The Verde Independent | Cottonwood, AZ

Blazin’ M Ranch under new ownership

‘Remain in Mexico’ migrant policy resumes, even as feds vow ...

MVP students name VVMC surgical robot ‘Stitch’

Take at Hike: Baldwin Trail

Sound Bites Grill brings 2 hot bands to the stage

Local News see more>JUMP TO: cvbugle.com | Villager

Montezuma Castle hosts book-signing event Dec. 11

Montezuma Castle is celebrating its 115th year as a national monument by hosting local author Rod Timanus for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

VV Caregivers host Giving Tree to make holidays bright for seniors in need

Verde Valley Caregivers is making the holiday season memorable for older adults who are often alone this time of year. VVCC’s Annual Holiday Giving Tree project has launched with trees up throughout the Verde Valley, according to a news release.

Made In Clarkdale Artists Showcase returns with protocols

The 2021 Made In Clarkdale Artists Showcase returned Thursday, Dec. 2, for its 34th year with a “brand new COVID friendly format,” after canceling its 2020 show because of the pandemic

State News see more>

Lawmaker seeks to make school board elections partisan

A veteran Scottsdale lawmaker believes she has a way of helping voters identify who they want to run their school boards: Make candidates run with their party affiliation.

‘Remain in Mexico’ migrant policy resumes, even as feds vow to end it

The Trump-era “remain in Mexico” policy will resume Monday, after the Mexican government agreed to accept migrants who are turned away at the border and forced to wait in Mexico for their hearing.

Pending U.S. Supreme Court decision could impact Arizona's anti-abortion plans

The 1973 U.S. Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion was a "mistake" that the justices need to correct, Gov. Doug Ducey said Wednesday.

Reader Poll:

Do you trust the process of redistricting for legislative and congressional seats?

Yes 7%
No 93%

57 total votes

See past polls

Kudos Arts & Entertainment see more>

Tlaquepaque’s Festival of Lights: A 48-Year Sedona Tradition

Begun 48 years ago, the Festival of Lights has become a Tlaquepaque tradition, anticipated and enjoyed by Verde Valley residents and visitors alike. This year it takes place on Dec. 11 beginning with Santa’s grand entrance at 3 p.m.

Sedona Heritage Museum’s Christmas in the Park Dec. 11

The Sedona Heritage Museum is hosting their annual “Christmas in the Park” free open house on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event extends free admission to the museum and a day filled with special free activities as a holiday gift to residents and visitors.

Celebrate Old West Holiday Fest at The Blazin’ M Ranch

Nothing illuminates the holiday spirit quite like a visit to the Blazin’ M Ranch – a family tradition welcoming generation after generation for over 27 years.

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Sports see more>

After end of 18-game streak, Suns still NBA's 'team to beat'

Warriors coach Steve Kerr spent a good chunk of his postgame press conference reiterating his belief that the Suns are the best team in the West.

ASU's Benjamin finding traction in second season with Cardinals

Throughout much of the 2020 NFL season, Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury wasn’t optimistic about the progress of rookie running back Eno Benjamin, who struggled to adjust to the demands and pressures that come with the professional game.

Mingus’ Cesar Diaz a bright star running Cottonwood streets

Mingus Union High School junior Cesar Diaz sat in the football stands at Mingus field Thursday with his Division III state championship medal, but what he was thinking about was winning his next race.

Opinion see more>

Editorial: Keep ‘us vs. them’ out of school board elections

The past few years have been so fraught with political division at every level of our lives, it’s no surprise some want to inflate that acrimony. That would be the natural fallout of a proposal by a state representative to make local elections partisan.

Around the Bluhmin Town: Santa Claus lives on in the spirit of humanity

Do you believe in Santa? Yes, of course you do. Who can honestly say that there is no Santa? As we approach Christmas, there are so many reasons to believe.

Letter: Do your part and get vaccinated

Today, on a national, week to week basis, COVID-19 cases are falling 10% and deaths are falling 17% across the country. But, according to Johns Hopkins University, weekly cases are rising in Arizona by 1.65% and they appear to be even more active in the Verde Valley.

Features see more>

Montezuma Castle hosts book-signing event Dec. 11

Montezuma Castle is celebrating its 115th year as a national monument by hosting local author Rod Timanus for a book signing on Saturday, Dec. 11 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dairy Queen seeks to renovate 65-year-old building

After 65 years, the building has escaped a death sentence. Now the owners are asking to renovate instead.

It’s beginning to look a lot like a post-COVID Christmas for retailers

In the second holiday season of the pandemic era, goods may cost more, but Americans have more money to spend – and they appear to be eager to spend it.

Reader Poll:

Do you trust the process of redistricting for legislative and congressional seats?

Yes 7%
No 93%

57 total votes

See past polls

Obituaries see more>

Obituary: Terri Elizabeth Leverton

Terri Elizabeth Leverton Terri Leverton, 67, of Cottonwood, Arizona went home to our Lord and Savior November 18, 2021.

Obituary: Mark Walter Cross

Mark Walter Cross was born in Huntington, Indiana to Wilson M. Cross and Kathryn Bratton Cross, May 20, 1928. He attended Central High School, class of 1946, in South Bend, Indiana and Michigan College of Mining and Technology, class of 1951, in Houghton, MI.