Of the 80 Sears and Kmart closures announced here at the very end of 2018, only one is located in Arizona: a Kmart at 7055 E. Broadway in Tucson, according to MarketWatch.

Sears, which also owns Kmart, filed for bankruptcy on October 15, and has announced plans for a total of 268 store closures in 2018. At that time, it owned nearly 700 stores. 

Eddie Lampert is the Sears Chairman, and its largest creditor. He has offered a bid for the company, which has to be approved by the Judge overseeing the Sears bankruptcy proceedings. If it is approved, Lampert’s plan would keep 425 stores open and offer employment to over 50,000 people. 

However, a committee of Sears’ other leading creditors is advocating for a complete shut down of the business, closing all the stores and liquidating the entire inventory and assets. 

According to CNN Business, Lampert argues, "Our bid reflects our firm belief that there is a future for Sears as a smaller, less indebted retailer. We continue to believe that Sears’ integrated and complementary businesses and brands can form the framework of a successful platform after emerging from bankruptcy."

On 12/29/18 at approximately 9:20 A.M., Prescott Police Officers responded to the Quick Stop Convenience store, located at 447 S. Montezuma Street for an armed robbery which had just occurred. The clerk told officers that an unknown male suspect entered the store carrying a navy colored bag and armed with a rifle. The suspect ordered the clerk to put money from the cash register into the bag. The clerk complied with his demands and the suspect left the store with an undetermined amount of cash.

The suspect fled the area in what appeared to be a white Nissan Altima 4-door sedan. The vehicle had darkly tinted windows and had damage to the left rear quarter panel and left rear wheel well.

The suspect disguised his face with a bandana and sunglasses. He was wearing a gray “Ecko Unltd” hooded sweatshirt, light colored pants and white shoes. He appeared to be approximately 5’6”-5’8”, and was of medium build. 

Police are asking for the public’s help in locating the vehicle and identifying the suspect. The suspect should be considered dangerous and if seen, should not be approached. Please call 9-1-1 immediately and relay the information to police.

Anyone with information is asked to call Det. Hanna at the Prescott Police Department at 928-777-1961. Callers who wish to remain anonymous and who want a cash reward must call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.

There is no further information available at this time.

Hero is a term that is bantered around a little too often and too loosely. That said, there are an abundance of heroes today, in our city, state and country. There are everyday heroes who are unsung, but are everywhere. They are the parents who raise their children to be productive, honest members of our society. Every person who takes pride in his work, regardless of profession or status, and does it to the best of his or her ability is a hero to those of us who use their products or services. Politicians are much maligned. Those politicians who know that they work for the people and serve for the betterment of the town, state, country and their constituents, are heroes. 

This time of year it is proper to recognize our local political figures who have made and maintained Prescott as Arizona's Christmas city. Every year there are more lights on the trees on the courthouse plaza. Every year Ken Bennett, a true hero in my book, reads about the Nativity from the Bible. I've heard the secular progressives have attempted, unsuccessfully, to stop this for years as a violation of the First Amendment's prohibition against the establishment of religion (which it obviously isn't).

To those who love and promote music and musical education, the people who organize, perform, supply the venues and donate to Acker Night are heroes. The quantity and quality of the musical presentations that night lift our spirits and enhance the season. The donations received that night not only contribute to Prescott's reputation as Arizona's Christmas City but also purchase the instruments that should make it the musical center of the state as well. 

The one defining quality that all heroes have is the willingness to sacrifice for others. This is true in battle where those in the military sacrifice their safety, limbs or lives to save their fellow combatants and the people and country for which they fight. It is certainly true of police, firefighters and all first responders. It is also true of those volunteers who selflessly give their time, effort and themselves in the service of others. 

In this season of hope, love and giving, we should not loose sight for whom this season is named. The coming of the Messiah was a beacon of hope. By giving his life for all of us, Jesus showed the most profound love. The biblical citation is in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends.”

While few of us will be required to show our love by making the ultimate sacrifice, we can keep the Christmas spirit alive all year long by doing little things. Smiling, making eye contact and greeting strangers can make someone's day. Picking up liter rather than walking by it will make everyone's quality of life just a little bit better. Holding a door open or helping someone pick up dropped items, fosters positive attitudes and a friendlier environment. In the mean time, enjoy the season, family and friends. I hope your Christmas was merry and may you have a Happy, Friendly, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.

Note: This page will be updated as information is released.

From the Yavapai County Sheriff's Department

UPDATE 2:15 pm -- Prescott - Iron Springs road south is now open - North Iron Springs should be open within the hour. At one point in time, 15 cars were off the road.

UPDATE - 12:45 PM.. All prisoner transportation related to court matters has been cancelled for the day. There will be limited movement, if any, of arrestees from their current housing...

