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.
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 p.m
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) would like to inform the public of an increased presence of first responders at the airport on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This heightened activity is part of a planned full-scale exercise, “Operation Ready FLG.” The exercise involves a simulated aircraft incident and is being conducted in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Flight operations at the airport will not be affected.
The primary objective of “Operation Ready FLG” is to test and enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will involve local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on improving interoperability and coordination.
Join us for the special opening reception in partnership with the Sedona Heritage Museum of work by Myrna Harrison! Sedona Trolley will transport guests to and from each location. Musicians at Sedona Arts Center provided by Sedona Symphony. Enjoy beer, wine and food while you view colorful landscapes by the artist. Spread the word…Celebrate Sedona is now held on First Fridays! Bring your friends!
Dear Museum Friends,
As we welcome September at the Museum of Northern Arizona, we find ourselves in a season of celebration.
This month, we proudly mark the Museum’s 96th anniversary! Since opening its doors on September 6, 1928, in a modest two-room space at the Flagstaff Woman’s Club, MNA has blossomed into a leading educational and research institution. For nearly a century, we’ve been dedicated to highlighting the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau, sharing life-enriching knowledge and experiences with visitors from around the world.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, have finished installing a portion of the large concrete structure for the new pedestrian underpass on the west side of Milton Road. With this work complete, crews will begin installing the remaining portion of the concrete structure and appurtenances on the east side of Milton Road.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking public input on the third and final draft of the Greater Observatory Mesa Trail Plan. Members of the public are invited to review the plan, learn how it may affect them, and provide input for the City Council’s consideration. Details on how to participate are listed below.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — From a student art exhibit to an after school carnival and a host of science workshops and activities, families have the opportunity to take part in a variety of educational programs in September.
As the month opened, families were able to view the 2024 Student Art Exhibit at the 2024 Coconino County Fair
Students from dozens of local public elementary, middle and high schools; charter schools and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which were displayed at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds’ Schools exhibit building. Please see photos below.
Upcoming events include the annual FACTS Lights On! Carnival at Bushmaster Park (Sept. 14) and the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science (Sept. 20-29), which includes Science in the Park (Sept. 21) at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.
The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant (NSG) Program provides funding for creative projects that enhance community sustainability and promote healthy lifestyles through community partnerships.
The NSG Program for the year 2024 will award a total of $75,000, with maximum grants up to $7,500. The NSG is funded through the Environmental Management Fee. Local organizations, individuals, schools, and businesses whose projects are within Flagstaff city limits are eligible to apply. Applicants are eligible for one grant every other year.
All six candidates named on the November general election ballot have answered the questions posed by F3 in our City Council Candidate Questionnaire. Flagstaff voter’s will decide who among the candidates will fill three open seats on City Council.
Eight questions addressing local issues and concernswere crafted by F3’s Board and Director. The candidates were asked to keep their replies to 150 words or less. We thank those who provided us with potential questions for the candidates.
There are many more questions to be asked of the council candidates and we encourage you to attend F3’s upcoming City Council Candidate Forum on September 23 (see below for details) and ask your questions.
View the candidate’s answers here:
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Thursday, September 5 and transition down to Stage 3 water restrictions.
Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline late last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will operate under Stage 3 water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.
What are you doing on Thanksgiving Day 2025? The Lumberjack Marching Band just found out their plans: performing in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade! The band got the good news during halftime at Saturday’s football game against Lincoln University. There aren’t enough words to express how excited they are, so we got it on video.
Watch the video
FLAGSTAFF — Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month this September with the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and the American Library Association! We’re inviting everyone to discover the incredible resources and opportunities available at your local library by signing up for a library card at either of our locations, 3000 N. 4th St. or 300 W. Aspen Ave.
Today’s libraries are vibrant community centers offering much more than just books. At the Flagstaff Public Library, you’ll find diverse programs, book clubs, author talks, story times, and a wide range of popular books, DVD’s, music CD’s and games.
Welcome back from the holiday weekend!
Today (September 3rd) is the last day to register for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We need to hear from you by 3 pm to make sure we save your seat!
