The Mason Fire is 100% contained and those living in Bisbee are back at 'READY' status Incident Commander Krista Simoneau of the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said fire crews left Mason Hill shortly after sundown but they plan to be back on the hill Wednesday morning to check for hot spots No buildings or people were harmed by the fire Though KGUN 9 spoke to many neighbors in Bisbee who were relatively unbothered by the nearby flames that wasn't the case for everyone in the town Leah Berard moved to Bisbee from Minnesota last year so for me this was a first time experience and I was a little nervous,” Berard said her neighborhood had been moved to 'SET' status on the county's 'Ready but Berard didn't have the alert system set up on her phone “I was trying to enjoy a coffee with a friend and catch up but I kept turning my back and looking back up at the smoke," she said "A lot of people were concerned," Jordan said "In the way that we all know people who live up there." Jordan left his home in the morning to go volunteer for non-profit Goar Park Lunches He says patrons kept asking if his home and dog were alright and we will all be concerned about each other." the Mason fire burned about nine acres of land according to Simoneau Berard said that this up close and personal experience hasn't scared her out of living in Southern Arizona “This is what happens in the high desert in drought,” she said One lane in each direction has reopened on Highway 80 from Naco Road to West Boulevard according to Cochise County Sheriff's Office One lane will remain closed for now to accommodate fire personnel The Mason fire was mapped at about 9 acres total and is located on Mason Hill overlooking Bisbee Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management says crews continue to work on the line around the fire Watch team coverage from KGUN 9's Eddie Celaya and KGUN 9's Cochise County reporter Alexis Ramanjulu who has reactions from neighbors: The Cochise County Sheriff's Office has sent out an emergency alert canceling the "SET" evacuation status and declaring the "wildfire event" over Evacuation status has been reduced to 'READY' The City of Bisbee posted on its Facebook page that the Mason Fire has been contained The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management is battling the Mason Fire The fire is located roughly one mile south-southwest of Bisbee burning north of Mason Hill and southwest of State Route 80 Arizona Forestry says the fire remains within a bowl-shaped area around Mason Hill and is burning through grass and brush Two hand crews from the department are working alongside Single Engine Air Tankers and a Large Air Tanker to contain the blaze Parts of Bisbee are under “SET” evacuation status according to the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office According to the Arizona Department of Transportation the wildfire has closed Highway 80 Westbound near Naco Rd (milepost 341) The sheriff's office says a detour is set up through Tombstone Canyon People in Old Bisbee between West Boulevard and Art Avenue are being asked to prepare for evacuation County officials say the courthouse and county offices in Bisbee are closed for the rest of Wednesday KGUN 9 has a reporter headed to Bisbee and will provide updates throughout the day Report a typo 2025 at 3:42 PM MSTEmail This LinkShare on FacebookShare on X (formerly Twitter)Share on PinterestShare on LinkedInTUCSON (13 News) - Forward progress has been stopped for the Mason Fire burning near Old Bisbee according to the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management The wildfire began Wednesday and burned nearly nine acres but there were no reported storms in the area The Cochise County Sheriff’s Office said fire personnel will remain on the scene for mop-up and monitoring The first started north of Mason Hill and southwest of State Route 80 The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said two engines and two hand crews were on the scene Be sure to subscribe to the 13 News YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@13newskold Firefighters working on the Stronghold Fire southeast of Tucson achieved 54% containment of the north and east sides of the fire after the blaze burned more than 2,100 acres over two days As of 8:24 p.m. April 29, crews were working to contain the fire in the Dragoons on the southwest side, as well as near Grapevine Canyon, on the southeast side. In a social media post the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management said they were working to connect the lines along the fire's edge to local roads and trail systems The department added that work will continue on the contingency of the line to the south and engines are patrolling and monitoring the area for any heat and smoke Fire officials said there was little activity overnight on April 29. The fire's eastern flank was the most active as it burned through grass and brush within Grapevine Canyon, according to the national wildfire tracker InciWeb The southern tip of the fire burned in the Dragoon Mountains Multiple evacuations near Sunsites-Pearce and Cochise Stronghold were ordered and communities remained in "go" (evacuate) and "set" (prepare for an evacuation) status The Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads were closed due to the fire Fire officials said more than 240 personnel were working to protect homes to the northeast and east of the fire and securing the fire on the west side to keep it out of Stronghold Canyon East Some hand crews and engines were conducting point protection around nearby homes and critical infrastructure within the fire’s perimeter Other values at risk include recreation sites The cause of the fire was unknown and under investigation Wildfire training: Academy prepares wildland firefighters for Arizona's long summer of wildfires The Cochise County Sheriff's Office ordered an evacuation for residents west of Cochise Stronghold and south of Ironwood Road including the Stronghold Canyon area campgrounds and trailheads in the Sunsites-Pearce area south of West Eastland Street and north of Pearce Road were in "set" status residents east of Desert Road and west of North Willcox Road were in "ready" status If residents need assistance evacuating large animals, they can call Southeastern Arizona Communications and CCSO Ranch Patrol, according to a Facebook post from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management A second wildfire ignited in Bisbee near Mason Hill, west of Highway 80, according to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office The Sheriff's Office warned residents in Old Bisbee between West Boulevard and Art Avenue to prepare for an evacuation The Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management confirmed forward progress had been stopped on the fire at 9 acres. (This story has been updated to add more information.) 1A SOFTBALL FIRST ROUNDNo. 