2024 will be a pivotal year in American Democracy. To help our readers make informed decisions on how to register to vote, ensure their vote counts and keep up with the latest election information, www.AmigosNAZ.com has created this page. We look forward to adding relevant information. Please send your suggestions to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will read a proclamation at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024 honoring life of Miguel Vasquez, who passed away on Sunday, Oct. 6.
Vasquez Ph.D, Professor of Anthropology (Emeritus) Northern Arizona, was a founding member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC).
A native of San Francisco, he recently retired as an applied anthropologist who worked with Latino, Mayan, Native American, African American, and disabled adult communities for almost 50 years. He was recognized as an NAU President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow. In his 32 years at NAU, he taught nearly 12,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels, according to his biography on the county’s CHAC website.
‘¡Presente!’ One person’s Hispanic heritage story
Assistant professor Marco Cabrera Geserick believes Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month is a time to remember that “we are here, we have been here, we will be here.”
It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Dennis Ott. Dennis passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.
A beloved, award-winning instructor and head of our Ceramics Department for 30+ years, Dennis served on the board and was Chair two separate times. He felt so strongly about the future direction of the Arts Center that he recently rejoined the board to help as much as he could.
Dennis has been a leading and valuable contributor to the greater Sedona community, taking on Loving Bowls which provided funds to several organizations for 15 years. Dennis has touched countless lives over the years, including all of ours. Dennis has been Sedona Arts Center’s biggest cheerleader and most committed advocate. He was always there to provide a hug or words of encouragement when times were overwhelming or tough. He had a way of always making everything better.
Ticket sales will close for The Festival Fête on October 21. Please reserve your tickets today to be a part of this dynamic celebration that includes a costume party, science experience stations, auction, raffle, DJ, guest speaker, catered dinner, Photo Booth and more!
The Festival Fête takes place on the evening of Saturday, October 26th at the Coconino Center for the Arts. This benefit celebration honors 35 years of the Flagstaff Festival of Science!
This is your LAST CHANCE to purchase tickets! Don’t delay!
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.
Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.
Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.
The program consists of a combination of online and field training. During online training modules, participants will learn about topics such as wildland fire behavior, firefighting strategy and safety, and the wildland fire job application process.
F3’s Native American Art Auction begins online today! This is an important fundraiser for F3. Now is the time to bid on the many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. Access the auction here: https://onlinefundraiser.events/F3NativeAmericanArtAuction.
F3 would appreciate if you would forward this email to your friends and neighbors. Thank you!
Tuesday, October 15
Sendero Gráfico: Southwest Route with Daniel González and Pável Acevedo, The HeArt Box.
Sendero Gráfico is a one day only event with Southern California printmakers, Daniel González and Pável Acevedo. Come shop artwork from 4-7pm, followed by a special presentation on Day of the Dead and the Mexican graphic art tradition.
COCONINO COUNTY — Early voting in Coconino County began Oct. 9 and early ballots have been mailed.
Since there are many elected offices and propositions to vote on this year, remember to vote on both sides of the ballot, and find your local propositions toward the bottom of the ballot. Local ballot initiatives have the most direct impact on communities because counties, cities, and towns provide essential services like law enforcement, road maintenance, healthcare, and disaster response to residents.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed over 64,800 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming November 5 General Election. Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Wednesday, October 16 should call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.
Registered voters that are not on the AEVL may request an early ballot be mailed to them by calling the Recorder’s Office, sending a written request to Coconino County Recorder’s Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, or submitting an on-line request. The deadline to request an early ballot to be mailed to a voter is October 25.
Fire managers from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, who are part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, have delayed the previously planned prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The timing of these operations will now depend on favorable weather conditions, resource availability, and the status of the National Preparedness Level, which is currently at Level 5.
El internet nos brinda acceso a información, nos permite hacer tareas, pagos y demás, que se nos dificultaría realizar sin él. Pero tiene sus riesgos. En este programa repasamos algunos consejos que nos ayudarían al navegar en el Internet.
How can a community better plan for its workforce needs?
Given the increasing complexity of our economy and the difficulty of obtaining reliable data, it can be challenging for policymakers, businesses, and educators to plan for future growth.
That challenge is being addressed by the Arizona Education and Workforce Visualization Project, part of the Arizona State University / Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.
The director of the Decision Center, Dr. Joe O’Reilly, will be presenting on the tools from the visualization project at an upcoming meeting of ECoNA’s Advisory Council.
