PHOENIX — Insisting that a "made in USA" label means more security, state lawmakers are moving to require that all el… Read moreLegislator wants elections equipment built in the USA
PHOENIX — State senators voted Tuesday to require new elections any time a certain number of voters claim they were "… Read moreBill would order new election if wait times at polls are too long
No doubt about it, police work has gone to the dogs – leastways in Payson – and that’s a good thing. Read moreOfficer recognized for going above and beyond
If we thin it – can we save it? Read moreDoes forest thinning work?
Gila County continues to struggle with providing prenatal care and assuring that mothers, infants and young children … Read moreLack of prenatal care a threat to mothers, infants
WASHINGTON — Supreme Court justices pressed government attorneys Monday on their argument that the treaties that put … Read moreJustices grapple over Navajo water rights, government’s duty to tribe
PHOENIX — The new head of the Department of Public Safety said there is "a disproportionate use of force against peop… Read moreGovernor's pick to head DPS survives committee
PHOENIX — State senators agreed to have the state Department of Education come up with a list of books that cannot be… Read moreBill to ban certain books from school libraries passes Arizona Senate
After an all-day retreat and a follow-up work study meeting in February, the Payson Town Council voted March 8 on its… Read moreCouncil looks to improve roads, parks, drainage
Normally, when the Star Valley Town Council meets at 5:15 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month, it has only… Read moreStar Valley council tackles extended agenda Tuesday
Winter’s grip on White Mountain fishing may not yet have loosened to spring’s gentler embrace, but you can still star… Read moreLearn about White Mountain fly fishing at March 25 meeting at Tiny's
Leslie Cook of Plant Powered Payson, working with Food For Life – The Power of Food for Health, brings the second of … Read moreTips on Simple Meals for Healthy Living
Grant and Carol Smith celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Thursday, March 23. They have made their home in Payso… Read moreSmiths celebrate golden anniversary
WASHINGTON — Federal departments and agencies say U.S. House Republicans’ plans to cut federal spending would result … Read moreBiden administration details potential cuts in key programs under GOP plan
PHOENIX — The Biden administration will send $197 million from the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law to help communi… Read moreFeds to send nearly $200 million to help communities prepare for wildfires
LOS ANGELES – After watching billions of gallons of rainwater wash away into the Pacific, California is taking advant… Read moreCalifornia to store more rainwater as it vies with Arizona for flow from Colorado River
WASHINGTON – When the U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments Monday in Arizona v. Navajo Nation, it will be considering f… Read moreSupreme Court hears Navajo water rights case with potentially big impact
PHOENIX — A conservative advocacy group founded by the Koch brothers is asking a federal judge to quash new voter-app… Read moreGroup attempts to quash new campaign finance law
PHOENIX — A Phoenix lawmaker is attempting to salvage at least part of his controversial plan to override local zonin… Read moreLawmaker wants to bring back affordable housing bill
PHOENIX — Gov. Katie Hobbs on Friday forbade all state agencies under her control from discriminating against workers… Read moreGov. signs executive order banning hair discrimination
The Windy Hill Campground on the Tonto Basin Ranger District has a new RV dump station available for campers who use … Read moreNew dump station added at Roosevelt Lake campground
A wet winter bodes well for the ongoing effort to pull Gila Trout back from the brink of extinction. Read moreThreatened native Gila Trout returned to tiny Raspberry Creek
PHOENIX — It's being billed as a method to get more rapid election results. Read moreBill would prevent dropping off early ballots at the polls
Enrollment is dwindling – down 20% in the past five years. Read moreSmall classes translate into high test scores
PHOENIX — The way Sen. J.D. Mesnard sees it, when the people who crafted the Arizona Constitution put in a $350,000 d… Read moreLegislator wants to enforce state debt limit of $350,000
PHOENIX — A bill that already garnered approval in the state Senate would bar Arizona municipalities from banning gun… Read moreProposed bill would put a ban on banning gun shows
WASHINGTON — With just three weeks until convicted murderer Aaron Gunches is scheduled to be put to death, a court ba… Read moreHobbs: State not ready to execute Gunches by April 6
Just a few days after completing their swift water recertification, local rescuers put that knowledge to the test Wed… Read moreMan rescued from swollen East Verde
PHOENIX — Over the objections of Democrats, all 16 Republican state senators approved two measures Thursday that prop… Read moreBills limiting drag shows moves to AZ House
The drive to create a Rim Country trails system that will serve both residents and a tourist-dominated economy has re… Read moreTipping point for Payson trails
A friendship between Payson resident Kim Chittick and Connie Little, a member of the Valley based Patterns of Grace q… Read moreValley quilt ministry honors Payson veterans with quilts
A scant 20 years ago, Eastern Arizona College Payson signed its Articles of Incorporation. Read moreLocal community college celebrates 20th anniversary
Kevin McCully, fuels manager for the Payson Fire Department, appreciates all who took part in the first Town of Payso… Read morePayson Fire thanks Rim Wildfire Awareness Team
It never fails to amaze me that even after I have lived as long as I have – 90 years and counting – there are individ… Read moreWhat makes a day special?
