Four newly-elected mayors from across northern Arizona will speak at the upcoming Arizona Association for Economic Development’s (AAED) Northern Economic Development Regional Symposium. It will be held April 16 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Prescott Valley Police Department’s Community Room, 7601 E. Civic Circle in Prescott Valley. Mayors Jen Miles from Kingman, Al Gameros from Globe, Tom Morrissey from Payson and Kell Palguta from Prescott Valley will share their views on the importance of business retention and attraction, retail and workforce to their communities. Other sessions will include: What is economic development?  Economic developers will answer the…

LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Lake Havasu Metropolitan Planning Organization (LHMPO) is actively seeking public participation at Focus Group meetings on March 18, for the Regional Transit Feasibility and Implementation Plan. The purpose of this focus group is to gather information, discuss the need for transit services, determine areas where transit service may be needed, and to listen to concerns. Findings from the focus group will help the study team evaluate the local demand for transit services and aid in identifying potential transit solutions.  The LHMPO Regional Transit Feasibility and Implementation Plan was initiated to assess the area’s need for…

KINGMAN – The Kingman City council tabled action on an ordinance proposing banning local performances featuring exotic animals by circuses and other traveling shows. The first half-dozen citizens speaking at the March 5 council meeting urged adoption of the measure, alleging that tigers, elephants and other exotic animals suffer for their involvement in the industry. Ordinance supporters like Keepers of the Wild sanctuary founder Jonathan Kraft said the animals are mistreated simply by their captivity, their confinement within small cages or space and forced travel. They contend they also suffer abuse when electric prods, whips and other equipment and methods…