Payson Roundup

An elk now towers over the Days Inn hotel along Beeline Highway, where muralist Wes Abarca has completed what he describes as Arizona’s tallest elk mural. The mural is painted on the north-facing wall of the hotel’s second property. Abarca, also known as Wes77 on social media, created the mural as his second piece of artwork for the property. kAmw:D 7:CDE H@C< :? !2JD@?[ 2=D@ 2E E96 9@E6=[ H2D 2 9@CD6 >FC2= A2:?E65 @?

Nearly half of people receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have left the program so far this year – one of the steepest drops in the nation. This means that 475,000 Arizonans have lost benefits since last July when the federal government imposed new restrictions. This includes 180,000 children, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Over the past two weeks, I’ve had the opportunity to walk through the doors of more than 100 businesses across Rim Country. I’ve sat down with business owners, managers and entrepreneurs, listened to their stories, heard about their goals and learned more about what they see happening in our communities. kAm%9@D6 4@?G6CD2E:@?D 92G6 DE2J65 H:E9 >6]k^Am kAm%96J’G6 C6>:?565 >6 @7 D@>6E9:?8 E92E 42? 36 62DJ E@ @G6C=@@< H96? H6 86E 42F89E FA :?

The monsoon pattern set up with a vengeance in Arizona last week, as a potentially record-breaking El Niño strengthens. The monsoon got off to a late start this year, but heavy storms throughout the state last week caused localized deluges. kAm%9:D :?4=F565 7=@@5D :? E96 vC2?5 r2?J@? E92E =67E EH@ 5625] w6=:4@AE6CD C6D4F65 2E =62DE ga A6@A=6 7C@> !92?E@> #2?49 :? E96 42?J@? 3@EE@>] %96 E@== >2J DE:== C:D6 2D D62C49 677@CED 4@?E:?F6[ D2J @77:4:2=Dk^Am kAmx? 2?@E96C 72E2=:EJ[ 2 49:=5 5:65 :?

Let’s Talk Fishin’ is holding a bass and crappie fishing tournament at Roosevelt Lake on September 12. It is open to anyone. Prizes include: biggest bass $500, heaviest stringer $500, biggest crappie $500, and heaviest stringer $250, with extra cash from tournament sponsors. kAm%96 E@FC?2>6?E :D 2E (:?5J w:==[ q@342E !2C<:?8 {@E[ H:E9 E96 =2F?49 2E #:?8E2:= #2>A] u@C >@C6 :?7@C>2E:@?

A proposed repeal of a federal ban on building new roads in designated wilderness and roadless areas could have significant impacts on Arizona, with 1.1 million acres potentially affected. Advocates for the change say repealing the rule would open additional areas to logging, mining, recreation and forest management. kAm$64C6E2CJ @7 p8C:4F=EFC6 qC@@<6 #@==:?D D2:5 C6A62=:?8 E96 a__` #@25=6DD pC62 r@?D6CG2E:@? #F=6 @? cc >:==:@?

There’s a lot happening at the Big Red Barn in Pine throughout September. The Trail Crew Rock Stars are working hard preparing for events in Pine this month. On Friday, Sept. 4, volunteers will meet at the Big Red Barn at the corner of Old County Road and Bradshaw Drive to set up the venue for the 4th annual Classic Car Show on Sept. 5 and the 20th annual Fire on the Rim Mountain Bike Race on Sept. 12. kAmp7E6C E96 C246[ G@=F?E66CD H:== C6DF>6 H@C< @?

Block back-to-school bullying with evidence-based strategies. Inspiration Martial Arts is helping kids kick bullying to the curb through a new class this month. The free community bully prevention workshop will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, at 501 W. Main Street, Ste. B. Sessions will last one hour and be catered toward specific ages, with ages 6 to 8, meeting first at 9 a.m. The second session, geared toward 9- to 11-year-olds, will be held at 11 a.m. kAmpD #:> r@F?ECJ DEF56?ED C6EFC?

Payson opened the regular season by battling Snowflake to a 1-1 tie at Payson High on August 26. The Longhorns play at Blue Ridge on September 2 and host Round Valley on September 8. Contact the reporter at kmorris@payson.com

Payson opened the girls soccer regular season with a 3-1 loss at Snowflake on August 25. Payson (2-2-1 overall) opens Fall Central region play at Flagstaff Northland Prep on September 1. The Longhorns host Blue Ridge at 6:30 p.m. on September 3 at the high school. They have a week off before playing at St. Johns on September 10. Contact the reporter at kmorris@payson.com