15 Salome at No. 2 St. David, 4 p.m.No. 12 San Manuel at No. 5 Bagdad, 4 p.m. A unique website covering youth and high school sports and Pima Community College and University of Arizona athletics, combining in-depth analysis and professional reporting from award-winning journalists. Embed on your websiteClose×Copy the code below to embed the WBUR audio player on your site<iframe width="100%" height="124" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://player.wbur.org/hereandnow/2025/02/21/losing-pet-grief"></iframe> EmailBisbee the chihuahua was with host Peter O'Dowd for more than a decade (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)Those of you who’ve listened to this show over the years may remember the misadventures of my dog She must have had some Italian greyhound in her blood because her little stick legs could beat me in a footrace Through the most meaningful decade of my life and through my family’s ongoing battle with obsessive compulsive disorder The dog was also there for all the days in between when she carried into our lives the most uncomplicated form of love Here & Now's Peter O'Dowd lies with Bisbee (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)Her last morning was spent sleeping beneath the backyard elm tree she might have staggered back into the house blissfully intoxicated by the heat of the Arizona sun “Pets bring us so much joy because they force us to remember how short life is and how fleeting our time is together,” E.B A few years back, I interviewed Bartels about her book that explored the shock of grief that can overcome us when a pet dies it was preparation for a day I knew would come eventually I have diminished my own feelings in the past where I’ve thought It wasn’t a human being that died,’” said Bartels important relationships with animals that sometimes are even more profound than our relationships with other people I interviewed so many people for my book who said 'It hit me way harder when my cat of 20 years died than when my dad who I was estranged from passed away.’” Bisbee had many opportunities to leave us sooner than she did We were visiting my brother for the holidays in 2015 when she dug under the fence and escaped from his backyard And then — on Christmas day — a stranger called to say he’d found her Peter O'Dowd called his dog Bisbee “Bisbuddy.” (Peter O'Dowd/Here & Now)She was too skittish to catch But the boy tracked her movements for longer than an hour because somehow he already knew what I had just started to understand: that losing your dog is a desperate kind of feeling More than a year later, that Christmas miracle inspired me to do a story about where to turn when your dog runs away. I met all kinds of people who did just what that boy did for Bisbee — they helped search. Bisbee was just 10 pounds, but the weight of her absence feels like 10,000. That we could have such big love for small things that aren’t human fills me with awe and gratitude. It gives me hope that more is possible than we might imagine. Maybe you think I’m silly to feel this way about a dog. Or maybe you know exactly what I mean. Either way, it helps me to tell you about Bisbee. If it would help you, tell me about your friend. I’ll listen. Peter O'Dowd Senior Editor Here & NowPeter O’Dowd has a hand in most parts of Here & Now — producing and overseeing segments reporting stories and occasionally filling in as host It snakes into the hills and spills down gulches Neighborhoods are knitted together by concrete staircases it’s hard to come at the former mining town straight on But that’s what makes it such a special place to visit There are always new and different ways to explore Bisbee to buy art or to see life as an artist does This is where you come for a jolt of inspiration There’s also the elevation bonus. Nestled in the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is the nation’s southernmost mile-high city. That translates to 15- to 20-degree cooler days than Phoenix. Sounds like a perfect Arizona getaway in the coming weeks Here are a few ways to discover and rediscover Bisbee B Active BisbeeThis Main Street shop includes a retail space full of Bisbee merchandise and a refreshment bar selling everything from smoothies to cocktails It also serves as a headquarters for adventure B Active Bisbee arranges guided tours via golf carts The 1-hour golf cart tour ($35 per person) provides a nice overview of art and history The e-bike tour ($50 per person) lasts two hours and is led by a knowledgeable guide who communicates via two-way audio headset for the first 60 minutes Guests are turned loose for the last hour to explore on their own Walking and hiking tours combine the best of urban sights and some quiet climbs into the Mule Mountains B Active Bisbee also has partnered with Old Bisbee Ghost Tours to offer a spooky tour on wheels for $45 Hop on the ghost cart and experience your goosebumps in comfort When you climb into the vehicle with Travis Bishop you’ll see the town through the eyes of a Bisbee-born guide He shares not just his knowledge but his passion on at least eight different tours His most popular outings are the two-hour Old Bisbee Tour ($59 per adult) a thorough overview that includes the Lavender Pit and the community of Lowell; and the 3-hour Miners Peak Tour ($120 per adult) which adds a dirt road climb to 7,000 feet for panoramic views of the entire county and deep into Mexico one group (maximum of four people) at a time as are discount prices for seniors and youths Bisbee straddled one of the greatest mineral deposits in history Here’s your chance to discover the remnants of those days on a two-hour rockhounding tour Local experts lead you into the hills to search for treasures like azurite perfect for serious collectors or curious newbies learn about the storied mining history and connect to the bones of this landscape Details: Call or text 520-366-2694 to make a reservation and ask about child prices The oldest jeep tour company in town offers eight narrated tours to choose from discover mansions in lofty cloud-scraping neighborhoods or catch a sunset over the San Pedro Valley Most popular is the Historic Old Bisbee Tour that runs 90-110 minutes and costs $60 per person that explores the author’s local heritage and settings used in her many novels Copper Queen Mine TourThe granddaddy of Bisbee tours remains this underground plunge into a portion of the old Copper Queen Mine visitors are led 1,500 feet deep into the tunnels for an up-close look at mining techniques Tour guides are knowledgeable and many are former miners for an added dose of realism You’ll emerge with a whole new appreciation of your job Dress warmly because it’s cool underground all year round Take a most unusual journey without leaving your seat when you attend the Séance Room The hourlong interactive show takes place around the séance table — a combination of haunted history and Victorian parlor magic Eerie and mysterious but still appropriate for kids part sleight of hand and part surprising reveals Performances take place Thursday through Saturday evenings enjoy the thrills and chills of Old Bisbee Ghost Tours Guides dress in period garb and spin sinister tales of spirits trapped between worlds The tales are filled with lots of good history but all have an eerie spin The classic ghost tour lasts 1 hour and 45 minutes and costs $20 per person Well-behaved children 6 and up are allowed A haunted pub crawl is available on weekends Step Back in TimeThis historic walking tour is offered by the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum the Step Back in Time tour is a different kind of treat It starts from the front steps of the museum every Saturday at 2 p.m Delve into Bisbee’s rowdy past on this hourlong guided adventure through downtown The walking tour does not include museum admission Self-starters can grab an assortment of maps at the Tourist Information Center and stroll the streets on their own schedule Maps highlight the special architecture of Bisbee and focus on different areas of interest the commercial district and the market district and immigrant neighborhoods This is "Happy Days" meets "The Twilight Zone," where the past exists but the people don’t Lowell was once a thriving mining town adjacent to Bisbee but was eventually gobbled by the ravenous abyss of the Lavender Pit Lowell could have easily drifted into oblivion a group of volunteers restored the little avenue so that it reflected a simpler time Now Erie Street resembles a Hollywood backlot with vintage gas pumps, antique signs and classic cars highlighting the historic architecture. While much of the Erie Street time capsule is just ornamentation, a few businesses are still functional, including the highly popular Bisbee Breakfast Club restaurant at 75A Erie St While big cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale