Carol DiQuilio has only lived in Clarkdale a little over a year, but the word is out on her nature photography, as the subjects in the captivating photos seem to jump out at passersby in local shops. The nature photographer has been perfecting her craft for 60 years. With the decision to downsize, she moved from Texas to Clarkdale. Her Arizona adventures have included camping at Deadhorse State Park in Cottonwood while searching for her new home and traveling to Patagonia in Southern Arizona to … [Read more...] about Wild Moments in Focus
Spotlight
Homegrown Leadership: Traci Lira Brings Heart and Vision to Prescott Valley Neighborhood Services
Prescott Valley’s new Neighborhood Services Director Traci Lira has a particular understanding of the community she now serves. The Neighborhood Services Department is relatively new, since October 2023, and currently oversees Prescott Valley’s Code Compliance, Animal Services, Community Development Block Grants and other neighborhood concerns. Lira has served as the department’s deputy director since November 2024, before she was promoted to director in August. Born in Oregon, Lira moved with … [Read more...] about Homegrown Leadership: Traci Lira Brings Heart and Vision to Prescott Valley Neighborhood Services
Fire Chief John Feddema Takes the Helm
Central Yavapai Fire and Medical Authority’s John Feddema didn’t dream of becoming a fire chief when he began his firefighting career. He had hoped to move through the ranks and perhaps retire as a captain, but today, he heads up the 188-person department that serves 106,000 residents in 369 square miles of Yavapai County. Feddema began his career in 2000 as a reserve firefighter with the Central Yavapai Fire District. In his 24 years of service, he has held multiple roles, including … [Read more...] about Fire Chief John Feddema Takes the Helm
From England to Arizona, Reuben Hawkins Blends Global Experience with Local Western Flair
Some may find it surprising to find a high-impact video production and marketing business like Bright Spark Media in the humble town of Camp Verde, but for owner Reuben Hawkins, it’s the perfect fit. Helping seven- and eight- figure businesses grow with high-impact video production and marketing, Bright Spark Media works with clients nationwide, transforming YouTube channels into revenue machines for growth and retention. His credentials include certifications from the University of Arizona … [Read more...] about From England to Arizona, Reuben Hawkins Blends Global Experience with Local Western Flair
Hopi Elder LeRoy Shingoitewa Continues to Shape the Future
At 83 years old, LeRoy Shingoitewa remains on the Hopi Tribal Council, largely focusing on water and education issues. Shing, as he is affectionately called by friends, does not shy away from talking about his age. “To reach this age and still have good mind and body is an accomplishment,” he said. Shingoitewa has been serving in Hopi government since 1968. He served as chairman from 2009-2013, and also served as governor of his beloved Moenkopi Village. One of the longstanding issues he … [Read more...] about Hopi Elder LeRoy Shingoitewa Continues to Shape the Future
From Division I Athlete to Local Surgeon: Dr. Chun Leads New Sports Clinic
Dr. Kyle Chun, orthopedic surgeon at Dignity Health’s Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic in Prescott Valley, helps athletes, young and old, recover from injuries. Sports and medicine have gone hand in hand for Chun, as he was a Division 1 collegiate swimmer, and his wife was a Division 1 collegiate volleyball player. “I want to help those who want to have active lifestyles,” he said. “I like seeing people at the clinic and helping them get back to what they love to do.” In the Quad Cities, … [Read more...] about From Division I Athlete to Local Surgeon: Dr. Chun Leads New Sports Clinic
Nature’s Royalty: King Penguin Portrait Elevates Prescott Artist’s Conservation Efforts
Prescott naturalist Walt Anderson’s colored pencil work, “Return of the King: King Penguin,” has been accepted by Artists for Conservation (AFC) for their annual festival in Vancouver, British Columbia in September. The acceptance is prestigious, as there were 506 submissions from 177 artists and only 87 were chosen for the show. This is the sixth time Anderson has submitted to AFC, and his work has been accepted each time. Last year, Anderson was honored by with their highest award, the Simon … [Read more...] about Nature’s Royalty: King Penguin Portrait Elevates Prescott Artist’s Conservation Efforts
Driven to Serve: Jon Huey Shifts Gears from Tribal Leadership to Auto Repair
Former Yavapai-Apache Chairman Jon Huey brings integrity, leadership and warmth to Huey Automotive in Rimrock. After decades of service in public safety and tribal leadership, Jon Huey could have coasted into retirement. Instead, the former Yavapai-Apache police chief and Yavapai-Apache Nation chairman accelerated into a new chapter – this time, under the hood. Three years ago, he opened Huey Automotive in Rimrock, a full-service repair garage that has quickly earned a reputation for quality … [Read more...] about Driven to Serve: Jon Huey Shifts Gears from Tribal Leadership to Auto Repair
A Life in Frames: Local Artist Becomes Owner of Iconic Prescott Gallery
During his last semester of high school, Artist Russell Johnson began working at The Frame and I Gallery and Frame Shop in downtown Prescott, a position he held for more than two decades until recently, when he bought the business. “I first hired Russell when he was just 17 years old,” said former owner Ida Woll, who owned the business for 27 years. “His artistic talent and technical abilities impressed me right away. He adapted to picture framing quickly with an eye for color and design as … [Read more...] about A Life in Frames: Local Artist Becomes Owner of Iconic Prescott Gallery
The Bit Maker of Camp Verde Earns Worldwide Respect
Communication between a horse and its rider can be a challenge, but Flagstaff native Greg Scott has found a way that not only eases that barrier but has charmed clients across the nation. Although horse bits and spurs may not mean much to the average person, to an equestrian, it can make a big difference in controlling their horse. And Custom Handcrafter Bits and Rasp Spurs owner Greg Scott has horse riders from all over impressed with his craft. “The primary purpose of a horse bit is to … [Read more...] about The Bit Maker of Camp Verde Earns Worldwide Respect
