Category Archives: Business

Bearizona lights up Wild Wonderland

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From Bearizona video

From Bearizona video

WILLIAMS — Bearizona is excited to announce that this winter, the park will be open on select nights for their own version of zoo lights called Wild Wonderland.

Enjoy the magic of Bearizona at night when 100,000 lights dance in tune to traditional Christmas music. The light show runs every half hour and gets better and better the darker it gets! Mrs. Claus visits from the North Pole for a special story time twice a night. Bearizona’s program animal room is open nightly where folks can get up-close and learn more about our adorable program critters. There are plenty of photo opportunities for families to take pictures, and coffee, cocoa and Christmas goodies are available for purchase in the new 12,000 square gift shop.

The event will run Friday/Saturday/Sunday Evenings (November 29 – December 13), then every evening (December 14- December 27). Wild Wonderland is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas.

The event hours are 5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. in Fort Bearizona walk through area. The drive through portion of the park is closed during wild wonderland. Admission to this event is a separate charge from regular park admission and is $10 for anyone 4 years of age and older.

Schedule of Events:
3:30 p.m. drive through closes
5:00 p.m.- 7:00 p.m. Program Animal Open House (Located in the back of the gift shop)
6:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. Mrs. Claus story time in the gift shop
5:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. Synchronized light show (every half hour)
INSIDER TIP-GET YOUR 50% DISCOUNT NOW BY VISITING TRAVEL ZOO OR GROUPON.

Arizona, New Mexico, Lag Nevada In Construction Jobs

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Construction job totals fell in Arizona and New Mexico but continued to be the fastest growing sector in Nevada over the past year, according to data recently released by the three states.

In Arizona and New Mexico, unemployment rates increased by tenths of a percent with New Mexico falling to 6.7 percent, up two tenths from July and Arizona increased two tenths from 6.1 percent in July to 6.3 percent in August.

Nevada continued it’s job growth for the 54th consecutive month. Nevada’s unemployment rate sits at a seasonally adjusted 6.8 percent in August, which is down relative to a year ago, and is at the lowest rate it has been since July 2008.

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Spoiled Rotten has new stock in for winter

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640-15-11-11-03WILLIAMS — Williams has already been hit with a cold blast and it isn’t winter yet. Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique at 516 East Route 66 (near Goldies Route 66 Diner and I-40 Fleet Services) has stocked up on some winter wear for the pets. Until December 1 all non-food items are 30% off. They also just received a new line of crates. Along with the toys, winter wear and backpacks you are sure find something for the pet.
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Backpacks also available.

Backpacks also available.


Science Diet foods and treats also available. Food items are NOT 30% off.

Science Diet foods and treats also available. Food items are NOT 30% off.

Sedona Village Lodge pet friendly hotel

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800-OakCreek-15-10-22 047SEDONA — I do not get a chance to travel much. Because, well, Prince likes his comforts.
800-15-10-21 001So I have to find hotels with dog friendly rooms. I recently had the necessity to travel to the Village of Oak Creek where I stayed at the Sedona Village Lodge. My room was large enough for my purposes but the bathroom was large. John and the cleaning staff were friendly and took care of all of my cleaning needs. The room did have a cover missing on one of the outlets (which I forgot to report. Sorry John). But there are plenty of other outlets to use. The room has an older television, but plenty of channels in case you need to catch that football game. The purpose of my visit did not allot a lot of television time and I do not usually affix my gaze to a television when there is so much more to do in this area.

The room was great for my purposes and the big plus is the pet friendly atmosphere and clean, comfortable room. And the price. There are rooms upstairs which provide a great view of the red rocks. Mine did not have a great view, but I was out of the room most of the time.

The Lodge also provides free Wi-Fi which I needed. There was a little slowing from time-to-time, but that could be for a number of reasons. One of which is that the hotel had almost no vacancies while I was there so I was probably trying to log in when everyone else was.

