Sierra Vista proclaims February CTE month and recognizes local programs, Fry's wins disability-friendly award

The Sierra Vista City Council proclaimed February 2026 as Career and Technical Education (CTE) awareness month at its Feb. 12 meeting and heard brief talks from local CTE representatives and students.

Mayor Clea McCall read the proclamation noting CTE's role in preparing residents for high-skilled jobs and supporting local employers including Fort Huachuca. Representatives from the Cochise Technology District and Buena High School invited council to visit their programs on Feb. 18; speakers included Dimitris Simonton (Cochise Technology District), Jennifer Caputo (CTE coordinator, Buena High School), culinary teacher Sarah Avalos and student Isabella Miranda.

The Commission on Disability Issues presented Fry's Food Store number 59 with a Disability Friendly Business Award for accessibility and inclusive staffing at the local branch. A commission member praised the store's accommodations and role-modeling of inclusive employment.

In the city manager's report, staff reminded council of upcoming meetings (work session Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.; regular meeting Feb. 26 at 5 p.m.), a Presidents' Day closure affecting refuse pickup schedules, and shared procurement timelines: bids for Henry Jones Park Phase 1 and Fire Station No. 2 parking-lot expansion are due March 6, and the city has received two proposals for firefighter cancer-screening services. Staff also reported on the Buffalo Soldier Trail shared-use path and Garden Avenue streetscape updates.

The meeting included several community recognitions, firefighter awards and notices about local fundraising and recreation events.