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
Local News
Neighborhood Sets Example for Soft, Focused Light and Dark Starry Skies
Avid hiker Andrea Michaels has long enjoyed watching the Perseids meteor showers from the banks of Laurel Lake, a duck pond on the edge of Walnut Canyon Village in east Flagstaff. However, her view is even better now, she says, because community members have largely changed their outdoor light fixtures to meet dark-sky standards. “If you’re a camper or a backpacker, one of the greatest thrills when you’re out is looking into the endless depths of the universe,” she said. “It was frustrating … [Read more...] about Neighborhood Sets Example for Soft, Focused Light and Dark Starry Skies
Sedona Film Festival Inspires, Entertains, Touches Lives, Attracts Thousands
The entertainment industry brings us beauty, makes us think and laugh, and touches our hearts. The 27th Sedona International Film Festival, June 12-20, did just that with more than 180 films, from documentaries to feature films and animated shorts, and special celebrity appearances and performances. Some movies were streamed to ticket holders and others were featured before a live, socially-distanced audience, like “Perfumes,” which brought a collective sigh of relaxation with scenes from … [Read more...] about Sedona Film Festival Inspires, Entertains, Touches Lives, Attracts Thousands
A Return to Tradition
As Babbitt Ranches honors 135 years of operations in Northern Arizona, the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale is scheduled to be live and in-person again at Spider Web Camp, about 30 miles north of Flagstaff off Highway 89, on Saturday, July 10. Arizona’s largest privately owned working cattle ranch was unable to host the popular tradition last year because of the pandemic. Clay Rodgers, 40, who became ranch manager in March, says the Colt Sale is especially meaningful to him because he was born and … [Read more...] about A Return to Tradition
Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
The girl with the pink leggings and brown cowboy boots pats the tri-colored pony on the neck, sits up straight in the saddle, and with reins confidently in hand, commands “Walk on.” As Majesty responds with a gentle stride, Lizzie smiles. And for Dani Mackin of Prescott, this is what a miracle looks like. Dani is Lizzie’s mom. She describes her 9-year-old’s serious social anxiety as paralyzing. “She wouldn’t talk to people. She would do what we call ‘a possum,’ and just freeze, or run away … [Read more...] about Gentle Giants Transforming Lives in Chino Valley
Nominations Being Accepted for Prescott ATHENA
The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was beyond bright, fiercely determined and a tireless champion in the battle for women’s rights. She also was a recipient of the ATHENA Leadership Award, which honors exceptional individuals who have achieved professional excellence, contributed time and energy to improve the quality of life for others and helped individuals – particularly women – realize their full leadership potential. Bringing the spirit of the ATHENA program here, Quad … [Read more...] about Nominations Being Accepted for Prescott ATHENA
Growth Continues for Flagstaff Airport
At the beginning of 2020, things were looking promising for Flagstaff Pulliam Airport. It had just come off its best ever year, with a historic 124,000 enplanements in 2019, about 50,000 more than in any previous year. Then the pandemic hit and as the country shut down, the numbers plummeted. Instead of planning for new flights, the airport was looking for ways to assist businesses operating in the terminal. Now as people feel free to move about the country again, Airport Director Barney … [Read more...] about Growth Continues for Flagstaff Airport
Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Celebrating Summer Solstice with a Virtual Fair
Continuing the great tradition of annual Navajo Nation fairs and celebrations, Yee Ha’ólníi Doo has organized a Virtual Fair Celebrating Summer Solstice on June 19-20, 2021. The Virtual Fair features a phenomenal roster of cultural and musical performances plus much more! Annual fairs on the Navajo Nation have strengthened the culture of the Navajo People for over a century. Fair season is a time of unity, reacquaintance, friendly competition, and exhibition. For Yee Ha’ólníi Doo, celebrating … [Read more...] about Yee Ha’ólníi Doo Celebrating Summer Solstice with a Virtual Fair
Preparing Horses for Evacuation in Wildfire Season
Dry, warm, windy conditions make this month prime time for Northern Arizona wildfires. As cities and forests call for fire restrictions and wildland firefighters are on high alert, Flagstaff Equine Emergency Response Network (FEERN) offers a Facebook-based communications hub for horse owners who might need help and volunteers who are able to help and temporarily house horses in the event of an emergency in Flagstaff and surrounding communities. Flagstaff accountant Kathy Oliver, CPA, founder … [Read more...] about Preparing Horses for Evacuation in Wildfire Season
Flagstaff Library Planning Summer Activities
With a return of in-person services and open doors to the public still on the horizon, the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library has begun preparing for having the public back in the building in addition to its upcoming Summer Reading Challenge, which includes both online and outdoor options for a community still recovering from the global pandemic. During the past year, the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library has served its community through curbside and at-a-distance … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Library Planning Summer Activities