The Sedona Village Lodge is located at 105 Bell Rock Plaza in the Village of Oak Creek about five-miles from Sedona proper. It is in a good location and much of your needs are within a couple of miles from the hotel.
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There are a few restaurants in the plaza. I did not have a coffee pot, but right across the street is a Circle K where I usually go to buy coffee anyway. Right down the street is Bell Rock with a great trail system for biking or hiking. Or walking the dog.

Another reason for the great location is there are several other important facilities located in the Plaza. The Sedona library has a facility there which I had occasion to use. They have Internet-linked computers and I was able to print out some important documents I needed.

There is also a veterinary clinic located in the Plaza. I also had the pleasure of finding two thrift stores which are loaded with great, reasonably-priced new and used items for pets and people. The Red Rose Thriftique (Facebook) had a movie I have been looking for and it only cost me $2. They have another location in Cottonwood and their store supports animal rescue projects.

Located next to the Plaza is the Paw Prints Thrift Shop (Facebook) which supports the Humane Society. They are larger and had more in the way of electronics and furniture.

Overall this is a great place to stay and plenty to do. Remember if you need emergency pet services on the road, there is a veterinary clinic at this same location.

Pet Boutique has new games

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WILLIAMS — The Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique and Supplies in Williams keeps adding stock.

Recently they have added dog backpacks for large and medium dogs. These are great for hiking for the day so they can carry their water, bowls and some extra food. The packs are also good for carrying a dog, and/or human, first aid kit.
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If you are looking for activities for the kids over the holiday season, they have added games and paint sets. We presume the Puppy Pursuit Games is for humans because if Prince ever got hold of one of the plush toys it would be game over.PetBoutique-15-10-20-001They also added some costumes for the season for pets and people.

In addition to their complete line of Science Diet foods and treats, they have stocked up on Bubba Rose Dog biscuits. They have added to their collars, beds and other items for the pet cat or dog.

A visit to Old Trails

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640-15-08-28-01WILLIAMS — Old Trails True Value hardware has been serving the Williams community for hundreds of years. Okay. For a really long time. I am not a handyman because I do not have a lot of room for projects and I usually break my thumb changing a light bulb. Today I had the need of some tools and had a chance to visit at 616 Airport Road in Williams and see what was new. You can call them at 928-635-2591 (even from your smart phone) and see if they have what you need.

Loads of fishing and camping essentials.

Loads of fishing and camping essentials.


Old Trails allows well-behaved, friendly, vaccinated and leashed dogs, cats, parrots, etc., into the store so you do not have to leave your pet in the hot car.

I was able to find what I was looking for and some things I was not. If you cannot find your particular need, the friendly staff knows where it is.

Of course you can get the usual home repair necessities and project requirements. Old Trails is stocked with the basic pipes, ladders, lumber and wood products, tools and so forth. Everything you expect from a hardware store.
640-15-08-28-03They also have a line of RV essentials for our visitors coming through. Along with anti-freeze, washer fluid, oil and other general auto supplies.

Old Trails has some things to think about for Fire Prevention month in October. They have a line of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers which are really important. They also have the batteries if yours are dead. You do not have to wait for October to participate. You can test your smoke or C02 detector and replace the batteries or units as necessary today. Then you can sit back during October and enjoy the Halloween decorations you can also get at Old Trails.

Fire extinguishers are important for home or auto.

Fire extinguishers are important for home or auto.


I twice had the occasion to actually use a fire extinguisher that was carried in my family vehicles. Once to stop a fire in my family kitchen and once in my own car. Both times limited severe damage so I recommend you get one for home and vehicle. These were smaller fires. If they had been larger I would not try to fight them alone, of course. I would call 911.
They also carry the Dickies line of work shirts, pants and shorts.

They also carry the Dickies line of work shirts, pants and shorts.

Don't forget to check out the back. Lots more stuff back there.

Don’t forget to check out the back. Lots more stuff back there.

If you are getting ready to winterize or need parts for projects or home repairs, check out Old Trails in Williams. In fact you might want to pick the brains of the staff now for ideas on what you might need for winter. Some are expecting a harsh winter season this year.

