Security Guard Training in Oro Valley, AZ

Arizona's Fastest and Most Reliable Internet Speeds - with Honest Pricing and Local Support.

ORO VALLEY, AZ / ACCESS Newswire / October 23, 2025 / Wyyerd Fiber, an award-winning fiber Internet service provider, today announced it has begun building its 100% Fiber network in Oro Valley, Arizona, furthering its investment and growth across Southern Arizona.

Wyyerd Fiber

Wyyerd's Honestly Awesome Internet brings more than just speed. It brings peace of mind. Residents and businesses can count on reliable service, straightforward pricing, and support from neighbors who live and work right here in Oro Valley.

'As we expand our footprint in Pima County, we're proud to be constructing a future-proof fiber-optic network in Oro Valley,' said Justin Freesmeier, Chief Executive Officer of Wyyerd Fiber. 'We want to make it easy for people to get what they expect from their Internet provider. That means fast, reliable Internet, straightforward pricing, and local support. This is just the first step in bringing a better Internet experience to more homes and businesses across the county.'

What Makes Wyyerd Different

'We're excited to serve Oro Valley with an Internet experience people truly enjoy,' said Maximilian Ivankovich, Director of Market Development & Planning at Wyyerd Fiber. 'Our 100% Fiber network delivers Arizona's fastest Internet speeds along with the reliability and service our customers deserve.'

This milestone builds on Wyyerd's recent launch in Marana and other parts of Southern Arizona. The company is continuing to invest in the region, bringing more communities access to a better Internet choice.

Community members and business leaders can learn more or inquire about service availability by visiting wyyerd.com or calling (520) 244-0060.

About Wyyerd Fiber

At Wyyerd Fiber, we're passionate about delivering the fastest, most reliable Fiber Internet on our industry-leading Fiber-Optic Network with speeds up to 8 GIG for residents and businesses in the Arizona and California markets. We provide affordable, reliable connectivity tailored to each community, supported by local teams and unmatched customer service. Every region is unique, so we put local leadership at the heart of everything. Our vision is to become a trusted partner for Internet services, build lasting relationships, and connect communities one neighborhood at a time.

About Ookla®

Ookla® is a global leader in connectivity intelligence that provides data-driven insights to improve networks and connected experiences.

Based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data, 1H 2025. All rights reserved.

SOURCE: Wyyerd Fiber

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Feeling a sense of community is essential for mental wellbeing, but finding and building community isn’t always easy. We sometimes overlook the communities where we live and work as spaces for us to come together and build support systems. But Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Instructor Andrea Sirois is working to build that support system in Oro Valley, Arizona.

As an executive assistant for the Town of Oro Valley, Sirois helps ensure her town runs smoothly. She goes above and beyond in her care for the community, evidenced by the multiple mental health initiatives she leads for local government employees. Since last year, Sirois has helped certify 78 staff members in MHFA. She believes that MHFA training is relevant for all local government employees, regardless of department or job responsibilities.

“One of the things that I love about the trainings is that the class represents different departments,” Sirois said. “So we’ll have engineers who naturally think differently than someone in parks and rec or the finance department. I look at it as an opportunity to connect with peers.”

Many employees have told her that MHFA training helped with both their personal and professional lives. It gives them the confidence to help each other and themselves, from feeling comfortable enough to take a mental health day, to helping a frustrated resident who’s worried about their water bill.

Sirois learned about MHFA after going through a tumultuous time in her own life. In 2019, Sirois had recently graduated with her master’s degree and was starting her dream job, but things just didn’t feel right.

“All of the best things were happening. But I was like, I don’t feel where I should be feeling with all these good things happening,” she said.

She’d eventually be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. After starting new medications, Sirois experienced a manic episode while visiting her family.

“Thank God I was with family,” she said. “They’re very supportive and noticed I did a lot of things out of character that I normally wouldn’t do. They were able to identify it and get me into inpatient care, because I reached psychosis.”

Sirois took two months away from work to be on short-term disability, rest and find the right medicine adjustments. Soon after she came back to work, she heard about MHFA.

“I took my first Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid courses that year,” Sirois said. “From then on, I always wanted to be an Instructor and was so happy when my employer was on board to pay for my training.”

Sirois became a certified MHFA Instructor in 2023. The Town of Oro Valley not only funded her Instructor certification but now incentivizes its employees to take MHFA as part of its employee wellness initiatives.

“I do feel so beyond fortunate to be a part of an organization that truly values their employees as humans and one that empowers me to lead initiatives with a great amount of self-autonomy,” Sirois shared. “They continue to support me in ways to learn, grow and discover better approaches to serve and expand the program with the goal of reaching more staff, especially during critical times for those individuals.”

In addition to teaching MHFA, Sirois has set up a mental health station with resources for staff, created employee mental health pocket guides, helped supply town buildings with naloxone and ordered suicide awareness resource cards for management to hand out to their staff. She also serves on the board for a bipolar community group, Beautiful Purpose, and was recently certified as a Peer Support Specialist by NAMI and the state of Arizona.

