Author: Community Contributor

Prescribed fire projects continuing on Coconino NF throughout week

by Community Contributor • October 18, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Prescribed fire projects will continue on all three districts of the Coconino National Forest throughout the rest of the week.

Prescribed fire projects are an important part of landscape restoration work being conducted in accordance with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to improve forest resiliency and reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire in northern Arizona.

Prescribed fire projects are conditional and subject to change if wind and weather conditions are not met.

The NAU Review — Increasing Indigenous teachers, getting to know the Lumberjack behind Louie and photos from family weekend!

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

How NAU is tackling the teacher shortage in Indigenous communities

In an effort to increase the number of qualified teachers statewide and help Indigenous educators remain in their communities, NAU started Preparing Indigenous Teachers for Arizona Schools—a program that offers a pathway to a bachelor’s or master’s degree to educators who are already in the classroom but are not certified teachers. The program, which recently won a grant from the Office of the Governor, is already seeing success—the first cohort of participants, which graduates in a year, are making connections, getting leadership and teaching experience among Indigenous students and putting to use the culturally responsive content they’re learning.

Prescribed burn near Naval Observatory planned for Wednesday, Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department near the Naval Observatory on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The burn will target approximately 80 aces on the northern side of the observatory area. Resources on scene will include the City Wildland Fire Management Module, two Type 6 wildland engines, one US Forest Service wildland engine, the Highlands Fire Department Bear Jaw Crew, and the Arizona State Wildland Crew.

Sedona Arts Center — Festival Volunteers Needed!

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Volunteers needed for the
19th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival!

Sedona Arts Center invites you along to be inspired and experience master artists painting in the Shangri-La of the Southwest! The Sedona Plein Air Festival is a week-long celebration of extraordinary landscapes, world-renowned artists, unique workshops, and wonderful free events from October 20 through 29, 2023!

Sedona Arts Center needs volunteers for multiple positions during the festival: Canvas Stampers, Exhibit Installation assistants, Catering Support, Parking Lot Attendants, Certified Bartenders, Setup and Break Down Crew, Main Street Artist Support Crew, Gallery Attendants, Airport Artist Support, Community Paint Out Volunteers

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 10/16/23

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

Put your waste in the right place during the Fall of Reuse!

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites you to celebrate the changing seasons through a series of opportunities focused on preventing and diverting waste from the landfill throughout October and November. Read on for details about upcoming Drop-off Day, Fix it Clinic, and Pumpkin Drop events.

Grand Canyon National Park announces backcountry camping fee increase effective April 2024

by Community Contributor • October 16, 2023 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective April 1, 2024, Grand Canyon National Park will increase the cost of overnight backcountry permits. Grand Canyon began charging for overnight backcountry permits in 1997 and last modified backcountry fees in 2022.

The cost recovery charge for overnight backcountry permits will increase for all permits that begin on or after April 1, 2024. The charge of $10 per backcountry permit remains the same; the nightly per person fee will be increased from $12 per person to $15 per person or stock animal camping below the rim in designated backcountry camping areas. This increase does not affect camping fees at Mather, Desert View, or the North Rim campgrounds.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

For the past month, we as a nation have celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month, a time of recognition for the many contributions made by the Hispanic and Latino community in the United States.

Because of my own background and family roots, this annual appreciation has particular meaning for me, but it should also resonate with all northern Arizonans. According to the U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts statistics for 2022, 15% of Coconino County residents are of Latino or Hispanic descent. In Navajo County, it’s 12.3% and 7.2% in Apache County.

Celebrations like Hispanic Heritage Month confirm our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, which is important to our youth, so that they can develop a strong sense of self-worth and belonging.

We hope you enjoy learning more about Hispanic Heritage Month below.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 9-13, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Annular Eclipse October 14

This coming Saturday, October 14, you may be able to catch a glimpse of the annular solar eclipse somewhere between 8 and 11 in the morning, with peak visibility at 9:30.

This will be a very rare type of eclipse referred to as a “ring of fire” eclipse, in which the moon aligns directly with the sun so that only the outer edges of the sun are visible, creating the appearance of a ring of fire in the sky. It won’t be a total eclipse in Grand Canyon, but pretty close – about 86 percent.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LOOK AT THE SUN WITHOUT SUN-VIEWING GLASSES. PERMANENT EYE-DAMAGE WOULD RESULT.

