KNAU and Arizona News

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – Southwest Windpower was named the national Small Business Exporter of the Year today by the U.S. Small Business Administration.

About 20 years ago David Calley and Andy Kruse founded Southwest Windpower in a Flagstaff garage. From the beginning Kruse says the company shipped half of its wind turbines overseas.

"We realized market back in 80s was too small to stay domestic, so we started exporting to just a few countries that we began with."

By Scott Thybony

Flagstaff, AZ –
We're often told growing up there's no such thing as a "dumb question." But those who've guided tourists through the Grand Canyon may beg to differ. Commentator Scott Thybony has fielded his share of tourist queries over the years, some of which really got him thinking.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – While the young and unemployed search for their life's calling, many are listening to President Obama's call to volunteer. Now, the president is poised to sign new legislation that would add incentives to serving. Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Morales caught up with some of these new service volunteers at the Grand Canyon, where a similar effort began 76 years ago.

SFX: pounding of hammers

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – Arizona is facing more than a three billion dollar budget deficit for the next fiscal year. The state's universities face more potential cuts. Now federal stimulus dollars could restore some funding, but at what cost to other state services? Arizona Public Radio's Daniel Kraker spoke with NAU President John Haeger, House Education Committee Chairman Rich Crandall, and Democratic Representative Tom Chabin, and he took calls from across northern Arizona. This is Part II of the show.

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – Arizona is facing more than a three billion dollar budget deficit for the next fiscal year. The state's universities face more potential cuts. Now federal stimulus dollars could restore some funding, but at what cost to other state services? Arizona Public Radio's Daniel Kraker spoke with NAU President John Haeger, House Education Committee Chairman Rich Crandall, and Democratic Representative Tom Chabin, and he took calls from across northern Arizona.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – Grand Canyon Youth NEEDS: Computers, plastic bins, shelving, Paco pads, side boxes, buckets, ammo cans, rope, cam straps, Grand Canyon and San Juan River related books, oar locks, oar stands, tools of any kind, fun box items like decks of cards, finger nail polish, art supplies and financial donations.

By Daniel Kraker

By Daniel Kraker

By Daniel Kraker

Flagstaff, AZ – The down economy has resulted in fewer tourists visiting northern Arizona this spring. Grand Canyon National Park is no exception. Visitation there is down more than ten percent. Now park officials are moving forward with a controversial new plan they say is necessary to keep the park financially solvent.

Hikers and rafters who travel through the Grand Canyon usually only hear the roar of whitewater. But soon, they may also hear the sound of slot machines.

By Laurel Morales

Flagstaff, AZ – Poet Jimmy Santiago Baca has had a lot to write about. Orphaned at a young age, Baca was raised first by his grandmother and later sent to an orphanage. He ran away when he was 13. It wasn't until he was sentenced to a maximum security prison that he discovered poetry and turned his life around. Baca reads in Flagstaff March 27 at the Coconino Center for the Arts. He tells Arizona Public Radio's Laurel Morales that poetry saved his life.