guidebook to help find … [Read more...] about FBN Author Unveils Spiritual, Walking Book