dominate the headlines with vibrant urban scenes a collection of quaint little towns remains underexplored in the Arizona backcountry they make up for with pedestrian-friendly town squares teeming with authentic experiences they bring out the true character of the state without all the noise and commotion Some of these towns host adorable Main Street communities and culture merge to create a vibrant corridor always teeming with activities From discovering Bisbee's rich mining heritage to indulging in Sedona's captivating art scene the following are Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets The American Wild West comes to life in this sleepy southeastern Arizona village Tombstone promises guests a riveting journey through the annals of history especially when exploring the main thoroughfare This notable avenue is lined with old-time landmarks and Western-themed hotels a legendary showdown between law enforcement officers and outlaws played out in 1881 The street also hosts the Bird Cage Theatre a historical venue that operated in the late 19th century and is one of the most enduring original buildings in the town Guests can savor an exotic dining and wining experience at Big Nose Kate's Saloon This historic spot serves classic comfort food and cocktails in a rustic setting reminiscent of the Wild West days Prescott is a historic community in central Arizona that intermittently served as the state capital between 1864 and 1889 it has a mother lode of historical markers including some of the best preserved in Arizona The Sharlot Hall Museum is an excellent example a premier heritage center with various artifacts about the culture and history of Arizona's central highlands the Museum of Indigenous People delves deeper into the region's past by focusing on the different Native American civilizations that once inhabited the area It offers a vivid glimpse into the past with its well-preserved buildings along a block clustered with bars and outlaws made this corridor their playground with the population paling in comparison to its 19th-century heyday its downtown district is a stark reminder of the early years and harbors a fair share of notable historical sites and markers Main Street Jerome is dotted with art galleries from Made in Jerome Pottery to Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery Several quaint eateries ensure guests have something to tantalize their taste buds You can pop into the Clinkscale for a fish taco or club sandwich before downing it with a mean margarita Jerome's mining history comes to life at the Jerome State Historic Park This living history museum is home to the Douglas Mansion which was built in 1916 and features several relics and memorabilia chronicling the mining days Spanish and Mexican heritage collided in this artsy Santa Cruz County village resulting in a culturally immersive experience for visitors The downtown district boasts a busy central area with colorful shops and galleries It is home to the Tubac Center of the Arts which preserves the community's artistic identity and culture by hosting exhibitions Art Gallery H displays the intimate works of two talented local artists and offers visitors a sample of the region's art scene the Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Museum presents a rare look into the region's dynamic history This iconic site was Arizona's first fort and first European settlement Its exhibits highlight a timeline of life through different periods in Tubac Downtown Cottonwood is a delicate balance between the old and the new with attractions ranging from historical sites to modern entertainment spots You'll encounter this scenery along Main Street This pleasant eatery serves savory Italian cuisine with a dynamic menu offering trademarks like ravioli salad and prosciutto the Old Town Center for the Arts connects the community with the arts in a lively events venue where everybody comes to watch dance concerts Historians will want to visit the Clemenceau Heritage Museum to understand the old days This nostalgic facility exhibits a library of written and living artifacts inside a restored school building Bisbee's captivating mining heritage and thriving art scene interact in a vibrant old downtown district putting it among Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets The main thoroughfare is where you'll find the Bisbee Restoration Museum This quirky venue displays a collection of mementos and memorabilia to highlight the community's heritage over the years the Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum focuses on the copper mining peak using old photographs and artifacts to transport visitors back to the period casual shoppers can pass by Panterra Galley to sort through a delightful display of art don't leave without tasting Bisbee's tasty craft beers at the Old Bisbee Brewing Company Between the New Age shops, colorful galleries in downtown Sedona, and picturesque red-rock formations and dramatic canyons that form its backdrop, Sedona oozes artistic charm at every turn culminating at Tlaquepaque Art & Shopping Village Shoppers can look forward to gratifying retail therapy at the Sinagua Plaza which houses many retail outlets and dining venues a complex of over a dozen shops split into boutiques you can enjoy mouth-watering hamburgers at Outlaw Grille This riverfront community has a unique Main Street that seamlessly incorporates the Colorado River to be an integral part of the downtown experience The walkable corridor enjoys a cool breeze from the water that keeps you at ease as you explore local history inside the Colorado River Museum This is expressed in the form of historic photographs and area memorabilia Guests will fancy reveling in the river scene at the Bullhead City Community Park which presents a tranquil green spot for relaxation and a vantage point for admiring the winding waterway a romantic riverside restaurant cooking up delicious American fare The diner boasts cozy outdoor seating where you can enjoy a pizza while staring at the river Considered the "Heart of Arizona," Payson's location at the state's geographical center makes it a popular jump-off base for exploring Arizona It has a lively Main Street where history and culture interact in the form of galleries The Town of Payson Visitor Center is an excellent first stop for newcomers and provides all the information you need to create a perfect itinerary Sawmill Theatres screens first-run films on a big screen in a family-friendly venue don't hesitate to stop by Rim Country BBQ & Wood Fired Pizza This trendy dine presents the ultimate pizza-barbecue combo to ease your cravings The dynamic menu features dishes like smoked brisket sandwiches and margherita pizza Whether planning your first trip to the United States famous Grand Canyon State or returning for "unfinished business," these Arizona towns with unforgettable Main Streets provide the perfect alternative to the busy scene in the city Their uncrowded downtown districts allow visitors to explore at a comfortable pace and friendly residents allow them to indulge in local offerings without fuss there is enough to go around in the countryside from Tombstone's Wild West history to Tubac's unique culture photos and original descriptions © 2025 worldatlas.com The Quarry Bisbee is closing its doors at the end of the month perhaps best known for its dress-up and themed parties Owner Dana House said closing is a positive thing since it will allow her to be more involved in the community "I've done what I've set out to do," she said There's a number of factors politically and socially that makes this the right time." House opened The Quarry as a way to bring farm-to-table food and original entertainment to the community She wanted to share her passion for cooking with anyone who wanted to try it while being actively involved in her children's lives She’s leaving knowing she’s