The Prescott Valley Police Department recently recognized exemplary employees who strive to make the Town of Prescott Valley a safe place to live. Take a look at this year’s heroic individuals  who showcase just how many great people are making Arizona cities work!

Civilian of the Year – Geni LeQuesne

Geni LeQuesne is a vital member of the Prescott Valley Police Department.  She handles all aspects of training and travel for employees of the Department, monitors and tracks training reimbursements and scheduling, maintains the Police Department website, manages Administrative Review/Personnel Complaint/and Use of Force records, provides backup for Administrative Staff, in addition to many other additional tasks.  In 2014 alone, Geni arranged and completed over 250 different training/travel requests for Department personnel.

Geni is always pleasant to work with and extremely helpful to everyone.  She has a positive attitude towards both her work and her fellow employees that makes working with her truly a joy.  Geni is always willing to step in and help wherever necessary to accomplish Department tasks, and does so with a smile on her face.

Geni consistently demonstrates a professional and helpful attitude that is noticed by all of those around her.  She is truly a valued member of the Prescott Valley Police Department and very deserving of the Civilian of the Year Award for 2014.

Community Policing Award – James Tobin

Detective James Tobin has been in law enforcement 18.5 years and served with the PVPD Family Violence Unit for 3 years. He has a clear understanding that criminal incidents are a much broader issue that can’t be addressed solely by a single call for service; however Detective Tobin takes every call for service as an opportunity to make a difference for the community he serves. In working closely with other community agencies and law enforcement professionals, Detective Tobin provides leadership and insight to a variety of community policing programs. Detective Tobin is a community steward and frequently participates in programs that help promote community policing, community outreach and education.

Detective Tobin is a leader with the Coordinated Community Response Team, whose mission isto end domestic and sexual violence in Northern Arizona.  He is also part of the Yavapai County Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, and has coordinated an intergovernmental study with the Northern Arizona University to study and develop advanced domestic violence threat assessments to further combat domestic violence related issues impacting our community.  Detective Tobin helped facilitate the “Take Back the Night Candle Light Vigil” the community awareness program that honors Domestic Violence homicide victims from Yavapai County, as well as the “Start By Believing” campaign in support of sexual assault victims. He also participates in the “Teen Maze” educational event, Hopefest, Salute to Heroes, and the Northern Arizona Regional Training Academy to represent the PVPD Family Violence Unit.  Finally, Detective Tobin has become a community leader on the MATFORCE Coalition to reduce substance abuse in our community.

Over the past 6 years, the number of Domestic Violence incident calls for PVPD has increased by 53%.  Due to community outreach, more careful statistical capture, as well as education in the community that creates a supportive environment in which victims feel safe to report domestic violence, family violence crime has been addressed assertively by our Family Violence Unit. Community policing, community outreach and education have become synonymous with the nationally recognized PVPD Family Violence Unit through the efforts of Detective James Tobin.  On April 21, 2015 the PVPD Family Violence Unit was recognized by the State of Arizona Attorney General’s Office for distinguished service to victims. This award was largely due to the outstanding work of Det. James Tobin and his community policing efforts with the PVPD Family Violence Unit.

Medal of Valor – John VanGundy

On March 09, 2014 at 2:55PM hours, Officer VanGundy and other Prescott Valley Police Officers responded to an in progress domestic violence call at 9420 Magma Drive.  During the call to dispatch, a female caller said her husband fired a weapon inside the house during a domestic argument, and that he had assaulted his father who was also inside the residence.  It was reported that a child was possibly in the home when this occurred.  The female caller reported that her husband, the suspect, was possibly outside of the residence; however his whereabouts were unknown.

