Southwest of Center

What is Katie Hobbs Afraid of?

Tue, 05 May 2026 07:48:05 -0700

What is Katie Hobbs afraid of? How can she be called "governor" when she won't even talk about the state budget that the state house just passed and the state senate is also poised to approve. Good governance involves direct negotiation, but "Governor" Hobbs wants to only negotiate using the media. We've got the facts about a budget that provides tax cuts for Arizona's working-class families with state Rep. Lupe Diaz, who says it's impossible to reach a compromise with someone who won't even come to the table.

Benson Budgets and Development - The Future of a Town

Mon, 04 May 2026 08:43:10 -0700

Benson Budgets and Development - The Future of a Town

From the Enterprise fund to the golf course, from development along the Hwy 90 corridor to industrial zones, we break down the Benson city budget and look into the crystal ball called the General Development Plan - with the insight of City Manager Greg Volker - who throws in some surprising perspective when we talk about the future of economic development.

"I Love You, Man!" Remembering Bob Hammond

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:05 -0700

"I Love You, Man!" Remembering Bob Hammond

Never hesitate to tell someone that you love them. Bob Hammond was my BFF and truly "my brother from a different mother." I love you, Bob.

An RV Resort That Really Is - The Lakes at St. David RV Resort

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 05:17:25 -0700

An RV Resort That Really Is

With more than 3,000 RV spaces and dozens of RV parks in the area, one lives up to the word "Resort." With lakes, a salt-water pool, clubhouse, gym, live entertainment, and more, The Lakes at St. David RV Resort is drawing RV enthusiasts from all over the US, and contributing economically to an industry that brings millions of dollars into the region. Plus, custom casitas with a million-dollar view - what's not to like?

A State Gas Tax Holiday, Hobbs Vetoes Tax Cuts, ADI Triumphs

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:34:31 -0700

A state gas tax holiday would save everyone a lot at the pump, but state dems won't consider it; State Rep. Lupe Diaz talks about why, and points out the democrats and Gov. Hobbs - who already twice vetoed it - won't support the conformity bill, which would provide tax cuts for working class families. Hobbs won't even talk to Republicans about a compromise. Diaz has much more in this update on the legislative sausage making in a session that will likely extend into June.

If You Ever Need an Ambulance - Know Who You're With

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 08:39:16 -0700

More than 40 percent of people in the U.S. will need an ambulance at some point in their lives, and in a huge 3,000 square mile area that includes most of the northern half of Cochise County, it's the service now known as North County EMS - formerly known as HCI (Health Care Innovations). In this conversation with Anthony Kugler, we learn some surprising things about ambulance service, including the level of training required, how service territory is decided, and how the "golden hour" of trauma care is still critical to saving a life.

("40 percent" is sourced from NIH and other sites; HCI is doing business DBA as North County EMS)

Artificial Intelligence Will Rule Our Lives - or Will It?

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:40:20 -0700

I think we're already in an era when Artificial Intelligence will eventually dominate us in everything we do, and it may not be a benevolent ruler. It's helping us dominate the Iranian conflict - but we can still control it. In this fascinating conversation with local thought leader and social media gladiator Michael McCune, we explore some other possibilities and outcomes and examine the terrifying prospect of losing control. Put your philosophical leanings aside and decide - is this really what we want?

UPDATE: Active-Duty Military - Free Admission Friday March 20

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:21:02 -0700

Military Appreciation Day - Friday March 20, Active-Duty Military Get in Free: The Cochise Country Music Festival Cochise Country Fest 2026 | Arizona's Premier Country Music Festival returns to Benson for another three-day festival and celebration of the best in country music, March 20-22, featuring headliner acts and more than a dozen other bands and performers on two stages for three days. Put on your boots and grab your cowboy hats and VISIT THE WEBSITE for event tickets, RV camping and other event tickets, and get ready to enjoy what's rapidly becoming the premier family-friendly country western festival event in the entire state of Arizona. Cochise Country Fest 2026 | Arizona's Premier Country Music Festival

Data Centers Are Coming (and What Are You Going to do About it?)