Sirois said she has helped coworkers in crisis who sought her out because they took her MHFA course. They know that reaching out is an important first step, and taking the course gave them the language and confidence to have those conversations and ask for help — especially when someone they know recommends it.

“It may seem so small, but it is so impactful. People are more likely to get help when someone they know recommends it,” she said.

She offered compelling reasons why local governments should offer MHFA training for their employees. First, she said, 1 in 5 people experience mental health challenges, and government employees aren’t immune. Creating a workplace culture of support can reduce burnout and promote productivity. Crucially, MHFA training can make hard conversations a little easier.

“One of the most powerful things for me, personally, is getting comfortable asking ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself?’ or ‘Are you thinking of suicide?” she said. “It feels uncomfortable, but it’s so nice to practice it in a safe space before a crisis happens. Timing is everything — having the right timing to talk to people about mental health, not just in crisis situations.”

The work Sirois does, whether in her nine-to-five job as an executive assistant, or in her mental health training and advocacy, is guided by her sense of purpose:

Building community is essential to Sirois’ professional and personal life, and Oro Valley benefits greatly from her work as a MHFA Instructor.

“We’re all public servants,” she said.

Interested in taking a Mental Health First Aid course? Click here to find trainings near you. Want to bring MHFA to your community? Learn more about becoming an Instructor here.

ORO VALLEY, Ariz. (KVOA) - Arizona Game and Fish is currently tracking several bears in the Tucson area, including one that ventured into a Fry's grocery store in Oro Valley on Monday morning.

The bear, a cub, was seen darting past the registers and heading toward the produce section. Charlie Alolkoy, a wildlife photographer, captured video of the bear. Alolkoy said, "The produce department has honey cones you can buy - and he just walked past it."

Alolkoy, who has been photographing wildlife for decades, was surprised by the encounter. "Low and behold I get the biggest wildlife I've seen up to this point," said Alolkoy. He mentioned that while bear sightings aren't terribly unusual, occurring about once a year, seeing one in a store is rare.

This incident follows another bear sighting just days earlier near Rancho Vistoso and Woodburn. Mark Freiberg with Arizona Game and Fish said it could be the same bear. "It is a little abnormal for this time of year," Freiberg said.

Freiberg explained that the drier than normal weather might be contributing to these back-to-back sightings. "What that typically equates to is less food resources on the ground for wildlife and bears specifically," said Freiberg.

Reflecting on the experience, Alolkoy said, "A bear has always been on my list wanting to see it - I would I would have gotten better photos."

Arizona Game and Fish emphasizes that these close encounters with bears serve as a reminder not to leave food out for wildlife. They caution against allowing animals like bears to associate food with humans.

If you see a bear, Arizona Game and Fish has a 24-hour number available. That number is 623-236-7201. You can find more information here.

9 Southern Arizona Towns with Amazing Weather Year-Round

Southern Arizona is known for its desert landscapes, hosting some of the hottest areas in the country. While these high temperatures can prove unconducive for tourist activity, not all regions experience such extreme heat throughout the year. Situated closer to state lines and at varying elevations, certain towns enjoy remarkably mild weather, fitting an active lifestyle like Sedona in the northern part.

From mountain communities touched by winter snows to riverside villages cooled by summer breezes, these Southern Arizona towns boast relatively accommodating climates year-round. Thanks to their strategic positioning and surrounding microclimates, these oases, from Green Valley to Sierra Vista, spare inhabitants from scorching summers or freezing winters while retaining spectacular Sonoran desert charm.

Oro Valley

Oro Valley has been ranked among the best places to live in Arizona, partly due to its mild weather compared to relatively hot conditions in the southern region of the state. The friendly condition allows for several nature spaces that support activities throughout the year. Canada del Oro Riverfront Park is an excellent example in the middle of the city. It has several trails, including Linda Vista Trail, for walkers and bikers and social amenities like basketball courts and shaded playgrounds, making it a popular recreational hub.

The Oro Valley Aquatic Center reflects the joyous mood in the community, where the old and young converge for refreshing dips and cordial social interactions. Of the many events that occur around the year, the Oro Valley Food & Arts Festival unites townsfolk with art, music, crafts, and all-around fun during two days of festivities.

Ajo

Ajo's beautiful weather makes it one of southern Arizona's prime small-town getaways. It sits a few miles from the border and displays unique Spanish architecture, hinting at the region's colonial history. The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church is a great example of old-world architecture in Ajo and a popular subject for visiting photographers. The town is also known for its multiple parks and acts as a gateway to Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge. Sprawling over 800,000 acres of desert habitat, this vast wilderness houses several species, including bighorn sheep and desert horned lizards, and beckons adventurers with desert recreation.

Ajo is an artsy community, evidenced by the sophisticated building designs doting its historic downtown. However, stopping by Art Under the Arches Fine Art Gallery introduces you to various fine art pieces by dozens of regional craftsmen and artisans.

Sierra Vista

Nicknamed the "Hummingbird Capital of the U.S.," Sierra Vista's fine weather draws thousands of bird species looking to establish a home in its lush canyons. The Garden Canyon is among the many green areas in the town, which, besides harboring birds and butterfly species, provides an escape for bikers and hikers to explore the great outdoors. Len Roberts Park offers a lovely urban oasis in the middle of the town where people love to picnic and savor a serene environment. It has picnic spots, a playground, a splash pad, and other family-friendly amenities.