Upon arrival, officers set up a perimeter of the residence.  Officer VanGundy was one of the first responders on scene as he was acting as a field training officer for that shift.  Officer VanGundy stationed himself on the south east corner of the residence behind a wall and a tree while waiting for additional officers to respond.  While Officer VanGundy was at his perimeter location, he observed a male subject walk from behind the south side of the residence towards the front of the residence where other officers were arriving.  Officer VanGundy observed that the suspect had a long gun in his hands and challenged the suspect to drop the weapon.  The suspect pointed the long gun in the direction of Officer VanGundy.  Officer VanGundy fired two rounds from his patrol rifle striking the suspect with both rounds.  Officer VanGundy used proper approach tactics to detain the suspect and get him medical attention.  Subsequent investigation indicated the suspect had exited the residence upon police arrival and may have been trying to obtain a position of advantage in ambush of responding Officers.

Officer VanGundy’s decisive and effective response to this situation resulted in the elimination of potential further harm to three victims in the residence as well as multiple responding Police personnel and civilians in the area.  It should be noted the residence in question is across the street from the George Anderson Park.

Officer VanGundy handled himself as a true professional from start to the end of the call.  We would like to fully commend Officer VanGundy for his ability to handle himself in this type of serious incident in such a professional manner.  This type of behavior is deserving of a Medal of Valor.

Officer of the Year 1 – Brad Penner

Officer Brad Penner has provided over 20 years of dedicated service as a police officer in Arizona.  With his years of service, he possesses vast experience and knowledge to draw from and is always willing to share his knowledge to assist fellow officers. Officer Penner is truly selfless and always gives freely of his time to help and mentor others.

Officer Penner displays compassion, kindness and genuine empathy for the citizens he encounters each day. He has a special talent for defusing and de-escalating tense situations with confrontational subjects in a calm, patient and practical manner.

With his many years of excellent service, Officer Penner shows no signs of slowing down.  In 2014 Officer Penner responded to 765 calls for service, investigated 29 traffic crashes, issued 528 traffic citations and warnings and made 86 arrests. His unrivaled work ethic is just one of the many ways in which Officer Penner provides an excellent example for other officers to follow.

Officer Penner is a role model in the community and within the Prescott Valley Police Department; he is the embodiment of what a law enforcement professional should be.

Officer Brad Penner is very deserving to be named as the 2014 Prescott Valley Police Department “Officer of the Year.”

Officer of the Year 2 – Jennifer Watson

In just over two years at the Prescott Valley Police Department, Officer Jennifer Watson has distinguished herself as a hardworking, dedicated and highly productive patrol Officer.

In 2014 Officer Watson responded to 318 calls for service, issued 230 traffic warnings, issued 65 traffic citations and made 98 arrests. She works tirelessly to help crime victims and provide excellent service to the community. She is always willing to assist fellow officers and brings a positive and enthusiastic energy to every task and assignment.

In addition to her outstanding work on patrol, Officer Watson has taken on numerous additional responsibilities throughout 2014, including working with a multi-agency task force to target sexual predators. She is a member of the Family Violence Unit adjunct team, is a member of the Yavapai County Coordinated Community Response Domestic Violence Task Force, and was a valued contributor at the Take Back the Night candlelight vigil, Teen Maze and Shop-With-a-Cop. Officer Watson also volunteers her time to assist as a Big Sister for Yavapai County Big Brothers-Big Sisters.

In 2014 Officer Watson received numerous letters of appreciation from community members and numerous commendations from supervisors, detectives and peers who have recognized the quality and professionalism of her work.

Officer Jennifer Watson is a tremendous asset to the citizens of Prescott Valley and is very deserving to be recognized as the 2014 Prescott Valley Police Department “Officer of the Year.”

Rookie of the Year – Ryan Spriggs

Officer Ryan Spriggs joined the Prescott Valley Police Department in August 2013 and was accepted into NARTA class 35. He joined the department as a reserve police recruit and attended the academy for the first several months as an unpaid reserve. Officer Spriggs knew he wanted to be a police officer and felt becoming a reserve would help him in his quest to reach his goal.  Several months into the academy, he accepted the offer to become a full time employee.  Officer Spriggs graduated the academy in December of 2013 as a well-respected recruit, and was also chosen as the NARTA class Treasurer.