F3 believes strongly in civic engagement and we hold the vision that community members should participate fully at every level of decision-making. F3’s strives to provide voters with information to assist in making decisions regarding our local elections by providing our Candidate Questionnaires for City Council and, new this year, the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) School Board.
F3 has also produced our election year “Voter’s Guide to State and Local Propositions 2024.” This Guide will assist voters in understanding the three city and county propositions on the ballot, as well as the 13 state propositions.
To better serve our communities and Lead the Way in improving lives in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties, United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is hiring for three key positions.
These positions will be open until filled and the application review process for all three will begin this Monday, October 14.
We would appreciate your help in spreading the word. If you or someone you know would be a great fit for one of these roles, please check out the job details below and feel free to forward this email to potential candidates!
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. The event, titled “Reflecting | Honoring | Resilience: Voices for Land and Community”, will take place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. and will feature presentations and cultural shares through songs and dances. Lunch will be served to attendees. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A schedule of the event will be posted on the City’s website.
Editor’s note — The Flagstaff Business News published the following guest contribution on Oct. 4, 2024 by Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett written with support of CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie.
By Becky Daggett • Guest contribution to the Flagstaff Business News
During the post-wildfire flooding of 2021, I witnessed interactions between people who were worried, tired and angry. Residents, volunteers and staff were all scrambling to protect homes, find solutions and bring relief to those impacted. We were all doing our best during a time when nobody’s best seemed good enough. As my time as a city councilmember and then mayor has progressed, I’ve gotten to know many city staff and I see how difficult and stressful their jobs often are.
Most would agree that people seem to be experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. This stress can sometimes result in negative – and at times, angry – interactions between people. What some of us don’t realize is that there are past situations and circumstances that can lead us into these negative interactions.
The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) has been supporting child well-being for more than 50 years in our community. Through child abuse prevention efforts, including education about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), CCC&Y has galvanized support, education and awareness to support our community … Since 2016, CCC&Y has tried to get this information into the hands of greater numbers of our community because the effects of childhood trauma are experienced not only individually, but also by the community. We all have a role to play in the healing. Further, the effects are not limited to childhood. …
Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie approached me about a three-year change grant they were about to apply for through Vitalyst Health Foundation and we discussed getting the city involved in their project. Believing that the project had the potential to make lives better for people across our community, I enthusiastically agreed to discuss the opportunity with our city manager. He agreed, as did leadership from Coconino County. …
Read the entire guest contribution here in the Flagstaff Business News
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Indigenous Peoples Day include:
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Get ready for NAU’s 100th Homecoming!
This year’s Homecoming festivities are set for Oct. 14-19, and that means it’s time to dust off your blue and yellow flannel and get ready for a week of nonstop fun! We’re marking this important anniversary with some of the Lumberjack community’s favorite traditions, including the Homecoming parade, the ASNAU carnival, a delicious chili cook-off and a special pre-game tailgate. Browse all these events and more, plan out your week and get pumped to celebrate a century of NAU school spirit!
Application Deadline: October 11, 2024
This two-day Holiday Artist Market held December 7-8, 2024 will feature approximately 25 artists from Sedona and the surrounding towns and cities.
Who should apply: Artists and makers, 18 years and older, who create beautiful and functional works are welcome to apply, however space is limited and preference will be given to Sedona Arts Center Artist Members first to fill the limited slots.
FLAGSTAFF — The Center for Health Equity Research (CHER) at Northern Arizona University is inviting Flagstaff community members who are either Latina mothers or are individuals who have a strong connection with the Latina mother community in Flagstaff to a special conversation event.
CHER is hosting a small group discussion that will occur online through Zoom that will focus on how NAU researchers and community members can work together to better support the health and wellbeing of Latina mothers in Flagstaff. (See attached flyer.) We have reserved online space for up to 6 participants for this event.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on several prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the fire-adapted ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona.
Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.
View this email in your browser October 7th, 2024 Connect with your community Upcoming Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability,…
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District are proud to announce the substantial completion of the Inner Basin Waterline repair project. The project repaired an important water pipeline that delivers two to four million gallons of water per day to Flagstaff that was damaged by post-wildfire flooding from the 2022 Pipeline Fire.