You can stop by the South Rim Visitor Center Saturday morning and grab some free Sun-viewing glasses to see it. Solar telescopes modified to protect your eyes from the sun will also be set up at Mather Point.

Prescribed fire planned for North Rim of Grand Canyon beginning Oct. 16

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park fire managers—working with staff from the Kaibab National Forest and Bureau of Land Management, anticipate initiating prescribed fire treatments from October 16-31, on the North Rim, as weather and fuel moisture conditions allow.

On Thursday, Oct. 16, ignitions will occur on the Atoko Point unit, located on the far eastern edge of the Walhalla Plateau. The north and east boundary consist of the canyon rim edges and encompass Roosevelt Point, Atoko Point, and Naji Point. The southern boundary will be ~300ft of handline where the plateau necks down tightly between Cape Royal Rd. and canyon rim edge. The western edge is bound by the Cape Royal Road from Roosevelt Point to the handline segment. This project totals an area of 1,700 acres and is anticipated to conclude on or around Tuesday, Oct. 31.

Coconino County — Ballots Mailed for the Nov. 7, 2023, Special Election

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Ballots for the Nov 7, 2023, Special Election have been mailed to all eligible registered voters. This is a ballot-by-mail election so registered voters residing in the City of Flagstaff, Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District, Ash Fork Joint Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Pinewood Sanitary District, Williams Hospital District, and Highlands Fire District will be receiving their ballots in the next few days.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Whirlwind knockabout farce Stage Kiss now playing. 2024 Season unveiled this Saturday, Oct 14.

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Romantic comedy Stage Kiss

Now playing

Photos from last Friday’s opening night

Now through October 22, 2023

A kiss is not just a kiss in this whirlwind knockabout farce. When two actors with a history are thrown together as leads in a 1930s romantic comedy, they quickly lose touch with reality.

“Satirical, sassy and over-the-top, Stage Kiss has been one wild ride to read, and I’m sure it will be to watch,” commented actor Lindsey DeStefano (playing “She”). Actor Adam Wintz (playing “He”) noted that the playwright “has created a world that is both realistic and absurd. There are jokes within jokes and layers within layers. People will want to see the show more than once to pick up on all the subtleties.”

NAU Review — A metaphorical hike through a national monument, celebrating I Love Yarn day with a craft and Fit it in a Minute with Laura Umphrey

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

In 2009, NAU created the Southwest Virtual Museum, which put artifact exhibits, virtual tours and 3D imaging of the iconic prehistoric sites of northern Arizona online to allow anyone, anywhere to explore the art, history and lifestyles of the many Indigenous cultures of the U.S. Southwest. A grant from the National Park Service is funding the creation of a 3D model and virtual tour of one of the crown jewels of that prehistory—the Island Trail at Walnut Canyon National Monument, including the 9-Room Site, the largest and most intact site open to the public.

Discover Flagstaff — NAU Symphonic Band Concert, Ardrey Auditorium – NAU on Oct. 13 and more events

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Enjoy Kurt Weill’s Concerto for Violin and Winds performed by NAU Faculty, the NAU Wind Symphony and the NAU Symphonic Band. 7:30 p.m

Fall Community Education: Metalsmithing | Brave the Wild River | Star Party | Utah War of 1857 | Brain Health | Bakhmut | Scientific View of World

by Community Contributor • October 12, 2023 • Comments Off

Metalsmithing for Jewelry

Saturday, Oct. 14, 21, 28
12 to 2:45 p.m.

Learn how to work with metal including torching, polishing, stamping, and soldering. Only 2 openings left!

Metalsmithing – Learn more and register!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y presents free webinars on understanding how emotions impact adult and child relationships

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY —

CCC&Y shares this free online opportunity to ease some of the daily stress during this busy time of year.

Motivated by a long wait list for behavioral health services, and aware of challenging adult and child emotions causing behavior difficulties, Bethany Camp put this two part training together for CCC&Y to help meeting a wide-spread community need.

First we learn to understand our emotions and then we can understand and respond to the big emotional responses of children.