During field training, Spriggs showed how much of a dedicated employee he is.  Throughout his field training, he worked very hard to excel and learn what it takes to be a solo police officer. During many of Officer Spriggs’ shifts, he worked very long hours to complete his cases.  Officer Spriggs has been known to dedicate over 17 hours to complete a single in-depth case.  He progressed along through training at a solid rate and finished his required training and became a solo police officer.

Once assigned to a full time squad on the graveyard shift, Officer Spriggs became very proactive by making traffic stops, field contacts, going on as many calls as possible and learning as much as he could in his first year.  During his first year, he wrote 155 reports, issued 266 citation and warnings and made 61 arrests.  He also took it upon himself to complete several SARA projects which directly impacted the community in a positive way. Officer Spriggs continuously makes an effort to attend trainings to help further his career.  He has shown to have a very positive attitude and is an asset to not only the Prescott Valley Police Department, but the Town of Prescott Valley as well.

When asked, fellow officers said that Officer Spriggs has shown his willingness and motivation to learn this difficult, yet rewarding career.  Officer Spriggs constantly steps up when both challenges and opportunities present themselves, and always involves himself in conversations among the squad as they pertain to our line of work.  Officer Spriggs, in his first year of service has shown to be an officer of great quality and character.  He has shown his ability to not only be a leader, but also a well-respected teammate.  Officer Ryan Spriggs deserves and has shown to have earned the award of Prescott Valley Police Rookie of the Year.

Unit of the Year – Patrol 

In 2014, the Patrol Section of the Town of Prescott Valley Police Department was comprised of 2 Lieutenants, 6 Sergeants, 6 corporals and 31 officers. Last year, the Patrol Division responded to over 23,000 calls for service, made more than 2,000 arrests, and wrote over 7,100 documented reports along with an additional 4,400 supplemental reports. Additionally the officers responded to over 600 accidents, wrote over 3,100 citations, issued over 4,900 warnings and more than 1,600 repair orders for minor equipment violations.

2014 was a challenging year for Patrol, with multiple retirements and turnover of officers, along with numerous injuries.  The Patrol Section worked efficiently, responding to both major and minor crimes and accidents in a timely manner. While the community continued to grow, the number of officers remained constant. The Patrol Division truly overcame and learned to do more with less, while providing a high level of service to the community.

The patrol officers of our department work 24 hours a day 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  Each day our officers encounter agitated, aggressive criminals and have to take action to protect the community and maintain law and order. Our officers interact with community members in need of help, and deal with major and minor issues, always solving the problem. Our officers ensure the Town of Prescott Valley remains safe and as a result, our community is thankful that they have such a dedicated and professional group of officers upholding the laws of the state and country.

Volunteer of the Year – Bob Jensen

Robert Jensen, or K-Bob as all of us know him, has been a volunteer with our agency since 2007. K-Bob was nominated by his Police Department family as the 2014 Volunteer of the year, for his work as a Patrol VIP. You will most likely never see K-Bob without his ball cap on, a Pepsi in his hand, and a smile on his face! He always has a good sense of humor and a positive demeanor. K-Bob has always stressed that he does this job because he wants to help, not for the recognition.

K-Bob is quick to help in any area he can, and always finds tasks that need to be completed, with little or no direction. He was instrumental in transporting vehicles to Phoenix during the redesign of the patrol vehicles and also assisted in getting additional drivers to assist. K-Bob has never wavered in his enthusiasm to the agency and does his job with the utmost dedication and consistency.

K-Bob has been a vital part in the upkeep, maintenance and design of the Mobile Command Post. He is the main driver and operator of the Mobile Command Post, in which he takes a great deal of pride. K-Bob is always reliable for anything from a midnight call-out to assist Patrol with a critical incident or a chili cook-off at a local church.

