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City-Planned Events Delivering Economic Impact

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The economic impact of local events planned by the City of Prescott continues to grow, bringing new people and more dollars to the community.

The direct impact from spending on sporting events alone last year was over $2.5 million. The indirect economic impact totaled almost $6 million. Compared to five years ago, that’s an increase of more than $1 million in direct spending and $3.5 million in economic impact.

What is more, an expanded event calendar for coming months promises to be “…bigger than ever,” said John Heiney, community outreach manager for the City of Prescott.

Heiney told a crowd of local business and hospitality leaders that increased cooperation and participation from throughout the community is creating an excellent atmosphere for economic growth. The group met at the Hassayampa Inn on March 5 for an update called “Tourism Team Up.”

The combination of city-coordinated special events and sporting events from April through December 2019 adds up to more than 90.

Prescott Parks and Recreation Director Joe Baynes told the group, “The events we’re talking about today do not include those planned down around the Courthouse Square by the county and by Prescott Downtown Partnership. Those bring in hundreds more visitors.”

Baynes asked meeting attendees to spread the word that the annual city-sponsored 4th of July Fireworks Show is being moved to Watson Lake for safety reasons. For the past several years, it had been at the Mile High Mid-School Athletic Field, but drought conditions and fire danger had caused it to be postponed.

Rick Hormann, city recreation supervisor, distributed a list of upcoming sporting events that began March 9 with vintage baseball games, and concludes Oct. 26 with The Prescott Sixer Bike Race. Sporting events range from baseball and softball leagues and tournaments to soccer, pickleball, marathons, bike races, rollerhockey and disc golf.

Hormann noted that tournaments and state championships “…fill our local hotels and restaurants with teams and their families for multi-day experiences.” He said because of the increasing number of events, it is likely the city will be adding more ballparks and four more pickleball courts.

Of pickleball, he said, “Our program here has become so popular that we are thinking of sponsoring a national tournament.”

Michelle Stacey-Schroeder, city recreation coordinator, shared information about more than 60 events in downtown Prescott. Beginning April 6 and running through Dec. 31, activities include arts and crafts fairs, antique shows, music festivals, car shows, wine festivals and several major parades.

“The amount of money that circulates because of all these events throughout the summer and fall is inestimable,” she said. “We know this. Other cities are contacting us, asking for advice about how we deliver so many events. They want to imitate what we do because we have been so successful.”

Linda Nichols, who for several years has been active with the Parks and Recreation Board, applauded city staff members and told the crowd, “I think it is fantastic what the city does with the limited resources they have. They are enriching the lives of all our residents and those who visit Prescott.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information, call 928-777-1552 or visit
prescott-az.gov/recreation-events/recreation-services.

Education Center Expansion Underway at Sharlot Hall Museum

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Ever-increasing visitation and recognition as a key destination in Central Arizona prompted leadership at Sharlot Hall Museum to accelerate plans for expansion of the education center.

Groundbreaking for the 10,000-square-foot addition to the existing John and Helen Lawless Exhibit Center had more than 75 museum supporters gather Feb. 28 for a spirited ceremony celebrating the success of the popular attraction.

Master of Ceremonies D.J. Fone described the soon-to-be constructed $2.75 million two-story (and a one-story basement) as being a “…further source of historical, literary, civic and educational interest in preserving the heritage of the central highlands of Arizona.”

Fone introduced several local dignitaries who participated in the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony.

Museum Director Fred Veil expressed thanks to those who contributed to the fundraising efforts. He explained that the additional facilities will support the current focus of developing museum exhibits. He noted that more school and group tours, hands-on activities and exhibits would be possible with the new space. Currently, the museum has thousands of objects, but capabilities to show only about 10 percent of them at any one time, said Ken Leja, the museum’s media and marketing manager.

More than 50,000 people visit the museum each year.

Veil then invited city and county dignitaries to join him to ceremoniously break ground.

When completed in about eight months, the Education Center will have an auditorium with theater-style seating for about 135 people. It also can serve as a multipurpose room to accommodate community activities. The second floor will have classrooms and other space equipped with contemporary technology. Prescott-based Kenson Construction is heading the construction.

It has been 90 years since Sharlot Hall Museum opened its doors. Founded in 1928 by Sharlot M. Hall, a writer, pioneer ranch owner, activist and historian, the museum has grown from a small parcel with a log cabin on bare land to a four-acre campus housing 11 exhibit buildings that contain more than 40,000 artifacts.