helped the people of Bisbee and its visitors I didn't realize until it happened," House said they always say that you won't make it like five years or 10 years and I guess it was kind of a testament to myself she's received messages from people all over the world who have had a positive experience at her establishment "It’s positive and we’re all happy to go out with some of our most exciting weekends coming up in the next few weeks.” but says she feels a "calling" to help the community ——-Alexis Ramanjulu is a reporter in Cochise County for KGUN 9. She began her journalism career reporting for the Herald/Review in Sierra Vista, which she also calls home. Share your story ideas with Alexis by emailing alexis.ramanjulu@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook Smeal College of BusinessWagner first recipient of Penn State Smeal’s Bisbee AwardLuke Wagner a senior finance major who is pursuing a certificate in real estate analysis and development has been named the inaugural recipient of the Steve Bisbee Award in the Smeal College of Business at Penn State — The Penn State Smeal College of Business has announced that Luke Wagner is the inaugural recipient of the Steve Bisbee Award in the Smeal College of Business is majoring in finance and pursuing a certificate in real estate analysis and development who passed away unexpectedly in May of 2024 was an instructor in Smeal’s Department of Risk Management a class designed to help prepare students to compete in real estate case competitions A 2006 graduate of the Smeal MBA program and a former U.S a real estate company focused on acquisitions development and property management in the State College area “There was a lot of emotion,” Wagner said when he learned he was the inaugural recipient That’s how I found my passion for commercial real estate.” friends and colleagues collaborated to contribute and collect funds to create the Bisbee Award to celebrate his passion and contributions to Smeal The award honors him as a dedicated mentor to students who was deeply invested in the real estate competition class “We were very fortunate to have Steve be part of our group,” said Brent Ambrose “It was inspiring to watch him interact with our students We miss him and are glad that we can honor his memory with this award.” Recipients are selected from students who have excelled in the Real Estate program by displaying a record of academic excellence and having demonstrated leadership “He was always very straight forward and blunt but we respected and trusted him because of that approach He genuinely cared about his students,” Wagner said He pushed everyone to be the best version of who they could be.” Wagner told the story of how Bisbee helped him and a group of students to start "Old State Realty," a mock real estate group He had such a vision for how great things could be at Penn State,” Wagner said “Steve and I worked really closely to form Old State Realty It simulates a real-world real estate investment environment That was what he wanted us to learn through his class how to bring the real-world experience into the classroom.” Wagner said that he was keenly interested in landing a banking internship Wagner said Bisbee volunteered to help with the process “Steve said ‘Let’s look into this and work together to train you to properly go out and do it,’” Wagner said “A lot of that came from his military experiences The leadership lessons he taught helped us become better people and leaders after we worked with him.” Wagner obtained an internship with Wells Fargo in Charlotte he’ll return to Wells Fargo as an analyst on the commercial real estate team “We miss him [Steve] every day," Wagner said "Old State Realty had a conversation as a group at the beginning of the semester We decided that one of our new goals is to continue Steve’s legacy “We have a lot of fun and we always bring up something Steve said or use one of the principles he taught us," Wagner added "He was a really good friend to all of us.” While many former mining towns in the American West faded into obscurity after their resources ran dry, Bisbee, Arizona historical destination with a quirky twist Visitors today can wander through 19th-century libraries enjoy breakfast in classic American-style diners The town also leans into its eccentric side with unusual festivals such as the annual Return of the Turkey Vultures which celebrates its unlikely feathered friends If you are looking to explore Arizona’s quirkiest corners this year Bisbee should be one of the first destinations on your itinerary After copper was discovered in the late 19th century, Bisbee rapidly grew into one of Arizona’s most prosperous mining towns. By 1902, its charter had been approved, officially designating it a city. In fact, at its peak, Bisbee was the largest city between Houston and Los Angeles its mines had produced 8 billion pounds of copper mining operations officially ceased due to a depletion of resources This closure triggered a collapse in the local real estate market attracting retirees and homebuyers seeking affordable properties these new residents helped renovate the town Bisbee attracts visitors eager to explore its mining legacy and vintage atmosphere One of the most iconic neighborhoods in Bisbee wonderfully preserves the town’s mining heritage with its cobblestone pathways and narrow streets many travelers relate it to having a European feel there are several notable landmarks throughout this district The Bisbee Mining & Historical Museum is a highlight visitors can tour exhibits that dive into the western copper mining town’s industrial history The Copper Queen Library is another historical gem dating back to 1882 and running as the state’s oldest continuously operating library consider grabbing lunch or dinner at Bisbee’s Table a rustic-style restaurant along Main Street that is known for its hand-tossed pizzas a historic mine dating back to the late 19th century visitors will get to put on their hard hat and venture about 1,500 feet into the old mine travelers will board an original train used in the mine the trip lasting about half a mile and including two notable stops travelers can get off the train and wander 300 feet through a dirt road tunnel imagining what work was once like for the miners who once traversed the same paths The second stop will feature a 36-step incline knowledgeable guides will share history and stories from the mine’s heyday After exploring the Old Bisbee Neighborhood and Copper Queen Mine the Lowell Neighborhood should be the next stop on your itinerary adorned with vintage cars and architecture is often used as a backdrop for visual productions and films Travelers can fuel up for the day at the Bisbee Breakfast Club a beloved community diner established in the historic Rexall pharmacy building The Evergreen Cemetery is in this neighborhood as well the resting place of many of the town’s prominent pioneers Lowell also sits along the southern edge of the renowned Lavender Pit Mine a former 300-acre open-pit copper mine that was in operation from 1950 until 1974 it serves as a scenic overlook where visitors can park and appreciate the view consider lodging at The Shady Dell in Lowell a charming furnished RV park where visitors can rent vintage RV trailers that date back as far as 1947 Throughout the year, Bisbee hosts a variety of unique festivals. During the second week of March, the town welcomes the migration of turkey vultures back to town with the annual “Return of the Turkey Vultures” celebration Potential activities each year include a community market with lots of vulture swag Bisbee is also a great town for celebrating the Fourth of July the town has celebrated the country’s independence with activities like parades the town hosts the annual Bisbee Blues Festival which benefits the Easterseals Blake Foundation takes place in Warren Ballpark and features an impressive