K-Bob gave 976 hours in 2014 as a volunteer, the most of all VIPs. This averages out to over 80 hours a month that he is donating for the greater good of our agency and community. K-Bob is a great example of the benefit and necessity of having the VIP Unit within our agency. Having VIPs like K-Bob make not only the daily operations of the Police Department run smoother, but he completes beneficial tasks that would otherwise go undone.  Thank you for your enthusiasm, commitment and ongoing dedication to our agency.

The  City of Cottonwood Police and Fire Departments personnel comprising the “Verde Valley Fallen Heroes Committee” presented a check for $10,030.00 to the 100 Club of Arizona on May 13. The 100 Club of Arizona is a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to the families of police officers and firefighters who are killed or injured in the line of duty, provides financial assistance to public safety agencies who need help purchasing safety equipment, provides the children and spouses of public safety personnel with scholarships for college and provides other financial help to public safety agencies.

The Verde Valley Fallen Heroes Committee raised these funds through the 3rd Annual Fallen Heroes Golf Tournament at Verde Santa Fe Golf Course held on Saturday, April 25, 2015. This year’s event was a huge success and participants not only played a round of golf, they also participated in a gun raffle, a general raffle with great prizes and a live auction with autographed items from all Arizona professional sports teams.

The tournament and auctions raised $9,454.00. After the event, Cottonwood City Manager, Doug Bartosh, donated $546.00 to make it an even $10,000.00, which the highest amount raised in the history of this event.

The Verde Valley Fallen Heroes Committee would like to recognize all the businesses and organizations who donated products and/or money to help make this event such a great success.

– Tournament Sponsors – City of Cottonwood, Canyon Distributing (Coors Light), Pawn Palace, Law Enforcement Creations, Larry Green Chevrolet and Laserlyte.

– Verde Santa Fe Golf Course – Provided the golf course, raffle items, lunch and a great service.

– Donation of the gun for the gun raffle – Pawn Palace and Law Enforcement Creations

– Hole Sponsors – Signs 928 (also donated all needed signs), Cage Free Grooming, Old Town Frame Company, Trophies Unlimited, Laserlyte, Law Enforcement Creations, Pawn Palace, Joe Mulcaire Construction, Bedrock Landscape and Materials, Canyon Distributing, The Embroidery Shop, Yellow Pages.

– Donation items – Laserlyte, Law Enforcement Creations, Red Rock Dental, Funhavers, Canyon Distributing, Arizona Diamondbacks, Out of Africa Wildlife Park, Black Cow Café, Vinnies Pizza, Scottsdale Gun Club, Tan-Tastics Tanning Salon, Old Town Frame Company, Canine Country Club, Doug Bartosh, Sedona-Verde Valley Firefighter Charities, Money in the Mail.

– Live Auction Items – Phoenix Coyotes, Phoenix Suns, Arizona Cardinals and Kurt Warner’s First Things First Foundation.

The members and organizers of the Verde Valley Fallen Heroes Committee include:

Kevin Murie, Cottonwood Police Department
Josh Fradette, Cottonwood Police Department
Gareth Braxton, Cottonwood Police Department
Jim Iacovacci, Cottonwood Police Department (Volunteer)
Brandon Wacker, Cottonwood Fire Department
Steve Trautman, Cottonwood Fire Department
Melissa Stearley, Accounting

For further information please contact the Cottonwood Fire Department at 928-634-2741

The City of Goodyear is lacing up its hiking boots and strapping on its bike helmet for a few new exciting projects!

Goodyear Pump Bike Track 

Goodyear’s Foothills Community Park is now home to a brand new pump track!   Opened just two weeks ago, the small track promotes fitness, wellness and cycling.

A pump track is a small track, built using a small piece of land, and is a looping trail system of dirt berms and “rollers,” smooth dirt mounds for pumping, designed for bicycling without the rider pedaling.

A pump track that promotes fitness and wellness and cycling will be dedicated on Saturday, April 25 at 8:30 a.m. at Foothills Community Park, 12795 S. Estrella Parkway.