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0700

Data Centers use huge amounts of power and other resources, and Cochise County Supervisor Frank Antenori wants us to be prepared, because they're coming, like it or not. This revealing discussion explains the intersection between economic and social pros and cons and why Antenori says being prepared is critical.

Murals, Plants, and Jobs For the Challenged. What's Not to Love? - Time to Desert Survive!

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 09:06:33 -0700

Supported employment for the handicapped is the program mission for Desert Survivors, a non-profit native plant nursery that's providing vital jobs for VSPs (Very Special People) who in turn work and learn in an environment becoming known for its murals, art, and of course - desert flora and fauna unique to our beautiful desert. It's "Time to Desert Survive!"

3 Days of Country Music Heaven: the Cochise Country Music Festival is Back for a 4th Incredible Year!!

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:35:21 -0700

The Cochise Country Music Festival www.cochisecountryfest.com returns to Benson for another three-day festival and celebration of the best in country music, March 20-22, featuring headliner acts and more than a dozen other bands and performers on two stages for three days. Put on your boots and grab your cowboy hats and go to the website at www.cochisecountryfest.com for event tickets, RV camping and other event tickets, and get ready to enjoy what's rapidly becoming the premier family-friendly country western festival event in the entire state of Arizona. www.cochisecountryfest.com !

Triple the Jobs and Great Food to Boot!

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:26:09 -0700

People wait in line to eat at an iconic Benson restaurant that two years ago was on its last legs; but Rob Hagmann bought the Horseshoe Cafe, tripled the payroll while expanding the menu and the hours, started another restaurant and bar next door, and did we mention great food? We find out how he did it and here's a hint; great staff and a lot of hard work!

Water Restrictions Coming? Tax Cuts Bill Vetoed Again! And More

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0700

Legislation that would cut taxes for Arizona's working families is vetoed - again - by Gov. Katie Hobbs; Why is Az AG Kris Mayes going after Pierce-area ranchers who are legally grazing their cattle?! These issues and why water restrictions may be coming are covered by State Rep. Lupe Diaz in a frank and comprehensive update six weeks into the state legislative session.

FRIDAY FINISHERS - Follies, Fallacies, Fools - and Kudos

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:15:00 -0700

Kudos to the BUHS wrestlers representing us at the state tournament; thumbs up to Benson city councilman Darren Hayes for standing his ground; congrats to ADI as the ADEQ hears from the EPA, and this week's Friday Finishers Fools mention goes to... (come on, it's only five minutes long...)

Benson Councilman Challenges Motives Behind Recall

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0700

Darren Hayes wasn't even on the Benson city council when plans for Aluminum Dynamics plant were making their way through the planning and zoning or the council approval process, but that didn't stop ADI opponents from targeting him for recall; he doesn't hold back as he talks about the issue and why he feels he's being singled out for no reason.

EXCLUSIVE - Sheriff Mark Dannels on Border Issues, Child Trafficking, Az AG Kris Mayes and More

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 07:00:00 -0700

Is the border safer now? What makes a rural county sheriff's department that's larger than some states tick? Did Az Attorney General Kris Mayes really give bad guys a legal defense for shooting law enforcement officers wearing masks? A no-holds-barred conversation with Cochise County Sheriff Mark Dannels and the question we all want an answer to - how did he lose 40 pounds?!!

FRIDAY FINISHERS - FOLLIES, FALLACIES AND FOOLS - AND THE OCCASIONAL KUDOS

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 08:08:06 -0700

FRIDAY FINISHERS is commentary and observations on the week's idiocy plus the occasional pat on the back; this week we take on the national media for its skewed and mostly non-coverage of the latest mass shooting involving a trans male, Az AG Kris Mayes for her stupid comments on Arizona's stand your ground law - and pats on the back for Del Thola and his team and the work they're putting in to make the 4th annual Cochise Country Music Festival the best yet - and a shout out to the city of Benson for it's latest successful parks project!