eight-hour lineup of Blues Musicians Bisbee stands as a testament to how a town can reinvent itself and thrive long after its industrial heyday Districts like Lowell have been so carefully preserved that they are now used as filming locations Instead of letting the Copper Queen Mine fade into obscurity the town chose to honor its legacy by offering guided tours Bisbee has become one of Arizona’s most distinctive and memorable vacation destinations COCHISE COUNTY, Ariz. (KGUN) — A devastating structure fire tore through a neighborhood near Bisbee Road and 4th Street last night reducing two homes and a shed to ashes while narrowly sparing a third residence left a lasting impact on the close-knit community as neighbors rallied to help those affected the fire raged for nearly five hours before being fully contained at 11:30 p.m nearby residents were evacuated for safety the owner of the one home that remained standing recounted the moment he was alerted to the danger “We have another rental on a different street,” he said “The gentleman from across the street called me and said your house may be in jeopardy,’ and I knocked on the door to get my tenant out.” described the terrifying moments leading up to her escape “I smelled something strange while watching TV,” she said “I had a space heater running in the bathroom so I thought it might be that,” she recalled “I went toward the sink and saw my laundry room window was lit up.” Krull managed to grab a few belongings before fleeing to safety “We were able to locate her and we’ve put her up at a hotel we have another rental that’s empty so we’re gonna put her in there so she’s not homeless.” she was overwhelmed by the generosity of her landlord They’re wonderful human beings,” Krull said “They’re gonna take care of me because they know I’m broke.” emphasized the importance of community and resilience “God was definitely here surrounding my house because it’s still standing,” she said Fire officials continue to investigate the cause of the blaze noting that electricity had been shut off in the homes where the fire is believed to have started "Never in a million years would have even dreamt of something like that,” Oatman said "I still have impostor syndrome where I'm like Patisserie Jacqui has been in Bisbee since 2019 Oatman said one of her friends encouraged her to open a business She doesn't know who nominated her for the award but she says business has been booming since being named a semi-finalist “We know because there are people we've never seen before that are saying that they've seen that we've been nominated The growth in her business is one way she can help Bisbee as a city since more tourists are coming to the area that just brings more commerce and more business to our little town which is great generating revenue,” Oatman said She says what sets her apart from others is having savory croissants on the menu All of her pastries are made from scratch and the recipes are hers “I actually don't have much of a sweet tooth at all," Oatman said "That's why I've offered a lot of savory items they think of bakeries being exclusively sweet I try to go pretty heavy on the savory offerings.” She says this nomination isn’t going to change her approach to her business because she wants to continue to produce good food for the community the way she's always done it "I like seeing my skills improve because every day I'm getting better," Oatman said "I'm never I never look in the mirror and go She says it'll be a few months before she finds out if she's a finalist for the award but she's already planning to expand her team for her growing business Arizona’s small towns often pack the most charm These destinations make perfect scenic road trip stops From copper mining roots in Bisbee to artistic works in Sedona and Jerome these towns weave together the state’s rich history with its stunning landscapes So buckle up; your Arizona adventure is about to get a lot more colorful surrounded by layered red rock formations that rise sharply from the desert floor These formations give the area a unique appearance and provide the backdrop for outdoor activities year-round offers a short but steep hike to one of the area’s most recognizable viewpoints Other trails like Bell Rock and Boynton Canyon appeal to hikers and photographers alike Oak Creek cuts through the area and supplies several shaded spots for picnicking the Tlaquepaque Arts and Shopping Village includes galleries and the design is modeled after a Mexican village The Sedona Arts Center supports local and regional artists with exhibits and public programs Sedona combines outdoor access with cultural activity in a way that feels distinct from larger Arizona cities where it developed during the early 20th century as a copper mining town winding streets hold original buildings from the mining era offers exhibits on the town’s industrial past while the Mine Museum presents tools and stories from its early days Art continues to shape Jerome’s identity through venues such as the Raku Gallery and the Jerome Artists Cooperative Gallery both located in restored historic structures Hiking trails in the nearby Woodchute Wilderness lead through ponderosa forests and present high-elevation views across central Arizona attracts visitors interested in both architecture and local lore The town’s steady transformation shows how preservation and creativity can coexist set within the Mule Mountains near the Mexico border the town experienced rapid growth in the late 1800s leaving behind a network of hillside neighborhoods Much of its mining-era architecture remains including the Bisbee Mining and Historical Museum and the Copper Queen Hotel both of which reflect the area’s industrial roots Galleries such as Belleza Fine Art and Sam Poe Gallery display local and regional work while shops along Main Street offer handmade jewelry gives hikers access to views and wildlife in the surrounding hills Prescott is in central Arizona and is surrounded by the expansive Prescott National Forest The town’s network of trails includes the Constellation Trail which weaves through granite outcrops and open hillsides as well as routes near Watson Lake and Lynx Lake Downtown Prescott centers on Courthouse Plaza a large shaded square ringed with preserved buildings offers insight into local frontier history Victorian homes line the residential streets and public landscaping changes with the seasons Events such as Prescott Frontier Days and the Christmas Courthouse Lighting continue to bring the community together Cottonwood is in central Arizona along the Verde River Old Town Cottonwood preserves 1920s-era architecture with a walkable stretch of restored buildings housing restaurants Local wineries such as Pillsbury Wine Company and Burning Tree Cellars contribute to the town’s growing reputation in viticulture Dead Horse Ranch State Park offers trails along the Verde River Visitors can also board the Verde Canyon Railroad which runs through high desert scenery and the Sycamore Canyon Wilderness red rock walls and riparian zones contrast with the dry landscape and festivals that celebrate its regional character and Camp Verde adds to its appeal as a central base Situated in the Gila Valley of southeastern Arizona Safford is a charming town known for its agricultural roots and picturesque mountain backdrop it offers ample outdoor activities such as hiking features trails that lead to spectacular viewpoints The town itself has a quaint historic district with preserved mid-20th-century buildings The Eastern Arizona Museum showcases the region's rich mining and agricultural past giving visitors insight into its development Seasonal festivals like the Safford Heritage Days celebrate local history and traditions reinforcing the town’s close-knit community spirit Safford’s location provides easy access to nearby areas like Thatcher and the Aravaipa Canyon Wilderness