Watch Webinar – Managing Adult Emotional Responses, Part One

Watch Webinar – Helping Children Manage Their Emotions, Part Two

These videos are meant to help support our community. Having the tools to take care of ourselves and respond to children, is a great resource.

City of Flagstaff Water Conservation program wins 2023 WaterSense® Excellence Award

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has honored the City of Flagstaff with a WaterSense Excellence Award for the City’s work promoting WaterSense and water efficiency in 2022. WaterSense, a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the EPA, is both a label for water-efficient products, programs, and homes and a resource for helping consumers learn about ways to save water.

Firing operations on Still Fire resuming along Highway 87

by Community Contributor • October 11, 2023 • Comments Off

HAPPY JACK — Still Fire managers plan to resume firing operations Thursday and Friday along Highway 87 following several days of preparations during scattered showers and higher humidities.

Fire managers plan to use strategic firing operations to increase containment and protect values at risk. The Still Fire is located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

Once firing operations resume, local areas – including Highway 87, the Blue Ridge communities and the Little Springs area – will see heavy smoke impact.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Join Us (Oct. 11) for a Webinar on Prop 480

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

You are cordially invited to join us tomorrow for a special webinar on Prop. 480, the citizens of Flagstaff’s referendum on the re-zoning of the proposed Northern Arizona Hospital site. The re-zoning of the site was approved by the Flagstaff City Council earlier this year.

This Arizona Civic Exchange (CivEx) event, which will be held from 2 – 3 p.m. (MST), is being sponsored by the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, a part of the Flinn Foundation. The webinar is being presented in conjunction with the Northern Arizona Leadership Alliance Community Civility Project.

Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan Announces Retirement

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

Coconino County Supervisor Matt Ryan, who has represented District 3 for 27 years, has submitted a formal letter to his colleagues on the Board of Supervisors (Board) indicating his intention to retire from the Board effective Dec. 31, 2023.

District 3 includes the Town of Williams, portions of Flagstaff and Sedona along with Kachina Village, Mountainaire, Munds Park and other unincorporated communities in southwestern Coconino County.

The NAU Review — A disability advocate living her best life, how NAU brings counseling to students and how to become a student regent

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

You are valued’

For Allison Stenger, advocacy seems to come naturally—she petitioned her high school to ensure students could use accessible websites, she’s going into psychology to ensure she can help students with disabilities find resources and success, and she even adopted a one-eyed cat. It’s not always easy, though—Stenger is a graduate student living with mental illness who has been the target of discrimination and stigma simply because of who she is. For Disability Pride and Heritage Month, she talks about her advocacy work, how the NAU community has helped in her growth and shares stories of her stubborn, opinionated feline friend.

Full closure of Columbus Avenue scheduled for Oct 12 and Oct. 20

by Community Contributor • October 10, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, a full closure of Columbus Avenue between N Humphreys Street and N San Francisco Street is scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. to allow for asphalt work. Beaver Street south through Columbus Avenue will remain open with flaggers. Early warning message boards and detours will be established, however travelers should expect delays in the area.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 10/9/23

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

Still Fire at 9,101 acres, firing operations on hold

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

HAPPY JACK — Fire managers are pausing firing operations on the Still Fire for the next several days due to predicted rain and humidity but are hoping to resume those operations later this week when weather conditions allow.

The Still Fire is a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District (MRRD).

During the pause on firing operations, crews will continue to hold existing line while also preparing the fire area – including areas along Highway 87 – for firing operations.

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops/Classes in Sedona!

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

UPCOMING School 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. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website.
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

City hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 9

by Community Contributor • October 9, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 9, 2023. Titled “•REFLECTING •HONORING •RESILIENCE – Matriarchal Voice and Leadership” the event will feature presentations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., as well as cultural shares through songs & dances. The event will take place at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A full schedule of the event will be posted on the City

Community members learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, customs during ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ presentations at the Flagstaff Public Library

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Library patrons had the opportunity to learn about Dia de Los Muertos ofrendas, the meaning behind items on a family altar and other cultural customs honoring the dearly departed during a session presented by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5.

In preparation for its 20th annual Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona on Oct. 21-22, Flagstaff Nuestras Raices has been presenting a series of information lectures for Coconino County employees and patrons at the Camp Verde Public Library.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raices President Lydia Anaya and treasurer Becca DeLapp presented the “Ofrenda 101” session, creating a temporary ofrenda in the library’s Community Room.
They presented information about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods.

