What started as a childhood hobby has turned into a thriving business, inspired by a Wall Street Journal headline. Seven years ago, John Donovan came across an article suggesting that LEGO bricks had become more valuable than gold bullion. That simple discovery would soon reshape his career and passion. “I’ve been building with LEGO all my life,” he said. At the time, Donovan was working as chief financial officer for an international irrigation company. But intrigued by the collectible … [Read more...] about John’s Box of Bricks Sparks Imagination
Business
Delmo 4X4 Adds Performance, Rugged Style to Old Trucks
It has been an interesting path for Del Uschenko to get to Prescott and find his niche customizing classic American pickup trucks from the 1950s and ‘60s with modern performance gear and vintage style. Imagine driving a fully restored 1959 Chevy Apache four-wheel drive truck, fueled by a 525-horsepower engine that can outpace a roadrunner. It’s one of Uschenko’s latest builds for his local company, Delmo 4X4. He grew up in Calgary, Alberta. Eventually, he had a hot rod shop there. He decided … [Read more...] about Delmo 4X4 Adds Performance, Rugged Style to Old Trucks
New Prescott Microhospital Promises Faster ER Care, Personalized Service
Exceptional Healthcare Inc., a Dallas-based hospital group, has opened a new state-of-the-art microhospital in Prescott, promising rapid emergency care and personalized service for the growing Quad Cities region. The 20,850-square-foot facility, named Exceptional Community Hospital - Prescott, is located at 4822 Arizona State Highway 69. Built for approximately $25 million, the hospital features 10 emergency room beds, a full radiology suite, an on-site lab, inpatient pharmacy and eight private … [Read more...] about New Prescott Microhospital Promises Faster ER Care, Personalized Service
Augie’s Restaurant Comes to Pine Ridge Marketplace
Long a fond fixture on Highway 69, Augie’s Restaurant in Prescott closed its doors in December, after more than 20 years of entertaining locals and visitors alike with its traditional comfort food, often presented in bold and unique ways. It will be welcome news for fans of Augie’s when it hosts a grand opening this month at Pine Ridge Marketplace (formerly the Prescott Gateway Mall), a modern, multifaceted regional shopping center at 3460 Gateway Boulevard. The restaurant’s return was sparked … [Read more...] about Augie’s Restaurant Comes to Pine Ridge Marketplace
Farm to Table, River to Flame: Chef Laura Chamberlin Caters in Town or in the Field
Sometimes growing up with a little can yield a lot when it comes to learning valuable life lessons. For Culinary Concepts Southwest owner and chef Laura Chamberlin, who was born and raised in Tucson, living meagerly unlocked her culinarian future. “My mother had a wonderful way of transforming the simple food we had into delicious dinners.” “Of course, I didn’t appreciate it at the time. But my mom, who was single, was a really great cook. She was a scratch baker and made wonderful dishes … [Read more...] about Farm to Table, River to Flame: Chef Laura Chamberlin Caters in Town or in the Field
Lending a Hand for Nature
In a happy case of synchronicity, on Saturday morning, April 19, a passionate community of volunteers showed up to make new friends and get some exercise outdoors, after checking in at the meeting area in Granite Creek Park. From there, individuals took off to designated locations to work for a common cause – the 2025 Granite Creek Cleanup – an annual event that champions Granite Creek and watershed improvement in the Prescott area. Several hundred eager volunteers formed teams of one to 20 … [Read more...] about Lending a Hand for Nature
Wine, Food, Festivities to Flow at Verde Valley Wine Festival
Wine lovers and festivalgoers will once again flock to Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park this spring as the Verde Valley Wine Festival makes its highly anticipated return 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, May 10. Now in its seventh year, the popular event will bring together more than 20 wineries from across the Verde Valley and beyond. Attendees can sip their way through some of Arizona’s finest wine selections while enjoying craft beer, spirits, food from local eateries, live music and artisan shopping … [Read more...] about Wine, Food, Festivities to Flow at Verde Valley Wine Festival
Yavapai-Apache Nation Marks Fifteen Years of Earth Day Awareness and Action
Fifteen years after launching the Yavapai-Apache Nation’s first Earth Day event, David Lewis says the annual gathering continues to grow in both participation and purpose. Lewis, manager of the tribe’s Environmental Protection Department, created the event to promote environmental awareness while strengthening tribal and community partnerships. This year’s celebration, held Saturday, April 5, welcomed representatives from the region, including the Town of Camp Verde, APS, Home Depot, the … [Read more...] about Yavapai-Apache Nation Marks Fifteen Years of Earth Day Awareness and Action
Lucy Leyva Builds Maid to Order Into Regional Powerhouse
As a single mom, Lucy Leyva began her residential cleaning business as its lone employee. Today, 20 years later, Prescott Maid to Order has more than 80 workers and Leyva is planning to expand into the Verde Valley. At the beginning, Leyva said, she knew that she wanted to create a business and she needed one that did not require a lot of investment money for startup. She also wanted to stay connected to people and the community. “I love people,” the former Prescott Valley Town councilmember … [Read more...] about Lucy Leyva Builds Maid to Order Into Regional Powerhouse
‘The Barn’ Blooms: Verde River Growers Unveils New Indoor Oasis
The new retail building at Verde River Growers (VRG) is not only a pleasant and spacious place to shop for exotic plants and flowers, the climate-controlled environment is a great respite from the weather outside. “We call it ‘The Barn,’ keeping with our farmer’s market theme,” said VRG Manager Lindsey Curé. “The Barn brings 3,600 feet of a modern farmhouse feel, sprouting with new product lines and energy. There was a lot of preparation, and the work was done in stages.” The project took 14 … [Read more...] about ‘The Barn’ Blooms: Verde River Growers Unveils New Indoor Oasis
