Verde Independent

10/11/2025

𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐆𝐄 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐁𝐄𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐃𝐔𝐄 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐇 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐃
𝐂𝐀𝐌𝐏 𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐃𝐄, 𝐀𝐙– Two 19-year-old female hikers reported overdue last night during a flash flood have been successfully located and rescued.
On the evening of Friday, October 10, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) initiated a search and rescue operation after two hikers failed to return from a planned overnight trip along West Clear Creek outside of Camp Verde. The hikers had begun their trip on Thursday, October 9.
YCSO learned that one of the hikers sent a text message around 2:00 PM Friday, reporting that they were caught in a flash flood and had to climb up a canyon to escape. They were attempting to return to the trail with a limited water supply. Communication was lost shortly after.
Deputies confirmed the hikers' vehicle remained at the trailhead. While DPS Ranger was contacted for air support, severe weather conditions initially prevented the helicopter from flying. A ground search involving YCSO deputies and Search and Rescue (SAR) Teams was planned to begin at daybreak.
With improved weather this morning, SAR teams began hiking several hours through rough terrain in case the Ranger would not be able to make it out. At 9 am, Deputies were able to make contact via emergency text messaging with the girls. They were cold and wet but ok. Their location was shared with the search and rescue teams.
Around 10am, the DPS Ranger helicopter was able to launch and with help from the Deputy, located the two hikers. They were transported safely back to their vehicles.
The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere gratitude to the volunteer search and rescue teams and the DPS aircrew for their vital assistance in bringing this search to a swift and safe conclusion.
As more rain is expected, please be aware of the flash flooding dangers of the terrain you are hiking. YCSO photos and press release

10/11/2025

Video was taken at 5:50pm yesterday by Public Works Director Ken Krebbs.

10/11/2025

Update - 44-0 Camp Verde Cowboys lead at halftime. Supporters and family, brave the rain tonight to watch the Camp Verde Cowboys play Chino Valley on senior night. Verde Independent Vyto Starinskas 

10/10/2025

Is your school or business participating in the 2025 Great Shakeout on Thurs., Oct. 16? Let us know if you want to be featured in an article!

The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is urging all residents, schools, and businesses to join millions of people worldwide for the Great ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 10:16 a.m.

While many believe Arizona is immune to earthquakes, the state has over 100 active faults and experiences hundreds of small tremors each year. The Arizona Geological Survey notes that a major earthquake is a low-probability but high-consequence risk for the state. This makes practicing life-saving procedures a critical part of emergency preparedness.

The risk is present here in Yavapai County, which is home to several significant fault lines, including the Big Chino Fault and the Verde Fault. The Verde Fault is considered capable of producing a magnitude 6.5 to 7.0 earthquake, which could cause significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.

“Knowing that major faults exist right here in our county, we cannot afford to be complacent,” said Ashley Ahlquist, Yavapai County Emergency Manager. “An earthquake can happen without any warning. The Great ShakeOut provides a simple, effective way for every family, business, and school to build the muscle memory needed to react correctly and protect themselves.”

At 10:16 a.m. on October 16, participants are asked to practice the internationally recognized safety protocol:

DROP to the ground before the earthquake drops you.
COVER your head and neck with your arms and seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk.
HOLD ON to your shelter until the shaking stops.
YCOEM encourages residents to use the drill as a catalyst for further preparedness, such as creating a family emergency plan, building a disaster kit, and securing heavy furniture, water heaters, and other items that could fall during shaking.

Individuals and organizations can register for free at www.ShakeOut.org/arizona.

For more information on local preparedness for all hazards, please visit the Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management website at www.yavapaiready.gov.

10/09/2025

National Night Out is still on, tonight at the Camp Verde Middle School Gym. 5 PM to 8 PM. Come on down

10/09/2025

Free article: The Fort Verde Days will be postponed to next week as Hurricane Priscilla approaches Northern Arizona

Fort Verde Days

10/09/2025

Yavapai County preparedness measures as moisture from Hurricane Priscilla approaches

YAVAPAI COUNTY — The Yavapai County Office of Emergency Management (YCOEM) is advising residents to prepare for a multi-day heavy rainfall event beginning Thursday, Oct. 9, as deep tropical moisture

10/09/2025

Arizona’s Democratic senators got into a hallway confrontation with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson as the government shutdown’s eighth day dragged on. The clash between Johnson and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego centered on the speaker’s decision not to swear in Democrats’ newest congresswoman-elect, Adelita Grijalva, until they break the Senate logjam and reopen the government. Grijalva is a native Tucsonan, the granddaughter of a bracero who came to the United States from Mexico in 1945 and the eldest daughter of former U.S. Representative Raúl Grijalva.

Arizona’s Democratic senators got into a hallway confrontation with Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson as the government shutdown’s eighth day dragged on.

The clash between Johnson and Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego centered on the speaker’s decision not to swear in Democrats’ newest congresswoman-elect, Adelita Grijalva, until they break the Senate logjam and reopen the government.

10/09/2025

Shutdown threatens nutrition aid for AZ mothers and children as WIC funds poised to run dry in 3 weeks. Shutdown threatens nutrition.

As the federal government shutdown drags on, Arizona families who rely on the WIC nutrition program face growing uncertainty. Funds will run out by the end of October, and Gov. Katie Hobbs’ office says she may not be able to keep it running with state funds.

10/08/2025

Jerome State Park plans 60th party Oct. 11

JEROME – Sixty years ago, the Jerome State Historic Park became Arizona’s fifth state park and now people can experience that day through a living history day in a tribute