It is the place where Pluto was discovered, but began out of an obsessive interest in Mars. On May 28, 1894, Percival Lowell arrived in Flagstaff, Arizona Territory, to commence astronomical studies. This marked the official opening of Lowell Observatory, the first scientific establishment in Arizona and home of one of America’s most storied astronomical observatories. To celebrate its 125th anniversary, the observatory hosted a ceremony on June 6, attended by government officials, scientists … [Read more...] about Celebrating 125 Years of Stargazing
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County Consolidation Intended to Enhance Customer Connections
Effective this month, Coconino County consolidates the Public Health Services District, Community Services and the Career Center departments into the Health and Human Services Department. “The three teams have a long history of collaboration. We may not have been one department, but this certainly isn’t our first go at working together,” said Deputy County Manager, Marie Peoples, Ph.D. “Those three departments will be unified into one ‘super department,’ and that will be named the Health and … [Read more...] about County Consolidation Intended to Enhance Customer Connections
Award-Winning Remodeling Franchise Gives Kitchens a Fresh Look
Kitchen Tune-Up, a national kitchen remodeling franchise, has awarded Flagstaff franchise owners Andy and Laura Leigh Mathis the Project of the Year Award. The couple is pleased with the honor. “It gives us a pat on the back and the recognition that we are doing a good job,” said Andy. The winning home was built in 1960 and the owners, Jessica and Dan Kitterman, had lived in it for about 10 years when they decided to replace their kitchen countertops. After they were installed, the couple … [Read more...] about Award-Winning Remodeling Franchise Gives Kitchens a Fresh Look
Arizona Snowbowl Shares Vision for Next Chapter
On the heels of the longest ski season in history, and answering the Forest Service’s call to utilize existing mountain resort infrastructure as a portal to the National Forest to satisfy growing recreational demand, Arizona Snowbowl is sharing its vision for the future. The Flagstaff mountain resort is seeking to enhance the existing guest experience, meet current demand, provide year-round outdoor recreation activities and benefit the community with additional partnerships and a greater … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Shares Vision for Next Chapter
Outdoor Adventure Recovery Program Marking Ninth Year with Increased Accessibility
Back2Basics is an addiction recovery program that has created a recipe for success by mixing residential living, counseling and outdoor adventure. But, until recently, there were limits as to whom it could serve. Founder Roy DuPrez has learned a six-month buffet of treatment is necessary for addicts to acquire a taste for sobriety, but a steady diet of support can be expensive, and health insurance companies weren’t generally picking up the tab. “Historically, our program has been a … [Read more...] about Outdoor Adventure Recovery Program Marking Ninth Year with Increased Accessibility
Empowering Girls Two Hundred Miles at a Time
Think back to when you learned how to ride a bike. With a wobbly start, pedaling as hard as you could, you took off into the world. The pride you felt may have been uncontainable, with a newfound sense of confidence and a beaming smile. This is the feeling Claudia Jackson, Girl Scout Troop Leader of Troop 7314 with the Arizona Cactus-Pine Council, wanted to bring to the Indian Wells community on the Navajo Nation. “I’ve always been passionate about cycling, although I only do it … [Read more...] about Empowering Girls Two Hundred Miles at a Time
Acquiring a Taste for Mead
The winner of the 2nd Annual Pioneer Pitch contest is betting that the next big thing in premium adult beverages will not be made from grapes or grains, but honey. Drinking Horn Meadery emerged as the victor in the Shark Tank-style competition that pitted close to 20 entrepreneurs against each other for $15,000 in cash prices, scholarships and Amazon Web Service (AWS) credits, plus business mentorship as an affiliate of the Moonshot at NACET program. The meadery’s presentation during the … [Read more...] about Acquiring a Taste for Mead
Calling on a Community to Battle Cancer from All Sides
Clearing the five-year mark can seem like an invisible finish line in a contest that many cancer patients feel is the race of their lives. Cindy May, owner of Cindy May Marketing in Flagstaff, crossed that line in March. “Cancer changed me,” she said. “Through my journey, it caused me to take a step back. I always realized that family, friends and work are all important, but I feel it on a much deeper level now.” May serves on the board of the newly-formed Flagstaff committee of the Cancer … [Read more...] about Calling on a Community to Battle Cancer from All Sides
Volunteering to Keep Hikers Safe in the Canyon
Education, self-assessment and planning are guidelines voiced repeatedly by the Grand Canyon National Park Service to ensure that hikers “Hike Smart” and understand the meaning of the adage, “Down is optional; up is mandatory.” Helping to ensure safety are Prevention Search and Rescue (PSAR) volunteers stationed on the trails. Implemented in 1997, PSAR was created as a result of increased heat-related illnesses on Grand Canyon trails. “District Rangers from south, north and inner canyon were … [Read more...] about Volunteering to Keep Hikers Safe in the Canyon
Rooted in Fitness
Kelsey Mercer, owner of Roots, Mind, Body, Health and Fitness Center, is the picture of toughness. While obtaining her training and education in exercise physiology and Pilates, she did not let anything get in the way of her goal, and that included raising six children. “I’ve been in fitness for over 20 years and started teaching aerobics in high school,” said Mercer. “My intention was to earn a degree in physical therapy, but plans changed with my husband’s job, so I became a personal trainer. … [Read more...] about Rooted in Fitness