For people suffering with cow’s milk allergies or who just want to eliminate dairy from their diet, there’s good news! You can now have your cheese and eat it, too! Moving from Las Vegas for the town of Clarkdale, Virgin Cheese founder and owner Jodi Paige is excited to share her plant-based fermented, all organic cheeses that have fans from around the nation raving. This dairy-free all organic cheese factory was nominated for best artisanal vegan cheese in the country by VegNews … [Read more...] about Jodi Paige Brings Award-Winning Vegan Flavors to Clarkdale
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Sky-High Celebration: Flagstaff Trades Fireworks for Drones
With 300 drones, Flagstaff celebrated Independence Day with its first-ever light show that illuminated dark skies over McMillan Mesa for 23 minutes and replaced the red, white and boom fireworks display of the past. Growing concerns about wildfire dangers and noise issues led to a switch to an aerial drone display. Flagstaff officials appear likely to continue with a drone show next Fourth of July, despite some traffic snarls. “Overall, the community seemed pretty happy, and we’re always happy … [Read more...] about Sky-High Celebration: Flagstaff Trades Fireworks for Drones
North Rim in Flames: Region Reels from Loss and Heartbreak
With tired legs and cherished memories, Maraka Oltrogge, vice president of philanthropy at Northern Arizona Healthcare, spent the last night of her hiking trip with her dad and friends, basking in the beauty of the mixed conifer forest and camping just outside the National Park boundary on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. At 11:15 p.m., Thursday, July 10, she was awakened by a bright light and an urgent message. “A Game and Fish officer introduced himself and kindly explained that we needed … [Read more...] about North Rim in Flames: Region Reels from Loss and Heartbreak
Route 66 Goes On the Air
There will be a major pileup in the Flagstaff area in September. Fortunately, it won’t be on the highways, but rather on the airwaves. A unique international amateur radio event, “Route 66 On The Air,” sponsored by the local Northern Arizona DX Association (NADXA), will be coming to town Sept. 6-14, and will welcome more than 10,000 amateur radio operators to connect across continents to celebrate Route 66. Marking its 26th anniversary, this special … [Read more...] about Route 66 Goes On the Air
Babbitt Ranches Colts Support Champions, Build Ranches, Heal Hearts
On a breezy, blue-sky July morning, 18-year-old Taylor Goin, quietly moved about the serene pastures of Spider Web Camp north of Flagstaff. With her right arm in a sling from a recent horse-riding incident, she carefully studied Babbitt Ranches mares and their new colts with the eyes of an experienced equestrian. A cowgirl, born and raised in Valley View, Texas, Taylor is valedictorian of the 2025 Valley View High School graduating class and headed to Texas A&M this fall to become a large … [Read more...] about Babbitt Ranches Colts Support Champions, Build Ranches, Heal Hearts
Back2Basics Celebrates Fifteen Years of Lighting the Way Forward from Addiction
Back2Basics is marking 15 years of helping young men recover from addiction through its Flagstaff-based substance abuse treatment center that includes outdoor adventure as a healing component. Founder and CEO Roy DuPrez says the program continues to grow, and this summer, Back2Basics added a new business hub and licensed residential facility for clients near the Rio de Flag and Flagstaff Urban Trails System. “We’ve been up and running for about a month,” said DuPrez of the new Back2Basics … [Read more...] about Back2Basics Celebrates Fifteen Years of Lighting the Way Forward from Addiction
Tracks Through Time: Verde Canyon Railroad Showcases History and Scenery
“The first excursion train of the Verde Canyon Railroad rolled out of the Clarkdale depot on November 23, 1990. It carried neither freight nor ore, only people. They were not seeking a better way of life but the beauty of a wild river-carved canyon where eagles nest among high cliffs and wind makes music in the cottonwoods.” Those words, penned by Verde Canyon Railroad owner Linda Durbano in her 500-page book, “Tracking Down the Past,” offer a window into the richly detailed chronicle of … [Read more...] about Tracks Through Time: Verde Canyon Railroad Showcases History and Scenery
Driven to Heal, Powered by Purpose
As a teenager, Danya Weir was a rodeo rider and roper until her horse had a heart attack while she was riding. When it fell, it landed on Weir’s leg and broke her femur. That terrible accident led to intensive physical therapy for the 17-year-old girl, which resulted in a full recovery and a vision of what she wanted to do with her life. Today, she helps people heal in her hometown of Camp Verde and is marking one year since opening Diamond D Rehab, Fitness and Wellness. “What was incredible to … [Read more...] about Driven to Heal, Powered by Purpose
Growing Homelessness, Wildfire Threats Lead to Closure of Little America Trails
Dozens of Flagstaff residents and visitors hike the ponderosa pine-lined trails behind Little America each week, but that is expected to change soon amid growing concerns surrounding unauthorized encampments and wildfire risk. In a move to preserve the area and maintain Flagstaff’s natural beauty, hotel representatives say the trails on the more than 500-acre property will soon be open to Little America hotel guests only. Little America Vice President of Operations Tony O’Brien said they … [Read more...] about Growing Homelessness, Wildfire Threats Lead to Closure of Little America Trails
Prescott’s Winebelly Vineyard Tours Offers a Carefree Taste of the Verde Valley
While touring the country in their RV during the pandemic, Rebekah, a hairstylist, and Ross, a mechanic, marveled at the natural beauty they encountered when they arrived in Arizona. The McClures were so enamored that they sold their house in Austin, Texas, and moved to Prescott. “We were both wondering what we could do next,” said Rebekah. With her mom as a travel agent, Rebekah had always thought being a tour guide would be fun. “We knew that tours in Austin would take people on an … [Read more...] about Prescott’s Winebelly Vineyard Tours Offers a Carefree Taste of the Verde Valley