The Book of Will —October 4 – 20
Without William Shakespeare, we wouldn’t have literary masterpieces like Macbeth, Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. But without Henry Condell and John Heminges, we would have lost nearly all of Shakespeare’s plays forever! After the death of their friend and mentor, the two actors are determined to compile the First Folio and preserve the words that shaped their lives. They’ll just have to borrow, beg, and band together to get it done. Amidst the noise and color of Elizabethan London, The Book of Willfinds an unforgettable true story of love, loss, and laughter, and sheds new light on a man you may think you know. “As I was preparing for the character, what really struck me was the amount of loss he had experienced in his life. He had nine children with his wife and only three made it to adulthood. I imagine the words of Shakespeare helped him process, understand and survive all of that grief. He couldn’t allow the words that had meant so much to him to be lost to time and it drove him to preserve the words which immeasurably influenced the world in which we live more than 400 years later.” Said Kyle Cawood who plays Henry Condell.
Book of Will runs through October 20.
WILLIAMS — Fire managers have successfully treated 6904 acres on Tusayan Ranger District last week completing the Blue Stem Rx Fire Project and are moving back to the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, south of forest road 124, between Airport Road and the west side of Highway 64.
Improving weather conditions have re-opened the opportunity for crews to return working in the local areas near Williams and Spring Valley. Plans are in place to begin ignitions on approximately 1500 acres of the Pronghorn and Cataract units of Three Sisters project on Tuesday October 8, and then move to the 4200 acre Marteen East Rx Fire Project later this same week. This project is located north of Spring Valley, west of forest road 144, and east of Laws Spring.
FLAGSTAFF — The voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024 General Election is Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.
Registered voters who have moved, changed their name or wish to change their political party affiliation must re-register.
Dear Museum Friends,
As the vibrant colors of autumn arrive, we invite you to the Museum of Northern Arizona for a month of colorful events and cultural experiences.
Please join us for the 21st Annual Celebraciones de la Gente held with Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces on October 26 and 27. The weekend festival honors the spirit of Día de los Muertos with remembrances, Latino art, mariachis, food, and a gathering of community. You’ll especially enjoy a meander through the Jaime Major Golightly Courtyard on Saturday evening to experience the traditional ofrendas (altars) glowing against the night sky.
COCONINO COUNTY — The voter registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 7th. That is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration! Register to vote online at servicearizona.com
Also, visit the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC)’s 2024 Elections Available for the Community webpage for information in English and español.
Flagstaff Oktoberfest, Wheeler Park
Kick off the autumn season with bratwurst, pretzels, live music, and plenty of beer! 10 a.m. Friday, Oct. 5.
United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is in the planning stages of a new effort to increase the reading skills of young children through Literacy Fairs that target children who are below proficient reading levels.
The two fairs, the first of which will be held prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, are being made possible by a grant from Read On Arizona, the state’s early literacy initiative. One fair will be for second graders, while the other will focus on preschoolers.
UWNA is partnering with key local organizations to identify and reach out to students who may benefit from these fairs. The events will not only provide access to community resources, but also offer interactive workshops aimed at equipping families with practical literacy strategies.
“The workshops will focus on making literacy development fun and accessible, showcasing activities that can easily be integrated into everyday life—whether at home, in the park, or even in the car,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta.
Beginning October 8, fire managers from the National Park Service and US Forest Service will initiate prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These operations, part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, will continue into December, depending on weather and fuel conditions.
Targeted areas for burning include Highway 67 near Jacob Lake, the Telephone Hills area, Demotte, and portions southwest of Forest Road 22 on the North Kaibab Ranger District, as well as areas near the North Rim Developed area and Cape Royal in the park.
Residents and visitors may notice smoke during ignition operations, especially along Highways 89A and 67. The Cape Royal Road will be closed from sunset on Oct. 13 through Oct. 18 while the road to Point Imperial will remain open.
A total of 25,371 acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District and 4,347 acres on the North Rim will be treated to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain the ecosystem’s natural fire processes. Fire managers will coordinate with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to mitigate potential smoke impacts.
FLAGSTAFF — Resources are responding to the Hollow Fire, a roughly 1.5-acre wildfire located in the Schultz Pass area 5 miles north of Flagstaff.
Resources responding to the incident include two engines.
Firefighters are currently working to suppress the fire using adjacent trail systems as holding features.
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2024. Grand Canyon Lodge will close, and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors. Those exploring the North Rim on or after October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing enough food and water for the day.
Available services will include a self-serve gas station that accepts only credit and debit cards for as long as State Route 67 remains open. After October 31, water will be available only at the North Rim Administration Building. The entrance gate on State Route 67 will close at sunset on November 30, 2024, or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office has initiated a succession plan that includes the resignation and reassignment of County Attorney Bill Ring.
