Cochise County Voice

04/20/2026

Shaw Fire
Cochise, AZ
Cochise County, AZ

Update 9:08pm
The is 30% contained at 20 acres. Hand crews, engines, and water tenders remain assigned to the incident and continue working toward full suppression.

Earlier today, aircraft, including Single Engine Air Tankers, Large Air Tankers, Air Attack, and a Type 1 helicopter worked in coordination with ground resources to slow the fire's spread. While aircraft is done for the day, it remains on standby if needed for Tuesday.

The Shaw Fire started Monday afternoon northeast of Cochise Stronghold and west of Sunsites.

Check with Cochise County Sheriff's Office - Mark J. Dannels Sheriff for all SET/GO updates.



Update:
Shaw Fire
Monday, April 20, 2026, at 5:39 pm
Douglas Ranger District
Cause: Under Investigation

Follow Cochise County Sheriff's Office - Mark J. Dannels Sheriff for evacuations updates.

Follow Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management for all fire updates.

Shaw Wildfire
Monday, April 20, 2026, at 2:58 pm
Douglas Ranger District
Acres: Approximately 8 acres
Cause: Under Investigation

At approximately 2:00 pm today, a wildfire began on private property, which has now entered the Coronado National Forest. It is approximately eight acres and growing. Cochise Stronghold has been evacuated for public safety. Direct extinguishment strategies are being utilized to stop the spread of the wildfire and protect homes and infrastructure.

Please continue to follow the page for the Coronado National Forest for updates as they become available.

Apr 20, 2026 at 1:40 PM
Go - Level 3 - Evacuation Order

Cochise Stronghold west of Halfmoon Ranch, including Cochise Stronghold Campground

All trails in East and West Stronghold including Cochise Trail, and Middlemarch Canyon Trail

Set - Level 2 - Evacuation Warning

West of Cochise Stronghold Road, south of Dream Catcher Way

April 20 at 2:44 PM

Report Image
Evacuation Updates:

GO Status:

Cochise Stronghold west of Halfmoon Ranch, including Cochise Stronghold Campground; all trails in East and West Stronghold including Cochise Trail, and Middlemarch Canyon Trail.

SET Status:

West of Cochise Stronghold Road, south of Dream Catcher Way.

See attached map above.

Per the Cochise County Sheriff's Office on Facebook.

Update April 20 at 2:28pm
GO Status: Evacuate now Cochise Stronghold. A Wildfire event is a direct threat to your safety. Call 911 if you need help evacuating.

Per a Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) sent by Cochise County.

Apr 20 at 1:43 PM
Arizona Forestry responding to a new start, the Shaw Fire northeast of Cochise Stronghold and west of Sunsites in Cochise County.

Resources have stopped forward progress on the north end and working their way around the south flank of the fire. Fire is estimated at 2 acres and moving through grass and brush. More resources being requested including state hand crew and additional overhead. Air Attack, three Large Air Tankers and helo also requested.

Update from Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management on Facebook.

https://share.watchduty.org/i/94192?ts=1776718095000

04/20/2026

Dust flying, adrenaline pumping, and the crowd on their feet.

The wild horse races at Willcox West Fest brought pure western intensity to the arena. Teams worked together in a fast-paced challenge catching, saddling, and racing their horse across the finish line in a test of grit, timing, and teamwork.

04/19/2026

Premier turns Mescal Movie set into a celebration

BENSON — Under clear desert skies at the historic Mescal Movie Set , an already highly anticipated evening delivered on every promise, drawing a strong crowd and unfolding seamlessly from start to finish.
From the moment gates opened, guests moved through the iconic Western streets with a sense of occasion, exploring the storied location before settling in for the world premiere of 'Becoming Billy – An Outriding the Devil Origin Story.' The event proceeded precisely as scheduled, with a smooth progression from tours and meet-and-greets to the screening, panel discussion, and live music finale.
The night’s headliner, country artist Chancey Williams , proved as compelling offstage as he is on it. Fresh off a No. 1 CMT hit and making his big-screen debut, Williams brought an easygoing charm to the evening, engaging warmly with attendees in the saloon and later delivering an intimate acoustic performance that capped the night on a high note.
Chancey Williams described his first acting role as surreal, noting his lifelong familiarity with Mescal through classic Westerns filmed there.
“Well, it was unbelievable. It was my first acting job,” Chancey said. “I'm a country music singer and Saddle bronc rider and rancher from Wyoming but Raen our friend got me in on this and it's unbelievable to come to, you know, the set where they shot some of the most historic westerns of all time was for my first. Just coming in here that day when we first came into film, I felt like I had been here before because I'd seen all the westerns that had been filmed here so it was unbelievable just Walking in the footsteps of some of the greatest actors ever and some of the greatest Westerns ever. So, it was an unbelievable experience.”
Equally well received was actress Roberta Sparta of the cast and director Raen LeVell, whose presence throughout the evening added a personal dimension to the premiere. They mingled comfortably with guests, answering questions, sharing insights, and creating an atmosphere that felt less like a formal premiere and more like a shared celebration of Western storytelling. Their accessibility and genuine enthusiasm resonated with the audience.
“My dad, he's a huge Western movie fan. So, for me being here was... Beyond special,” Roberta said. “Because I watched so many movies that were filmed here with my dad, so it was very special. And everybody that works here and that keeps this place together, there is just so much soul and love in this place that, I love it, and I don't want to get emotional, that it was just so special. So, thank you, Raen, for getting me out of acting retirement for this role.”
The premiere itself was met with strong appreciation, with the film’s setting—both on screen and surrounding the audience—adding a rare layer of authenticity. The combination of historic location, live interaction, and performance gave the event a sense of immersion that organizers had envisioned and fully realized.
The premiere was followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and cast - which include screenings of “Quanah” and “Angela” - the two historical dramatizations filmed at Mescal that feature in Outriding the Devil.
By night’s end, the consensus was clear: the evening was not only well attended, but deeply enjoyed. What had been billed as a unique blend of film, music, and Western heritage delivered exactly that—an experience both heartwarming and personal, leaving attendees with the feeling they had witnessed something special in a place built for it.

