Cottonwood Journal Extra

10/08/2025

Above new Cottonwood City Manager Mario Cifuentez II’s office door is a road sign that reads “Cifuentez Way.”

“I’m a huge policy guy,” Cifuentez said. “So in Visalia, [California], the first city I worked for, they had a policy where when someone retired, they would make them a street blade.”

Above new Cottonwood City Manager Mario Cifuentez II’s office door is a road sign that reads “Cifuentez Way.” “I’m a huge policy guy,” Cifuentez said. “So in Visalia, [California], the first city I worked for, they had a policy where when someone retired, they would make them a street ...

10/07/2025

The Camp Verde Town Council discussed staff recommendations for changes in compliance with House Bill 2447, which requires municipali­ties to allow administrative approvals of development applications, at their special session on Wednesday, Sept. 24.

House Bill 2447 requires, rather than allows, adminis­trative personnel to review and approve site plans, development plans, plats, lot line adjustments and land divisions without a public hearing, and allows applicants with a history of building code and regulation compliance to be eligible for expedited permit review. It also offers an optional self-certification program allowing architects and engineers to certify and be responsible for compliance with applicable ordinances and construction standards for projects that qualify

The Camp Verde Town Council discussed staff recommendations for changes in compliance with House Bill 2447, which requires municipali­ties to allow administrative approvals of development applications, at their special session on Wednesday, Sept. 24. House Bill 2447 requires, rather than allows, ad...

10/06/2025

10/05/2025

Volunteer Sedona & the Verde Valley is hosting its first volunteer fair at the Cottonwood Recreation Center located at 150 S 6th St. on Saturday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free admission event will showcase 37 area civic organizations and nonprofits that are looking to fill both short term and long volunteer positions

Volunteer Sedona & the Verde Valley is hosting its first volunteer fair at the Cottonwood Recreation Center located at 150 S 6th St. on Saturday, October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free admission event will showcase 37 area civic organizations and nonprofits that are looking to fill both sho...

10/04/2025

A high school teacher in Cottonwood was recently surprised with a $50,000 prize recognizing excellence in skilled trades education.

Travis Black, who teaches construction technology at Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education in Cottonwood, is one of 25 winners of the 2025 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.

A high school teacher in Cottonwood was recently surprised with a $50,000 prize recognizing excellence in skilled trades education. Travis Black, who teaches construction technology at Valley Academy for Career and Technology Education in Cottonwood, is one of 25 winners of the 2025 Harbor Freight T...

10/03/2025

Clarktoberfest will be taking to the streets in downtown Clarkdale on Saturday, Oct. 4 from noon to 6 p.m. with free concerts by The Naughty Bits and jazz trio What’s the Big Idea, along with a cornhorn tournament and stein holding contest.

Clarktoberfest will be taking to the streets in downtown Clarkdale on Saturday, Oct. 4 from noon to 6 p.m. with free concerts by The Naughty Bits and jazz trio What’s the Big Idea, along with a cornhorn tournament and stein holding contest. “This is our 11th Clarktoberfest,” Mayor Robyn Prud.....

10/02/2025

This October, Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe Of Ridiculous Thespians theatre dares the public to step into a story unlike anything ever seen on stage.

“Trap,” by acclaimed playwright Stephen Gregg, is not just a play — it’s a 90-minute audience experience. Performances run Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3, 4, 10 and 11 at 7 p.m., with a special matinee Sunday, Oct. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Mingus Union High School Auditorium, 1801 E. Fir St. in Cottonwood.

This October, Mingus Union High School’s A Troupe Of Ridiculous Thespians theatre dares the public to step into a story unlike anything ever seen on stage. “Trap,” by acclaimed playwright Stephen Gregg, is not just a play — it’s a 90-minute audience experience. Performances run Friday and ...

10/01/2025

Cottonwood Utilities Director Tom Whitmer gave a presentation on the history and current status of the Riverfront Water Reclamation Facility to the Cottonwood City Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Cottonwood Utilities Director Tom Whitmer gave a presentation on the history and current status of the Riverfront Water Reclamation Facility to the Cottonwood City Council at their regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16. In 2007, the city tried to find methods to moti­vate residents to reuse reclaime...

09/30/2025

09/30/2025

Earlier this year, Cottonwood city staff hired Kimley-Horn to conduct a parking study of the Old Town area to provide an inventory of parking and identify parking issues and parking management options. City Council had previously approved $70,000 for the parking study in the FY 24/25 budget.

Council received a presentation on the Old Town parking plan at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 16.

Earlier this year, Cottonwood city staff hired Kimley-Horn to conduct a parking study of the Old Town area to provide an inventory of parking and identify parking issues and parking management options. City Council had previously approved $70,000 for the parking study in the FY 24/25 budget. Council...

09/29/2025

The Cottonwood Planning & Zoning Commission discussed potential changes to the city’s zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance due to legis­lative changes required by House Bill 2447 during its Sept. 15 meeting.

House Bill 2447 requires, rather than allows, administrative personnel to review and approve site plans, devel­opment plans, plats, lot line adjust­ments and land divisions without a public hearing and based on objective standards. It also allows applicants with a history of building code and regulation compliance to be eligible for expedited permit review. The bill was approved by Gov. Katie Hobbs on March 31 and is effective beginning Wednesday, Dec. 31.

City forced to adapt after Governor signs new law The Cottonwood Planning & Zoning Commission discussed potential changes to the city’s zoning ordinance and subdivision ordinance due to legis­lative changes required by House Bill 2447 during its Sept. 15 meeting. House Bill 2447 requires, rather ...