Upcoming events at the museum include the monthly Second Saturday Living History Adventures, the Folk Arts Fair in the first week of June, the Indian Art Market the second weekend of July, and Sharlot’s Winefest in August.

The museum is located at 415 W. Gurley Street in downtown Prescott. For more information, call 928-445-3122 or visit sharlot.org. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Solar After Sunset

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Arizona Public Service customers will soon be powering their evening dinners, prime-time television programs and bedtime reading lights with a cleaner energy mix. That news comes from Jeff Burke, the director of resource planning at APS, as the utility announces its initiative to add massive battery storage to its existing solar power plants, stand-alone energy storage and build new solar facilities with storage.
    “This is big and coming on quickly,” said Burke. This will be one of the largest solar battery storage installations to date in the industry – bigger than all the batteries installed across the U.S. combined last year.”

The effort is designed to provide solar power after the sun sets. “That is really important in going forward with our clean energy mix,” he said. “During Arizona’s hot summertime, we’ll be able to charge batteries early in the morning. As the sun goes down, use of electricity goes up and is at its most expensive. We’ll soon be able to use that excess solar energy on the grid so we can provide clean resources to our customers at an affordable cost.”

Traditionally, the additional energy needed to meet customers’ peak demand in the summer has been generated from natural gas. With this new direction, Burke says APS will use 150 megawatts of solar-fueled battery storage to meet part of the demand when energy usage peaks. 

APS currently provides customers with an energy mix that is 50 percent clean and getting cleaner, say officials. The latest initiative will add 850 megawatts of battery storage and at least 100 megawatts of new solar generation by 2025, for a total of 950 megawatts of new clean-energy technology. 

The addition of 850 megawatts of new clean resources to APS’s portfolio is estimated to provide enough power to meet the peak requirement of up to 275,000 residential customers on an average summer day.

“Another way to put it into perspective is that these new clean energy projects are the equivalent of adding the power of more than three million solar panels or more than 9,000 electric cars to Arizona’s energy mix,” explained Burke.

He adds that the battery storage plan is now possible because technology is maturing and costs associated with solar battery storage are declining. “We’re finding opportunities to pair the two together and make sure we can still maintain reliable, affordable service.”

“This represents a major down payment on Arizona’s continued progress toward an energy future that is clean, reliable and affordable,” said APS Chairman and CEO Don Brandt. “Arizona is already a national leader in solar energy. The challenge is, no one has figured out how to stop the sun from setting at night. As storage technology improves and declines in cost, we will increasingly be able to store the power of the sun cost-effectively to deliver when our customers need it.”  

The first stage of the plan includes retrofitting all existing APS solar facilities and upgrading them with 200 megawatts of battery storage systems. A team led by Invenergy is scheduled to install six of the new battery systems at solar plants in Maricopa County and Yuma to be in place by 2020. Two more upgrades are expected to be completed by 2021. 
Meanwhile, APS plans to build an additional 500 megawatts of solar storage and stand-alone battery storage by 2025. The first project is a 100-megawatt solar-storage plant. APS is already partnering with Tempe-based First Solar to build a first-of-its-kind solar-plus-storage project that will be one of the largest in the country when completed in 2021.

Officials say the utility company plans to use less natural gas as cleaner technologies become available. 

“Large-scale battery storage is a critical step on the path to reliable and affordable clean-energy solutions,” said The Nature Conservancy State Director Pat Graham in a news release. “Clean energy and clean air are important to the health of our communities and the lands and water upon which all life depends.” QCBN

By Bonnie Stevens, QCBN

Northern Arizona Surgeons Reattach Man’s Severed Arm

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After a traumatic accident at a Winslow sawmill, hours of surgery and months of physical and occupational therapy, 44-year-old Mickey Rosenquist can almost fully straighten and bend his arm and turn his wrist from side to side. To have his arm at all is the result of quick action by co-workers, first responders and a team of leading surgeons.

Rosenquist was hired to cut standing-dead trees and lumber into firewood to be sold at convenience stores. He was feeding the wood into the band saw. The next memory he had was a experiencing “a very odd feeling.”