An Excuse to Shoot Cops? State Rep. Lupe Diaz on Az AG Chris Mayes Incendiary Remarks. And it's Crickets from Gov. Hobbs on Tax Cuts for Working Class Families

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 08:19:41 -0700

Working-class family state tax breaks? More than a week after she vetoed a bill that would have provided working class families with substantial tax breaks, Gov. Katie Hobbs has yet to negotiate alternative legislation; and, did Arizona AG Chris Mayes provide an excuse - a legal defense if you will - for shooting law-enforcement officers? LEO associations at all levels and across the nation condemn her remarks even as she tries to walk them back. State representative Lupe Diaz weighs in on these and other issues from the state capitol.

"Situation Critical" For Mescal J6 Fire and EMS

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:44:02 -0700

"Situation Critical" puts lives and property at risk, and that's how the chief of the Mescal J6 Fire Department describes the situation as the department looks at how to go beyond just meeting the minimum requirements for equipment and qualified staff. In a 'pull no punches' discussion he talks about what has to be done if the district is going to continue to provide fire-fighting, EMS, and other critical services.

State Dems Oppose Working Family Tax Cuts, Go Figure - and Taking on a Socialist AG

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 13:04:39 -0700

State Rep. Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) takes on Democrat state lawmakers opposed to a conformity bill that will give working class families tax deductions on childcare, senior deductions, and more. (Spoiler alert: Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed the bill late Friday, Jan. 16.) While we're at it, how AG Kris Mayes is using nuisance laws to target industry across the state, and how legislation introduced by Diaz will target her ability to do so. A no-interruptions conversation about the chaos of the state legislature's first week in session.

Economic Development Shouldn't Be Controversial - A Deep Dive into SAEDG

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 13:47:11 -0700

Economic Development and the Southeast Arizona Economic Development Group: Housing, business, industry, water supplies, impacts on communities and schools, and a look at current and future projects (hint - is more housing in the works?).

The Empty Chair Will Stay Empty - Commentary on the ADI Opposition

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0700

I'm setting the record straight on why the empty chair will stay empty, after the person from the group opposed to the Aluminum Dynamics plant tried to impose a condition on this podcast that is offensive - and legally not possible. It's ironic, considering she and other members of the group would never agree to the same condition being imposed on what they post. And this is the last time I use this podcast to even mention these people - they're just not worth the time, or using this platform to give them any credibility, which they've lost completely. (And they know it).

Someone's Pulling Your Strings and You Don't Even Realize It

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

We like to think we're in charge of how we react to the world around us, but that's not entirely true. Power and money drive those who use "triggers" to get our attention and manipulate us to do what they want - and the dangerous side of social media makes it easy for these puppeteers to pull our strings. A fascinating conversation and perspective from a social media expert who says it's everyone's responsibility to cut the strings and think for ourselves - or else.

Making Great Wines - the Golden Rule Way - Part of a $5.6 Billion a Year Industry in Arizona!

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0700

What makes a great wine? After 20 years of growing grapes, making wine, and winning national awards and recognition, the owners of Golden Rule Vineyards know a little something about the subject, and they share some of what goes into making a good wine (hint: the best wine is one you like).

Happy Chanukah! Rabbi Shemtov Returns to Explain the Festival's History and Traditions, and Sings the Blessing!

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 07:29:05 -0700

Chanukah, also known as the Jewish Festival of Lights, has deep meaning for Jews and non-Jews alike; a delightful conversation in which Rabbi Benzion Shemtov of the Chabad of Sierra Vista provides insight into the intriguing history and tradition of the eight-night celebration and tells us of the true message of Chanukah that can teach us all how to live a better life where we respect others and think of how to pay our good fortunes forward. Plus - a schedule of Menorah lighting celebrations coming to a town near you, and how you can spend a special public night of discussion and reflection with a survivor of the Auschwitz death camp.

Vengeful People and a Misdirected Recall - a Conversation With Benson Mayor Joe Konrad

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 13:19:14 -0700

A time-wasting recall, the Benson city council's role in the Aluminum Dynamics approval process (spoiler alert - no malfeasance was involved), tax incentives, and a general review of the latest BS! Benson Mayor Joe Konrad sets the record straight with a little help from moi for those of you from Loma Linda (as Rush used to say).

