Author: Community Contributor

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y offers families a variety of free webinars

As we approach Fall, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website to help parents and families during the upcoming back to school season.

Our growing library of on-demand webinars is designed to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.

Public Notice and Request for Comments – City of Flagstaff Housing Section Limited English Proficiency Language Assistance Plan – Complete Revision

FLAGSTAFF — This public notice is to inform City of Flagstaff Housing Section stakeholders of the complete revision of the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Implementation Plan. The plan is now called Limited English Proficiency Language Access Plan (LEP LAP) and is open for stakeholder input from the date of this notice through August 31, 2023.

The complete revision was undertaken by Housing Section staff at this time primarily to continue to ensure meaningful access for LEP persons to all Housing Section programs and activities.

The NAU Review — ‘Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic’ and more news, events

To combat pathogens like Zika, Ebola or the virus that causes COVID-19, we have to know how they work. One of the most effective ways of figuring that out is genomic sequencing, which allows scientists to break down the pathogen’s DNA or RNA. During the pandemic, use of this tool increased exponentially, with it playing a critical role in everything from tracking the virus’ movement to developing effective vaccines. In an essay published this week, biologists Jason Ladner and Jason Sahl argue that scientists, public health officials and policymakers worldwide must build on this momentum so society is better prepared for the next pandemic.

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

This month you have the opportunity to gain unique insights into the museum Easton Collection Center, from a talk about living roof this weekend to an open house on August 26. During that open house, we’re rolling out the rug for you, quite literally – the Staples rug. This large, double-sided rug was last displayed in 2017. Because of its size and age (more than 130 years old) the rug is difficult to display, but also a remarkable example of Navajo weaving.

I hope you join us for this opportunity to see not only the Staples rug, but also our beautiful collections facility and some of the other spectacular objects we care for.

There’s so much more going on this month I can’t mention it all, but be sure to scroll through this entire email to see the upcoming talks, Ventures trips, art classes, and more.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation July 2023 Update

Last Month Before the Coconino County Fair!

The Coconino County Fair is only one month away!

Are you exhibiting at the Fair? Don’t miss the deadlines for exhibit entries this month! Visit www.CoconinoCountyFair.com for deadlines, listed in our Fair Book!

Your last chance to get discounted tickets is now!

Online Early Bird admission tickets are SOLD OUT!

Buy Early Bird tickets (cash only) at Bookmans Flagstaff Entertainment Exchange while supplies last!

Discounted carnival wrist bands are still available at Bookmans Flagstaff and www.CoconinoCountyFair.com, while supplies last!

Don’t sleep on these discounts!

Want to save time parking? Buy your parking pass online, to hasten the wait time!

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Classes, Workshops & Field Expeditions

UPCOMING Summer/Early Fall Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.

Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Coconino County Flood Control District Reports Successful Performance of Flood Mitigation

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Flood Control District (District) recently completed upwards of $35 million in on-forest watershed restoration and neighborhood flood mitigation in five flood corridors including Phase 1 of the Schultz Creek on-forest measures.

The Wupatki Trails and Brandis Way watersheds experienced 100-year rainfall events today, July 30, with a total of three inches of rainfall in two hours, with most of the rainfall concentrated in the first hour. The District is pleased to report this evening the recently completed measures both on- and off-forest performed exceptionally well with no flood impacts to roads or private property in those areas. 

Community partners to host more than 100 exciting free events during the 2023 Festival of Science, Sept. 22-Oct. 1!

FLAGSTAFF — Many of our board members are busy working on the program of events for the 2023 Festival of Science, collaborating with a wide range of community partners and local experts to share discoveries and insights about topics spanning the sciences, technology and the arts.

As announced earlier this year, the theme of the 2023 Festival is “The Mammoth World of Science.” The 10-day adventure will launch with featured keynote speaker Beth Shapiro, PhD, a pioneer and global leader in the high-profile field of ancient DNA, sharing her expertise on the science of de-extinction. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-Up Week of 7/24 – 7/28

Coconino Fire burns close to park

On Thursday, July 27, a wildfire was reported approximately 5 miles southwest of Grand Canyon Village.

The Coconino Fire is a lightning caused fire first detected around 10 a.m. on the Kaibab National Forest.  The fire is currently estimated at approximately 118 acres.