Still Fire at 7,781 acres, smoke impact to continue

by Community Contributor • October 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Smoke impact will linger despite a pause on Highway 87-adjacent firing operations on the Still Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 4 miles northeast of the Highway 87 and Lake Mary Road junction.

Smoke impact will remain noticeable along Highway 87, in the Blue Ridge communities, the Little Springs area, and possibly in the Camp Verde, Cottonwood, Pine, Strawberry and Payson areas.

Smoke will settle into low-lying areas overnight.

Driving conditions in the fire area may remain hazardous, and possible intermittent closures may be implemented along area roads, including Highway 87, for public safety.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Recommitting to Positive Youth Development

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

focus to Stepping Up for Our Youth and Communities, we have successfully rallied around early childhood development with programs like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

This year with our annual campaign theme of United in Purpose – 365 Days a Year, we are recommitting to the goal of also supporting programs and initiatives that promote positive youth development and refocusing our efforts on a comprehensive approach that encompasses our youth from birth through early adulthood.

From the desk of:
Liz Archuleta
President & CEO

At our annual campaign kickoff last week, I had a chance to provide a detailed vision of how United Way of Northern Arizona can support our community and partners to foster opportunities for our youth at all ages. I envision it as a circle where we as a community wrap ourselves around our youth and can step in at any point of a youth’s development and make a difference.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 2-6, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

We’re getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform. The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

The NAU Review — Our 2023 Homecoming Dedicatee!, Inclusive Insights and NAU’s role in solutions to housing challenges

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

On a quiet Tuesday morning, something special happened—the Office of Indigenous Student Success staff retreat was abruptly interrupted by a parade of cheering staff, students and media, there to name this year’s Homecoming Dedicatee: Sharon Singer Doctor. The director of Student Life Experience for Indigenous Student Success, Doctor has dedicated more than 29 years to NAU working in various departments on campus. As the Homecoming Dedicatee, she will participate in a number of events throughout the week of Homecoming, starting with a banquet held in her honor.

Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk, Heritage Square

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 6:30 p.m.

Cecil Fire containment at 67%; area closure removed

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Containment on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, is at 67% following yesterday’s containment and suppression repair efforts.

The Coconino National Forest has removed the emergency area closure for the Cecil Fire.

The Type 3 Incident Management Team that has been managing this fire since Sept. 28 will return the fire back to the Coconino NF this evening.

Forty-two personnel remain assigned to the Cecil Fire, including one 20-person crew, three engines and miscellaneous overhead.

North Rim Transitions to Day Use Operations Beginning October 16, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2023. Grand Canyon Lodge will close and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors to the North Rim. Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day.

The following services will be available:

The self-serve gas station, including diesel, will be available for as long as State Route 67 is open. It will only accept credit and debit cards.
After October 31, water will only be available at the North Rim Backcountry Information Center.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s VOTER GUIDE to Flagstaff Propositions: November 2023 Special Election

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

Flagstaff’s Special Election is November 7, 2023. This is a Ballot-by-Mail Election and there will be no polling places on Election Day. All registered voters in the City of Flagstaff will automatically receive a ballot in the mail approximately three weeks prior to election day. You are able to check your voting status here.

F3 has thoroughly reviewed the 20 propositions that will be on the ballot and we have created a Voter Guide to this year’s election. The summary of the Voter Guide is available in graphic form below. A description of the propositions, accompanied by F3’s reasoning for our voting recommendations, are provided on our website.

Nineteen of the propositions on the ballot are proposed amendments to the City of Flagstaff Charter. The City Charter is the basic law of a city as established by a majority of voters. The Charter defines the powers and functions of the city and serves as the foundation of government for the city.

Phase 2 of the Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project Begins This Week

by Community Contributor • October 5, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction.

The Schultz Creek Watershed Restoration Project, a $5.4 million joint effort of the Coconino County Flood Control District and the Coconino National Forest, will enter its second and final phase of construction as contractors begin channel stabilization in roughly 4 miles of upper Schultz Creek.