“I yelled at my coworker that my arm was gone,” recalled Rosenquist. “He thought I was joking. I yelled again and he realized I was serious. He sat me down, took off his belt and we used it for a tourniquet on my upper arm, then he ran 60 yards to the office to get help. I saw my arm laying a few yards away from me. When the paramedics arrived, they worked to stop the bleeding and called for a medical helicopter. My arm was placed in a clear plastic bag and tucked in beside me for the flight.”

Rosenquist was flown to the region’s only state-designated Level I Trauma Center at Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC). Fortunately, at least four of the country’s top surgeons work in Flagstaff.

Patrick Cole, M.D., is one of few who performs microsurgery (surgery at the “nano” level that requires special equipment and specialized training), as well as complex reconstructive surgery and plastic surgery. Dr. Cole is a physician member at the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona.

This was not the first time Dr. Cole had performed such extensive surgery. In 2016, he did a successful hand replantation at FMC on a man whose hand was detached from an explosion.

Replantation is the surgical reattachment of a finger, hand or arm that has been detached from the body. In some cases, a replant is not possible because the body is too damaged or too much time has elapsed between injury and surgery. Rosenquist was a good candidate because the detachment was a “clean cut” and he was quickly transported to a trauma center.

Dr. Cole was joined by fellow Flagstaff surgeons Andrew Aldridge, M.D., Brandon Clark, D.O., and Mark Donnelly, M.D.

Dr. Aldridge specializes in all aspects of surgery, including trauma surgery. He was instrumental in the development of FMC’s Trauma Center and is part of the physician group at Flagstaff Surgical Associates.

Dr. Clark is an orthopaedic traumatologist. He specializes in orthopaedic trauma and adult post-traumatic injury reconstruction, which often include numerous complex fractures. He is part of the physician group at Northern Arizona Orthopaedics.

Dr. Donnelly specializes in vascular and trauma surgery and was instrumental in the development of FMC’s Trauma Center and Heart & Vascular Center.

The surgeons worked together to perform the arm-saving surgeries, each bringing his expertise and training to the surgical table to repair bones, muscles, nerves, arteries and veins, all in an attempt to save the arm and restore function.

According to Dr. Cole, surgeons only have about six hours from the time of the injury to restore blood flow. Drs. Donnelly and Aldridge performed the first surgery, which took four hours.

Dr. Aldridge explained, “We needed to bring the greatest amount of blood flow back to the arm in the fastest time. We used small tubing, like that used for IVs, to create vessels to move the blood between the upper attached and lower detached arm. Without this immediate blood supply, the arm would not be able to be replanted.”

The following day, Drs. Clark and Cole performed a second surgery. Dr. Clark used grafts, plates, screws, pins, wires, shunts and more to reconnect the bones, muscles and other soft tissues. Dr. Cole performed microsurgery to reconnect the nerves, which are just one-quarter the diameter of a strand of human hair.

“We can restore blood flow and reconnect the bones, muscles and tissues, but the amount of movement is dependent on the nerves, which are the connection between the brain and the body,” Dr. Cole said. “Without nerve regeneration and connection to the brain, there is no muscle movement.”

The third surgery entailed removing a large vein from Rosenquist’s leg to repair, connect and create three veins and two arteries in the arm. Skin grafts were the final stage of the surgical replant process.

“The level of function Mickey has is unprecedented,” Dr. Cole said. “He has a great deal more use than expected. I attribute the success to an extraordinary team of physicians, nurses, first responders, therapists and support staff. And, of course, to Mickey, for his determination and steadfastness to make the best of the situation and do everything he was directed to do.”

Rosenquist is more than grateful to the first responders, surgeons and trauma team at FMC.

“I am so grateful to the four amazing surgeons who brought their expertise to the table, literally. Without them, all the people at the hospital and my physical and occupational therapists, I would not have an arm, much less some use of both my arm and hand. I am eternally grateful.” QCBN

By Starla S Collins, QCBN

Canyon Receiving Grand Support

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Coming together to sponsor and commemorate the Grand Canyon’s 100th anniversary Centennial celebration, Arizona Public Service (APS), Bank of America (BofA) and Teva have partnered with Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC), to strengthen environmental, cultural, tribal, educational and conservation projects at the world-famous attraction.

“This support makes it possible for us to protect the canyon’s unique resources while inspiring future generations to experience and connect with the Grand Canyon,” said Susan Schroeder, GCC chief executive officer.