Fire crews from the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park responded quickly and aggressively, with containment estimated at 40%.

An Incident Management Team was mobilized in the park in case an evacuation order was given.

At this time, fire managers are confident that the fire is under control.

For more information, you can check our Facebook page or call 928-638-7688 for the latest updates.

While this fire never materialized into a credible threat, it serves as a great reminder to review the Ready-Set-Go evacuation plans and procedures for you and your family.  We would also encourage Grand Canyon and Tusayan residents to sign up for Coconino County emergency notifications. Please help yourself and the community in becoming prepared and ready for a wildland fire.

Lowe’s Foundation grants CCC $750,000 for construction programs

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College received a $750,000 grant from the Lowe’s Foundation to help grow the college’s Construction Technology Management programs.

CCC was one of 10 colleges nationwide chosen as recipients of the Lowe’s Foundation Gable Grants program. The program is a five-year, $50 million commitment by Lowe’s to help prepare 50,000 people for skilled trades careers. This year’s recipients were awarded nearly $8 million in grants to help bolster skilled trades training infrastructure.

“We’re incredibly honored to have been selected as one the first-ever Gable Grants Recipients from the Lowe’s Foundation,” said CCC President Dr. Eric Heiser. “This gift will allow us to build our already growing Construction Management program and allow us to add even more students to the high-demand, high-wage field within Flagstaff and Coconino County.”

Heavy rains, flash flooding expected in Northern Arizona starting Sunday, July 30

By Coconino County

Check for a monsoon update from the US National Weather Service Flagstaff Arizona.

It looks like we may be in store for some rain soon! Visit Http://www.ready.gov/plan to learn how to make a plan in case of flooding or other emergency events. Sign up for emergency notifications from Coconino County at http://www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA)’s Gail Jackson to be part of the 15th cohort of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship

Typically, my e-newsletters to you are reserved to talk about our region and the work that the diverse leadership of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona is doing to maintain and expand economic vitality here.
Today, however, I want to share a little bit of personal news that I think will also benefit our efforts.
I’m honored to announce that starting next month, I will be part of the 15th cohort of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship. This is an extraordinary opportunity to connect with 27 other civic leaders throughout the state and gain a deeper understanding of policies as we work to address Arizona’s long-term issues.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘We’ve Learned A Lot in the First Attempt’

If I asked you to guess who was the driving force behind the founding of what would become the United Way of Northern Arizona more than a half century ago, what would you say?

City government? School officials? Local churches? Nonprofit organizations?

Actually, it was the business community.

Much has changed at UWNA since local businesses spearheaded the founding of the “United Fund” in 1967 (story below).

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

One thing has remained true throughout the past 56 years is how both the business community and UWNA benefit from this powerful connection.

I hope you enjoy the articles below about the vital role local businesses played in UWNA’s past and present, as well as the many ways hosting a workplace campaign is good for your business.

Our annual fundraising effort kicks off in about two months. To those businesses already planning to host workplace campaigns, we are very grateful. If you would like to start a workplace campaign at your business, please reach out to us at (928) 773-9813 or email me or Campaign and Operations Manager Christine Pierce. We’d love to help.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options to help families, community members

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

Read More

The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s Fulbright Scholar, Humans of NAU with Patty Diaz and a new faculty fellowship

Faculty fellowship supports Hispanic community

The Dr. Richard D. Young Hispanic & Emerging Communities Faculty Fellowship will advance NAU’s designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and support research on the emerging Hispanic community in Arizona.
Read the story

Sedona Arts Center — Call for Artist — New Deadline

– NEW Application Deadline: August 4, 2023

Sedona Arts Center turns 65 this year. This exhibit kicks off our theme for our anniversary year. Numbers can conjure up many things and Sedona Arts Center wants to know What numbers are important to you? For Example: 2–the number of cats you have; 10 -the number of grandchildren you have; 18 –the first time you got to vote; 1994 –the year you got married, etc. This exhibit asks artists to interpret how and what numbers have impacted their lives.  Work should reflect the theme of numbers in some way. All art mediums will be accepted.