Two of our honored guests at the kickoff will be this year’s Annual Campaign Co-Chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and his wife, Dr. Rima Brusi, and we hope you enjoy learning more about them in the profile below.
But before you read it, if you haven’t already registered to join us for the Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast on September 13, please do it now!
Coconino County Fair, Fort Tuthill County Park — Celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair. 10 a.m.
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Flagstaff Art in the Park, Wheeler Park — Flagstaff Art in the Park features fabulous art shown by artists, live music, awesome food, kids activities, beer garden and more! 9:30 a.m. Free.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor 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.
Time is running out to save your seat for our Annual Campaign Kickoff breakfast at High Country Conference Center. We are bringing northern Arizonans together so that we can continue Leading the Way in making our communities stronger, more resilient, and a place where our youth can thrive.
The deadline to register for our event is Tuesday, Sept. 3.
By Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces
The Museum of Northern Arizona and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the 21st annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead Festival on Oct. 26, 27, 2024
Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.
Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application before we are sold out. The deadline is Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. Send the completed application to ctaillac@musnaz.org or call (928) 440-6480
The Book of Will is a play by Lauren Gunderson that tells the story of William Shakespeare’s friends, Henry Condell, John Heminges and others, who are determined to preserve his work after his death. The play, set in Elizabethan London, takes place three years after Shakespeare’s death, when his plays are being pirated and performed incorrectly.
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning public review of a programmatic agreement to establish a more efficient process to comply with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from August 29 – September 28, 2024.
Section 106 requires federal agencies to consider the effects of projects that are carried out, assisted, funded, permitted, or licensed by the federal government on historic properties. If a federal or federally assisted project has the potential to affect historic properties, a Section 106 review takes place.
Dave Cheney is CEO & President at Northern Arizona Healthcare, leading Flagstaff Medical Center, Verde Valley Medical Center, primary care and specialty clinics throughout Northern Arizona. Prior to joining NAH, Dave served as President and CEO of Sutter Hospitals. He led six area CEOs and oversaw the 24 hospitals within the Sutter Health System, following his tenure as CEO of Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento.
Cheney is a member of the ECoNA Board. Below is an excerpt from our recent interview with him. You can see the full interview here.
Join us to celebrate 75 years of the Coconino County Fair! Get excited for fun rides, delicious fair food, awesome exhibits, animals, entertainment, fun, and memories!
Join us Friday, August 30 to Monday, September 2, at the Fort Tuthill County Fairgrounds!
Entertainment Headliners Friday, 8:00: The Outlaw Mariachi Saturday, 8:00: RaeLynn
Sunday, 8:00: La Brazza Norteña Monday, 2:00: Sonoran Dogs
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By the Havasupai Tribe
GRAND CANYON — Many of you have asked how you can assist the Havasupai Tribe following the effects of last week’s flash flood. The Tribe is so appreciative of the generosity of so many people.
Grand Canyon Caverns Inn can accept donations at any time.
Our focus is on rebuilding and repairing our community and providing supplies for our tribal members.
We thank you in advance for your donation.
Here is a link to the Amazon wish list: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3B3UA7JCYD75G…
Reserve your FREE keynote tickets today. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers takes place Friday, September 20 at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium.
Doors open at 6 p.m. followed by an exciting AI-inspired ballet performance at 6:30 p.m. with NAU Community Music and Dance Academy. The performance explores how artificial intelligence can enhance the creative process, and highlights the fusion of human artistry and technological innovation.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.—Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim starting the afternoon of Thursday, August 29, due to a series of four significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since July 8, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to either the South or North Rim.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — While Summer vacation is over for many families in Coconino County, there are still plenty educational and fun activities available for youth in the region, including the 2024 Coconino County Fair Student Art Exhibit (Aug. 30 through Sept. 2).
Students from dozens of local public elementary, middle and high schools; charter schools and home-school students have submitted a variety of entries, which will be displayed in the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds’ Schools exhibit building.
See more upcoming community and back-to-school events below. Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates of back-to-school information listed below.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.
(Updated Aug. 27, 2024)
Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road.