Of the several centennial projects initiated, long-time partner APS has sponsored improvements to the Bright Angel Trailhead, the preservation of the Desert View Watchtower and the Canyon Field School program for underserved students. APS employees also contribute and volunteer work at the Grand Canyon and serve on the GCC board.

“The Grand Canyon is a true treasure to Arizona, its residents and the visitors it draws from around the globe,” said APS CEO and Chairman Don Brandt. “This natural wonder is an awe-inspiring destination that gives our state its unique identity.”

Noteworthy projects for the Desert View Watchtower include restoration of murals, new spaces for a performance plaza and cultural center, and expanding tribal youth opportunities for education and job training.

Bank of America’s award of a $100,000 grant is expected to “ensure the Grand Canyon continues to thrive for the next 100 years through sustainable opportunities, access for visitors, Arizonans and the tribes who make the park a true national treasure,” said BofA Arizona President Benito Almanza. “While a landmark for visitors around the world, the Grand Canyon has become a personal passion for many Arizonans, including myself.”

Almanza usually hikes the Grand Canyon once or twice a year with friends and family and has completed 34 canyon hikes, including rim to rim. “I enjoy sharing the beauty of the Grand Canyon. Everyone always has a transformational experience.”

The BofA grant also supports several park priorities such as restoration of historic trails and the canyon’s designation as an International Dark Sky Park through the replacement of light fixtures to minimize light pollution.

Teva’s celebratory slogan, “Born in the Canyon,” reflects the company’s origin, when a Grand Canyon river guide strapped two Velcro watchbands to a pair of old flip-flops to prevent the sandals from floating downstream. “Our goal is to bring as much awareness as possible to this initiative so the Grand Canyon can be explored by adventurers for years to come,” said Teva General Manager Anders Bergstrom.

The Grand Canyon National Park and GCC have scheduled a list of events throughout the year to celebrate the 2019 Grand Canyon Centennial. From activities at the canyon to presentations in cities throughout Arizona, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a deeper understanding and appreciation of the canyon. For more information about upcoming events, visit grandcanyon.org. QCBN

By V. Ronnie Tierney, QCBN

Program Encouraging Water Efficient Fixtures

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Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli is fond of citing the quote famously attributed to Mark Twain: “Whiskey’s for drinking; water’s for fighting over.”

In fact, he uses that phrase to highlight planning for the future and the amount of water it will take to sustain reasonable growth without jeopardizing future generations.

Mengarelli also emphasizes that water conservation is in the best interest of the greater community. He surprised people when he pointed out that even with population growth, the City of Prescott returned more water to the aquifer in 2017 than it used.

“In 2017, The City of Prescott used 6,770 acre feet of water. We returned to the aquifer 7,005 acre feet from our lakes and effluent treatment plant,” he said. “In addition, since 2014, our water usage has decreased about 2 percent on average annually.”

However, Mengarelli stresses that conservation is critical to sustain the future. The City of Prescott is urging water users to take advantage of the city’s water conservation rebate program. Qualified residents and businesses can qualify for up to $2,500 in rebates if they replace inefficient plumbing fixtures, and eliminate or reduce high water use landscaping.

Ten Conservation Items That Qualify for Rebates:

Drip Irrigation Systems. Such systems must include an automatic timer, approved backflow device and drip irrigation installation ($75 rebate).

Landscape Health Check: A certified landscape auditor must complete a thorough landscape audit. A paid invoice must be submitted ($75 rebate).

Rainwater Harvesting: A minimum of a 100-gallon capacity rainwater catchment tank or certified cistern must be installed ($0.50 per gallon, up to a $500 maximum rebate).

Turf Removal: Requires conversion from irrigated turf grass to water-saving landscaping.  A minimum of 200 square feet of residential turf or 1,000 square feet of non-residential turf removal is required ($0.25 per square foot up to $400 maximum for residential, and $800 for non-residential/commercial).

High efficiency toilets. Replacement toilets must use 1.6 gallons or less per flush ($50 rebate).

Commercial urinals. Replacement units must use 1.0 gallons or less per flush ($50 rebate).

Sprinkler Spray Head Replacement. A minimum of 12 units must be replaced ($2 per head, up to $40 maximum rebate).

Leak Repairs. This is a one-time benefit per property for eliminating leaks ($5 per leak, with a $25 maximum rebate).

Showerhead Replacement. Showerheads should not exceed 2.4 gallons per minute ($10 rebate).

Other water smart devices include low-flow, low tech devices ($10 rebate).