UPDATE 12:30PM -- Closure - 89A NB and SB north of Jerome is closed due to the weather at mileposts 243-347. Mingus Mountain - due to heavy snowfall, roads are extremely hazardous and several vehicles are stuck in off highway areas- 

UPDATE - 12 noon - 169 is now CLOSED between 69 and I17 - 

Prescott area -- in the Dells on Highway 89, traffic is at a complete standstill.

Boot Drop

"No matter what, the boot is dropping," said Matt Brassard, owner of Matt's Saloon and one of the organizers of the event. 

There will be fireworks at both drops, music and the burn barrels to help keep people warm.

"The party is still on,"Matt said.

Winter Storm Information from the City of Prescott

Snow is expected to continue for a few more hours today. Numerous accidents have been reported. 

Residents are reminded to avoid driving during winter weather conditions if possible

For those planning travel today, be prepared for winter driving conditions throughout the area. 

The Street Maintenance Division will have trucks plowing throughout the event.

Residents are reminded that streets are plowed in order of priority, with major roads first, and these priority streets are plowed continuously until they remain passable for public safety vehicles and other traffic. 

This means that depending on the storm’s duration and intensity, residential (local) streets may not be plowed for a day or two after the storm has ended. Snow plow operators work continuously on 12 hours shifts once a storm hits until the snow is removed.

For more information contact the Street Maintenance Division at 928-777-1126.

Prescott Regional Airport

UPDATE: Due to the weather conditions here and in Colorado, the flight arriving from DEN (UA5159) and LAX (UA5160) departure for 12/31 have canceled. Please contact United Airlines at 1-800-864-8331 for rebooking or refund information.

Winter weather conditions present at Prescott Regional Airport with snow starting to accumulate. If you are flying out today, please make sure to check your flight status on the United app or at www.united.com. Please use caution while walking or driving and allow extra time as necessary. Airport staff are accessing conditions and are ready to plow if necessary.

Prescott Valley

We may scale some of the outdoor activities back tonight but the bonfire and fireworks are still on at the PV Event Center parking lot. Bundle up and come watch fireworks in the snow! 7 pm s’mores and bonfire - fireworks at 8:30.

We’ll keep you posted through the day. Buckle up and drive safely!

For those of you who want to enjoy a little New Year's Eve ice skating, the PV Event Center has three sessions: 3 - 5 p.m. ; 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.; and 8 - 10 p.m. For more information please visit http://www.prescottvalleyeventcenter.com/ice-skating

Cecelia Jernegan, featured as a 'Woman in Business' in the October, 2018 Prescott Living Magazine, is a wife and a grandmother. Cecelia is also the queen bee of networking. She knows who you need to meet and she makes that happen. As part of her work with Forest Villas Hotel, she set up monthly Sangria Socials for people to come and socialize with one another. 

Although Prescott is known for some rather massive (considering our community size) political efforts and organizations, Cecelia isn’t really a partisan political person. However, when she sees a cause or a person that she believes in, she’ll jump right in with her support. She has learned to walk that balance with finesse and grace. Look on her Facebook page, and you’ll see her with local Republicans, Democrats and those who don’t really care much about political parties one way or the other. She’ll spearhead a Prop 443, and lead the Prescott Good Governance Committee while firmly steering it in a non-partisan direction. 

By the way, if you’re on Facebook, you’re probably a friend of Cecelia Jernegan, who has been called, "The Encourager-In-Chief." That’s because she’s friends with just about everyone. Wake up in the morning, and the first thing you’ll see are positive, cheerful and frequently humorous posts by Cecelia. It’s an amazing way to start your day. 

She explained one time, "People ask me why I am so cheerful every single day. That is because I HAVE ANOTHER DAY!  When I was 10 years old my mom was killed in a car/truck/bus wreck.  They said she was gone forever. I learned today could be your last day so make it the best day. Smile, hugs, be kind and cheerful."

Prescott truly needs more people like Cecelia Jernegan.

Photo by Patrick Kuykendall - taken during the inagural
flight adventure with Prescott's new air service.

One of the first things you'll notice about Dr. Hojat Askari is his exuberance and his enthusiasm. When he does something, he does it in a big way. You think your holiday guest list is big? He hosts hundreds of people at his home the weekend before Thanksgiving, also takes trays of food to volunteers at the hospital. 

Dr. Askari is more than a modern-day doctor, who sees you for a couple of minutes and then hands you a prescription. Dr. Askari is truly a healer. "I believe in praying and hope and love together [with medicine]," Askari explained. He sees a need and looks for solutions. That might mean bringing a specialist in a particular medical field up from Phoenix on a regular basis. It may mean helping a patient find treatment at UCLA if such treatment is not available locally or even in Arizona. It could mean making housecalls for the elderly and infirm.