At the Board of Supervisors meeting today, Ring’s resignation was accepted, and he was appointed Chief Civil Deputy Attorney, while Chief Deputy County Attorney Ammon Barker was sworn in as interim County Attorney, and Senior Criminal Attorney Michael Tunink was appointed Chief Deputy County Attorney. All actions were approved by the Board of Supervisors.
FREDONIA — Beginning Oct. 8, National Park Service and USDA Forest Service fire managers, working together as the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, anticipate initiating prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fire managers will be assessing weather, fuel moistures, and other conditions for opportunities to conduct burns safely and effectively into December.
Units targeted for spring burning are along Highway 67 near Jacob Lake, west of the Telephone Hills area, and in the vicinity of Demotte, and southwest of Forest Road 22 on the North Kaibab Ranger District, and along Highway 67 near the North Rim Developed area and the Cape Royal area within Grand Canyon National Park.
… In my short time on the Coconino National Forest, the extreme diversity of what our forest has to offer has been amazing to experience. From low deserts and our world-renowned Red Rock Country to the remnants of an ancient volcano that stands as Arizona’s tallest peak to the Mogollon Rim that runs for hundreds of miles across central Arizona, the Coconino is an amazingly diverse forest unlike any that I have worked on.
iPhoneography ONLINE Crash Course
with Kelli Klymenko
October 11: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time
In this workshop you will learn the basic concepts of Nature Journaling and overview and practice of illustration and watercolor. Ed and Julie are both experienced hikers and began Nature Journaling many years ago while living in Phoenix. They have honed their process, focus and skills over the years and will share with their students a fun way to enhance their outdoor and hiking experience while creating a journal documenting their travels.
This one-day workshop will involve an up to 2.5 mile hike at a location in Sedona to be determined.
The Stormwater Management Design Manual has been developed to assist in the design and evaluation of public and private stormwater management facilities within the boundaries of the City of Flagstaff. The manual establishes stormwater management policies, design procedures, and design criteria for conducting hydrologic and hydraulic studies, designs, and evaluations. Revisions include updating outdated terms and conditions from the existing 2009 Stormwater Management Design Manual.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring (NVUM) survey is conducted every five years and provides an estimate of how many people recreate on the forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit. Economic impact to the local economy is also captured in the survey. This information is useful for forest planning as well as local community tourism planning.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda.
READ MORE
Join the NAU community in a series of celebrations and conversations this month that shine a spotlight on the diversity and vibrancy of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and other queer members of the Lumberjack community.
“What stands out about NAU’s LGBTQIA2S+ community is its incredible resiliency, determination and ability to occupy spaces that were never originally meant for us,” said Souksavanh Keovorabouth, a Diné who identifies as Two-Spirit and an assistant professor of women and gender studies and applied Indigenous studies. “It is vital for NAU to celebrate and recognize this community because we represent a diverse array of experiences and identities that enrich the university culture.”
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites the community to take a short survey to share ideas for a new City logo. The survey will ask respondents about broad concepts that will serve as inspiration for the design of a new logo, as it is crucial to the City that the logo design represents the history, culture, and values of the Flagstaff community as a whole. This survey is the first of several opportunities for the community to provide direct feedback on the logo project. To access the survey, visit flagstaf.az.gov/logo. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 25, 2024.
WILLIAMS — Unfavorable weather arriving to the local area overnight has persuaded Fire Managers to temporarily delay treatments on the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project until conditions improve that are more suitable for meeting project objectives.
Crews will shift operations to the 6900 acre Blue Stem Rx Project located on the Tusayan Ranger District located south of the Coconino Rim near Russell Tank and the Bucklar Ranch. There will be a temporary detour on approximately 7 miles of the Arizona Trail from forest road 310 to the Moqui Stage Station. Trail users will be diverted to forest roads 311 and 301 along the west side of the burn area, and are asked to follow designated routes posted along the trail until the detour is lifted. Operations are expected to last 3-4 days.
Grand Canyon National Park is required to annually distribute a consumer confidence report for the park’s drinking water. The purpose is to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of drinking water.
To view the entire report, click on the button below. If you have any questions or comments about this report or your public water supply, please contact the GRCA Water Utility team at 928-638-7898.
FLAGSTAFF — On Thursday, Sept. 26, the City of Flagstaff Water Conservation Program was named 2024 Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Partner of the Year. Awards were conferred at the WaterSmart Innovations Conference in Las Vegas, Nev.