According to Leah Hubbard, City of Prescott water resource coordinator, Water Rebate Applications can be completed electronically at waterrebate.com or by picking up application forms and other materials at the Water Resource Management Office, 201 S. Cortex, in Prescott.

Hubbard and her staff also are continuing a series of “Water Smart: Drop by Drop,” interactive education programs about water conservation and water supplies. The next program, “State of Arizona Water Management,” is scheduled at noon, March 20, at the Founders Suite, Prescott Public Library, 215 E. Goodwin Street.

Presentations are scheduled for noon on the third Wednesday of each month.

Hubbard commented that practicing a low water-use lifestyle is a way everyone can ensure a long-term sufficient water supply. She says efficient water use will help meet current and future needs, and result in financial savings, decreased energy use and better preservation of the environment. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

For more information about the WaterSmart Program, visit prescottwater.com or call 928-777-1645.

Racing to Begin Soon at Arizona Downs

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Barring unforeseen difficulties, Memorial Day weekend will have the starter’s gun firing, horses galloping and the announcer shouting, “They’re off!”

Arizona Downs in Yavapai County now seems primed to become another major destination in Central Arizona.

In the past five months, experienced racetrack personnel have converted what was a weed-covered, eroded and generally abandoned horseracing complex into one of the most contemporary tracks in the Southwest.

Ann McGovern, general manager for Arizona Downs, is unabashedly enthusiastic about the future of what will be Arizona’s second largest racetrack.

The biggest is Turf Paradise in Phoenix. It operates only during the fall and winter seasons when temperatures are not extreme and dangerous for racehorsing in the Valley of the Sun.

McGovern gave the Quad Cities Business News an exclusive tour of the renovated facilities. All the while, she praised the support and cooperation she has received from consultants, contractors, vendors, laborers and staff in resurrecting the once falling-apart facilities into a coveted destination for horse owners, trainers and, of course, race fans.

“We couldn’t be happier with the general contractor we have, Midwest Construction. But just as important, we are emphatic that we hire local employees and use local vendors and suppliers. We’re a member of this community. We intend to be here a long time,” said McGovern, who lives in Prescott Valley with her family.

She hesitated to cite the precise figure spent in bringing Arizona Downs back into operation after almost 10 years of being moribund. “Let’s just say somewhere between $7 million to $10 million has been put into the economy.”

She stood at the front of the multi-story
grandstand, recently painted in muted earth tones. It also has been reroofed and completely rehabilitated. “Arizona Downs will be as fine a racetrack as you can find in the Southwest,” said McGovern. “We can seat at least 1,000 fans in the bleachers.”

Back inside the totally renovated third floor, McGovern wandered through the 300-person-capacity contemporary dining room, fully equipped for full-service meals as well as buffets. She suggested that eating a “fine meal” while viewing the sweeping chaparral and sage landscape rolling across the horizon was “…as good as it gets. We feature a Sunday brunch that guests tell me is exceptional.”

The dining room also has a full bar. It is adjacent to an event room, which can accommodate up to another 150 people.

“This is a perfect location for a private party, a reception, a wedding – or any other occasion you can think of for a celebration,” she said with a smile, while waving at guests. “We’re happy to help guests plan special events or activities. And I have to tell you – we have what we call a ‘traditional menu, but with a bit of a twist.’”

While construction work has been underway, off-track betting (OTB) has been available daily at 9 a.m. for tracks across the nation. The OTB operation also has connections with Connolly’s Sports Grill and Bull Shooters Sports Bar and Grill in Phoenix, the Museum Club in Flagstaff and Gallagher’s Pub in Lake Havasu City. McGovern said plans are to add more contracted OTB sites.

A New Jersey native, McGovern attended West Virginia University. She later moved to Tucson, where she enrolled in the University of Arizona Race Track Industry program. She has more than 30 years of experience in the horse racing industry.

She echoed what one of the owners, Corey Johnson, had earlier said. “This racetrack is going to have excellent facilities for everyone in the industry. We’ll have an exceptionally safe track. We have more than 1,000 stables for owners and trainers and their horses. We have unlimited parking. And with 90 acres of land, we have a lot of room for future growth.”

Current plans are to have horse races regularly from Memorial Day through September.

She said some races would be for American Quarter Horses, while others would be for thoroughbreds. She noted most races in the Southwest and West are for quarterhorses and are run in yards. Thoroughbred races are measured in furlongs (eight furlongs equal one mile).