Dr. Askari has built a multi-specialty clinic in Prescott, complete with 17 doctors, a walk-in urgent care, a dentist and more. Walk into his office, and you see staff wearing turquoise scrubs with the statement, "We treat you like family," embroidered on the back. You might even see Dr. Askari wander into the waiting room to greet his patients and assist them as they walk to their examining room.  

Realizing that many elderly people in Prescott are still driving, Dr. Askari also knows that sometimes those drivers can’t hear well enough to recognize sirens. So, he offers a free hearing screening to those at risk of accidents.

His desire to find solutions goes beyond the medical field. Dr. Askari also looks for solutions in everyday situations. When the airport needed a new terminal, Dr. Askari spearheaded efforts to consider raising private funds to help with funding. When he went to a shelter for the homeless, he donated the food for an evening meal, and participated in serving it. He also recognized the austerity of the facilities and started churning on ideas.

Recently, Dr. Askari revealed another solution he’s proposing that will benefit the entire community. He was before the Prescott City Council to ask for annexation and approval of an 80-acre development project that will include facilities to create a medical facility and tourism destination. The concept is a mixed-use development, with medical facilities, restaurants, a hotel and more on 60 of the acres, and donating 20 acres of Granite Dells to the City for trails and recreation. 

Council discussed the project, and then called for comments from the public. Daniel Mattson, a homeless advocate, stood up and explained, "One of the things I do when I help people, is provide transportation to and from Thumb Butte Medical, Dr. Askari’s medical office. And I’ve been doing that for years… I got to see closeup the work he did, and you could tell he very much cared. He built this new Thumb Butte Medical, which is just beautiful. It’s very well built, it’s a beautiful design. If the development he’s building is half as good as that, we’re in for a real treat. I’m looking forward to the increase in services he can provide, I think this is a wonderful thing for the City... I see nothing but good from this."

After the unanimous vote in favor of the project, Dr. Askari asked to share a few words. "9-11 has been an emotional day for me since I became an American citizen. And I’m honored to be here. Talking about my generosity with the 20 acres is nothing compared to the generosity of my father. I was the last baby of the family… He told me, at age 27, you’re a business man, you’re successful. You go become a doctor, like your brothers and help people. You don’t need money... That man has generosity to let his last baby go to today, 27 years, take me from three continents to be in Prescott and serve the community. I love you, Dad, and I love you all and thank you for your support."

One thing that Cecelia and Dr. Askari have in common is that they’re not done yet. They will keep on doing what they do for the greater Prescott area.

So, let's congratulate them for being chosen as the annual People that Make a Difference. Let's also offer thanks that they chose to contribute to our community with their amazing good cheer, love and enthusiasm.

Prescott, AZ (January 2, 2018)  The City of Prescott, Prescott Chamber of Commerce, Prescott Downtown Partnership (PDP) and Arizona Public Service (APS) will host Ron Drake, author and podcast personality of Flip This Town, in Prescott January 28-30, 2019. Drake is a nationally known downtown revitalization expert and speaker, often teaching what he calls “Practical Preservation.” 

His mission is simple; to Inspire-Equip-Restore the Heart of America, one downtown at a time. He is best known as a community connector with great achievements in creating housing within the downtown core.  “The best way to bring life downtown is to bring lives downtown,” says Drake, “and people living downtown is quite possibly the most successful means to giving the heart of your community a healthy life.”

The organizations have partnered to hire Drake to facilitate connections, problem-solve challenges and help create a workable plan for the future.

“Our downtown is a real gem, with tremendous potential,” said Prescott Mayor Greg Mengarelli, “The City is working on some exciting projects, including the Granite Creek Corridor. It’s smart to bring in Ron, with his diverse background, and track record of success across the country.”

Starting on Saturday, Annaka Bernardo will be trying to become the next Miss Arizona, USA. 

You may not have realized it, but if you’ve been to an NAZ Suns game, you’ve probably seen Bernardo on the floor. Besides representing our community as Miss Prescott, she also represents the NAZ Suns as a member of their Hype Crew. 

Annaka Bernardo is 2nd from the left.

Bernardo, joined by her grandmother, Delia Cordova, came to the eNews office to sit down for a Live Facebook podcast along with San Martin Rodriguez and Lynne LaMaster. If you didn’t see it on Facebook, you can listen here: 

 Bernardo was born in Flagstaff and moved to the Prescott area with her family when she was 8. 

Bernardo became Miss Prescott last July. She explained that although she competed against more than 30 other contestants to become Miss Prescott, they all got along quite well and enjoyed being together. According to Bernardo the bigger competition was against herself, and doing all she could to be even better. 

"Her charity, and her passion and compassion for helping other people is what we’ve noticed," Delia explained. "That’s what has been amazing to watch."