WaterSense and its more than 2,000 utility, manufacturer, retail, builder, and other organizational partners make it possible for consumers and businesses to save water, energy, and money by producing and promoting water-efficient products, homes, and programs. Since 2006, WaterSense partners have helped save 8.7 trillion gallons of water and $207 billion on consumer utility bills.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on two prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the forest and fire-dependent ecosystems.
Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.
Conscious Aging
Wednesday, Nov. 6, 13, 20, Dec. 4, 11
1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
We’ll focus on the philosophy, skills, and practice needed to become a wise elder, with lecture, readings, guided meditations, group activities and discussions.
Conscious – Learn more and register!
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin construction on the Flagstaff Visitor Center Snowmelt System Installation Project on Oct. 7, 2024. This project will enhance safety and accessibility for all visitors to the Visitor Center by installing a heated walkway to aid with snowmelt during the winter season. To facilitate the completion of the project, the Visitor Center west parking lot, including the ChargePoint charging stations, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrian traffic from Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) path that runs along Route 66 and the Visitor Center north entrance will also be fully closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic during this time.
Into the Night:
A Nocturne Plein Air Workshop
with Krystal Brown
October 28 – 30, 2024
Painting nocturnes is one of Krystal’s favorite things to paint and so is giving you the tools and techniques to create successfully…no matter the time of day. You will learn from Krystal how to choose the best sight, set up, and process to paint nocturnes from life which will help you carry the last rays of the day into the night in your work. You will effectively learn how to remove the “Fear Factor” from any nighttime scene in a way that fits in with your unique creativity and skill set.
The first evening you will participate in an interactive demo of a sunset scene followed by the transition into a nocturne. Take notes and paint along as you like. There will be no one-on-one instruction during the demo time.
The next evening we will follow the same pattern Krystal shared the night before and a return to the same scene. This time you will be painting and Krystal will be right beside you, helping you along.
FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University welcomed in Hispanic Heritage Month with its second annual Celebracíon de NAU held on Sept. 20 at the Health Center Gymnasium.
More than a dozen NAU school organizations set up information booths for students attending the event including the NAU First Generation Program, NAU Campus Health Services — Counseling Services, NAU Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid, NAU Hermanas United for Change, NAU Education Abroad, NAU Peer, Jobs, Mentoring and NAU LaFe-Latino Christian Fellowship of InterVarsity Christian.
Community organizations that participated included the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces and Sun Entertainment.
Naturalization Ceremony at the Grand Canyon
On September 20, the Grand Canyon served as a breathtaking backdrop for the naturalization of 30 new American citizens from 11 diverse countries, including Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam. This ceremony, the first since 2019, celebrated unity and hope as it brought together individuals and families embarking on their new journeys as U.S. citizens. Held at Mather Amphitheater, the event was part of US Citizenship and Immigration Services annual celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in American democracy.
The ceremony featured a welcome from Havasupai spiritual leader James Uqualla, grounding the event in cultural heritage and respect for the land. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided over the proceedings, which included the Oath of Allegiance administered by U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison. New citizens were reminded of the principles of freedom and diversity as they took their oaths. Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, Audrey Stone of the band, Juniper Hill, beautifully performed the National Anthem.
The event also included a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University and a musical performance by the A-Train Sound. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of citizenship certificates, emotional cheers from friends and family, and a Pledge of Allegiance led by Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Ramon Melocarela. This meaningful celebration not only recognized a significant milestone for the new citizens but also underscored the lasting spirit of diversity that enhances American society.
Flagstaff Festival of Science, Various Locations.
The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a free, 10-day event celebrating science in Northern Arizona, established in 1990 and known as the longest continuously running, free science festival in the world. Various Times.
Learn More
Get ready for an exciting day on September 28 at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 3rd Annual Community Fundraiser benefiting the United Way of Northern Arizona.
Enjoy a full day of fun in the mountains featuring a fantastic selection of craft brews from both local and nationally recognized breweries, including:
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to announce the completion of the Landfill Road Reconstruction Project, which re-paved and improved the road from US Hwy 89 to the Cinder Lake Landfill northeast of Flagstaff. The completed project provides reliable and easy access to the Landfill for customers, as well as increased stormwater capacity along the road, which was necessary due to wildfires and post-wildfire flooding in the area.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — From peering through telescopes to driving robotic vehicles and launching toy air rockets, hundreds of young people had the opportunity to learn about a variety of STEM activities at the annual Science in the Park event presented during the Flagstaff Festival of Science.