“Our track is a mile long and 80 feet wide, so we can have starting gates up to 10 or 12 horses wide. That’s an advantage and race fans love such races,” she said, motioning broadly at the north to south-facing dirt, sand, loam and clay surfaced track.

McGovern emphasized that because Arizona Downs is located in the moderate summer climate of Central Arizona, and in a non-congested area, those in the racing industry would take advantage of such opportunities.

She said staff has already been receiving inquiries from all over Arizona and California, about RV facilities. One RV park is immediately adjacent to the racetrack; several others are within a few miles. 

It’s been years since horses last galloped the oval track east of Prescott Valley on Highway 89 A. Formerly known as Yavapai Downs, the racetrack was bought for $3.22 million out of bankruptcy court by J & J Equine Enterprises, LLC. The firm is owned by Phoenix-based JACOR partners (and brothers) Tom, Dave and Mike Auther and their partner, Joe Jackson, along with racing executive Corey Johnsen.

McGovern says the appeal of horseracing is growing. J and Q Equine saw an opportunity to grow the racing industry in Arizona, so they invested heavily in Arizona Downs. “They know that horse racing has historically been a family-friendly sport and its appeal seems to be increasing. It’s affordable, it’s relaxing and it’s safe.” QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Phippen Art Museum Expanding Activities  

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Highlighting its 35th anniversary is a year-long mission for leaders and board members at the Phippen Museum of Western Art.   

“In fact, it is far more than a mission. It is a passion,” said Edd Kellerman, the museum’s recently-named executive director.  

“Our ever-increasing visibility, coupled with the increasing number of events we host and shows and exhibits we schedule, is bringing hundreds more visitors through our doors every month. The museum has become a popular tourist destination,” said the Prescott native. “That doesn’t include the thousands more who will visit in the Annual Western Art Show and Sale around the Courthouse Square every Memorial Day. The sidewalks and lawns surrounding the iconic Courthouse will be packed.” 

Artists from throughout the Southwest will be available to meet attendees at the Western Art Show scheduled for May 25-27. 

Meanwhile, museum staff members are already at work mounting the next show called Desert Horizons. Jeannette Holverson, museum curator, said more than 90 pieces, including some created by the most notable historical and modern artists in the Southwest, will be featured at the exhibit opening Saturday, March 2. 

“Contrary to what many people think – that Arizona is nothing but parched, barren desert and wasteland – this exhibit will show the magnificent diversity and stunning panoramas we have in the Grand Canyon State,” said Holverson.  She noted dramatic paintings from the world-acclaimed Picerne Collection of Arizona Landmark Art will be featured. 

Complementing the art exhibit are several special programs.  Among them are these: 

  • Saturday, March 9, 1 p.m.: Author and historian Alan Rockman will share stories about the “fine line” between being an Old West lawman and an outlaw.  
  • Saturday, March 16, 1 p.m.: Local entertainer Parker Anderson will tell stories and lead people on excursions of “mysterious” sites and other secrets in “Haunted Prescott.” 
  • Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.: Author and historian Eric Berg will explore Arizona’s role in World War II when he shares history, photographs and unusual details about how Arizona was a far bigger force in the war than most realize. 

 

Calling All Young Sculptors  

Not every kid has a chance to have a bronze sculpture made from his or her artwork, but “Clay Out West” will offer the opportunity in a Saturday hands-on activity where elementary, middle school and high school students receive professional instruction from award-winning sculptor Neal McEwen. He will teach students how to sculpt clay into a small object. The finished clay models then will be judged. Artists will select winners from each of the three grade levels. Those winning clay pieces will then be converted to bronze sculptures for students to keep as awards.   

McEwen also conducts weekend workshops for older people interested in sculpting horses. Details about participating in either of these programs are available from McEwen at 928-778-1385. 

Kellerman is forthright in saying that activities and programs have resulted in major attendance increases. He also attributes much of the museum’s increasing appeal to the multi-story facility expansion seven years ago. Functional space increased to 17,000 square feet. That, coupled with improved ease of accessibility to the site at 4701 Hwy 89 on the north edge of Prescott, has visitorship approaching 13,000 people annually. 

“Anyone circling the round-about at the entrance can’t help but notice that monumental bronze sculpture, ‘Cowboy in a Storm,’ that George Phippen inspired,” Kellerman said.    