where visitors can enjoy serene river hikes and diverse wildlife where copper mining shaped both the layout and identity of this central Arizona town such as the Gila County Courthouse and the Apache Hotel The Gila County Historical Museum presents additional insight into the lives of miners and merchants who helped develop the region Set against the Pinal Mountains, Globe provides access to trails leading through the Tonto National Forest where hikers encounter varied desert and forest terrain Roosevelt Lake also lies nearby for fishing and cafés support a modest but steady flow of local commerce Events like the Historic Home and Building Tour invite visitors to explore preserved architecture and the stories behind it At the convergence of the Verde River and numerous hiking trails Camp Verde offers a blend of natural beauty and historic interest Known for its proximity to the Montezuma Castle National Monument the town draws visitors to explore the well-preserved cliff dwellings of the Sinagua people also provides insight into the area's ancient history with its ruins perched atop a hill flanked by the Black Hills to the north and the Mingus Mountains to the south The town’s low-key atmosphere extends to the local vineyards the nearby Verde River Greenway is home to diverse species and is perfect for birdwatching Willcox rests in southeastern Arizona and boasts both agricultural roots with high desert landscapes Its economy has long revolved around cattle ranching and crop production but the area is now recognized for its emerging wine industry Vineyards such as Coronado Vineyards and Carlson Creek grow at elevation benefiting from cool nights and mineral-rich soil The downtown area contains early 20th-century storefronts which honors the local musician and film star Chiricahua National Monument offers hiking through volcanic rock spires and forested canyons a seasonal lakebed and migratory stopover for thousands of sandhill cranes including the Willcox Wine Festival and Rex Allen Days connect residents and visitors through music Clarkdale developed as a company town during Arizona’s mining boom built to support nearby smelter operations in the early 20th century planned for functionality rather than flair and many of the original homes still stand the town functions as a quiet hub between surrounding destinations with its mix of history and small-scale tourism documents copper’s role in both industry and art The Verde Canyon Railroad departs from the original depot leading passengers through canyons and cliffs not visible by car Tuzigoot National Monument preserves a Sinagua pueblo atop a hill overlooking the Verde River Locals fish and paddle along the riverbanks or hike the trails that link Clarkdale to nearby Cottonwood and Sycamore Canyon Tucked into the foothills of the Pinal Mountains Miami is a quiet alternative to Arizona’s more tourist-driven towns and local galleries that reflect the area’s evolving identity Buildings along Sullivan Street show signs of renewal with art studios and community projects filling former mercantile spaces The Bullion Plaza Cultural Center focuses less on mining and more on local heritage spotlighting the town’s diverse cultural fabric with nearby trails like Six-Shooter Canyon offering birdwatching and shaded forest hikes just minutes from town local markets and small festivals bring out a strong sense of community Whether exploring charming copper mining towns or immersing yourself in Arizona’s artistic revival these towns offer a delightful mix of history From hiking through scenic deserts to wandering through preserved historic streets So take the scenic route and enjoy these underrated treasures—they are waiting for you with open arms and a bit of copper history (KGUN) — The original Bisbee Breakfast Club (BBC) is searching for a new location but people in Lowell don’t want to see it go it's been an amazing journey,” said Mitzi Satterfield which has several locations throughout Arizona Bisbee Breakfast Club has been a staple on Erie Street since 2005 Its 15-year lease with Freeport-McMoRan expires in September they've pulled together for us," Satterfield said "It's just so awesome to know that we have that kind of a community.” She says she called Freeport-McMoRan about the lease and was told they won't be renewing it because the age of the building makes it unsafe KGUN asked Satterfield if she felt the building was unsafe She said "we have creaky floors" but didn't note any safety concerns and I would go down with the building," the general manager said since Satterfield only agreed to be in Bisbee for the first three months the business opened if it comes to the point where we have to leave preserving the history of Erie Street— including the Bisbee Breakfast Club “This whole project has managed to revitalize this street but the Bisbee Breakfast Club is the heart and soul of it,” Simones said Erie Street provides a glimpse of the past Allen says tens of thousands of people visit the stretch of road in Bisbee because of its homage to 'Americana.' He says most of the people find their way to the street because of the Bisbee Breakfast Club "It's a shame to lose something like this," said Janet Townsend Most agree the street wouldn’t be the same without the Bisbee Breakfast Club which is why Allen and Simones collected letters of support from community leaders to give to Freeport-McMoRan whatever they can do so Lowell can just continue to grow and preserve Americana,” Allen said Satterfield doesn't exactly know what the future holds for the popular eatery A historic mining town nestled in southern Arizona's Mule Mountains declared a housing emergency and is taking steps to address a housing shortage The Bisbee City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday expanding zoning laws to allow for an increase of housing density on underutilized or vacant lots in certain areas in Bisbee the council passed a resolution declaring a housing emergency stating the need to prioritize affordable housing and urging the state Legislature to allow for local control of zoning laws Bisbee followed in the footsteps of Sedona, which declared a housing emergency two months earlier "We need housing and I'm going to be sending this up to the Legislature through a group of us mayors that are doing this.. We think that local control is the best way to go and the best way to solve our problems," said Bisbee Mayor Ken Budge at a Feb This resolution is a response to state legislative bills that have been aimed at overriding local zoning controls and accessory dwelling unit requirements for the last couple years according to city officials The ordinance passed Tuesday to expand zoning laws is one effort Bisbee is taking to address the city's lack of housing The ordinance allows additional housing to be built on existing lots near amenities like parks as well as near existing amenities like sewer lines City planning officials said the housing types that could be built include cottages We need more duplexes and triplexes … there is really not very many in this town at all The zone expansion reduced minimum lot sizes to 2,500 square feet compared to 6,000 square feet for a single-family home and allows for range of buildings The infill development could reduce the cost per resident to maintain infrastructure more money can go towards community and infrastructure projects The flexible zoning code could also attract housing developers so they don’t have to fight the zoning laws,” Budge said The Bisbee mayor said he first saw the need for more flexible zoning options when the city had to remove a tiny home in Saginaw Even though the tiny home would have been a suitable addition to the neighborhood the zoning code did not allow for one to be built Housing officials said the benefits of the zoning expansion could be seen shortly after the overlay zone goes into effect and residents could get