Data Collection Project for Paved County-Maintained Roads Underway

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Public Works recently kicked off a project to inventory the condition of over 300 miles of paved roads that are maintained by Coconino County.

To accomplish the data collection component of this project, the County retained the services of Roadway Asset Services, LLC (RAS), a firm that provides professional asset management and mobile data collection services to local and state government agencies nationwide.

Coconino County Officials Remember Former Supervisor Teofilo ‘Tio’ A. Tachias

COCONINO COUNTY — Members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) and long-serving staff members took time to remember and recognize former member of the Board, Teofilo “Tio” A. Tachias upon hearing news of his passing earlier this month.

First elected in 1965, Tachias was the first Latino in Coconino County to win a major election and the first to serve on the Board of Supervisors. In his 24 years of service on the Board, he oversaw the expansion of County facilities and services, including the growth from three-district to five-district representation in County government. Tachias left office in 1989 to pursue other interests. 

Downtown Library front entry plaza re-opens, exceeding ADA standards and featuring public art

FLAGSTAFF — The front entry plaza at the downtown location of the Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.) has reopened to the public.

The project involved the installation of new gently sloping sidewalks and parking that meet and exceed accessibility standards set by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Beautification elements and sculptures by artist Maria Salenger of Jones Studio trail alongside the gently sloping walkways, concluding at a new public seating area near the library entrance.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Supports a NO Vote on the NAH Rezoning Referendum

View this email in your browser Communication Issue #31, July 22, 2023   F3 Supports a NO Vote on the NAH Rezoning Referendum    Update on the Referendum Process Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) in coalition with Flagstaff Community First…

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Save the Date: Mexico & Canada Consuls in Flagstaff on Aug. 16

The Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona is pleased to announce that the featured speakers for its August 16 Advisory Council meeting will be the Consul General of Mexico, Jorge Mendoza Yescas, and Glenn Williamson, the founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council.

Both men have decades of diplomatic service between them and are uniquely versed in the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which created one of the world’s largest free trade zones.

We are extending this invitation to the entire business community because of the importance of these two countries to our state and regional economy. The meeting will be held from 1-2:30 pm in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave.

Coconino County can help Income eligible individuals repair/replace utility-related appliances, systems

COCONINO COUNTY — Income eligible individuals can contact Coconino County Health and Human Services for financial assistance to repair or replace broken appliances including:

Water Heaters, Refrigerators, Cooking Stoves
Microwaves, Furnaces, Air Conditioners
Home Telephone (Landline Only), Washers/Dryers
Evaporative Coolers, Electrical Panels

Slayton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Reopens

FLAGSTAFF — A new and improved Rio de Flag crossing at Slayton Ranch Road opened to traffic (July 20) less than four months after the old crossing was washed away by heavy snowmelt flows.

The $552,000 Slayton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Crossing Improvement Project features an upsized drainage structure to better accommodate future flows in the Rio.     The project, which broke ground in early May, includes a cast-in-place concrete arch structure under Slayton Ranch Road along with headwalls and water inlet and outlet protection. 

Discover Flagstaff — Discover summer events with Flagstaff 365

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 17-21, 2023

Fire restrictions and heat danger continue through the weekend

Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions remain in effect on the entirety of the Coconino National Forest and the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. Additionally, all undeveloped areas of Coconino County, the Town of Tusayan, and the City of Flagstaff are also in fire restrictions. *Please note, at this time the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest has no fire restrictions in effect.
Grand Canyon National Park remains in Stage 1 fire restrictions, as it is year-round, which means fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed campground site.
Through Monday, July 24, an Excessive Heat Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for elevations at and below 4,000 feet in the Grand Canyon.
All Xanterra passenger mule rides to Phantom Ranch continue to be cancelled through at least July 24.

United Way of Northern Arizona Distributes $510,000 in Grants

One of the most valuable services provided by United Way of Northern Arizona is ensuring that donations and other sources of funding go where they are needed most.

Recently, the UWNA Board of Directors approved the distribution of more than $510,000 to 37 community programs that are making a difference in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

Applications from nonprofit partners were meticulously reviewed by multiple Community Investment teams, who evaluated the work of these organizations, so that proven programs would receive the sustaining funding they need to continue to impact their communities. Their recommendations were forwarded to the Finance Committee and ultimately voted on by the Board.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.