The event, which featured more than 50 vendor booths, was held Sept. 21, 2024 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff. Some of the organizations offering hands-on activities included the Coconino Astronomical Society, which presented a variety of telescopes and astronomy information; Coconino High School’s CocoNuts, which allowed young people to drive their robotic creations; and the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, which offered youth the opportunity to launch stomp air rockets and learn about the space program. See more photos here.
COCONINO COUNTY — A Health and Human Services Open House will be held on from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. Proposition 482, Proposition 487, and Proposition 488 will be on the ballot this year.
“There are many important propositions on the ballot this year,” said Coconino County Elections Director Eslir Musta. “And for some voters, it will be a rather lengthy ballot, so it is imperative that voters take advantage of education opportunities so that they can know their vote before they go to the polls.”
Managing this fire to allow it to consume hazardous forest fuels such as pine needles, cones, and dead wood, which will help create a buffer in an area that is typically susceptible to the direction of catastrophic wildfires during traditional southwest winds. In the long run, the treatment this fire provides will help protect residents, the surrounding community, powerlines, and the airport.
This pamphlet, presented in both English and Spanish, contains the official language of Proposition 482 as well as the language of a YES vote and a NO vote as they will appear on ballots in November.
Also included in the pamphlet are the detailed description of Arizona’s Constitutional Amendment setting the County’s base expenditure in 1980, Frequently Asked Questions, and statements from community members regarding their thoughts about Proposition 482.
FLAGSTAFF — Beginning October 2, the public will encounter contract employees working on the Coconino National Forest in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest service roads as they conduct surveys to help inform future forest management.
The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years on national forests, which provides forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on the national forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit.
More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.
The 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival kicks off with an Artists Meet & Greet Reception on Friday, Oct. 18 and concludes with a Final Sale & Artist Games on Saturday, Oct. 26 where artists will showcase their creativity and ingenuity through lively and entertaining activities.
Fire managers across three districts have plans for 14 prescribed burn projects spanning locations across the national forest, comprising thousands of acres. Since prescribed burns are dependent upon weather conditions, some or all these projects may be implemented. Dates of implementation can also change or projects postponed or cancelled if conditions are not ideal.
What’s the hottest ticket during Family Weekend? Bet your bottom dollar it’s Casino Night, an annual family-fun event hosted by NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. From dealing poker to managing refreshments to decorating the du Bois Center, HRM students run the whole show. Bringing in an average of 1,000 visitors every year and nearly $1 million for scholarships and experiential learning since 1993, Casino Night doubles as an important fundraiser and the ultimate high-stakes midterm.
Don’t miss your chance to ask questions of and evaluate the six city council candidates who will appear on Flagstaff’s November ballot. There are three open seats to be filled on council during this fall election.
F3’s unique speed-dating format will allow Flagstaff voters to meet each candidate while seated with a small group. We’ve worked to provide a quiet environment in which to interact with each candidate by securing nearby classrooms located a short walk from the Commons. Each small group of participants will be physically separated and able to concentrate and hear the interactions with each candidate as they rotate between classrooms.
FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department southwest of the Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods on Monday, Sept. 23 and Tuesday, Sept. 24. The burn will target approximately 40 acres within the Jesse Gregg RX Units. Resources on scene will include the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management Module and Greater Flagstaff Area Fire Academy recruits.
In recognition of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” the County acknowledges how Latinos and Latinas are pioneers of change who are shaping the future, with the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.
FLAGSTAFF — Members of the Tri-Diversity Councils, which included the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council, visited the Coconino County Election Center in Flagstaff to gain information on ballot security for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 General Election.
A team of election officials answered a wide variety of election-related questions during the nearly two-hour tour.
Participants were able test the system using KNOWiNK PollPadsfor registration validation and then submit via traditional ink-marked paper ballot or ExpressVote Marking Devices to submit sample votes. None of the electronic equipment is connected to the internet.
We are so excited to announce that United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has officially launched its 2024-2025 Annual Campaign!
Our kickoff was last week at a high-energy event with our campaign co-chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, a professor at the university’s Honor College.
Below you’ll find details about the event, including the outstanding work of our Pacesetters in jump starting this year’s campaign. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you will join us in “Leading the Way” by supporting UWNA.
Important Update: Phantom Ranch Closure Added to Inner Canyon Trail Closures
The National Park Service (NPS) is providing an important update regarding inner canyon trail closures to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.
In addition to previously announced closures, please note that Phantom Ranch will be closed from January 2, 2025, to March 30, 2025, as the construction contractor, Stronghold Engineering, will be performing extensive excavation work in this area.
