Spotlight

Hopi Tribal Councilmember Cliff Balenquah says the Hopi Tribe has a lot of potential for economic development, but it has to overcome obstacles to reach that goal. Balenquah, who has served on the council on and off for the past 12 years, said the recent purchase of a hotel in Clarkdale was a positive step forward. He said other economic development opportunities include developing land between Flagstaff and Winslow just off I-40, which the tribe owns, and maybe purchasing Hank’s Trading Post, … [Read more...] about Hopi Councilmember Cliff Balenquah Sees Economic Potential, Pushes for Smart Growth

An iconic and heart-wrenching photograph by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal entitled “Raising the Flag over Iwo Jima,” circa 1945, has been recreated as a mural on the east wall of the American Legion #25 in Cottonwood by famed Sedona artist and muralist Claudio Valdez.   The portrayal is so realistic and lifelike that a local veteran told Valdez, “The only thing missing is the smell.”   “It was a powerful experience painting this mural,” said Valdez. “Not only because I am an … [Read more...] about Bringing History to Life

From flying helicopters in the Army to a career as a commercial airline pilot, to aerial firefighting and piloting a World War II vintage aircraft, Prescott resident Boyd Gallaher has known a mind-boggling array of aviation experiences. He has had his commercial pilot’s license for 57 years and has logged more than 30,000 hours of flight time. Gallaher grew up in an aviation family. His father was an air tanker pilot, and later, his brother became an aerial firefighter. Before joining the … [Read more...] about A Lifetime in the Cockpit: Boyd Gallaher Shares His Journey from Warbirds to Wildfires

If you are wondering if chocolate eaten late in the day is keeping you up at night or looking for a supplement to support healthy sleep, Sedona Natural Grocers Nutrition Health Coach Nicolette “Nickie” Severa is your resource. Severa loves to educate customers about nutrition, and she takes her job seriously. “I’m motivated to learn all I can about the different foods and supplements that we sell so I can be a nutrition resource for our customers.”  Severa says she can’t promise that any diet … [Read more...] about From Sleep Struggles to Superfoods: Nutrition Coach Helps Sedona Thrive

Mikal Antunez mixes modern haircuts, fun conversation and his Yavapai Apache culture to come up with a successful business blend at DLuxe Barbershop. Antunez is known for his “modern fades,” which means keeping the hair longer on the top and having a smooth transition with the rest of the hair. He said this is the most popular trend, along with more men growing beards. “Cutting hair has been my passion since I was a freshman in high school,” he said. Antunez, 27, said he started by cutting … [Read more...] about Cutting Edge: Mikal Antunez Blends Style, Humor and Heritage at DLuxe Barbershop

A painting of a viticulturist’s life goes far beyond the picturesque rows of groomed vines and trellises that eventually produce an alluring glass of fine wine.  Behind the surface is a palette of backbreaking labor, stress and long hours.   Just like any farmer, or in this case, winegrower, the elements of nature determine your workday.   From locating the best rootstock to planting, to pruning, to bottling, other factors such as weather, viruses, fungal diseases, rodents and pests factor … [Read more...] about Arizona Wine Country Visionary Takes Guests Behind the Scenes

From the base camp of Mt. Everest to the floor of the Grand Canyon, Helen Ranney is doing everything she can to have fun working, traveling and spending time with her husband, world-renowned geologist and author Wayne Ranney. In addition to her many roles as wife, mother of three adult children, grandmother of eight and great-grandmother, Helen has worked for Arizona Highways as sales manager and the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC) as director of marketing and associate director of philanthropy. … [Read more...] about A Passion for the Outdoors, Adventure, Travel

For her decades of work in the Verde Valley wine industry and helping to elevate Arizona wines to the global stage, Paula Woolsey has received the 2024 Tourism Hall of Fame Award. “We raise our glasses to toast Paula as this year’s Arizona Tourism Hall of Fame Award honoree, as her vision and hard work have been instrumental in making Arizona a rising star in the world of wine,” said Arizona Office of Tourism Director Lisa Urias. As owner of the Cellar Door Unhinged, a sales and marketing … [Read more...] about Raising a Glass to Verde Valley Wine Promoter Paula Woolsey