Today’s Weather
High near 104 this afternoon, with southwest winds around 14 mph and gusts up to 22 mph. Tonight stays warm — the low drops only to about 82, then climbs back to around 84 overnight.
Public Safety
The Extreme Heat Warning covers the Kingman area through the holiday weekend. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors during peak afternoon hours. The warning was first issued Friday morning and reflects a multi-day heat event with little overnight relief.
Unofficial Election Results
Current Mayor Ken Watkins retained his seat. He secured a commanding lead over challenger Mark Berry, outpacing him by approximately 1,400 votes (3,211 to 1,844). In the City Council race, challenger Elliot Chalew fell behind the leading incumbents. Council members Jim Dykens, Shawn Savage, and Marion Ward are on track to hold their seats based on preliminary tallies. Additionally, voters strongly rejected Proposition 418, which sought to extend the mayor’s term from two years to four years.
Short-Term Rental Reclassification
The Mohave County Assessor’s office announced that it has transitioned over 900 short-term lodging properties from residential to commercial tax statuses. County Assessor Jeanne Kentch noted this aims to level the playing field for traditional hotels and motels that face steeper tax rates. The reclassification will continue until all full-time vacation rentals among the county’s 3,500 listings are updated.
Local Infrastructure and Development
Upcoming Road Disruptions: The City of Kingman issued an advisory for traffic delays on Airway Avenue at the Burbank Street intersection starting Monday, July 27. The right eastbound lane will close between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. while UniSource Electric powers up a new traffic light.
Industrial Park Progress: Local and state authorities are entering the final phases of negotiations with the Federal Aviation Administration. The push aims to secure the release of 790 acres of land at the Kingman Airport and Industrial Park to spark further economic layout.
Public Health & Legal Updates
Gas Station Supplement Warning: A 27-year-old Kingman resident and mother of twins remains on life support after a severe reaction to an over-the-counter kratom gummy supplement purchased locally. Her family is warning the community about the potential dangers of the widely available product after she suffered cardiac arrest.
Court Damages Awarded: A Mohave County judge ordered a former property owner to pay $21,000 in damages to 15 displaced tenants. The lawsuit stemmed from the abrupt 2025 closure of a downtown Kingman motel that was deemed structurally uninhabitable.