Get ready to dance in the aisles at the Payson High School auditorium. The Sultans of String bring a global sonic tap… Read moreSultans of String in Rim Country
Would you like two free admissions to Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, a $40 value? How about admission for two … Read moreFree passes to Arizona destinations at Gila County libraries
Payson High School plans a Career & Technical Education Career and Job Fair Thursday, March 30. Read morePayson High School to hold career/job fair March 30
Rim Country residents should consider a staycation treat up in Pine. The Lodge at 5600, 4310 N. Highway 87, Pine, is … Read moreEnjoy a Rim Country staycation treat at The Lodge at 5600
PHOENIX — Dozens of teachers took to the street on Wednesday afternoon to demand that the state superintendent’s newl… Read moreTeachers rally against complaint hotline, call for its end
PHOENIX — State legislators are pushing a bill to build a state dementia plan and put up to $500,000 toward new jobs … Read moreIncrease in dementia cases lead legislators to ask up to $500,000 for Alzheimer’s
PHOENIX — The Arizona Freedom Caucus wants to preemptively prohibit any use of ranked-choice voting to decide city, s… Read moreArizona Republican legislators announce formal opposition to ranked choice voting
PHOENIX — A Glendale state senator who calls reports of a riot on Jan. 6 "a sham" is now going after judges who sanct… Read moreState senator wants to punish courts who sanction attorneys
Tonto Basin fire specialists are planning a pile burn on Thursday, March 16. Read moreTonto Basin Ranger District plans pile burn near Punkin Center Thursday
A 13-year-old was flown to the Valley Tuesday after falling 12 feet from a play structure at Green Valley Park. Read moreTeen falls 12 feet from GVP playground, flown to Valley
The never-ending winter storms have forced a change of venue for the March 18 Rim Country Trail Stewards event. Read moreWeather causes location change for March 18 trail stewards event
A 13-year-old was flown to the Valley Tuesday after falling 12 feet from a play structure at Green Valley Park. Read moreTeen falls 12 feet from GVP playground, flown to Valley
The never-ending winter storms have forced a change of venue for the March 18 Rim Country Trail Stewards event. Read moreWeather causes location change for March 18 trail stewards event
PHOENIX — More than 30,000 Arizonans are DACA recipients, and Attorney General Kris Mayes joined nearly two dozen other states last week in defending the program on their behalf. Read moreKris Mayes and 22 other attorneys general defend DACA
PHOENIX — In a rare show of bipartisan agreement, the Arizona state Senate voted down a bill aimed at addressing the housing crisis by a vote of 9-20. Read moreSweeping bill to address Arizona’s housing crisis shot down
PHOENIX — Multiple state agencies, including the Arizona Department of Homeland Security and the state’s Medicaid provider, may have had their passwords and login credentials exposed in a breach of the popular password management software LastPass. Read moreArizona agencies possibly exposed in LastPass data breach
After months of waiting, the Gila County Sheriff’s Office has made an arrest in a double homicide that rocked the Rim Country community. Read moreArrest made in Whispering Pines double homicide
CHANDLER — On any given day Steve Kanner, a school counselor at Hamilton High School, can be found speaking to a classroom of students or having a one-on-one conversation with a student. Read moreSchool advocates worry about keeping counselors as federal funding set to expire
PHOENIX — Attorneys for Katie Hobbs, Adrian Fontes and Maricopa County are urging the justices of the Arizona Supreme Court to send Kari Lake packing in her latest – and possibly last bid – to overturn the results of the 2022 gubernatorial race. Read moreOpponents of Kari Lake call on AZ Supreme Court to reject case
Don’t light up in public places. Read moreCounties collect grants to deter smoking in public places
County Supervisor
Seems like Gila County Supervisor meetings include a lot of trash talk lately. Read moreLots of trash talk at Gila County Supervisors’ meeting
Pine Strawberry Fuel Reduction, Inc. will take over operation of Gila County’s horse arena and related facilities. Read moreFuel Reduction Committee to take over horse arena
COVID has been dwindling across the country – but cases have surged again in Navajo, Apache and Gila counties. Read moreCOVID cases again surging
County Supervisor
Gila County supervisors last week expanded two grant programs to help low-income and disabled residents cope with the soaring cost of housing. Read moreGila County grants can help homeowners lower electric bills
A wet winter will postpone the fire season – but not as much as you might think. Read moreWet winter will delay fire season
County Supervisor
Gila County’s million-dollar effort to turn an old Forest Service building into a veterans retreat has hit a $162,000 snag. Read moreMillion dollar veterans retreat in Young overhaul hits a snag
County Supervisor
Gila County courts collected about $2 million in fees from defendants in Fiscal 2021-22. Read moreGila County court fees amount to $2 million
The Payson Unified School District looked pretty good in the latest Arizona Auditor General’s report on school spending for fiscal 2022. Read moreState auditor general’s report shows PUSD holding its own
With water levels in Lake Powell and Lake Mead at record lows, federal officials are ready to spend tens of millions of dollars to get farmers and other water users to conserve in 2023 and keep the reservoirs from falling further. Read morePaid not to farm? Expanded Colorado River program divides farm community
PHOENIX — The state House on Monday approved expanding a law on when child support has to be paid – and in a way that some Democrats say is really designed to outlaw abortion. Read moreAZ House approves law expanding child support to date of conception