The Schultz Creek Watershed is one of nine watersheds that were badly burned during the 2022 Pipeline Fire. Post-wildfire flooding and erosion through Schultz Creek contributed to repeated flooding and destructive sediment deposition in downstream Flagstaff neighborhoods.

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

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2023 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

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.

For families:

Resource directories —
Coconino County — COVID-19 Social Safety-Net Services Coalition
Flagstaff — Flagstaff Resource Hub, Front Door
First Things First Navajo Nation Family Resource Guide — Click here
Grand Canyon Community Resources
Navajo Nation Covid-19 Family Resources — Click here
2022 Fall Page Resource Guide — Click here *
2022 Fall Tuba City — Click here *
2022 Williams Area Community Resource Guide — Click here

* Send email to frank@coconinokids.org to provide updates on these CCC&Y-created resource guides.

City of Flagstaff — Update on City Road Repair and Street Safety Phase II

by Community Contributor • October 4, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Phase II of the 2023 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program is well underway as crews work to complete the work prior to winter. Crack sealing operations have been completed throughout the project area.

During the week of Oct. 2, work to replace damaged concrete will continue on Columbus Avenue and N Switzer Canyon Drive with lane shifts present. Asphalt work will also take place during the week of Oct. 2 on S Fremont Drive, W Mars Hill Road, S Babbitt Drive and N Switzer Canyon Drive.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation October 2023 Update

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Autumn in Coconino County

Autumn is a special time in Coconino County. From sunflowers to golden aspens, the landscape changes colors and welcomes many migratory animals. Coconino County parks and natural areas are great for autumn enthusiasts!

From wildlife watching to enjoying autumn gardens, Coconino County parks and natural areas have options for everyone.

The NAU Review — What to know about NAU Health, Domestic Violence Awareness Month and getting to know Haida Tafolla

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

On Friday, President Cruz Rivera announced the creation of NAU Health and its flagship project, a new College of Medicine focused on preparing primary care physicians to serve in rural and underserved regions of the state. Part of the Arizona Board of Regents’ AZ Healthy Tomorrow initiative, NAU’s College of Medicine is in direct response to the critical shortage of healthcare providers throughout the state. NARBHA Institute Vice President of NAU Health Julie Baldwin will lead the work, which also includes the creation of a College of Nursing and elevating health professions education in already established programs in the College of Health and Human Services. We know you have questions. Click the links below to learn more.

Burning operations suspended on Cecil Fire, firefighters working toward containment

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Cecil Fire managers will not resume firing operations on the 2,180-acre lightning-caused fire located southwest of Flagstaff, and have shifted to a strategy that will result in full containment as soon as possible.

The Cecil Fire is currently 0% contained and resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include four 20-person hand crews, 13 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 147 personnel.

Fire managers for the Cecil Fire set early management objectives that included firing operations aimed at treating as much Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust land as possible during safe wind and weather conditions.

Voter Registration Deadline for the Nov. 7, 2023, Special Elections is Oct. 10, 2023

by Community Contributor • October 3, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Sedona-Oak Creek Joint Unified School District, Ash Fork Joint Unified School District, Grand Canyon Unified School District, Pinewood Sanitary District, Williams Hospital District, and Highlands Fire District are holding Special Elections on November 7, 2023. The November 7 Special Elections are being conducted as ballot-by-mail elections. All registered voters in these jurisdictions will automatically be mailed a ballot and there will not be any polling places on Election Day.

Crews continue Cecil Fire prep work in anticipation of resuming burning operations this week. Public meeting on Oct. 2

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The slight rain that fell on the Cecil Fire yesterday morning helped keep the lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, at 2,180 acres as of Monday morning.

The Cecil Fire is burning on both Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust lands, and a closure order has been issued for the fire area.

Resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include one Hotshot crew, two hand crews, 10 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 112 personnel.

This week’s weather forecast looks favorable to possibly resume firing operations. In addition to holding existing lines, crews plan to spend today prepping lines for potential firing operations north of Black Pass on the north side of the fire, off Woody Ridge toward Forest Road (FR) 532B on the east side of the fire, and from Woody Ridge to just south of Eightynine A Tank.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 10/2/23

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

Sedona Arts Center — FREE TALK (Oct. 3) – Arts Participation for Healthy Aging

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Join us for a special talk featuring Heather Mulder, Associate Director Outreach Research at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute/ Banner Sun Health Research Institute.