At Fort Huachuca Museum, visitors can learn about Sierra Vista's military history. The 19th-century army camp houses thousands of Indian and military artifacts and objects that tell the story of military involvement across the Southwest.

Nogales

Nogales' mix of fine weather, rich Mexican culture, and hospitable endears itself to travelers on a southern Arizona itinerary. The town's mild weather is influenced by the 250-acre namesake lake of the Patagonia Lake State Park, which creates a microclimate that allows plants and other greenery to thrive. This also makes it a prime recreational hub, fueling boating, hiking, fishing, picnicking, and other activities. Regional history comes alive at the Pimeria Alta Historical Society Museum, where guests can browse a fabulous exhibit of photos documenting Nogales' past and that of the surrounding Northern Sonora region.

Meanwhile, downtown Nogales is a bustling corridor with smiley faces and lots of things to see and do. During one of your walks, you can pop into Caracu Latin Steakhouse and sample a sumptuous menu of delicacies like Pulpo Al Pastor and garlic bread.

Douglas

Douglas' claim to fame is home to the first international airport in the country. This allows it to boast a rich air travel heritage that is well preserved and presented at the Border Air Museum. Strolling through this fascinating facility exposes you to a selection of antique aircraft and memorabilia documenting aviation heritage in the town and region. The town's delightful weather lets tourists enjoy a hint of green at the Douglas Golf Club and RV Park. This 18-hole course is a wonderful escape for golfing enthusiasts and features adorable woods lining the edges for a cozy atmosphere.

Douglas is also known for its respectable art scene, best embodied by Art Car World. The site blends the love for cars and the arts by displaying elaborate and sophisticated works of vehicle art.

Vail

Situated about 24 miles southeast of Tucson, Vail is one of those southern Arizona towns endowed with beautiful weather for a fair share of the year. You can tell this from the multiple green spaces in the area, including Charron Vineyards. Guests visit this warm establishment to not only enjoy sweet-tasting wines but also soak in spectacular mountain views and a serene atmosphere. Del Lago Golf Club invites beginners and experienced golfers to test their swing on a beautiful high desert course, where the temperatures are 5 degrees cooler than the surrounding region.

Finally, those who fancy a proper adventure in the desert can venture into the 2,400-acre Colossal Cave Mountain Park and take advantage of biking, hiking, and horseback riding tours. While there, you will also come across a butterfly garden and a petting zoo.

Green Valley

Green Valley is green, as its name suggests, and hosts several golf courses that beckon visitors to spend quality time in the open spaces. Canoa Ranch Golf Club is among the top local establishments. This 18-hole course provides a pristine atmosphere with lush greens and enticing views of Elephant Head Mountain. Green Valley's pleasant weather allows residents to enjoy Mother Nature's bounty weekly at the Heirloom Farmers Market, which attracts vendors from the region with fresh farm produce and intricate handmade crafts.

Nature lovers will also want to check out Arid Garden, which has a tranquil and intimate atmosphere. The location has a delightful display of diverse arid vegetation, which visitors can learn more about.

Coolidge

This Pinal County community is best known for hosting the Casa Grande Ruins National Monument, an hour southwest of Phoenix. The site preserves a historic Hohokam village compound ruins with structures dating back to the Classic period, including irrigation canals, a four-story house, and a ballcourt. You can discover more of Coolidge's colorful history at the Pinal Geology and Mineral Museum. Inside is a collection of rocks, minerals, gems, and other artifacts focusing on the region's geologic past.

Finally, don't leave Coolidge without sampling its delicious Mexican cuisine. There are several eateries you can stop by, including Rolbeto's Taco Shop, which specializes in all types of flavorful toppings on tacos and tortillas.

Safford

This small town in Graham County counters the scorching conditions in southern AZ by being proximal to Roper Lake State Park. This 400-acre oasis harbors a 32-acre lake and miles of trails that attract different types of adventurers. From hikers and bikers to anglers and campers, the reserve is a lively recreational hub in Safford. More opportunities in the great outdoors await at Glenn Meadows Park, a popular gathering spot for the community. The atmosphere here is more kid-friendly, with paved pathways and picnic areas on well-maintained grounds supporting leisurely activities.

Elsewhere, you can hit the downtown corridor to discover a vibrant neighborhood with fun pursuits for first-timers. Shane's Place is a wonderful option if you want to taste the nightlife. It serves great food and beer in a festive environment with DJ music.

Final Thought

These beautiful southern Arizona towns above demonstrate how climate can vary dramatically between locales, even within the desert region of the United States. Whether benefitting from the elevated setting of Oro Valley, which remains balmy amid surrounding scorching valleys, or nestled along Nogales' moderating international border, each profiled community hits the coveted sweet spot for enjoyable weather for most of the year. Their hard-to-beat climates undoubtedly make them perennial favorites for residents as much as visitors seeking sun and fun without temperature extremes.