Do you have a new or updated resource guide you would like to add to our listing posting? Please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Coming Up at Culture Connection!

An evening of art, culture, and community!

Join us (on July 28) for a special art exhibition and reception celebrating our vibrant Flagstaff community!

Local artist Eric Kruse will showcase his incredible talent with one of a kind wood portraits of some of the prominent figures who shape our city.

With live music from 69 Hippies, beverages from Mother Road Brewery, and snacks from Pita Jungle! Free entry with $10 suggested donation. All proceeds benefit CCAZ.

The NAU Review — ASA space laser answers mystery, health equity for Indigenous people, NAU volunteers and student wins Boren scholarship

NASA space laser reveals rainforest mystery

We know less about the rainforest canopy, where most of the world’s species live than we do about the surface of Mars or the bottom of the ocean. However, that is about to change thanks to GEDI—a laser aboard the International Space Station that has provided a detailed structure of the world’s rainforests for the first time. Christopher Doughty and researchers throughout the world are using the 3D map to understand the amounts of biomass and carbon forests store and how much they lose when disturbed—vital information for understanding Earth’s carbon cycle and how it is changing.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — Images of the Month – July 2023

In the English language, the term Old Country is commonly used to refer to the European Continent. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, however, “old country” is a noun that refers to the country where a person was born or lived before moving to a new country. Hence, the Old Country is not the same for everyone because it depends on our individual ancestry, and it is normally used when we refer to family traditions or habits that came from our country of origin. In addition, Merriam-Webster gives us yet another definition of old: “dating from the remote past, persisting from an earlier time, of long standing, and of, relating to, or originating in a past era”, among others.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/18/23

View this email in your browser July 18th, 2023 Connect with your community Announcement Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Self-Paced Activities Book Clubs Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown…

Theatrikos Theatre Company — Hilarious comedy Lend Me A Tenor Opens this Friday, July 21

Theatrikos Presents Hilarious Classic Farce Lend Me A Tenor, running July 21 to August 13, is full of slamming doors, mistaken identities and comic wackiness Tenor Tickets Tony Award Winning Farce “Lend Me A Tenor, written by Ken Ludwig, is…

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport enhances travel experience with new paid parking system and economy lot

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new paid parking system, accompanied by the opening of the Economy Lot. The additional parking capacity aims to provide a smoother and more convenient experience for travelers, offering ample parking space and affordable rates. The opening of the additional Economy Lot more than doubles the airport’s parking.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — June/July 2023 District 1 Newsletter

IN THIS ISSUE
Accessibility View
Text Cover Lockett Meadow pond and peaks (002)-fotor-2023071492425.jpg
June/July 2023 District 1
Newsletter
In This Issue
Hello From Supervisor Horstman
Short Term Rental Ordinance Public Hearing
Board Adopts Budget For FY 2024
Horstman Travels To DC To Advocate For Grand
Canyon National Monument
NACo Fellowship Program Brings White House
And Congressional Leadership Staff To Coconino
County
County Recognition For COVID-19 Response
Western Interstate Explores Public Lands.
Stage One Fire Restrictions In Effect NOW!
Flood Control District Update
Mount Elden Lookout Road Drainage
Improvement Project is On Schedule.
Snowbowl Rd. Drainage Improvement Project
Westwood Estates Pavement Preservation
Update
Tiny Home Village Zoning Approved In Tusayan
KinderCamp Prepares Our Preschoolers For
Kindergarten
June Celebrates Diversity, Inclusion: Juneteenth
Celebration And Pride Month
July 4th Celebrated In Coconino County Style
Community Events and Resources

Coconino County Parks & Recreation in Discussions to Manage Gonzalez Ranch Property in Williams

COCONINO COUNTY — The creation of a new County-maintained natural area is one step closer to fruition, as an agreement between the owners of Gonzalez Ranch and Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit organization, to donate a 488-acre property and permanently preserve it as recreational open space, is expected to move forward in the next several weeks. The parcel, located adjacent to Interstate 40 north of Williams, Ariz., has been the subject of speculation over its possible development in recent years. … The future park at Gonzalez Ranch will honor the story of the Gonzalez family which immigrated from Spain and settled the land in the early 1900s.  