"I started doing pageants when I was 17… I’m comfortable with it and it’s made me more outgoing as a person," Bernardo said. When asked what her favorite thing about being Miss Prescott, she replied, "Meeting people."

"I honestly want to bring more of the pageantry aspect to Prescott, and I want to be somebody to look up to for little girls… I want to let every little girl know she doesn’t have to look up to the expectations that society gives us, and that she can be her own princess… Even without a crown you’re beautiful."

You can vote for Bernardo at Casting Crowns Productions. Each vote costs $5, but it’s for a good cause - all proceeds benefit Assistance in Healthcare. 

The Yavapai County Fair typically takes place within the first couple of weeks of September. After a week of taking down the last tent and folding up the final panel, the County Fair Board is back at it, planning for the following year. 

One of the first things they do, around the beginning of November, is attend the Arizona Fair Association Convention. This event offers local Fair organizers an opportunity to sample various types of entertainment. Rosalee Darby, the Yavapai County Fair General Manager, talks about her recent trip to the Arizona Fair Convention. 

According to Darby, they look at all types of entertainment from concerts and performers, to strolling acts and stage acts. 

"We sit through hours and hours of showcasing of entertainment," Darby said. "So, we very much come away with having fun!"

"It’s great, because we get to see them in action, to decide whether they are something that would really work for our fair," Darby said. "This year, we were able to book 99% of our entertainment for 2019."

One of the performers that Darby shared will be at Yavapai County Fair next year – remember, folks, you heard it here first! – is country hipster artist Coffey Anderson. "We’re excited that we’re able to book him before he becomes an icon," Darby said, referring to to the new show that Coffey will be premiering this year on Bravo TV.

Here’s a sample from Coffey Anderson, who will perform on Saturday night:

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"This is a performance that we are privileged to be able to have," Darby said. She explains in the podcast why Coffey is invested in small county fairs. 

Amongst the strolling acts, there will be a magician that will also do a special performance for the day that the schools come. 

Other acts include a giant pirate ship and a Play with Giants act. 

Listen as Darby goes through some of the other entertainment you can expect at the 2019 County Fair. 

"We pride ourselves that we can bring the Fair to a family… They can come for $16 for a day for a family," Darby pointed out. That’s for 2 adults and 4 kids, by the way. "If you’re a family on a budget, pack a picnic and come."

Yavapai County Fair Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Lynette and Zach Hoyt invite Steven Frey of the NAZ Suns in to talk basketball. From value entertainment to the Suns players, Steven Frey gives the inside scoop on what it’s like to be part of the Northern Arizona Suns organization. 

The NAZ Suns is the G-League team of the Phoenix Suns. For those of you wondering, the G-League is the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) player development league, similar to the minor leagues in baseball. Gatorade is the named sponsor, thus it is called the "G-League".

Many of the NAZ Suns players have gone on to the pro teams in the NBA, underscoring the fact that you are simply watching professional basketball right here, in the quad cities area. 

Gotta listen in to Frey as he answers questions and offers his perspective on the team. As soon as you’re done with that - go get your tickets, because win or lose, this is a fun team to watch.

Listen to more of the Quad Cities Business Beat podcasts here!

While traveling in Southern California visiting for Christmas to see family and friends, we didn't have much time to hear what was going on in the national news. When we weren't at one of our sons' houses or at my sister's house, we were in our RV. We spent most of our time, when not with family or friends, watching old Christmas movies and listening to Christmas music. It was peaceful, quiet, relaxing and mostly uninterrupted by the 24 hour news cycle.

One of the news items that did break our tranquility, was news that President Trump had decided to pull our troops our of Syria. A little bit later we heard on the radio that he was also contemplating withdrawing our soldiers out of Afghanistan. It's about time. Our military has been on the ground in that country since October of 2001. That's 18 plus years, the longest foreign war in our nation's history.

One of the reasons our Founding Fathers warned against foreign intrigues and entanglements was they knew the history of the European countries. Those countries were in continuous wars, many lasting decades. Those of us who are Constitutionalists are hardly pacifists, but we do think that we need to learn the lessons that history teaches.

In World War II, President Roosevelt made it abundantly clear to our enemies that we would accept nothing less than unconditional surrender. That was the last war this country won. We set a goal to win and we did. The world was a better place because of it.

In Korea, we didn't fight to win, once the going got tough. We fought to a stalemate and North Korea has been a constant threat since then with periodic flareups that have threatened the cease fire.

In Viet Nam, we never intended to win, only to stop the spread of communism by preventing South Viet Nam from falling. Because of restrictive rules of engagement, the prohibition of the most strategic bombing and political interference, we lost 58,000 of our military and the South Viet Nam domino fell into the communist ranks.