It was constructed over a five-month period with the help of 100 volunteers who donated about 2,500 hours, in addition to 200 staff hours.

The small track, built using as little as 10 feet by 30 feet of land, and is a looping trail system of dirt berms and “rollers” (smooth dirt mounds for pumping) designed for bicycling without the rider pedaling. The name “pump track” comes from the pumping motion used by the rider’s upper and lower body as they ride around the track.

Goodyear REI Distribution Center 

Seattle-based REI, a leading outdoor retailer, has announced it will open a 400,000-square-foot distribution center creating more than 100 new jobs in the West Valley – becoming the third tenant along the newly-opened Loop 303 in Goodyear.

REI offers its members and customers outdoor gear and apparel for activities such as for hiking, biking and camping. The company is expected to break ground on the facility covering 34 acres near Loop 303 and Camelback Road in May and open in early 2016. REI has been one of a few select companies recognized on Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For,” since the recognition began in 1998.

The addition of REI to Goodyear continues to solidify not only Goodyear’s, but the West Valley’s presence as a major player in online fulfillment centers that provide high-quality goods to consumers and retailers throughout the western United States.

Arizona’s cities and towns are successful because of the wonderful people who work  to make them so great. The Town of Gilbert is no exception.

Jack Young is the longest-standing employee in the history of the Town of Gilbert. He recently retired after serving the community for more than 39 years. In his time with the town, he served as a police officer, code compliance inspector, building inspector and the wastewater quality inspector.

Jack started with the Gilbert Police Department in 1976 as an officer, which he says to this day was his favorite assignment. He worked his way up the ranks and eventually became a commander in 1998. Jack was even named as the Acting Police Chief for six months in-between a retiring and new police chief.

After 25 years with the Gilbert Police Department, Jack retired and quickly transitioned into his new role as Gilbert’s Code Compliance Inspector; a position he held for three years. He later transitioned to work as a Building Inspector and after four years ventured on to Gilbert’s Public Works Department as the Wastewater Quality Inspector.

Jack is a prime example of Gilbert’s Vision to provide “Best in Class” service. He has won several awards during his time at the town including Police Officer of the Year (1977), Town Employee of the Year (1998), and the Town’s Pioneer Award for his work on Gilbert’s first Continuous Quality Improvements (CQI) Steering Committee.

Jack is one of many individuals who help Arizona cities & towns work each and every day. Congratulations, Jack!

Pull out that library card and head on over to your municipal library to check out a book – it’s National Library Week!

National Library Week is sponsored by the American Library Association (ALA) and has been going on since 1958. The week is set aside each year to celebrate libraries and municipal public libraries are a perfect example of the great support libraries can provide for their communities.

You may remember your public library as just being a place to check out a book or do some research. But that’s no longer the case! Today’s libraries are gathering places to meet with friends and colleagues, attend in-person classes, get information on current technology and learn through a variety of activities. And of course, you can still check out books – both off the physical shelf and straight to your mobile device!

See what your city or town has to offer and check out National Library Week! And if your local library has made an impact on your life, share your story! Maybe your local library has helped your child discover a love for reading or maybe you learned a new hobby through a class offered at your library. Whatever your story, share it by using social media and the hashtag #LibraryMade. More details on the #LibraryMade contest from the American Library Association can be found here.

Here’s a look at some of the ways Arizona’s cities & towns are celebrating:

• Mayor Bob Irvin of the City of Willcox proclaimed April 12 – 18 as Library Week and encouraged all residents to visit the city’s Elsie S. Hogan Library.

• The City of Sierra Vista will be hosting a variety of events to help celebrate the week, starting with a book signing on Saturday, April 11 with travel writer Roger Naylor. The library will also offer events through the week including reading sessions with therapy dogs, a magic and juggling show and a special children’s storytime. For more info, click here.

• Phoenix Public Libraries will be offering Food For Fines, a fundraiser  that offers residents the opportunity to decrease their library account fines by donating canned food items.

