Polished Image closes, to reopen as Massage Yuma

Polished Image Day Spa, 1575 S. 7th Ave., has closed its doors as a boutique “pampering” salon but will reopen next month as Massage Yuma, reported owner Jane Muthart. She said the transition and new focus was prompted by an increased demand for massages and the availability of trained massage therapists from the Arizona Western College massage therapy program.

Wanting to make the massage experience as easy and convenient as possible, Massage Yuma will offer affordable prices, online booking of appointments at www.massageyuma.com and walk-in traffic. And the salon will be open extended hours until 8 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays as well as offer Saturday hours. It will open for business July 11 and can be reached at 782-1106.

Aesthetician Desiree Porter is renting the guest cottage behind Polished Image and will continue to offer her services — call 1-801-512-4505. Cosmetologist Angelica Morales has opened her own salon, Angel's Hair Studio, at 2540 S. 4th Ave., Suite 1, and can be reached at 257-2530. Both Porter and Morales will honor Polished Image gift certificates.

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A new name is going on the doors of the offices of First American Title Insurance in Yuma County, but it's business as usual with the same services provided by the same employees, said Rick Mires, Yuma County manager and vice president.

Through a mutual agreement, Pioneer Title Agency has bought out the First American Title Insurance offices in the Yuma area as well as in Yavapai, Cochise, Mohave and Coconino counties. Pioneer is an Arizona-based, family-owned title insurance company that specializes in serving the outlying smaller communities of the state. The sale was effective June 1 and is expected to provide new opportunities for expansion here, Mires said. In the meantime, the company has retained all the current employees

While Pioneer sells primarily First American Title insurance policies, it issues policies for other companies as well, Mires said.

The Yuma-area main office is located at 105 W. 16th St. and can be reached at 819-0099. Branch offices are at 2260 S. 4th Ave., Suite C in the Citrus Plaza and at 11274 S. Fortuna Road, Suite D5 in the Pioneer Shopping Center.

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Recognizing the rising cost of water and the need to conserve the resource, Tom Schaefer has started his business, No Water Lawns.

As an authorized dealer for EasyTurf, he offers several types of synthetic grass that stand up to real life with a 15- to 20-year life expectancy and eight-year warranty. All turf products are child/pet friendly, low maintenance and match the look of real grass with the revolutionary drainage technology of MaxFlow and a built-in weed barrier.

To request a free design consultation, call Schaefer at 246-8232.

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There's a new company that now provides the “under the wing” services for Mesa Airlines, the commuter airline that offers connecting flights out of Yuma International Airport for US Airways, airport officials reported.

Piedmont Airlines, which according to its website is a subsidiary of US Airways, recently was awarded the subcontract to provide Mesa Airlines with baggage handling, reservations and ground aircraft services.

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1st Bank Yuma has broken ground on its new Fortuna Branch location at 11600 S. Fortuna Road, with anticipated completion by late fall of this year. The new 3,400-square-foot building will be a full-service branch. During construction, the existing modular building will stay open to service customers.

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Bison Express Shuttle, which had been operating out of the Buffalo Bus Tours location, has been closed. The round-trip shuttle service from Yuma to Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is now being provided by Buffalo Express Shuttle, a new company formed by Buffalo Bus Tours owners Jim and Norma Seebach.

For the summer, Buffalo Express Shuttle is providing one morning trip daily, with plans to expand service for the winter. For more information and to book a trip, call 345-4615.

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Yuma Proving Ground's largest restaurant facility, the Cactus Cafe, will be closed for the month of July but will reopen in August.

July is a slow period and it offers time for all workers to take vacations and perform any necessary renovations within the facility, said Chuck Wullenjohn, YPG spokesman.

During the closure, YPG employees are still able to patronize a number of food facilities at other locations throughout the proving ground.

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Bailey Reynolds, youngest daughter of the late Sally Reynolds (a popular hairstylist in Yuma for many years and owner of Sassy Sally's Salon) is following in her mother's footsteps.

A licensed cosmetologist, Bailey is now working at Midtown Beauty Salon, 150 E. 24th St., where she specializes in styling, current cuts and color. She can be reached at 750-2086 or at the salon at 344-2786.

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Heather Grasis at Ambiance Salon has become certified in the newest keratin hair smoothing system, California Smooth. The system smooths and defrizzes hair for three months while repairing cuticle damage and adding 95 percent more shine to the hair. For an appointment, call 210-2469.

Report Comings and Goings to jlobeck@yumasun.com or call Joyce Lobeck at 539-6853.