SEDONA AZ (December 27, 2011) – Just before 4 P.M. on December 27, 2011, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office dispatchers received a call from the mother of a 21-year-old hiker stranded on a ledge near Castle Rock. The hiker, identified as Mahdi Harrizi, was vacationing with family at the Red Agave Inn on Canyon Circle Drive in Sedona. They had traveled from their hometown in New York.  Harrizi... 

Sedona Eye guest columnist, Mel Copen Sedona AZ (December 26, 2011) – By Mel Copen © Mel Copen, December 2011 New Years is a time for reflection.  So I thought I would update an article I wrote about New Years Day about a decade ago. In reality, there is nothing special about January first. It’s the day after December 31 and the one before January 2.  Its only tangible element is that... 

Sedona AZ (December 17, 2011) – On December 9,  2011,  just  before  8  PM,  Yavapai  County  Sheriff’s  Office deputies were called to the 11500 block of Boynton Pass Road in Sedona regarding a residential burglary. Upon arrival, deputies met with the resident who was waiting outside after finding glass in a back door had been smashed out. The resident reported leaving home around... 

FLORENCE AZ (December 16, 2011) – Sixteen months ago, a group of Pinal County Arizona citizens was appointed by the County Board of Supervisors to envision a “sustainable” future. In December 2011, the citizens committee presented its findings to the Supervisors.   “Sustainability means different things to different people,” said Pinal County District 3 Supervisor David Snider. “The... 

Sedona AZ (December 15, 2011) – On December 14, 2011, the Sedona City Council held a work session to discuss the project prioritization process and possible acceleration of the 2005 Storm Drain Master Plan. The Sedona City Council meeting may be viewed on the City’s website at www.SedonaAZ.gov. Click on the Video button on the Home page, go to the City Council tab, and select Special City Council... 

Sedona AZ (December 15, 2011) – The City of Sedona Department of Parks and Recreation will be conducting a three-month trial period about how to allow tennis players to reserve a tennis court at Sunset Park. The current policy for the City-operated tennis courts is that players may use the courts on a first come, first serve basis. During the trial period, users will have the opportunity to sign... 

FLORENCE AZ (December 14, 2011) – The Arizona Department of Transportation opened Hunt Highway between Merrill Ranch Parkway and Arizona Farms Road. Pinal County Public Works crews were able complete repairs that included the removal of a large pot hole resulting from water run-off. Crews replaced a section of road with new sub-grade and paving and completed the work two and a half hours ahead of... 

Cottonwood AZ (December 12, 2011) – A packed house applauded the December 2011 Yavapai County Unsung Hero Award winner, Richard Shay of Cottonwood Arizona. Candidates for the award are nominated each month by a Yavapai County entity or citizen and presented by County Supervisor A. G. Chip Davis. The December 2011 winner was nominated by the Cottonwood Arizona Chamber of Commerce and the... 

Dear Arizona Taxpayer and Friend of Verde Valley School, I  hope this letter finds you enjoying the run up to the holiday season. On campus, students are gearing up for mid-terms, semester grades and a well-earned Winter Break. As a graduate or friend of Verde Valley School you know the value of an independent school education. One way independent schools stay independent in their finances and governance... 

Sedona Eye guest columnist, Mel Copen Sedona AZ (December 12, 2011) – Every now and then, issues arise which I believe are important, but which can be dealt with in substantially less than a full column. When I accumulate a few, “points to ponder” is the result. The First Amendment to the Constitution contains the wording: “Congress shall make no law … abridging the freedom of speech…”...