Thinking about surfing in Northern Arizona may sound a bit unusual, but according to outdoor recreationist Nicolas Sutherland, riding his Soledaddy Longboard here “is the closest you can get to riding the ocean waves.” “I heard about Soledaddy Longboards at Aspen Sports,” said Sutherland. “The board is handmade, beautiful and rides like a dream, and I love the retro look, so I knew I had to give them a try. It’s so much fun carving down hills with its flexible deck and extra-long shape. I’ll … [Read more...] about Enjoying the Ride
spotlight
Alexa Scholl: Prescott’s Rising Star
Smiling broadly, which she does often, 23-year-old Alexa Scholl recalls how a local radio talk show host acknowledged that she shares the name “Alexa” with the Amazon electronic application that answers questions and performs communications tasks. It was suggested that the name recognition may have helped her win a seat on the Prescott City Council (PCC) when she was 20 years old. “I’d like to think it was a bit more than just ‘name recognition,’” she said. “I consider myself a Prescott … [Read more...] about Alexa Scholl: Prescott’s Rising Star
Meeting Student, Workforce Needs
Closing in on her second anniversary as Yavapai College (YC) president in February, Lisa Rhine shared the major philosophical shift the college is taking. “We have a new view of how post-secondary education should be structured to meet personal and societal needs,” she said. “We’re putting that vision into place at Yavapai College. Classes and curricula now fit students’ needs instead of making students fit academic policies based on centuries-old tradition.” YC’s mission is providing … [Read more...] about Meeting Student, Workforce Needs
New HUSD Superintendent Facing Unparalleled Challenges
Acknowledging that his biggest challenge will be finding ways to deal with the impact of COVID-19 on the educational environment throughout the Humboldt Unified School District, John Pothast says he is “beyond excited” to be working in Prescott Valley. Pothast is beginning his job as superintendent of the largest school district in Yavapai County. He succeeds Dan Streeter, who accepted the superintendency position with the Marana School Unified District in northwest Tucson. “During my … [Read more...] about New HUSD Superintendent Facing Unparalleled Challenges
Nurturing the Community with Goods from the Garden
From business meetings and award ceremonies to weddings and similar personal festivities, Prescott’s Goods from the Garden caters to the culinary tastes of area businesses and families. Named Best of Business-Catering in 2019 by QCBN readers, the firm boasts 24 professionals with collectively more than 188 years of culinary experience and “amazing” serving skills, according to co-owner Debbie Maranville. Championing “the pillars of healthy living and eating,” Maranville and her husband, … [Read more...] about Nurturing the Community with Goods from the Garden
Former Green Beret Tackling Jail Issues
The coming weeks and months will be demanding and intense, says Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chair Craig Brown. Requests continue to come in for more services and facilities. That, he says, coupled with what looks to be an aggressive political year, will heat up the governmental landscape. “The major issue we supervisors will face in the next month is looking toward the estimated $70 million bond issue to pay for a new jail in Prescott. Some have said we need to spend more, but I am … [Read more...] about Former Green Beret Tackling Jail Issues
PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
It is always fun when you know someone who “knows someone,” and PJ Connolly has known and worked for a lot of famous someones in Flagstaff and the Four Corners region. That is because it is the nature of the entertainment industry and his business, Locations Southwest and Production Services (LSW). Whether it is a commercial for Ford Motor Company, a feature film like “Guardians of the Galaxy,” or special projects like Will Smith celebrating his 50th birthday by bungee jumping out of a … [Read more...] about PJ Connolly Scouts the Southwest for Picture Perfect Scenery
A Legacy of Giving Back
Learning that Jim and Linda Lee had been named the 2019 Philanthropists of the Year by the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County was not a big surprise to those who have lived in the Quad Cities area for any length of time. For decades, the Lees have been major contributors to a diverse number of groups, organizations and individuals who benefit the greater region and, in some cases, the state. At the same time, the Lees have never sought honors or recognition for what they do as … [Read more...] about A Legacy of Giving Back
Flying High
Leonardo Da Vinci was quoted as saying, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skywards.” Holding one of the highest pilot certifications, Craig Sanderson spread his wings upward to serve as director of operations for Grand Canyon Scenic Airlines and mayor of the small but bustling town of Tusayan. Sanderson acquired the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification at 28 years old. It is one of the most advanced certifications a pilot can obtain and … [Read more...] about Flying High
Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
A sign posted on the wall of the Grand Canyon Railway locomotive shop states, “Expect movement on any tracks from any direction…at any time.” Though a good reminder for engineers and mechanics working on the trains, the advice spells out sage wisdom for Bob Baker’s position as general manager of train operations as well. With responsibilities ranging from maintenance of the trains to ticketing, Baker has a lot of motion in his job. “I oversee the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel maintenance, safety, … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Railway General Manager: A Man in Motion