Here is a secret, ciphered message that only my Veteran brothers and sisters will understand:

Don’t forget to tell them you are a Veteran to receive your 10% discount.

(I’m sorry. Did that go out in the clear?)

Cutting Edge Tae Kwon Do hosts free self-defense course for women

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WILLIAMS — Cutting Edge Tae Kwon Do (Facebook) will be hosting a self-defense course for women only on Saturday, August 29 at 11:30 p.m. The class will be held at the Old Grade School (201 W Sheridan). Learn basic and effective self defense skills. No men; instructed by women. Must be 16 year old and up to participate. Wear comfortable clothes. For more information call 928-637-8736 or 928-707-1344.

How could we forget Bearizona?

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Awesome walk thru lights at night low resWILLIAMS — How could we have forgotten the annual Bearizona Backwoods Bash? Some how this slipped our minds in our article on weekend events.

Bearizona is hosting a Backwoods Bash on July 25, from 12:00p.m – 8:00p.m. This event will be held in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru area of the park and is open to the public.

Live country music throughout the day will set the mood for the event. Kids can jump ‘til their hearts content, get a balloon animal, get some Bearizona ink among other things in the Kid Zone. Barbecue food will be available for purchase as well as local drink selections from Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company & all your domestic favorites as well.

Bearizona is excited to welcome the Phoenix Herpetological Society who will be at the event from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with an alligator and an 18’ snake that attendees, who are adventurous enough, can get up-close, touch and get their picture taken with them. There will also be Bearizona’s walk thru animals on exhibit for all to see, as well as program animal encounters throughout the day.

Advance discount tickets for the Bearizona Backwoods Bash can be purchased by going to http://www.eventbrite.com and typing in Bearizona Backwoods Bash. $9 ages (4-12) and $20 (13 & Up). Tickets at the event will cost $11 ages (4-12) and $22 (13 & Up). Tickets will get you into both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas of the park, however the drive-thru closes at 7p.m. Bearizona pass holders get into the event for free.

Williams youths open new business over Independence weekend

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Trevor Cookston, Andrew Hughes (pictured) join Mawell Williams as newest business owner.

Trevor Cookston, Andrew Hughes (pictured) join Mawell Williams as newest business owner.

WILLIAMS — Three Williams youths opened up a new video game store and arcade in the mall. Andrew Hughes, Trevor Cookston and Mawell Williams pooled their stock of Atari games through a selection of the latest PS4 games to start the business. The business is located in Suite 109 of the mall at 117 Route 66 (Next to the American Legion).

Trevor pointed out that the distance to Flagstaff and the price of some of the games keep video games out of the reach of some Williams gamers. They hope to keep the prices of games reasonable.

Currently they have a good selection of older video games for the PS and X-Box machines as well as a small selection of the games machines. They will consider trading video games and purchasing working game machines.

In the back room they have installed an arcade with some of the classic video game machines. Andrew said that they plan to trade them out on occasion to keep the selection fresh. He said that when circumstances permit, they hope to have a full arcade on Route 66.

Their current hours are from 10 am to 8 pm daily except Sunday when they close at 6 p.m.

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Animals at Bearizona are prepping for their own unique Independence celebrations

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Bearizona photo


WILLIAMS — Bearizona bear cubs spent the day yesterday prepping for some fun Independence Day enrichment, bear cub paintings! The bear cubs love to have fun, and keepers introduced a new enrichment activity to four incredibly eager cubs.

The bear cubs got to paw in red white and blue paint and tromp all over canvas to create their own unique artwork.

The artwork will be sold in the gift shop over the weekend with all proceeds going to C.O.P.S. (Concerns of Police Survivors, Bearizona’s 2015 charity). The cubs will be doing more artwork on the 4th of July at 9:40 a.m. for any visitors that want to witness this fun filled enrichment in person.

Other animals getting special Independence day enrichment or treats include:

Kindergarten Bears: 10:00 a.m.
Bobcat: 12:50 p.m.
Otters: 2:30 p.m.

Bearizona Photo

Bearizona Photo