Phippen is the museum’s namesake. The first president of the Cowboy Artists of America, Phippen who then lived in Skull Valley, produced more than 3,000 pieces. The museum, inspired by Phippen, is now also the home for the Arizona Rancher and Cowboy Hall of Fame. QCBN 

By Ray Newton, QCBN 

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., on Sunday. For more information, visit phippenartmuseum.org. 

 

Women Wranglers Managing Mules, Rugged Terrain, Treacherous Weather  

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The bravado of the women wranglers at the Grand Canyon is a fascinating account of courage, strength and travails, sometimes under severe climatic conditions that can develop in the famous canyon.

Chelsea Plumb and Kricket Scheerer are two of the eight female wranglers employed by Xanterra Grand Canyon South Rim Mule Operations. “We get up around 3 a.m., head to the barn, clock in, load up the mules with panniers [bags] and pack supplies for Phantom Ranch,” said Plumb, who has worked at the Grand Canyon for two years. “Those supplies include toiletry items, groceries, hiker’s duffels and anything needed at the ranch.”

The women saddle up their mules around 4:30 a.m., depending on the season, for their 7.2-mile trek down the rugged South Kaibab Trail.

Their destination is Phantom Ranch, a historic campsite that borders Bright Angel Creek. It is about a 20-minute walk from the Colorado River and is situated in the path of the rim-to-rim and other trails. 

The rustic cabins and family-style restaurant and store were built by the Fred Harvey Company in the 1920s and designed by Mary Coulter. These are the only accommodations in the Grand Canyon and a frequent stopover by river runners and hikers. Xanterra Travel Collection currently manages it and reservations are limited.

“One aspect I love about my job is the people I meet on the trail. They come from all around the world,” said Plumb. “I also love working with the mules. It’s cool to see what you can train them to do; they are so much fun.” Plumb works as a packer about 60 percent of the time. Thirty percent she spends as a mule guide and 10 percent of her job is trail work. An average day for her is 10 to 12 hours long and days can be unpredictable. 

Last monsoon season, a huge rainstorm developed as Plumb was packing out. “We had just passed the Saddle, which is below Cedar Ridge and a lighting bolt hit the Saddle. It was too close for comfort.”

Working as the only full-time female packer, Scheerer says she prefers mules to horses because of their intelligence, strength and character. “You want your mules to behave and stay in order, so you need to know the mules’ individual personalities for a good trip. Some are better in the back instead of the front. They have a pecking order and some just won’t tolerate another so they’ll bite or kick each other. The placement of each mule in the string considers the individual strengths and weaknesses.”

Sheerer has been packing at the Grand Canyon for only five weeks, but two years before moving she rode a mule from the South Rim to the North Rim. “I knew it would be exciting work so I came back and applied for a position.” Her favorite part of the day is riding back up the trail to the rim. “It’s a good feeling to know everything’s been delivered and I’ve had a successful day and can relax.”

“Chelsea and Kricket make a great team,” said Xanterra South Rim Mule Operations Livery Manager John Berry. “It’s a tough job, especially in heavy snow and windy conditions. It’s good to know your riding partner has your back and will get you out of a bad situation, if one should occur.”

What is your Super Power? 

Chelsea Plumb: “My easy-going or go-with-the-flow attitude.”

Kricket Scheerer: “My family has always said that I am a kicking horse; a determined wanderer in need of big landscapes and an open horizon.”

What is the most valuable advice you’ve ever received?

Chelsea Plumb: “When I was younger, I used to compare myself to everyone around me and I always felt down or like I didn’t measure up. Then one of my good friends told me, ‘nobody is perfect, everyone is having problems and when you compare yourself to others you are comparing your lows to their highs. How is that fair?’”

Kricket Scheerer: “Trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5.”

What is your guilty pleasure?

Chelsea Plumb: “Sweet Hawaiian Rolls.”

Kricket Scheerer: “Popcorn with real butter and Coke.” 

Where do you hope to travel someday?

Chelsea Plumb: “I would really love to see Ireland and old castles there.”

Kricket Scheerer: “I’d like to ride a motorcycle over the world’s most dangerous road in Peru. I’ve already ridden a Royal Enfield motorcycle over the world’s highest dirt road in the Himalayas at 17,500 feet.”

What’s your favorite meal at the El Tovar Lodge Dining Room?