As a reminder, the other current inner canyon closure dates are:
Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge: Oct 21, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Bright Angel Campground: Nov 4, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point: Oct. 12, 2023 – May 14, 2025
This is Arizona Bioscience Week, and there is no better time to spotlight the significant wins for bio-based businesses in Northern Arizona. From groundbreaking medical advancements to a growing bioscience ecosystem, the region is strengthening its position as a leader in innovation in the sector.
Here are some of the recent highlights:
Last month, Northern Arizona Healthcare announced it had entered into a cancer care coordination agreement with City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the nation, to help treat complex or rare cases of cancer in northern Arizona. The model will increase access to cancer care for northern Arizonans, and allow them to get expert support from City of Hope providers without having to leave NAH oncology care.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are proud to announce the completion of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project. This project included lowering and replacing utilities along Grandview and full street reconstruction to install new curbs, gutters, and inverted asphalt to better channel floodwaters. This is the first of a series of planned flood mitigation projects as part of the Spruce Wash suite of projects.
Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “the completion of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project is a reason to celebrate and a significant step toward mitigating post-wildfire flooding in this area. Thank you to the residents who voted for Prop 441, giving the city the necessary funding, to city staff for their dedication, and to all the impacted residents for their patience. Together, we’ll keep making progress toward making flood-impacted neighborhoods safer.”
FLAGSTAFF — The Literacy Center at 2500 N. Rose, Flagstaff has released its Fall schedule of classes, including beginner and intermediate ESL, pronunciation, conversation and a program for folks who want to practice Spanish.
We offer a range of tutoring options to suit your needs. All of our services are available to our learners depending on their literacy levels and their stated needs and goals.
Please take a look at our learner schedule for our weekly class offerings and sign up to become a learner today!
It’s Vecinos Program allows participants to develop your Spanish language skills by partnering with a local community member who wants to develop their English skills.
When
Monday, September 30, 2024, 6 PM – 9 PM
Where
City of Flagstaff Public Works Yard
3200 W Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — With Fall officially beginning Sunday, Sept. 22, local families are having no shortage of outdoor events for their children this month.
Rapidly approaching is the Flagstaff Festival of Science which begins Friday, Sept. 20 with the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Eggers will focus on the latest developments in the field of AI, potential threats posed by AI—both perceived and real—and the promise AI holds for the future, festival organizers report.
Free Keynote tickets are still available by clicking HERE.
The festival, which features more than 100 events, continues Snook’s annual Science in the Park, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.
“The fun is endless at our popular family science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day! An ideal event for families, all booths will have hands-on activities for youth of all ages,” festival organizers report. “Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors (including the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth) from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions!”
F3 has closely examined the 16 propositions that will appear on Flagstaff’s General Election ballot this fall. This includes 13 State, one County, and two City propositions.
Below is the visual summary of F3’s recommendations.
An explanation of each of the propositions and the reasoning for our recommendations can be found by clicking on the image below or by going to our website.
Stargazing, day hikes, build-a-bot workshops and a search for *checks notes* Bigfoot? Sign us up! For 34 years running, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, presented in partnership with NAU, has delighted, amused and educated through free conversations, workshops, hikes and other unique explorations. Check out this year’s lineup of events and find out why festival leaders from NAU think you shouldn’t miss this annual celebration.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— On Sept. 13, Grand Canyon wildlife managers successfully relocated 100 bison from the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. All bison were transferred to the Intertribal Buffalo Council, which transported them to the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe in South Dakota.
FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance work continues throughout Flagstaff as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) project. Work on Aspen Ave. is scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18, when crews will complete final asphalt pavement surfacing and markings. Single lane closures will be in place on Aspen Avenue from Humphreys St. to Elden St to facilitate the work. Flaggers will be present at the intersections and delays are likely for motorists in the area.
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for backcountry permit fees. The proposed change would begin May 1, 2025.
The existing $10 per application fee would remain the same and the nightly per-person fees would increase: the below-rim fee would go from $15 to $24 per person per night, and the above-rim fee would go from $4 to $6 per person per night.
Interested parties can provide feedback on the proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_Backcountry_Fee_Increase through October 12, 2024. Written comments should be submitted through this website.
“Coconino County is no stranger to wildfire,” Vasquez said. “We have endured 9 major wildfires that have burned over 250,000 acres since 2010, and since 2017, the County Board of Supervisors has acknowledged that wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the two greatest public safety threats to our people. That is why we have embarked on a Forest Restoration Initiative and used local Flood Control District tax dollars to leverage federal investment in forest restoration.”