relief as soon as one year as Bisbee solicits bids for a property called Sierra Cobre Sierra Cobre is a 16-acre property off Melody Lane near the county's administration buildings will benefit the developer chosen for this property City officials said after speaking with the applicants the city could see around 25 units built on this property City officials blame the large number of vacation rentals for the lack of affordable housing options Recent data shows that out of 2,600 occupied housing units about 9% of Bisbee’s housing stock is short-term rentals Sedona is the poster child of what’s going on with this but we’re not very far behind if you consider the amount of units we have,” he said The city has spent the last several years trying to address the issue of affordable housing. In 2021, the city partnered with the nonprofit Step Up Bisbee/Naco as part of the Bisbee Workforce Housing Initiative to remediate dilapidated houses and sell them below market value to essential workers Since the formation of the Workforce Housing program In 2022, Bisbee passed an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units. That was two years before Gov. Katie Hobbs signed House Bill 2720 Bisbee also acquired Hillcrest apartments to turn the historic former hospital into affordable housing This project has been stalled due to a lack of available low-income housing credits City Manager Stephen Pauken said although two buyers completed bids to purchase the building the sale was contingent on obtaining low-income housing tax credits Sedona also blames vacation rentals as part of the lack of housing options The vibrant northern Arizona city has led the call for help in local control over short-term rentals. In January the Sedona City Council passed a resolution declaring a housing shortage emergency while urging state lawmakers to pass a law allowing local governments to regulate the number and location of short-term rental units The city has struggled to address its affordable housing crisis and previously introduced different programs and incentives to prevent short-term rentals and for homeowners to rent to local workers or displaced long-term residents The resolution came after the number of short-term rentals tripled from 400 units at the beginning of 2020 to approximately 1,203 in October 2024 Reach the reporter at sarah.lapidus@gannett.com. The Republic’s coverage of southern Arizona is funded, in part, with a grant from Report for America. Support Arizona news coverage with a tax-deductible donation at supportjournalism.azcentral.com. BISBEE — Craig Harzinski, the co-owner of Bisbee Books & Music Twelve months after listing the store for sale and 70 days after announcing its imminent closure Harzinski and co-partner Ken Mertes happily announced last week that buyers had finally been found for Bisbee’s last remaining bookstore “It’s an amazing thing,” Harzinski confessed and the new owners will take over the day-to-day management of the store early next month Books and literature have been part of Bisbee’s DNA since 1882 when Copper Queen Mining opened Arizona’s first public library in its company store based her popular Joanna Brady mystery series here Poet Richard Shelton’s touchstone “Going Back to Bisbee” was published in 1992 there has been only one bookstore in town: Bisbee Books & Music in the old Phelps Dodge Building at the foot of Main Street Bisbee Books & Music co-owner Craig Harzinski listed the store for sale one year ago our plan was to work for three more years and then retire,” Harzinski said of he and Mertes We had taken the store as far as we knew how and it was time for somebody else to make it even better.” They listed the store for sale last January the independent bookstore business is seldom a get-rich enterprise but tourism gives this one a steady revenue stream “We had a ton of people come in and express interest,” Harzinski said but I’d say we had two very serious buyers The first couldn’t quite get her financing together and the second had a health issue come up at the last minute we were pretty much back where we started.” The homemade sign that had been at the store’s entrance from Oct Sad News” — the store told its customers it would close Dec 31 if a buyer did not come forward before then We know how much the store means to the people who live here but we had started to make other plans … thinking the store would be sold.” Harzinski said they stopped ordering books in a conscious effort to reduce inventory They began discounting stock on the shelves and planning a liquidation sale “I was behind the counter when a man walked in looking for a book,” Harzinski recalled “He was moving to Bisbee from North Dakota and had learned about our store from the library across the street We began talking about Bisbee and books and the bookstore … and we’ve been talking pretty much ever since.” Harzinski and Mertes are planning an open house next month to introduce the new owners to the Bisbee community and the occasion will be bittersweet for many of those who drop by Bisbee Books & Music co-owner Craig Harzinski announced last week that a buyer had been found for Bisbee’s last remaining bookstore essayist and longtime Bisbee resident Ken Lamberton the author of “Chasing Arizona,” said Harzinski and Mertes will be missed “Craig and Ken have been great for all of us especially our local writers,” Lamberton said If you like being around books and book people Bisbee Books has become an integral part of our community,” he said “Craig and Ken have done a wonderful job of curating a collection that highlights our unique history I also admire their commitment to raising the voices of local authors through their signings and readings Independent bookstores are important to every community Harzinski and Mertes moved to the Bisbee area in 2018 to open a restaurant Bisbee Books & Music is the last remaining bookstore in Bisbee “We just loved the idea of working in Bisbee,” Harzinski said They told us what kind of books they liked looking for just the right book to take home The best part was helping them find just the one they wanted even though they didn’t know it when they walked in.” An eclectic place well-known for its arts and artists Bisbee has supported local booksellers for almost 100 years Browse previous Bookmarks columns and keep up with news from the Tucson book community by following Bookmarks Arizona (@BookArizona) on X Subscribe to stay connected to Tucson. A subscription helps you access more of the local stories that keep you connected to the community Receive the latest in local entertainment news in your inbox weekly Everyone should be able to find available books and materials in the library Gregory McNamee's new book celebrates UA history ahead of its 140th anniversary next year With less than five months to go before the next Tucson Festival of Books the new executive director has hit the ground running Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device CCSO says crews have repaired all of the power poles is closed after an oversized load took out three power poles Bisbee Police are asking that people avoid the area due to extensive pole damage impacting travel according to the Cochise County Sheriff's Office CCSO says that motorists should expect the closure to last throughout the evening (KGUN) — The City of Bisbee has been working on ways to make affordable housing more accessible they’re taking their needs to the state legislature by declaring a state of emergency for housing "It's an emergency that we start to act towards it,” said Bisbee Mayor One of the ways the City of Bisbee is trying to add more affordable housing to the area is by selling an old apartment building in Warren they added to their strategies by declaring the emergency "We just want to make sure that that the legislature gets the idea that that we feel that we need to provide more housing and let us