IN THIS ISSUE
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
New Coconino County Leadership
BOS Approves 2025 Budget
BOS Canvassed 2024 Primary Election Results
Pipeline / Copeland / Peaceful Way / Government Tank – Flood Control District Update
Pinyon Mine Is Hauling Uranium Ore
Proposition 482 Sustains County Services
Lake Mary Recreation Corridor Just Gets Better
Flagstaff Family Food Center Hosts 2024 Northern Arizona Anti-Hunger Summit
BOS Continues its Leadership at National Association of Counties Conference
Summer Events / Festivities
Upcoming Events
LumberSNAPS: Return of the Jacks
The new academic year is already off to an axe-citing start! Last week, the Flagstaff mountain campus buzzed with fresh energy as new students moved into residence halls, gathered at welcome events like Lumberjack Launch and donned matching T-shirts for the annual NAU letters portrait. More beginning-of-the-year fun is ahead this week, including the start of classes, the first football game of the season and the Running of the Freshmen, a beloved Lumberjack tradition.
F3 has just learned that Arizona Clean Elections Commissionhas organized a debate between Coconino County’s two candidates for the position of Recorder: Aubrey Sondereggerand Bob Thorpe. The candidates will be on the November 2024 General Election ballot.
The County Recorder is responsible for voter registration, early voting, as well as processing and maintaining voter registration records, among other tasks. The Recorder serves a four-year term.
The debate will be broadcast virtually on Tuesday, August 27 starting at 6:00 pm on YouTube. This debate can be accessed live here. Write-in questions to the candidates can be emailed to debates@azcleanelections.gov, sent by text to 408-302-1810, or by calling 480-937-1253 in real time during the debate.
FLAGSTAFF —New rates and fees for potable water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services will take effect Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024 for Flagstaff City customers. The rates will increase over a five-year period to adequately fund water infrastructure projects, operations, maintenance, and debt repayment contained in the five-year capital improvement program for Flagstaff Water Services.
August 25, 2024 Water Update: Due to multiple breaks in the Transcanyon Waterline, mandatory water restrictions remain in place.
Your help in conserving water is crucial.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Your presence and support are essential as we continue to Lead the Way in promoting early childhood development, positive youth development, and making sure that the basic needs of all northern Arizonans are met.
F3 supports the sovereignty of indigenous tribes and peoples and believes the wishes of Indigenous peoples to close the Pinyon Plain Mine should be honored.
The Havasupai tribe have stated that uranium mining near the Grand Canyon poses real dangers to groundwater in the region. There is a risk of contamination of the ecologically important seeps and springs in the Grand Canyon area, including the Havasupai sole source of water. F3 supports Attorney General Mayes’ demand for an updated Environmental Impact Statement.
F3 also supports the Navajo and Hopi tribes in their efforts to stop the hauling of uranium ore through tribal lands.
PHOENIX – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking nominations for the recruitment of 15 members to serve on the newly established Monument Advisory Committee for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument. The committee will provide information and advice to the BLM and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service on the management of the Monument. The 45-day nomination period closes Oct. 4, 2024.
Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland recently signed the charter establishing the Monument Advisory Committee in accordance with Presidential Proclamation 10606.
Water Conservation and Inner Canyon Water Status
Due to a break in the Transcanyon Waterline, the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is implementing stricter water restrictions and conservation measures. The North Rim will also begin preliminary conservation efforts. The park will remain in conservation mode until repairs are completed and water levels at storage tanks are restored.
The only all Hopi Arts Festival in Northern Arizona, you don’t want to miss this one day event! 10 a.m.
Coconino County’s contractor is mobilizing to break ground next week on a project to replace the existing Volunteer Wash box culvert on Old Route 66.
Starting Monday, August 26, Old Route 66 will be closed for up to 65 days between N. Cool Pines Road and N. Sherwood Forest Road to reconstruct the box culvert. During this period all traffic will be detoured along E. Pittman Valley Road.
ART CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
in Sedona, Arizona
Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, the City and its contractor, C & E Paving and Grading, will be reconstructing Lucky Lane between Butler Avenue and Bronco Way. The project will begin the week of September 23 and is scheduled to be complete by late November. The work will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt pavement, sidewalk repairs and replacements, and curb replacement and installation.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events are winding down, but there are still plenty of upcoming activities for families and youth in Coconino County including Family Field Day at Page Sports Complex (Aug. 28), the FACTS Lights On! Carnival in Flagstaff (Sept. 14), the Flagstaff Festival of Science — Science in the Park (Sept. 21) and NACA’s Reach Ur Life Community Cultural event for youth and families (Sept. 27).