We surely had the right to go into Afghanistan after their Taliban rulers refused to turn over Osama bin Laden and his Al Qaeda cohorts, but why are we still there? If we are the biggest, baddest dog in the street why haven't we used all of our political and military power to have Pakistan, (a tentative ally at best and an aider and abettor in terrorism in reality), turn over all of the Taliban partisans and leaders?

Iraq may be a different story. While Saddam Hussein was a brutal dictator, is the Middle East better off with him gone? If he had WMDs, he certainly did a good job of hiding them. Saddam was no friend to Iran and acted as a counter balance in the region. Christian and Jewish communities had been in Iraq for centuries and were not targeted by Saddam, but they were pretty much wiped out when the government that followed Saddam lost much of the country to ISIS.

In Syria, there are so many competing factions in this civil war, we should have never have become involved. Some in the intelligence community think we have given arms and supported anti-American groups.

One of the main lessons of recent history is that in almost all cases we should not enter into a conflict we don't intend to win. It is not always a choice between engaging in a war we intend to win or not doing anything in support of our country's best interest.

Michael Scheuer, who used to head the CIA's Bin Laden unit, doesn't think we need a presence in the Middle East. He has expressed the opinion that with the war on terrorism, we may need to go into the region, kill as many of the enemy terrorists as possible and then leave, knowing we may have to go back some years later, when the threat again arises. Keeping our troops in that area of the world only serves to make them targets for our enemies.

Republican Women of Prescott is pleased to donate over $4300 to Honor Flight Arizona who reward Korean War, Viet Nam and WWII Veterans with an all expenses paid, two- day round trip ticket to Washington, D. C. to view the War Memorial in their honor. Veterans are accompanied by Honor Flight Guardians who assist them with the boarding process and ensure they have a wonderful experience. RWOP is pleased to make a donation to Honor Flight annually.

RWOP was founded in Prescott in 1942 and currently boasts of memberships totaling over 700, the largest Republican Women’s organization in the nation.

PHOENIX Governor Doug Ducey ordered that flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset today, Wednesday, January 9, 2019, to honor the life of Salt River Police Department Officer Clayton Townsend, who died in the line of duty last night. Flags will also be lowered on the day of interment, which has not been set.

“Our prayers and deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Officer Clayton Townsend as well as to the men and women of the Salt River Police Department,” said Governor Ducey. “Arizona is grateful for his service and willingness to put himself in harm's way to keep others safe. In honor of Officer Townsend’s life and service, I’ve ordered flags at all state buildings be lowered to half-staff.”

A Salt River police officer was killed by man texting and driving along SR 101 in Scottsdale, Arizona

Wednesday, January 9, 2019 - 4:15am

Scottsdale, Ariz. — The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is investigating a fatal collision involving a Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community police officer, that occurred on January 8, 2019, at 6:04 p.m. The Salt River Police Department officer was struck by a distracted motorist while he was standing by the driver’s side door of the passenger car he had stopped.

At 6:02 p.m. Officer Clayton Townsend was conducting a traffic stop on a white passenger vehicle for expired registration northbound along SR 101, just south of the McDowell Road off-ramp, within the right-side emergency lane.

At 6:04 p.m., Officer Townsend was standing at the driver’s side door of the vehicle he had stopped when a black passenger vehicle entered the right-side emergency lane, collided with the white passenger vehicle and then struck Officer Townsend. Officer Townsend sustained head trauma during the impact. The driver of the white passenger vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Another Salt River police officer arrived on the scene and began rendering aid to Officer Townsend. Officer Townsend was transported to Honor Health Scottsdale Osborn Medical Center and was pronounced deceased at 6:35 p.m.

The driver of the white passenger vehicle was also transported to Honor Health Scottsdale Hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

During the investigation on scene, the driver of the black passenger car told AZDPS detectives he had been texting during the time his vehicle entered the right-side emergency lane and struck the police officer. A witness told detectives that the driver of the black passenger car was looking down at his phone just before crossing over two traffic lanes and then striking the officer.

The driver of the black passenger car, identified as 40-year-old Jerry Sanstead of Scottsdale, was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County 4th Avenue Jail for Manslaughter, Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and Endangerment.

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is a law enforcement agency whose mission is to protect human life and property by enforcing state laws, deterring criminal activity and providing vital support to the State of Arizona and its citizens.

Using Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture laws, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office and the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office quickly seized and froze $2,783.04 from a fraud scheme and returned funds to the victim.

The fraud began when a senior citizen in Cordes Lakes received two letters in the mail from what appeared to be Publisher’s Clearing House. Later, the woman received a call from a person identifying himself as “David Washington” advising her that she won $5.5 million and a Mercedes. The man gave her the “winning numbers” that matched the numbers on one of the letters she had received. The victim was instructed to go to Western Union to pay $175.00 to obtain the funds. The victim willingly paid the fee, including additional charges totaling $185.50, and transferred the money as requested.