go ahead and do it under local control,” Budge said Budge said this declaration is in response to current bills at the state legislature that affect housing and zoning for local cities "It says an emergency because we wanted to put a stamp on it to say this is serious stuff and we want you to take us seriously,” Budge said Budge says he wants local government to control whats happening in cities because each city has different needs because we as mayors believe that the best way to solve these problems is locally What works in Bisbee won't necessarily work in Mesa won't work in Phoenix or won't work in Goodyear,” Budge said a nonprofit that builds and renovates homes to list at a discounted price for professionals working in Bisbee “There's no quick fixes in these types of things,” Budge said Budge says that he and the council will vote on Tuesday to approve the new changes to the planning and zoning that will allow for more affordable housing options in Bisbee manufactured homes and more affordable housing options to be built or placed on property in the area lined with historic storefronts and vintage cars just down the highway from Bisbee in southern Arizona Once a thriving community on the rim of an open pit copper mine Lowell is now kept alive by a busy diner and heaps of nostalgic charm It is 10 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and a frequent stop for travelers in pursuit of the perfect picture “It’s just a naturally photogenic street,” said Robert Gallucci a photographer who lives in nearby Hereford March and April are the first few months of what northern hemisphere photographers call “Milky Way season,” when the dark core of our galaxy is most visible It’s also when the Milky Way lines up with Erie Street majestically suspended over the streetscape “but it’s sort of like the infinite beauty of the old world … and then the infinite possibility of the new The resulting image was still striking — there are ways to mitigate inconvenient light — but Gallucci knew the night sky could look even more glorious He approached the City of Bisbee and asked if they would agree to turn the street lights off for a weekend Erie Street residents and business owners backed the plan they emerged to look up at the untarnished sky some of those people have been living there for 20 years,” Gallucci said one that Gallucci teaches others to take in workshops on two weekends in March and April an excellent example of why cities of all sizes should strive for dark skies we have some of the best night skies in the country that people that have lived here all their life don’t even know about,” he said Seeing in the dark: Under the Grand Canyon's dark skies, an astronomer finds a universe of real stars Bisbee was certified by Dark Sky International an organization that advocates against light pollution Bisbee is the 22nd dark sky place in Arizona It earned certification after a six-year-long community effort led by Bruce Syrett Bisbee City Manager Steve Pauken said residents had noticed creeping light pollution over time from both public and private infrastructure so there's a courthouse over here and county offices over there,” he said The city is working to replace them all with dark sky compliant lights — which shine downward and have a warmer hue — over the next five years “One of the principal methods of eliminating light pollution is to direct your light down as opposed to up,” Pauken said cities generally have to regulate and retrofit outdoor lighting as well as take regular measurements of the darkness of the sky Small changes like shielding lights so they don’t shine up and out; installing timers for lights only needed periodically; using bulbs with warm hues; and not unnecessarily lighting outdoor areas can make a huge difference a city ordinance regulates outdoor lighting with the overall goal of minimizing light pollution The city works with developers to ensure new buildings get it right from the outset “We sat down with the construction company and the owner and reviewed the site plan and we modified quite a bit of their lighting,” Pauken said “We’re going to get a dark sky friendly Burger King.” Preserving the dark in the open spaces of ArizonaBisbee is not the only small Arizona community seeking to protect its dark skies a community of about 1,200 people off of Interstate 19 a local astronomer who worked at the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory which operates the Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory outside Tubac He is also the chair of the board of the Dark Sky International Southern Arizona Chapter “You certainly can’t see the Milky Way from Phoenix,” Falco said but it is still threatened by light pollution It sits in a valley between the “light domes” of Tucson to the north and Nogales to the south Preservation and mitigation are key to why places like Tubac where the sky is plenty dark compared to the metropolitan sprawl of Phoenix “The observatory still has a pretty good dark sky but it has certainly degraded over the years,” Falco said “And it's because of the growth of population.” casual stargazers and anyone who has ever looked up and felt a moment of peace Fighting light pollution has a multitude of other benefits It’s much easier to control than polluted water “You've probably seen the satellite pictures at night with the world all lit up,” he said “Eighty percent of that light is wasted because it's shining up Watch the skies: Arizona’s dark skies are good for stargazing and your health. Here’s how Another key driver of dark sky activism is astrotourism the growing practice of traveling to a place with ideal atmospheric and lighting conditions to spot stars and other celestial bodies and take in the Milky Way the director of communications at the Arizona Office of Tourism people like to say it's a dry heat in Arizona,” he said the clear skies and good weather kind of all go together.”  a community just northeast of metropolitan Phoenix was able to earn dark sky certification in part because the McDowell Mountains block light pollution from the city sprawl “There are lots of places that make for great stargazing conditions all across the state,” he said “and places that you don't actually need a telescope to really see a huge volume of stars just with your own eyes standing on the ground.” Arizona is home to the first-ever designated dark sky place with their numerous federal and state parks and vast areas of sparsely occupied country (The state tourism offices are locked in a friendly battle over who has the most.) as well as other prime dark sky areas across the state where locals and visitors can learn from astronomers in a casual setting Astrotourism also carries one significant advantage over day trips Gallucci moved to southern Arizona nine years ago after visiting from New York toward the end of monsoon season He now calls it Arizona’s “Venus Flytrap month.” “Everything is beautiful and green and you’ve got these lush rolling hills and flowering plants he realized the other 11 months of the year look very different he used to shoot the moon rising over Manhattan capturing imposing clouds lit up by bolts of lightning He can shoot Saguaro cactuses beneath the aurora He can capture mountains under a twinkling array of stars And he can line up Erie Street with a perfectly unlit shot of the Milky Way (KGUN) — A fire burned multiple buildings Saturday night in the Warren district of Bisbee The fire was reported at structures on Bisbee Road and Strong Row said two houses and a shed were completely destroyed The occupants in the surviving home were able to evacuate without injuries Douglas and Sunnyside Fire Departments assisted Bisbee Fire Department Richardson said two firefighters were injured on the scene but are “okay” Bisbee Fire is investigating the cause of the fire KGUN 9 will update this story as more information becomes available