Editorials

Well, that worked out about as well as anyone could hope.

As many schoolchildren are off on Spring Break this week in the Verde Valley, let’s talk about keeping them safe.

As a people, the residents of the Verde Valley love to see their river as both wild and scenic. But there is much more attached to the official designation than a feel-good slogan.

Overseeing a taxing district is one of the most important, highest-obligation tasks in American governance.

Dean Harrison made an impact as soon as he arrived in the Verde Valley.

Newspapers have come a long way since the first publication of the Boston News-Letter on April 24, 1704, almost 319 years ago.

There is plenty of reason to celebrate this week.

“Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants.”

Newly sworn Gov. Katie Hobbs has many unenviable tasks ahead of her, but the state is also in a very good position economically as we stare down bearish forecasts.

2022 in the Verde Valley was full of important stories and interesting occurrences, triumphs and tragedies, and it would be difficult to gauge for what major story the year will be most remembered. However, there were situations and decisions made locally that will have lasting impact on 2023 and beyond.

Expect this to be an annual treat.

Wouldn’t you love to have been a fly on the wall during Thanksgiving dinner in the homes of the contenders in Arizona’s statewide campaigns? And you thought anxiety, finger-pointing, arrogance, self-pity, jealousy and ill-humor were on the menu at your house!

Coming back from the dead is not as cool as it sounds.

If Proposition 310 is approved by voters in the General Election, fire districts in the Verde Valley will be among the most helped by the temporary tax.

So here we go again.

Twenty years ago, even a decade ago, talking about the future of the Verde River was all the rage.

What has happened at the Cottonwood Airport is happening again at Arena Del Loma in Camp Verde.

As a tug-o-war continues between Arizona residents and the state Legislature over taxes, the Arizona Supreme Court touched on a simple truth. Don’t like what your lawmakers are doing? Elect new lawmakers.

The altered adage “Wine makes friends; water makes enemies” is appropriate this week as the battle over the Colorado River was at its greatest intensity.

The City of Cottonwood’s unique situation in this year’s election should be an inspiration for all to find the next-step leadership willing to step up.

Tuesday is Primary Election Day.

For all the pronouncements that it is for safety reasons, a new law going into effect in September could be more hassle than it’s worth.

A local resident trying to drive home down his narrow street encountered a group of tourists wandering down the pavement and gazing up at the old buildings, as unaware of him as a flock of wild turkeys. He had to honk and shout at them to get on the sidewalk.

A sad thing happened on the way to the election.

This time of year in Arizona is such a combination of warnings, it may be frustrating for newcomers and visitors. Wildfire warnings, heat warnings and now - right on the dot - monsoon warnings come in succession.