The victim received a follow up call from “Edward Bartley,” who claimed to be David Washington’s supervisor. This man requested that she make an additional payment of $700 to the IRS before she could get her money. The victim became apprehensive and called Publisher’s Clearing House who advised her that she had been scammed. Publisher’s Clearing House explained the fraudulent activity and that the letters were sent by the scammers themselves and that is how they know the “winning numbers.” The victim then called law enforcement.

The Yavapai County Attorney’s Office quickly filed in court a civil forfeiture action and successfully obtained a court order to forfeit $2,783.04 of funds in the account before the suspects could transfer the funds to another account. $185.50 that was owed to the senior citizen was delivered by the County Attorney’s Office back to the victim. The victim was very grateful for the return of her funds stating, “This money helps me keep the heat on for another month. I want to share this information to help prevent someone else from being a victim of a similar scam.”

The remainder of the funds were paid to the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Victim Compensation and Assistance Fund.

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk stated: “We are all very thankful for the quick actions of the Sheriff’s Office in freezing the fraudster’s bank account to stop this scam. This case illustrates what an important tool Arizona’s civil asset forfeiture laws are in the fight against financial fraud, especially in cases involving our senior citizens. Asset forfeiture laws allow us to pursue the recovery of funds even when the wrongdoer is beyond our jurisdiction for criminal charges.”

• How to prepare garden soil for best plant growth.
• Additives essential to mountain garden soils.
• How to add manure to garden soil.

Once you've tried digging the first planting hole in a mountain garden you learn that our native soils are HARD ! ! Skimp on spring soil preparation to “soften” the ground and a mountain garden’s production can drop to almost zero. We know that the better the soil the larger the harvest, the brighter the flowers, the easier the gardening. That’s why successful mountain gardening has always come down to soil quality.

Condensed Version of this Article

Blend a 2-3” inch layer of Barnyard Manure and Watters Premium Mulch to one shovel's depth and allow it to settle in your garden for at least 2 weeks before planting.

Before turning garden soil add a generous dose of Gypsum, 7-4-4 All Purpose Food, and Soil Sulfur to the above garden amendments.

Prepare vegetable and garden soils in January for a March 1 planting.

January is my month to amend garden beds, turn the soil, and let the garden rest before a March 1st planting. Here are a few secrets to mountain soil prep that return bushels of produce and a season full of flowers. Any successful backyard garden, whether in the ground or in raised beds, requires these easy steps.

The more organic material any soil contains, the better the quality of that soil. Our mountain soils are hard because they lack organics such as compost, manures, and leaf molds. Because plants use up organic resources throughout the year, new organics must be added regularly to keep the vitality of the soil alive.

A word of caution for those gardeners new to horse country. You are apt to see a sign in a front yard advertising “Free Manure”. Proceed with caution before you haul away this free organic additive and turn it into your garden soils. Horse manure is a great source of organic nitrogen, but not until it has aged. Never introduce fresh manure into your garden. The salt and nitrogen damage is unpredictably destructive.

Whatever goes into a horse’s mouth comes out the other end. That includes weeds as well as barley, alfalfa, straw, and hay. Also, huge white grubs find their way into the warmth of a huge pile of manure. The only way to get fresh manure suitable for gardening without the weeds and bugs is to age it, also known as composting. You must compost, then check there are no large white bugs eating at the middle of the pile. If this scenario isn’t for you, fear not. You don’t have to deal with fresh manure to enjoy the pleasures of a successful garden.

For my smaller garden plots I used deodorized ‘Barnyard Manure’ that comes bagged and ready to add to the garden. This aged poop has a mixture of manure types, it doesn’t smell, and it isn’t slimy. This year my gardens again received a generous dose of 50% Watters Barnyard Manure and 50% of Watters Premium Mulch.

The mulch and manure additives ensure proper drainage, root growth, and water retention for successful garden growth. But, certain mountain plants require calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and some other minor elements, all of which should be added to a garden's soil.

Before turning the compost additives into the planting bed, add two sources of nutrition. The first is a layer of gypsum, also known as calcium sulfate, the most effective source of calcium for plants. The second is an organic plant food I created called 'All Purpose Plant Food' 7-4-4. In flowerbeds it works to produce amazing color and fragrance!

Soil pH creeps up during the growing season. This is a problem that results from poor water and one that must be corrected to keep plants in the ideal 6.5 – 7.5 pH range. When your garden pH rises above 8.0 production stops, fruit drops, the plants yellow, wilt, and finally drop their leaves. Granular Soil Sulfur turned into your garden soil to one shovel’s depth is the correction to bad garden pH, and every mountain garden needs it.