Did you know Sept. 15 isn’t just the start of this annual celebration? It also marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days during this month at well. At NAU, it’s an important time of year.
“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and vibrant histories of the Hispanic/Latine community. By highlighting these events, we not only honor the diversity that strengthens our society, but also create space for dialogue, understanding and unity,” said Claudia Rodas, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and HSI advisor to the provost. “It is through recognizing and embracing our shared heritage that we foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.”
The Office of Inclusion and other campus partners are holding a number of events to celebrate this month, starting with a cooking demonstration sponsored by Louie’s Cupboard on Friday. The entire NAU community is invited to find opportunities to participate.
See the list of events
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County voters will see a long 19-inch ballot this November, and City of Page precincts 72, 73, 74, and 54 will see a two-page, four-sided ballot for the first time in the county’s history.
The ballot will include federal, state, county and local races for elected office, and state propositions on the front side and propositions by citizens petitions, or referrals from the state legislature and local jurisdictions on the back side of the ballot. There is a minimum of 14 propositions on every ballot
Cultivating Happiness: Practices for a Positive Mindset
Wednesday, Oct. 2, 9, 23, 30
5:15 to 7:45 p.m.
Explore and expand your authentic path to a richer, happier life. Dive into happiness science and learn practical methods to boost your well-being.
Happiness – Learn more and register!
FLAGSTAFF — Share memories! All those with Southside ties are invited to a gathering to share remembrances, both personal and universally important recollections that have shaped the Southside and its people. The community’s words will be incorporated into a large-scale sculpture that will be installed at Cleo Murdoch Park in 2025.
In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.
This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.
For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.
For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.
We hope to see you on September 28 at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 3rd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.
This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from local and nationally known breweries; live music with the Flag5; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.
Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions.
“Arizona Snowbowl is beyond proud to partner with United Way of Northern Arizona on Brews & Views in order to improve lives and community conditions for people in Northern Arizona,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Manager at Arizona Snowbowl.
Join us for Pickin’ in the Pines, voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for the last 6 years! Live music, camping, jamming, music workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and amazing memories made in the pines! Fri-Sat 10 a.m., Sun 9 a.m
Learn More
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has announced the availability of a new Public Health Harm Reduction (PHHR) Vending Machine to provide convenient access to free lifesaving harm reduction supplies.
The self-serve PHHR vending machine is located in the lobby of the CCHHS Flagstaff office, 2625 N. King Street. Access is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.
Public health vending machines are an innovative, low-barrier strategy to reduce stigma and reach those who may not already be connected to harm-reduction services. Similar machines in the United States have demonstrated success at reducing rates of overdose and infectious disease.
FLAGSTAFF — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 and $16.85 for tipped workers.
On Sept. 11, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index (CPI) numbers for August of 2024. The CPI for August 2024 was 2.5% greater than for August 2023. Accordingly, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.
Operational changes include:
South Rim:
Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth invite you to register for a groundbreaking System’s Change Symposium with national and global speakers on Oct. 22 or 23, 2024.
The virtual community event is free to individuals who work or live in Coconino County, with a small charge to people outside the County.
The Symposium is part of the Coalition’s Reimagine Community — Trauma-Informed System Change grant program focusing on developing a mental model change ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County levels and enacted as policy change.
The goal of the project is to create awareness of the impacts of trauma and stress on individuals, to recognize how this is impacting team members, the wider community and the system as a whole, and to create a trauma responsive environment that supports staff members, teams and the community.
The Coalition was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant, which is supporting the Reimagine Community program.
“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.”
“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division invites members of the public to review the recently published “2024 Community Food System Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona,” which can be viewed at www.flagstaff.az.gov/NAZFSA. The Community Food Systems Assessment (CFSA), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, provides an in-depth review of food systems, food access, and food distribution in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. This assessment completes the first of three phases of the Assessing & Growing a Sustainable Community Food System project.
Water Updates and Transition into Stage 3 Water Restrictions
As many of you may have heard, the park has transitioned to Stage 3 water restrictions as of September 5. This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community, staff, and partners.
Beginning today, September 5, we will resume overnight accommodations at our park lodges on the South Rim. Reservations are now open, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to these lodges. Your cooperation and commitment to conservation have been instrumental in our progress. Simple actions like limiting showers, turning off faucets, selectively flushing toilets, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks have all significantly contributed to our success in managing water resources.