Follow the Mescal Movie set on Facebook, or their web site,
(If your photo does not appear, it may be posted on the Chancey Williams web site)
Dateline: Hector Acuna, Cochise County Voice, April 18, 2026.

04/19/2026

A Wind Advisory is in effect today until 1pm for the areas shaded in blue.

04/19/2026

Cochise Chess: Expanding Opportunity Across a Rural Border Community

Nick Mueller serves as the executive director of Cochise Chess, a nonprofit organization with a unique distinction it is the only bilingual chess nonprofit in the United States dedicated to serving an entire rural county. Based in southeastern Arizona, the organization has rapidly grown into a cross-border initiative reaching communities throughout Cochise County and northern Mexico.

Mueller’s background reflects a deep commitment to education and community development. In addition to leading Cochise Chess, he is the principal of Cascade Tutoring, a former regional ESA vendor, a past instructor at Arizona State University, and a graduate student studying multicultural and bilingual education. His work recently earned him the NACO Heritage Alliance Fellowship, funded by the Mellon Foundation, supporting both educational programming and research into historical leisure activities of the Buffalo Soldiers.

Cochise Chess was founded in 2022 after Mueller relocated from Tucson to Bisbee. Recognizing a lack of structured summer activities for local youth, he partnered with the Copper Queen Library to launch a chess program. What began as a small summer initiative quickly expanded after strong interest from both children and adults. By the fall of that year, the program had opened to all ages, and within a year it extended into multiple communities including Douglas, Sierra Vista, Benson, Huachuca City, and Naco.

Today, Cochise Chess serves more than 800 members ranging in age from 4 to over 80. Weekly sessions continue at the Bisbee library, offering instruction for beginners and experienced players alike. The organization has also established partnerships with local schools, bringing chess instruction into classrooms in communities such as Naco and Douglas. A high school internship program has further strengthened engagement, with some students continuing their involvement as they move into college.

In addition to weekly programming, Cochise Chess has organized large-scale events, including a binational chess championship in Agua Prieta, Sonora. The event was recognized by the Mexican Chess Federation as one of the most significant in the region’s history. The organization also hosts special exhibitions, including simultaneous matches where a single advanced player competes against multiple opponents at once.

While competition is part of the program, the organization emphasizes the broader educational value of chess. Research has shown that chess can improve memory, pattern recognition, logical reasoning, and processing speed, while also supporting students with attention-related challenges. These benefits have contributed to widespread community interest.

Despite that support, the organization faces ongoing financial challenges. Funding through grants and donations has slowed in recent months, limiting expansion efforts. Participation in official rated tournaments also presents a barrier, as players are required to purchase memberships that may be cost-prohibitive for many families in the region.

For now, Cochise Chess plans to maintain regular programming in Bisbee through the summer, with broader expansion expected to resume in the fall. Organizers continue to focus on accessibility, aiming to reach individuals of all ages and backgrounds.

Through steady growth and community engagement, Cochise Chess has established itself as a rare and impactful resource one that blends education, recreation, and cross-cultural connection in a region where opportunities of this kind are often limited.

Mia Longoria
Cochise County Voice

04/19/2026

04/18/2026

A single-vehicle rollover accident was reported today near Mustang Mall, roughly halfway between the area and Elfrida.

According to initial reports, the crash involved a pickup truck that rolled over.

Drivers are urged to use caution in the area as authorities continue to respond and investigate. Further details will be released as they become available.

04/18/2026

COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. (KVOA) - Highway 191 was closed at mile post 36 near state Route 181 due to a mass casualty incident.

04/17/2026

C&M Circus is coming to Willcox, AZ on April 20th. Two shows will be performed under a real Circus Big Top.

Showtimes: 5:00 & 7:30
Location: Keiller Park at 500 N. Bisbee Ave.

Sponsor: Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture

Tickets: Tickets can be purchased in-person at a discounted price ($14 for adults and $8 for children and seniors) before circus day from
Maid Rite Feeds
R&R Pizza Express
The Plaza Meat Market

Get online tickets now from: https://cm-circus.square.site
Online tickets are $14.75 for adult and $8.75 for children/seniors. They will be available until 10:00 p.m the night before we arrive (April 19th) or until sold out. On circus day, tickets can only be purchased at the box office and will be $17 for adults and $10 for children 2-12 and seniors 65 & up. No charge for children under the age of 2. Buy your tickets early! You'll save money and a higher portion of the proceeds will go to support our sponsor the Willcox Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

The midway opens an hour before the show featuring a full concession stand, pony rides, face painting and inflatable rides. Our 90 minute family-friendly show features Big Cats, Tight Rope, Aerialists, Fire Eating, Dogs, Foot Juggling, Daredevils and so much more! Visit cmcircus.com to see photos and find out more information on this year's show.

04/17/2026

Update:
4-17-26 Highway is back open

Update
4-17-26 at 2:53am
Highway 191 remains closed.

Original Post
Highway 191 is closed at mile post 36 near State Route 181 due to a mass casualty incident. One vehicle (van) rollover, three deceased, AZDPS accident scene.

The Cochise County Sheriff's Office announced the hard closure. Rainbows End Trail at Highway 191 is also closed.

Officials are advising drivers to find detours to avoid the area. The closure is expected to last several hours.