Research shows that participating in the arts may improve health, cognitive function, memory and improve self-esteem and well-being. Heather will share her expertise and knowledge and how she has seen innovative programming increase the quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care about them. Q and A to follow along with an update from our CEO, Julie Richard, about Sedona Arts Center’s development of a new Creative Aging Program. This talk is free and open to the public.

Sedona Arts Center Workshop Spotlight

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Powerful Plein Air with Krystal Brown
Tues – Thurs, Oct 17 – 19

If you want to paint effortlessly – Free from stress and better able to let the magic flow, this is the place to start. You will come to understand how to create more comfortably, confidently and joyfully while learning all the tips and techniques that have taken me years of cultivation. No more guessing! No more uncertainty! No more fear! Just SUCCESS. You are invited to paint in oil or water soluble oil if possible!

Krystal W. Brown is a fine art oil painter who captures the places, people and moments that matter most. She is an award winning artist who specializes in fine art oil paintings and commissioned portraits.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ workshops at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5

by Community Contributor • October 2, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a “Ofrenda 101” workshop on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5 at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

Join us for two back-to-back presentations by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices:

OFRENDAS 101

Join us as we learn about the history of creating your own family ofrenda / altar and about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods. The presentation will include the creation of an ofrenda!

HALLOWEEN vs DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Día de los Muertos is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.

District 1 Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman Appointed to Arizona Resource Advisory Council

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce one of their members, Supervisor Patrice Horstman representing District 1, has been appointed by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to serve on the Arizona Resource Advisory Council.

The Council is a 15-member statewide advisory council, which provides advice and recommendations to the Bureau of Land Management on resource and land management issues for approximately 12.1 million acres of federal surface and 36 million acres of subsurface mineral estate in Arizona.

Firing operations paused on Cecil, Still fires in advance of weekend winds

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are halting firing operations on both the Cecil and Still fires in advance of forecast increased wind speeds.

Both fires have been staffed with additional firefighters who plan to spend the weekend holding and securing existing fire line.

So far, crews have successfully treated a combined 2,500 acres of Coconino National Forest land on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District due to both lightning-caused fires.

Land treatment removes fuels – such as dead trees and pine needle accumulation – from the forest floor to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire.

Both the Cecil and Still fires are being managed to reduce those hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

Coconino County Leadership Contributes to National Wildland Fire Commission Report

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released their report to Congress this week, urging “swift action to advance the holistic solutions needed to reduce the risk of wildfire to the nation.”

The Commission, which included Coconino County Deputy Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani and a bipartisan group of 52 other leaders from governmental, tribal, scientific, private industry and nonprofit backgrounds, spent the last year conducting a “sweeping review” of the wildfire system in the United States. The fruits of this review have now been released in a report that includes 148 recommendations for Congressional action.

Guest contribution — Intelligent — Financial Aid Guide available for Hispanic and Latino Students

by Community Contributor • September 29, 2023 • Comments Off

By Kristen Scatton, Reviewed by Dana Marvin Interviews with Dana Marvin Intelligent

No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents’ citizenship statuses, their parents’ employment, and whether they’re the first in their family to attend college.

This guide is designed to help Hispanic and Latino students navigate the financial aid process, with a general overview of different types of financial aid, how to apply for federal student loans, and advice from college admissions counselor Dana Marvin.

It also includes information specific to Hispanic and Latino students, including grants and scholarships for different populations within these demographics, including Hispanic/Latina women, children of migrant workers, and first-generation college students.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations

The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.

Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.

If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Join us Friday, Sept. 29 for Flagstaff Festival of Science ‘SCI Talks’

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Inspired by the proliferation and success of TED’s winning formula for engaging, short talks in an intimate, fun setting, the Flagstaff Festival of Science presents the annual SCI Talks (Science, Communication, Innovation) event at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Since 2015, SCI Talks highlight local scientists and science educators sharing their research and innovative science communication ideas.

Quantum Scientist, Ines Montano, explains how we are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Ecologist, Jut Wynne, will share his experiences with caves from around the globe. Artist, Robert Long, highlights how his artwork gives underrepresented organisms louder voices and visually compelling self-worlds. Terra BIRDS founder, John Taylor, describes how his organization teaches environmental stewardship in schools through gardening.

