Staying strong since last June, the housing market on the local, state and national level has risen to a 14-year high, despite the pandemic, economic uncertainty and a difficult presidential election. Even during historically slow periods, like the holiday season, homebuyers are quickly purchasing the few homes listed for sale. The shortage of housing inventory and extremely low interest rates have driven the hyperactive real estate market, says long-time realtor Gary Nelson, who heads the … [Read more...] about Real Estate Market Maintaining Momentum in the New Year
CCC Beginning Automotive Program
The conversation is the same among auto dealerships locally and across the country: Where do we find trained technicians? “There’s a ridiculous shortage of technicians,” said Mimi Vessey, parts and service director for Findlay Honda of Flagstaff. Jacob Lundie, general manager for Findlay Honda, added, “We’re in meetings often, and we talk about, ‘where are we finding technicians?’” In order to fill a gap in trained automotive technicians locally and throughout the nation, Coconino … [Read more...] about CCC Beginning Automotive Program
Hot Sauce Entrepreneur Pours Himself into Real Estate
Tangy condiments and Mexican food specialties don’t necessarily mix with real estate, but for one Flagstaff realtor, the combination makes the perfect blend. After achieving great success with his popular hot sauce, tortillas and tamales, local entrepreneur and owner of RisingHy and Tortilla Lady, Michael Konefal has added realtor to his resume. “I’ve always had a passion for real estate,” said Konefal, an agent with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s International Realty. “My best friend’s mom was a … [Read more...] about Hot Sauce Entrepreneur Pours Himself into Real Estate
NAU Partners with Mexican University to Offer Students Cross-Cultural Entrepreneurial Experience
A grant from 100,000 Strong in the Americas will give a dozen Northern Arizona University students the opportunity for a unique cross-cultural learning experience with peers at both NAU and a university in Sonora, Mexico. NAU is partnering with Universidad de Sonora (UNISON) in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to put on The Big IDEA (La Gran IDEA), which will allow 12 students from each university to collaborate on finding solutions to challenges of food security and financial security in the … [Read more...] about NAU Partners with Mexican University to Offer Students Cross-Cultural Entrepreneurial Experience
Eyes on Night Skies
Babbitt Ranches is believed to have some of the darkest skies in Northern Arizona and soon, scientists expect to have the data to prove it. Astronomer and Northern Arizona University Campus Observatory Director Ed Anderson says preliminary measurements taken at four locations on the ranches – north of Wupatki National Monument, near SP Crater off Highway 89, north of Cedar Ranch camp and near Tin House ranch camp north of the San Francisco Peaks – all reveal extraordinary dark sky … [Read more...] about Eyes on Night Skies
Childhood Inequities, Neglect, Abuse Hidden in Pandemic
Virginia Watahomigie is worried about our families. As the executive director for the Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), she knows that isolation, depression and anxiety – all conditions mental health experts say have been made worse by the pandemic – are increasingly having a negative effect on children in Arizona, particularly in rural areas where resources are less available than in larger cities and distances to travel for support are far greater. Watahomigie also is … [Read more...] about Childhood Inequities, Neglect, Abuse Hidden in Pandemic
Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants
Governor Doug Ducey today announced an additional $2 million to further help local restaurants and other dining establishments expand outdoor dining, protect patrons and staff, and limit the spread of COVID-19. “Arizona restaurant owners and their employees have worked diligently to serve patrons and limit the spread of COVID-19,” said Governor Ducey. “Many restaurants have utilized outdoor dining to welcome more customers while maintaining safety, and we want to make sure our local … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey Provides Additional Funding To Support Local Restaurants