Chelsea Plumb: “El Tovar’s chocolate tacos are amazing.”

Kricket Scheerer: “I’ve never been, but I hear that they have great chocolate tacos!” QCBN

  

Photo Caption: 

  

Kricket in snow: 

Kricket Scheerer was one of the first 100 women to spend a full year at the South Pole. She worked on fuel systems in Antarctica for nine years, solo hiked 500 miles in Colorado wilderness and was a wrangler at Keystone Ranch. She says she had no problem coming up South Kaibab Trail in what was the worst snowstorm of the season at the Grand Canyon. “The ride wasn’t too bad, just a little chilly for the last hour.” 

  Photos by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography 

  

 

Dynamic Growth Characterizes Drake Cement 

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Drake Cement LLC, located on Highway 89 in a rural area about 10 miles north of Paulden in Yavapai County, has exceeded earlier predictions and continues to grow. 

In fact, during the past five years, the workforce has grown from about 80 or so local employees to 107 in the Chino Valley-Paulden area. Another 16 people are involved in administration, accounting and sales at the corporate headquarters in Scottsdale. 

The parent company is in Peru. 

The payroll almost doubled from around $5 million five years ago to an estimated $8 million in 2018. Entry-level jobs start at $16 an hour, with full benefits. Wages can increase to almost double that. 

Drake Vice President for Environment, Health and Safety and Compliance David Chavez says, “Economic indicators forecast continued growth.” 

Because of such expansion, the physical plant has also grown, with an emphasis on improved plant efficiency, maintenance, employee training and safety. 

In the last year, Drake constructed a training facility, complete with locker rooms with showers for employees. In the plans is a sophisticated maintenance shop adjacent to existing offices and the control room area so that mechanical, maintenance and support personnel will have a modern facility to perform plant repairs. Expansion of electrical facilities is also scheduled.  

“Drake has captured 30 percent of the Arizona cement and aggregate market,” said CEO Enrique Rozas, a native of Peru who has been working in Arizona for several years. “We’re supplying cement to a couple of other companies, too. The demand continues to grow.”  

“We’re especially proud that our plant was awarded federal recognition in 2015 and again in 2017 for having the best safety record of any plant in the nation,” said Drake Director of Cement Operations Lawrence “Tony” Turner. “Those are the highest honors the company can receive.”  

Karen Otis, administrative and community involvement coordinator has been with the company for 11 years, says opportunities have increased for company involvement and support of the greater community. 

Turner says the company values its role in the community. “All of us are proud of this facility and the contributions it makes to the local economy in a safe and environmentally friendly manner.”  

The Drake plant opened in June 2011, and has been producing two kinds of cement—Type II for general use and Type V, which has a low alkaline content. Both types of Portland cement are manufactured in a “closed loop” system, which means that virtually no gaseous or particulate emissions occur, say company officials. 

One of the newest cement plants constructed in the United States and the latest to be built in Arizona, the plant is monitored regularly by the Environmental Protection Agency and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to make sure no harmful environmental impacts occur.  

Currently, most cement produced is trucked to Maricopa County.  The plant has the capacity for producing up to 2,200 tons of cement a day. 

The limestone supply, which is quarried near the manufacturing plant, is estimated to be good for at least 100 years. 

Chavez says the cement plant is a strong contributor to the community, not just economically, but also socially and culturally. An important relationship, he says, involves having internships and consulting projects with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) and Yavapai College (YC). ERAU faculty members and students provide scientific and analytical advice to Drake officials about how the company can continue its success. YC consults about advanced electronic circuitry.  

Drake is a member of several community groups and organizations, including the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Historical Society, the Senior Events Center and similar groups. In addition, the company and its employees support the Chino Valley Police Department, the local schools and Future Farmers of America.    

“We have employees who are active in the Yavapai County Education Foundation, the Yavapai County Spelling Bee, Habitat for Humanity, Women in Business and several Quad Cities job fairs,” he said.  “We also use local vendors and suppliers as much as we can when possible. We want Drake to be viewed as more than just a major employer.  It is a positive community asset.” QCBN 

 

By Ray Newton, QCBN 

 

For more information about Drake Cement LLC, visit drakeus.com. 

 

Photo caption: 

 Drake executives, CEO Enrique Rozas and Director of Cement Operations and Tony Turner take pride in the company’s goals of service, excellence, respect and value.  (Photo by Ray Newton)