Upcoming Classes, Workshops & Field Expeditions at the Sedona Arts Center

UPCOMING Summer/Early Fall Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community.

Click here to see all of our classes and workshops

Board of Supervisors to Vote on County Short-Term Rental Ordinance at August 8 Public Hearing

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods.

At their upcoming meeting August 8, 2023 the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will hold a third public hearing followed by a vote on the final draft of a County-wide ordinance aimed at regulating the operation of short-term rental properties in unincorporated neighborhoods of Coconino County. If approved by the Board, it will soon be unlawful to rent, or to offer to rent, a vacation or short-term rental property without first complying with the provisions of the ordinance. The purpose of this ordinance will be to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of owners and users of vacation and short-term rental properties in the unincorporated area of the County, and to protect the residential character of neighborhoods and surroundings that are adjacent to vacation and short-term rental use.

United Way of Northern Arizona — ‘My Baby Girl Learned So Much’

Summer always is a special time, and for me one of the biggest highlights of the season is visiting KinderCamp™ classes.

It is always magical watching four- and five-year-olds gaining the confidence and skills they need to make a successful start in kindergarten.

KinderCamp is one of United Way of Northern Arizona’s signature programs to Step Up for Our Youth, and judging from the parents’ comments you’ll see below, it is making a huge impact in the lives of our students.

Many thanks to our partners – and to individual donors like you – who make this program possible.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 10-14, 2023

New Trail Alert QR codes posted at trailheads

This week, in collaboration with the Grand Canyon Office of Communications and the PEP Division, the Preventive Search and Rescue (PSAR) team launched new QR codes posted to trailhead signs. Visitors can simply scan the Trail Alert barcode using a digital device that will take them to our trails webpage that is updated daily. Information on the webpage will include trail alerts, weather, safety messages, and tips on how visitors can hike smart.

If you interact with the public, feel free to disseminate and use this flyer that contains the QR code. Visit the new webpage here: https://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/key-messages.htm.

Flagstaff seeking input on budgeting objectives that influence how the City spends taxpayer dollars. Online survey, meetings July 20, 27

The City of Flagstaff is seeking feedback from the public on the Objectives used in its Priority Based Budgeting (PBB) system. Public comments will be accepted through Aug. 4 via an online survey. The City also invites the public to attend two open houses where staff will be available to discuss the PBB Objectives and to answer questions. The dates, times, and locations are below:

Thursday July 20 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St,)
Thursday July 27 from 4 – 6:30 p.m. at the Murdoch Center (203 E Brannen Ave)

Grand Canyon to move overnight backcountry reservations to Recreation.gov

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park plans to move its overnight backcountry reservation system to Recreation.gov for all calendar year 2024 and later permits. This move will help streamline the backcountry permitting process by allowing around 80% of backcountry permits to be directly reserved and paid for online.

The new system will provide applicants with greater control and add additional transparency. Applicants will no longer need to submit applications by fax and wait up to a month for the thousands of requests to be considered manually by park staff.

“Moving our backcountry permits to Recreation.gov has many important advantages. We are pleased to be able to modernize our permit process while keeping visitor safety and resource preservation our top priority,” said Park Superintendent Ed Keable. 

Native American Success Center student finds opportunity at CCC

FLAGSTAFF — Business, accounting and economics are his passions.

Degree in hand and his future in his sights, Coconino Community College alum, current student, accounting intern, and student affairs representative Cole Catron is set to move forward in his higher education journey.

“I always wanted to do something with my life,” Cole said. “And I want to make significant contributions to society. Opportunity has always been my biggest motivator for wanting to pursue college.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y thanks those who have served our community

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to thank those individuals who have served our organization and our community in supporting our mission — We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

Special thanks go to outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee President Peter Van Wyck, BA, Regional Director, First Things First; outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Vice President Jennifer Hernandez, Project Manager, Center for the Future of Arizona and outgoing CCC&Y Executive Committee Treasurer Theresa Kulpinski, Program Manager for Coconino County Health & Human Services.