In summary, here is the formula of soil amendments and additives to use this spring: Begin with a 2-inch layer of 50% 'Premium Mulch' and 50% 'Watters Barnyard Manure'. On top of this organic layer sprinkle the recommended rates of gypsum, All Purpose Plant Food 7-4-4, and Soil Sulfur. Turn these to one shovel’s depth into your garden soil and you are ready to plant.

Freshly turned soil is light and airy, so tread carefully on your amended garden soil so it retains this texture. Walk on predefined paths or use a wood plank to walk over the soil without compacting it unnecessarily. We should have at least two good winter storms before March first, but if we don't, deeply water your garden soil two times before planting. This will reduce damage if too much manure was added or if it congregated unevenly into the soil.

Exact additive amounts were not given in this column because those depend on the size of your garden plot. So talk to someone on Watters' staff for exact quantities of each additive to purchase, remembering to bring along your garden measurements.
Coffee Grounds are often mentioned as soil amenders, Learn More from our recent Post “ Using Coffee Grounds as Fertilizer”

Free Gardening Class January 19 @ 9:30am ~ Happy Healthy Houseplants

We believe plants make people happier, and not just outside of our homes, but indoors, too! Houseplants brighten our homes and our lives, and even clean the air we breathe. However, not all houseplants are created equal when growing in an arid climate like ours. You’ll get a list of the top houseplants best grown indoors and how to care for them. Learn best practices for watering, light placement, and how to treat and prevent pests and diseases that can affect your indoor garden. As usual, class meets at Watters Garden Center.

Entire Spring Class Schedule

Until next issue, I'll be helping gardeners here at Watters Garden Center.

The movie is Spiderverse, and Tucker & the Beard are ready to start the new year with a fun movie. 

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Tucker & the Beard enlist a little help from their sons Colin and Judah, as they discuss the movie and offer their perspectives. 

There may be a couple of spoiler alerts during the discussion here, but, after all, it’s a Spider-Man movie. 

The final rating is unanimous: Go See It!

San Martin Rodriguez and Ken Lain talk about weekend events, visiting kids, Monster Trucks, gardening and much more. It’s a fun listen!

Prescott Night Out Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Watters: Website | Facebook | YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest

This week's events:

Friday, January 11th 

5:00 PM 7:00 PM
Beer Tasting: Mother Road Brewing
Park Plaza Liquor and Deli

6:00 PM 9:00 PM
Howling Coyote Tour 2018 plays Mark’s Beer Garden
Mark's BeerGarden

6:00 PM 9:00 PM
CheekTones Trio at El Gato Azul!
El Gato Azul

7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Live Music by Sean McDermott
The Point Bar & Lounge

7:00 PM 9:00 PM
The ROY Show in Prescott!
Elks Theatre and Performing Arts Center

7:30 PM
Toughest Monster Truck Tour - Friday Night 1
Prescott Valley Event Center

7:30 PM 9:30 PM
Friday Night Jazz
Granite Mountain Brewing

8:00 PM 1:00 AM
Friday Night Karaoke at Tony's Too w/ Anthony
Tony's Too Bar and Grill

8:00 PM 11:00 PM
Sister Jackson
Raven Café

8:00 PM 12:00 AM
Felix Y Los Gatos Fri & Sat 1/11&1/12
Birdcage Saloon
 

9:00 AM 12:00 PM
Highlands Center Volunteer Fair
Sat, Jan 12 · Highlands Center for Natural History

4:00 PM 9:00 PM
Fusion of Movement Winter Showcase 2019
Sat, Jan 12 · Fusion of Movement

5:30 PM 12:00 AM
Forest Villas Monster Truck Package
Sat, Jan 12 · Forest Villas Hotel

6:00 PM 9:00 PM
Come and join friends at Marks Beer Garden
Sat, Jan 12 · Mark's BeerGarden

7:00 PM 9:00 PM
An evening at American Lutheran Church!
Sat, Jan 12 · American Lutheran Church

7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Saturday Night Karaoke at The Log Cabin w/ Young Ben
Sat, Jan 12 · Log Cabin Bar

7:00 PM 10:00 PM
Four Shillings Short and the Fare Thee Wells
Sat, Jan 12 · Prescott Center for the Arts

7:30 PM
Toughest Monster Truck Tour - Sat Night 2
Sat, Jan 12 · Prescott Valley Event Center

7:30 PM 9:30 PM
Prescott Valley, AZ - January 11 & 12, 2019
Sat, Jan 12 · Prescott Valley Event Center

8:00 PM 1:00 AM
Saturday Night Karaoke at Bottoms Up w/ Ricky
Sat, Jan 12 · Bottoms Up PV
 

11:00 AM 2:00 PM
Sunday Farmers Market in Prescott Valley
Sun, Jan 13 · Prescott Valley Farmers Market LLC

3:00 PM 5:00 PM
Phoenix Symphony Concert
Sun, Jan 13 · Yavapai College Performing Arts Center

4:00 PM 7:00 PM
Sunday's with Little Larry
Sun, Jan 13 · Jersey Lilly Saloon

This was a first, folks, because Lynn Jeffrey didn’t just come to be interviewed for the Quad Cities Business Beat, she brought samples! Spoiler alert: It’s probably not possible to listen to this episode without your mouth watering and planning a trip to Montana Bar-BQ.