Visit your local city or town library to find out what they’re offering this week in celebration of National Library Week!

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families will recognize the City of Tempe during the inaugural Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment Summit.

The summit, a collaborative effort of public and private sector partners led by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services and the Arizona Coalition for Military Families, launches a statewide initiative to connect service members, veterans and their families to employment opportunities, training and resources.

The City of Tempe will be named the first Arizona Veteran Supportive Employer, a designation of the Arizona Roadmap to Veteran Employment for efforts to improve quality of life for veterans and their families. Additionally, Tempe will be announced as a Military/Veteran Resource Network Partner Organization, making it the first city in Arizona to earn this designation, based on the Guidelines for CARE for counties, cities and towns.

“Local veterans and their families sacrifice so much to serve our community. Tempe’s programs and services are a great way to show our gratitude and give back,” said Mayor Mark Mitchell. “Our military service members deserve personal and professional success. Our goal is to ensure they have the tools and support to help them achieve their dreams.”

As part of a multifaceted effort to help improve quality of life for veterans and their families, Tempe joined forces with local veterans and veteran service providers to create the Tempe Military and Veterans Working Group in 2013. The group created a strategic plan with four initiatives: establish a Tempe Veterans Commission; partner with the East Valley Veterans Education Center to establish a center that connects veterans and their families to resources, services and programs; create affordable housing projects for veterans and their families; and earn the Veterans Supportive City designation from the Arizona Coalition of Military Families. Tempe is pleased that much progress is being made on all fronts.

The Tempe City Council unanimously voted to establish the Tempe Veterans Commission on Jan. 8. On Feb. 28, the city formalized the partnership with the East Valley Veterans Education Center through a Community Resource Fair and Celebration. Last month, the City Council adopted a resolution to pursue an affordable housing project for veterans. Additionally, in October, Tempe launched the eighth Veterans Court in Arizona.

For more information on Tempe’s veterans efforts, visit www.tempe.gov/military.

The Water Infrastructure Finance Authority of Arizona (WIFA) selected the City of Eloy to receive WIFA’s 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year award. WIFA presented the award at a special presentation during the City of Eloy Council Meeting on Monday night.

The 2014 Drinking Water Project of the Year was for the Houser/Toltec Waterline Improvement Project, a $2 million infrastructure project to address inadequate water distribution infrastructure in the western portion of Eloy. The project included upgrades to the existing booster station and replacement of undersized water mains.

“Through water management planning and investments in water infrastructure improvements like this, the City of Eloy is able to provide a reliable water supply to its residents and the businesses within their community,” said WIFA Board Chairman Henry Darwin, who is also Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.

The project was selected for an award based on advances the City of Eloy made to ensure system reliability, their excellent project management and commitment to protecting public health in Arizona through water infrastructure improvement.

“The City of Eloy’s staff did an excellent job managing this project, even through the transition of Public Works Directors,” said WIFA Executive Director, Sandy Sutton. “We’re very pleased to acknowledge their achievements and hard work with this award.”

WIFA is a state agency dedicated to protecting public health and promoting environmental quality through financial assistance for water and wastewater infrastructure. WIFA offers funding for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects designed to ensure safe, reliable drinking water and proper wastewater treatment. Over the last 25 years, WIFA has invested over $2 billion in Arizona’s communities.

Like the fighter who keeps getting knocked down but comes back to fight again, Miami has survived for many years the fluctuations of the copper market and a world economy. But with its picturesque cottages clinging to the hillsides and territorial-era buildings in downtown, Miami is seeing what can only be termed a renaissance.

Miami Bridge

Antique shops and art galleries have sprung up and if it’s a thirst you’re trying to quench, they now have everything from an old-fashioned soda fountain to more grown up beverages in an old West setting. Mexican food is a favorite, so there’s never a shortage of eating places. And as for those cottages on the hillside…many have been purchased by newcomers who are enchanted by Miami’s small town charm.