Hiding Behind Their Keyboards: The Negs of Benson Throw Gutter Talk at Those Who Disagree

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:37:10 -0700

It's easy to hide behind the keyboard, calling people names and accusing them of being pawns taking payoffs, but the cloak of false respectability that social media provides is the refuge of cowards who don't want to have a civil conversation, lest they be proven wrong. Benson didn't used to be this way. And, for those threatening to move: Who cares? Go already.

Vail Teachers Groove on Fake Blood; AI is Coming For You and it is Pissed! Best Movie of All Time??

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:08:05 -0700

Vail math teachers' excuse for wearing T-shirts covered with fake blood to class is even dumber than people thought. A socialist mayor for New York means what, exactly (spoiler alert: not much other than to point out that Big Apple voters are dumber than Vail math teachers!) There's an AI in your future, and it is pissed! And, is the original Blade Runner the best movie of all time? Or, is it Lord of the Rings? (Maybe Lord of the Rings with Trump as Frodo Baggins and Robert De Niro as Sauron!)

A State Lawmaker F-Bombs Muslims - Free Speech, Protected Speech, or Something Else?

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 08:00:00 -0700

When Arizona state Rep. John Gillette dropped the F-Bomb on Muslims, house Dems demanded an ethics investigation. We talk with the chairman of the ethics committee, state Rep. Lupe Diaz, on what he decided, and why. Rep. Diaz formally announces his re-election plans on this episode, and we discuss state budgets and some of the priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

A Doctor on Speed Dial - Who Makes House Calls!

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0700

A personal family doctor who's on speed dial - and makes house calls! Dr. Carter Mayberry went back several decades to move his practice into the future and has joined a growing movement of family practitioners in the country who want to bring modern medicine back to 'the good ole days' when it was all about the patients. In this episode we learn how he does it and how people can take advantage of the new old model in health care.

Free Speech Under Fire - Local Social Media Influencer Blocked For Asking Questions

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 11:43:32 -0700

Michael McCune was asked to join the group opposed to construction of the Aluminum Dynamics plant in Benson. When he started asking questions about opposition strategy, he was kicked out of the group and blocked. And that was in the first 48 hours! What's next in his battle for free speech?

Desert Survivors - a Place For VSP's (Very Special People) - and Plants!

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 11:30:05 -0700

More than a nursery - Desert Survivors provides jobs and native desert plants to VSP's - Very Special People - who want to be productive, in spite of the hurdles society still puts in their way. A revealing conversation with Executive Director Hannah Woelke on what supported employment is and why we all have a stake in it.

Fighting Fires on a Rural Budget: Mescal Fire Department Changes the Equation

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 06:41:00 -0700

Firefighting is dangerous, and made more so in rural areas by tight budgets that make it difficult to have the best equipment and enough firefighters and EMT's to respond to emergencies. Mescal FD Chief Ed Nied talks about how he's trying to remake the image - and mission - of a rural fire department.

Critical Care From Rural Hospitals - Not an Easy Task

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 -0700

A revealing discussion with hospital CEO Gary Kartchner on how the Benson and Willcox hospitals are meeting the challenge of providing critical care for rural communities - and doing it with the latest equipment, technology, and most importantly - great people.

Mazel tov! The Rabbi Comes to Cochise County!

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 14:23:07 -0700

Rabbi Benzion Shemtov (jewishsierravista.com) on the region's robust and growing Jewish community, the High Holy Days, and having a rabbi on speed dial!

Path? What Path? Bob Logan Shows us the Way!

Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0700

Author and nationally-known motivational speaker Bob Logan says your path will find you - as long as you keep moving forward!

School choice, legislative funding, what's not to like? A frank discussion with state Rep. Lupe Diaz.

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0700

State representative Lupe Diaz (R-LD19) details the controversy surrounding school choice, thorny funding issues that impact us all, and more!

Action and Actors - The Mescal Movie Set Comes of Age!

Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:08:30 -0700

Actors Among Us - The Mescal Movie Set's revival means movie producers and movie buffs have a new fave location - what the hype's really about!