City of Flagstaff announces scheduled lane closures on Lake Mary Road

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Lane closures on Lake Mary Road and Anita Avenue are scheduled for Oct. 2 through Oct. 14. The closures will allow the installation of water lines across Lake Mary Road to the Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel development site at the corner of Lake Mary Road and High Country Trail.

The project will begin with the closure of the westbound lane of Anita Avenue, followed by the closure of the eastbound lane of Anita Avenue. Crews will then close the northbound lanes of Lake Mary Road, followed by the southbound lanes. Lane shifts will be in place to allow traffic to travel through the area. The work is expected to be completed on or before October 14th.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — View Webinars Providing Insights to 5-Year Strategic Plan

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Good afternoon,

Late last month, we released our comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan, a roadmap for economic growth in northern Arizona that was created for ECoNA by Elliott D. Pollack & Co. and IO, Inc.

Over the past few weeks, representatives of those companies have been leading a series of webinars that drill down on three key aspects of the plan: housing challenges, the local labor shed, and sectors that northern Arizona should be targeting for greater prosperity.

What’s made these webinars fascinating is not only the in-depth analysis provided by Danny Court and Ioanna Morfessis, the principal authors of the roadmap, but also the insightful questions from webinar participants as we study where northern Arizona is now – and where we want to be headed.

Theatrikos Presents Romantic Comedy Stage Kiss Opens Oct. 6, Coco, other upcoming events

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

When two actors with a history are thrown together as romantic leads in a forgotten 1930s melodrama, they quickly lose touch with reality as the lines between offstage and onstage begin to blur. Stage Kiss (2011) walks a wobbly line between farce and romantic comedy with its play within a play.

“One of the most delightful things about this play is that it’s written for theater lovers,” observed Michael Rulon, sound designer/operator for Stage Kiss. “It examines love through the lens of theater, allowing the audience to peer behind the curtain not only of the plays-within-a-play, but also behind the curtain of the protagonists’ most private passions.”

The NAU Review — Ever wondered what a red worm lizard looks like? + art classes for kids + expanding a legacy of broadcasting at NAU

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

The secrets in a 240M-year-old tree of life

Squamates are among the most successful species on the planet. They’ve been evolving for 240 million years, including the mosasaurs of the Cretaceous Period and the lizards and snakes that populate Arizona—and the entirety of the planet—today, despite the extreme diversity of environments that exist. Biologist Marc Tollis is leading an NSF-funded project to sequence the complete DNA of 100 species in the Squamate order with the goal of uncovering what genes have contributed to their successful evolution.

Firing operations continue on Cecil Fire; beginning on Still Fire

by Community Contributor • September 28, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Following a day of successful management actions on the Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, crews plan to continue firing operations on the Cecil while also beginning firing operations on the Still Fire, located on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Both the Cecil and Still fires are lightning-caused wildfires being managed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

Due to the accumulated fuels in the fire areas, both wildfires will generate significant smoke during planned firing operations.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler latest news — Navajo Broadband Conference Oct. 16-17

by Community Contributor • September 27, 2023 • Comments Off

BUILDING A CONNECTED NAVAJO FUTURE

NAVAJO NATION BROADBAND CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 16-17, 2023

SAN JUAN COLLEGE, HENDERSON CENTER,

FARMINGTON, NEW MEXICO

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Slight drizzle didn’t dampen excitement for families at Snook’s Science in the Park. More Festival of Science events to come

by Community Contributor • September 27, 2023 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

A slight drizzle on the first day of Fall didn’t dampen the fun when families came out to the annual Snook’s Science in the Park on Sept. 23, 2023 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

Part of the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science, which continues through Oct. 1, the park event featured a number of hand-on activities for young people.

Youth had the opportunity to explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents, view the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground, with young people launching their own mini rockets and learning about the science behind rocket propulsion at the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth exhibit.

The 10-day festival features a mix of in-person activities, live streamed webinars and pre-recorded videos. A full listing of events is available by going to scifest.organd clicking on the 2023 digital passport. Events that require a reservation are denoted on the passport.

All Festival events are FREE.

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