Southwest monsoon season brings renewed caution of the mosquito borne West Nile virus illness Sedona AZ (August 11, 2011) – We swat, put on repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing and yet we still seem to get bitten. It’s monsoon season in Arizona and yes, that means mosquitoes are included in the deal. “Actually, we have mosquitoes throughout the entire year,” said Tami Schuler, Pinal... 

Sedona, AZ (August 9, 2011) – Kids across the Verde Valley head back to school this month, and it’s no different for the children living at the Verde Valley Sanctuary, a 28-bed shelter for victims of domestic abuse. As a result of last month’s Sedona Showcase at the Martini Bar in west Sedona, the Sanctuary received a donation of nearly $400, which was used to help purchase school supplies, says... 

  Pinal County Courthouse Florence AZ (August 8, 2011) – Board of Supervisors Chairman Pete Rios has ordered all Pinal County office flags to be flown at half-staff following Saturday’s downing of a U.S. Military helicopter in Afghanistan.  “I know this was the right thing to do,” Chairman Rios said. “We lost thirty of our military members at the hands of Afghan insurgents, and it’s... 

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Sedona AZ-Be advised that lane restrictions are scheduled next week (August 1-3, 2011) on I-17 north of Valley for sign replacement.   The Arizona Department of Transportation is replacing highway signs along Interstate 17 as part of a statewide sign rehabilitation project. ADOT will periodically restrict the southbound right lane of Interstate 17 from Sunset Point to Black Canyon City from 5 a.m.... 

Sedona AZ-Paving on State Route 89A from Mingus Mountain to Jerome begins next week and delays are expected Monday through Thursday until mid-August. The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) will begin a paving project on the highway from the top of Mingus Mountain into Jerome on Monday, August 1 2011. The six-mile long highway resurfacing project is scheduled for completion mid-August.  The... 

L to R: Honorees Ed and Gloria Lewis with Kent Ellsworth and Supervisor Davis Sedona AZ(July 26, 2011)-It is time once again to honor a team of Unsung Heroes here in the Verde Valley.  This award is for recognizing the many selfless, generous and dependable people who give of their time without ever asking for recognition; and that is what Ed and Gloria Lewis do.  The Lewis’ are our July... 

                When it is pefectly said, there is little else to be said.  Read More →

As thousands of Arizona kids start kindergarten over the next few weeks, they face high expectations and a state ultimatum: learn to read by the end of third grade or be held back. The class of 2024 is the second class of kindergartners subject to the new requirement, approved in 2010 by the state Legislature.  “As parents and caregivers, we are counting on Arizona schools to help our children meet... 

SEDONA AZ –  The Sedona Fire District (SFD) fire ban in effect for all portions of the fire district since May 23, 2011 will be lifted on Thursday, July 21, 2011. BOLT FIRE near Sedona (began July 11, 2011) UPDATE BELOW! Recent rains along with higher humidity, increased fuel moistures, and the forecast for continuing monsoon activity have lowered but not eliminated fire danger in the...