See more upcoming events below and please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other back-to-school information below.
The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.
(Updated Aug. 21, 2024)
In NAU’s third annual convocation, President Cruz Rivera talked about the university’s 125-year legacy of helping students find a better life, shared his goals for the coming year and cracked a few jokes. He also discussed the need for a strong financial foundation and the steps NAU will take this fiscal year to ensure the university can continue fulfilling its mission well into the future.
FLAGSTAFF — The City invites residents to take the Recreation Community Survey to help shape the future of Flagstaff’s recreational programs and facilities. The survey takes approximately six minutes to complete and can be accessed online at bit.ly/flagrecsurvey
We are still accepting artists! It can be visual, literary, or performing art created by people born outside of the United States. If you know an artist that would like to participate, contact us by email or phone.
info@cultureconnectionaz.org (928) 440-3561
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH), will host the annual Arizona Housing Forum at the We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort in Fort McDowell, AZ from August 21-23, bringing together hundreds of affordable housing and homelessness stakeholders committed to building an Arizona for everyone.
The 2024 Arizona Housing Forum provides an unparalleled opportunity for affordable housing and community development professionals to learn, network, and share ideas that create and improve housing and community development choices in Arizona.
“The Arizona Housing Forum is an important event for the state and all our community housing partners as we look for smart solutions to our housing needs,” said ADOH CEO Joan Serviss. “Coming together to share ideas, successes, and challenges and to learn from each other creates the bridge that gets us to those affordable solutions.”
The impact of our Pacesetters – the companies and organizations that fundraise for our annual campaign in the month ahead of our official launch – is truly invaluable.
Their efforts not only lead the way by providing a head start in our fundraising efforts, but they also infuse the campaign with their enthusiasm. Their work generates buzz and builds up anticipation as they rally the community around United Way of Northern Arizona and promote our mission of stepping up for our youth and our community.
If you’ve attended one of our UWNA campaign kickoff events, you know that a big highlight is when the Pacesetters proudly present what they raised, often with oversized novelty checks or other creative displays.
Good afternoon,
At first glance, it’s felt like a cruel summer for northern Arizona’s retail sector, with a string of announcements about store and restaurant closings. Often they were places that had been staples of the community for years: Big Lots, Kachina Kitchen, Peter Piper Pizza, Grimaldi’s.
While those businesses will certainly be missed, their closings don’t tell the whole story of the retail landscape in our region.
When a retail business closes, it often creates opportunities for new businesses to emerge, a life cycle that’s a part of how this sector evolves.
Throughout northern Arizona, we’ve had far more retail business launches than closures this year.
Water conservation measures reimplemented for South Rim
As of August 13, the South Rim has returned to water restrictions. This is in response to a new pipeline break identified between Cottonwood Campground and Manzanita rest area along the North Kaibab Trail. Water conservation measures require all park residents to conserve and reduce water usage whenever possible.
The Mother Road Classic is a show for cars, trucks and (new this year) motorcycles. Located in downtown Flagstaff, it celebrates Route 66, and classic, vintage, and performance vehicles. It is a charity event, raising money for Flagstaff charities. 8 a.m.
Learn More
“I’m so excited to announce that our own Alex Schleuter has been selected as the permanent district ranger for the Red Rock Ranger District,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “Most of you have gotten to know Alex as the deputy district ranger, but he has been acting in the lead ranger role for the past six months and has done a stellar job!”
FLAGSTAFF — Several roads located in the Schultz Pass area of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District will reopen to motorized vehicles tomorrow following a roughly two-year closure due to the Pipeline Fire.
The temporary trail and road closure order for the Pipeline Fire, which has been in effect since September of 2022, will be lifted at 8 a.m. Friday (Aug. 16).
Gates, barricades and signage posted in the area will be modified and removed to reflect the removal of the closure order.