Read More

The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s 2023 Udall Scholar and the Dorrance Scholars cohort and science writer Melissa Sevigny talks about her new book

Rebekah McNiel, a business management and modern languages double major, received the prestigious Udall Scholarship for Native American Initiatives in 2023. McNiel, a member of the Honors College, is passionate about change through education and Native American leadership. With long-term goals to positively impact the Navajo Nation, McNiel is committed to learning from other cultures and studying sustainable business practices. Her remarkable journey, from reconnecting with her Navajo heritage to engaging in community service and pursuing transformative experiences abroad, has shaped her character and perspective. 

Coconino County and City of Flagstaff Successfully Test Siren System Enhancements

COCONINO COUNTY — Recently, Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff completed a successful test of the flash flooding siren system along Spruce Wash. This test ensured that critical system enhancements functioned properly prior to the 2023 monsoon season.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) closures scheduled near Frances Short Pond to allow for dredging

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) segments near Frances Short Pond will be closed effective Tuesday, July 11 for the safety of the public during dredging work at the pond. The impacted FUTS segments will be reopened after the dredging work is complete, which is anticipated by the beginning of August.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 3-7, 2023

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration has announced the award of $27.5 million to the National Park Service for the Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement project in Arizona.

The project includes 30 new buses, including 10 new battery electric buses and 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, to replace the current aging fleet and the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new electric buses.

“The necessary replacement of the outdated shuttle bus fleet is an opportunity to upgrade to cleaner, quieter electric buses,” said Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Ed Keable. “This project will address transportation challenges related to maintaining an aging fleet, and the NPS goal to achieve sustainable transportation alternatives.”

A full news release of the announcement can be found at the link here. Photos from the announcement on July 6 at Hopi Point can be found here. 

CHAC, community celebrates 2023 Flagstaff 4th of July Parade

FLAGSTAFF — More than 90 entries took part in the annual Flagstaff 4th of July Parade presented by the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce.

This year’s festivities began in the far northern reaches of Beaver Street, through downtown and up through San Francisco Street.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) once again took part in the annual event, participating with the Coconino County entry.

Biden-Harris Administration Announces $27.5 Million for Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement Project as Part of President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has announced the award of $27.5 million to the National Park Service (NPS) for the Grand Canyon National Park Shuttle Bus Fleet Replacement project in Arizona. The project includes 30 new buses, including 10 new battery electric buses and 20 new compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, to replace the current aging fleet and the installation of charging infrastructure to support the new electric buses. An estimated 6 million people visit the park each year and use the free shuttle buses to access destinations throughout the Grand Canyon.

“Grand Canyon National Park is one of our most beloved national parks,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This grant, made possible by President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help ensure safe and reliable bus service for park visitors for decades to come.”

City of Flagstaff requests arguments for and against proposed election questions

FLAGSTAFF — Prior to the Nov. 7, 2023 election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against proposed questions that have a local impact. The pamphlet is to include arguments for and against the proposed amendments to the Flagstaff City Charter and arguments for and against a potential Referendum No. 01-2023 relating to Ordinance No. 2023-11. In the event the referendum is unsuccessful for any reason at any time in qualifying for the ballot, the arguments regarding the referendum will not be included in the publicity pamphlet. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before 5 p.m., Arizona time on Aug. 9, 2023.

Lake Mary Road Mill & Fill Project Starts Monday

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s contractor is preparing to break ground on the Lake Mary Road Mill & Fill Project.

This $1.95 million project will replace the existing pavement in travel lanes along the 6.4-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road from the Flagstaff city limits south to approximately Milepost (MP) 333, which is just north of the Upper Lake Mary boat dock and recreation area.

C & E Paving & Grading is scheduled to work weekdays during daylight hours with some weekend work possible. Traffic control will be in place to guide vehicles through the construction zone.

Coconino National Forest and City of Flagstaff to partner on Inner Basin water pipeline repair

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District and the City of Flagstaff will both soon begin repairing flood damage to the Inner Basin water pipeline and along nearby forest roads.

The pipeline, which was damaged due to post-wildfire flooding caused by the 2022 Pipeline Fire, has been losing millions of gallons of water each day.

The project – formally titled the Inner Basin Waterline Post Fire Repairs Road Reconstruction Project – is outlined in a decision memo that was recently signed into effect by Coconino NF Supervisor Aaron Mayville.