Picturesque Mine Café
Photo Courtesy Globe-Miami Chamber of Commerce

The town, while facing many challenges, has a new wastewater plant designed to carry Miami through the coming decades and the town council is committed to meeting the future needs of residents. Bullion Plaza Museum and Cultural Center, located at the west end of town in a former elementary school, is becoming well known throughout the state as a facility for meetings and conferences. Already this year, they have hosted three major groups. As a museum it is top rate, with displays of memorabilia from former Governor Rose Mofford, an extensive mineral and rock collection, and histories of the various ethnic groups that came to work the copper mines.

Miami Central Building

Miami is a proud reminder of the endurance and courage that early settlers in the mining camps demonstrated. That “we can do it” spirit survives today in Miami.

Superior Business District

Written by Sue McKinney Anderson

Just one hour from Phoenix by car, but a world away in terms of beauty and quaintness, sits Superior.  When the mines closed years ago many people moved on and houses, as well as businesses, sat vacant and fell into a state of disrepair.  Not so today!  In recent years people, many of whom are artists and visionaries,  have been renovating the structures and creating a wonderful assortment of creative and “eclectic” homes and businesses.

Superior Business District

The weather is beautiful and the views are endless.  Each year the Chamber hosts a home and building tour in January that attracts approximately 1,000 people. Art, antiques and the famous Mata Ortiz potters from Mexico are all part of the event.  All go home happy and delighted they came.  Other festivals, including the Apache Leap mining festival, Cinco de Mayo, the Prickly Pear Festival, Noche de Vaquero (Night of the Cowboy) and Miracle on Main St. (Christmas parade and event) make Superior a great place to visit all year round.

Superior Mining Competition Drilling
Photo Courtesy Superior Chamber of Commerce

Soon, your visit won’t be complete without staying at the magnificent Magma Hotel, which is listed on the National Historic Registry, and will be opening shortly.  Bicylists, hikers, rock climbers, ATV lovers and equestrians have endless trails and areas to explore.  Great retail shops, galleries and restaurants will fill your every need.  We’re proud to staff an official Arizona Office of Tourism in Superior and welcome you to start your day at the red caboose on Hwy 60 or the Chamber of Commerce at 165 W Main St.  And of course no trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Boyce Thompson Arboretum just two miles West of Downtown Superior.

Superior Mural

Trails galore with fabulous plants, trees, flowers and events. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll help you with your plans. Visit us online at www.superiorarizonachamber.org or better yet, in person.  We hope to see you soon!

Kearny Welcome Sign

Uptown Kearny – Photo Courtesy of Sam Hosler

Kearny, named in honor of General Stephen Watts Kearny, and his dragoons, who camped on the Gila River on their way to California in 1846 was officially established in 1959. When the local Kennecott Mining Company decided to change from underground to open pit mining, the towns of Ray and Sonora had to be moved.  At the same time, Kennecott was building a new smelter in Hayden and homes were being demolished to make room for the expansion.  The need for more housing to accommodate these populations marked the beginning of a new town named Kearny, over 55 years ago.

Pinal County Building and Town Police and Fire Station in Kearny

Kearny is nestled at the base of the Pinal Mountain Range. The location provides prime opportunities for some of the best outdoor recreation in Arizona.  For those that enjoy driving all-terrain vehicles the Mescal Mountains off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area has some of Arizona’s Best developed trails. Mescal Mountains has everything from rolling hills to steep mountains, flat washes and riverbed areas. It is perfect for both novices but also challenging for the experienced trailblazer.  Or for those that prefer a more relaxed day there is always golfing at the Kearny Golf Course or a picnic at Kearny Lake.

Newly Restored Porter Rail Locomotive at the Rail and Copper Park

And make sure to stop by uptown’s Rail and Copper Park to see the red caboose, mining cars and the newly restored Porter air locomotive that was used by Kennecott Copper Corporation in the original underground Ray Copper Mine to haul men, ore and supplies from 1925 to 1955.

Copper Cart in the Rail and Copper Park