PHOENIX — Two years after banning the use of public funds for so-called "critical race theory," a Queen Creek Republican lawmaker is now going after programs that promote diversity, equality and inclusion. Read moreBill would ban the use of public funds to promote diversity
featured
Timing is everything, and the Payson Town Council decided to grab a replica of the statue in Scottsdale and Holbrook commemorating the Hashkni… Read moreCapturing Pony Express history
Visit the new Payson Ranger Station and you’ll understand what Joel Mona, Payson’s newest town council member, can accomplish. Read moreMeet Payson’s newest council member
The Star Valley Town Council is in the midst of developing a three-year plan. On March 7, it held its fourth work-study meeting Read moreStar Valley council still mulling future plans
Star Valley residences and businesses violating town codes have had it easy. The highest fine for a violation was set at $300. Read moreFines for Star Valley code violations could go up
The Town of Star Valley has a very small staff. The members of that staff are required to provide numerous services for both the citizens of t… Read moreSV council approves system upgrade
The Payson Hospital Medical Staff Scholarship is being offered to facilitate the further education of potential health practitioners who may r… Read moreScholarship for potential health care workers
Justin Hewitt, recreation coordinator with the Town of Payson Parks, Recreation and Tourism department, recently shared what he called “some p… Read moreRim kids crazy about soccer
The Soroptimist Club is an international organization of women working to improve the lives of women and girls in their communities. Based on … Read moreDream It, Be It” program beneficial for local women and girls
The Career Technical Education Engineering program at Payson High School and the associated chapter of SkillsUSA student leadership organizati… Read moreEngineering – PHS Career & Technical Program
December 23, 2008 was a cold, blustery day. The wind was howling out of the north, and snowflakes had started to fly as the sun set on that co… Read moreA legacy effort bringing more than $600,000 in support
WASHINGTON — The divided 118th Congress approved its first bill Friday, after lawmakers in both the House and Senate voted unanimously to send President Joe Biden legislation that would require the declassification of intelligence on the origins of COVID-19. Read moreCongress unanimously votes to require declassified information on COVID-19 origins
My White Mountains hiking buddy Curtis agreed to explore my side of The Rim for trails neither of us had done. I came up with an idea for a ro… Read moreFriends, loss and the Boulder Loop Trail
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House voted Thursday to undo a Biden administration definition of wetlands that allows for regulations on private lands. Read moreU.S. House votes to roll back Biden’s wetland rule
PHOENIX — In the wake of attacks on substations across the nation, a bill at the Arizona legislature would create a new classification for the criminal activity and make those who interfere with a utility liable for the cost of loss of power. Read morePush to stiffen penalties for damaging utilities advances in Arizona Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Several U.S. House representatives introduced the Bridging Agency Data Gaps & Ensuring Safety (BADGES) for Native Communities Act, a bipartisan bill that hopes to strengthen tribal law enforcement and increase public safety across Indian Country. Read moreGallego sponsors BADGES Act to improve tribal law enforcement
PHOENIX — The Arizona Jewish Historical Society is opening a new interactive activity as part of its exhibit “Stories of Survival: An Immersive Journey Through the Holocaust.” Read moreVirtual tour of Anne Frank’s house offers new way to teach about the Holocaust
PHOENIX — A law outlawing abortions in cases of fetal genetic defects will not go undefended in court. Read moreTwo legislators get permission to defend anti-abortion law
Mexican gray wolf populations are booming – with at least 241 wolves in the wild in 2022. Read moreMexican gray wolf population jumps 23% from 2021
Winter will not release its hold. Read moreChilled on the East Verde on the brink of spring
County Supervisor
Gila County has lost some $10 million in federal grants to repair roads because it couldn’t design and launch projects fast enough to meet the… Read moreGila County road project path full of potholes, sups learn
PHOENIX — One proponent of a bill in the Arizona legislature that would require sex offenders to notify their child’s school of their sex offender status says that a parent’s right to know trumps that child’s right not to be ostracized or bullied. Read moreSchool notification bill could mean bullying for sex offender’s children, critics say
PHOENIX — Arizona won't be banning what has been called "critical race theory" in public schools. Read moreGov. vetoes bill banning critical race theory
WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Education and Workforce Committee early Thursday passed a bill on a party-line vote that would block transgender girls from competing in school sports consistent with their gender identity, a reflection of a broader push in multiple states to curb the rights of transgender student-athletes. Read moreNational ban on transgender athletes in girls’ sports passed by U.S. House panel
County Supervisor
So – on one hand – the numbers look pretty good. Read moreGila County struggling to maintain 756 miles of road
PHOENIX — State senators gave preliminary approval Thursday to a measure directing the Department of Education to come up with a list of books to ban in public schools. Read moreRepublicans push to ban certain books in school libraries
The Payson Town Council chose Joel Mona, a 33-year town resident, career-long civil engineer and commission volunteer as the town’s newest cou… Read moreCouncil chooses Joel Mona to fill vacant seat