It’s always nice (and important) to know what you’re eating, but sometimes you also want to know who made it. Listen in as Lynn Jeffrey shares the story behind the Montana Bar-BQ restaurant and products. Then, when you’re done listening, plan now to head over to the Montana Bar-BQ restaurant, because you’ll be plenty hungry!

Montana BBQ Website | Facebook | Twitter 

Listen to more of the Quad Cities Business Beat podcasts here!

According to Rosie Darby, the Yavapai County Fair General Manager, if you have a hobby, there is almost certainly a category for it at the Yavapai County Fair. If there’s not a specific category for your item, Darby says there’s always the "other" category!

Listen in as Darby sits down with Lynne LaMaster and San Martin Rodriguez to explain the Yavapai County Fair exhibits and how everyone can participate. 

Q. How much does it cost to enter something in the fair? 
A.That depends on the category. Some items have no fees. Others range from $1-$17. Getting your entry in on time will give you the lowest entry price. 

Q. Are there prizes for winning a category?
A. Yes. Some prizes are simply ribbons, but some items receive cash prizes, too. 

Q. Do you have to live in Yavapai County to enter an item to exhibit?
A. Yes. 

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Here are some of the general categories, but be aware that there are many sub-categories not listed here. You can see last year’s book (this year’s will come out later this spring) for the full list. 

For example, in the Agriculture/Horticulture category, there is a sub-category for apples, with 3 different divisions and 16 different classes of apples. So, there is probably not much need to worry about fitting in.

• Non-Animal
• Photography
• Agriculture/Horticulture
• ED/AG/JTED
• Junior Agricultural Educational
• Floriculture
• Collections
• Creative Arts/Craftsmanship
• Homemaking
• Home Brew
• Photography
• School Art/Educational Exhibits
• Livestock Entry Form
• Alpaca
• Beef/Dairy Cattle
• Horse Show
• Poultry
• Rabbit/Cavy
• Sheep/Goat/Swine
• Specialty Livestock

The Yavapai County Republican Party (known as YavGOP) held elections for new officers this weekend.

The new officers are:

Donna Tanzi-YavGOP Chair
Harry Oberg (former Prescott Mayor) -YavGOP 1st Chair
Paul Carey-YavGOP 2nd Chair
Roger Reinsch-YavGop County Treasurer
Sandra Laney-YavGOP Yavapai Secretary
Alex Harris-YavGOP Asst. Treasurer
John Stevens-YavGOP Assistant Secretary

Republican Precinct Committee (PC) members vote to elect their officers. When Tanzi spoke before them, she spoke of her experience in the business world, including her own successful, technology-driven manufacturing company that had over 125 employees.

"At the local level I have been on the Board of Republican Women of Prescott, holding positions such as 1st Vice President and President," Tanzi stated. "My major accomplishments notably are the successful RWOP 'Big Event' that showcased Dinesh D'Souza and Judge Jeanine Pirro here in Prescott."

These events brought in a large amount of money to the RWOP organization, demonstrating that Tanzi is an effective fundraiser.

Tanzi has also served as the 1st Vice President of the Arizona Federation of Republican Women (AZ FRW) planning their state meeting programs with engaging speakers and educational workshops.

Tanzi is not a newcomer to YavGOP, she has been an active PC member and a state Committee person. In this position, she has worked to recruit and improve PC training, researching, writing and publishing the YavGOP PC Handbook.

"Going forward my Vision for YavGOP is to bring Party Unity as well as focus on getting Republicans and President Trump voted into office for 2020," Tanzi said. "Currently, as YavGOP Education Chair, I recognized the emphasis on active Precinct Committeemen is vital in growing the County Party. With roughly 65,000 registered Yavapai County Republicans… I am committed to vast improvements in PC Position filled and the immersion of our PC into action.

"...I enjoy leading people and when the fight is right and just, I rise to the occasion... I am ready for the challenge and I extend my lifetime of experiences to accomplish a dynamic, enthused, renewed, and unified YavGOP Party."

After the election results were formalized, Tanzi stated, "…t he YavGOP Executive Committee are focused on Party Unity and the re-election of President Donald J. Trump."

The names of the 53 State Committee persons who will be going to Phoenix in a few weeks to elect the AzGOP Chair will be released at a later time.