Author: Community Contributor

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — The Draft Regional Plan 2045

F3 has paid close attention to the Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 because it will greatly impact the way Flagstaff will develop in the next twenty years. The plan is a policy guide for land use and development decisions and should be the vision for the shape and character of the community.

This newsletter summarizes our concerns. Here is a quick overview:

We are concerned that the plan is almost singularly focused on an increase in housing density. While we see the need to address the housing crisis, density alone is not enough. It must be paired with the values that make a community a community such as open space, public space, and community character.

Office of Navajo Nation President shares Tip Line to address immigration concerns. See related news stories

Message from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. – Rising fears of ICE raids have caused significant anxiety among Diné citizens in Albuquerque, Phoenix, and other border areas.

Although my office has only received a few unconfirmed reports, we have diligently followed up on those leads. We are designating the “Operation Rainbow Bridge” tip line to field calls for my office on this issue.

Workshop ‘How to Build a Successful Content Strategy’ to be held on Feb. 4 at Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff

Presented by Mariah Zavala – Mountain Mojo Group, the workshop includes in depth discussions on:

Mission and Vision Statements

Goal Setting

Key Performance Indicators

Personas, Messaging Tone and Cadence

Walk-in Wednesdays are here! Explore career opportunities with the City of Flagstaff on Jan. 29

FLAGSTAFF — Join us on Wednesday, January 29 at one of two locations for a chance to meet recruiters and explore career opportunities with the City of Flagstaff.

No RSVP needed- just walk in and explore career opportunities with us!

Interested candidates can walk-in and explore all of our job opportunities, meet recruiters and hiring teams, and learn about the amazing work we do for our community.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers reviewing local, state impact of federal freeze on federal grants, loans

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.

A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.

Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.

An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE

The NAU Review — Celebrate Black History month and read more about a 93-year-old volunteer

Honor Black history and culture this February 
 
Every February, the Lumberjack community comes together to celebrate Black History Month with a wide variety of events that recognizes the rich, diverse culture, history and societal contributions of Black Americans and the global African diaspora. Many of the month’s events also raise awareness of the historical and ongoing struggles faced by Black Americans. 

Coconino National Forest fire managers pivot to pile burns following Monday snow

FLAGSTAFF  — Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.

Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.

The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn ProjectsInciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.

Annual Willard Springs Green Waste Burn in Progress

COCONINO COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, which is located about 15 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17.

The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings, and other green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2025 fire season.

The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive with caution.

Prescribed burns planned around Flagstaff (week of Jan. 27)

FLAGSTAFF — Area fire managers plan to continue work on local prescribed fire projects – including broadcast burning and pile burning – (week of Jan. 27) while northern Arizona’s wind and weather conditions remain favorable to do so.

Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers aspire to continue work on this week’s Crater Sinks prescribed burn project located roughly 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.

Additionally, Coconino National Forest fire managers hope to begin work on pile burns located in various locations around the Flagstaff Ranger District.

City of Flagstaff announces Call to Artists

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program seeks artists, graphic designers and illustrators to create original artwork for two utility cabinets along Route 66. The deadline to apply is Feb. 25 at noon.

Two artists will be selected to create artwork for two cabinets at the following locations: Route 66 near Postal Boulevard, and Route 66 near Fourth Street. The call is open to artists 18 years or older who currently live and work within the United States. Submitted designs must be original artwork and can be created in any medium, so long as the design can be represented in a high-resolution digital image without loss of integrity or quality. Designs will be professionally printed on vinyl and installed on cabinets.

“We are excited to partner with APS with these artist-designed utility cabinet wraps,” says Jana Weldon, Program Manager for Beautification, Arts and Sciences (BAS). “As the City’s collection of Public Art grows, we welcome emerging and established artists to contribute their creativity to enhance our urban environment.”

Crews to begin winter pile burning on the Kaibab National Forest

WILLIAMS — Fire managers on the Kaibab National Forest will be conducting prescribed pile burns throughout the 2025 winter season as conditions safely allow. Winter is often the ideal time for crews to burn piles of slash and woody debris left over from forest thinning projects because colder temperatures and snow help moderate fire behavior and keep it from spreading beyond the piles. Approximately 2,190 acres of piles on the Tusayan Ranger District, 5,500 acres on the Williams Ranger District, with additional acres of piles on the North Kaibab Ranger District are slated for burning this season.

Flagstaff STEM CITY — Make Your Nomination for the STEMMY Awards!

The STEMMY Awards recognize the stellar contributions of STEM leaders and educators publicly at the STEMMY Award Ceremony on Thursday, March 6th!

Presented by STEM City in Flagstaff Arizona, the event awards students, teachers, businesses, and community organizations to honor and celebrate their impact as STEM leaders, educators, and innovators here in Flagstaff.

Seeking nominations by Feb. 14! Do you know of someone who has made a real difference in the STEM sector?

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January announcement

We are thrilled to announce our exciting partnership with National Theatre Live, bringing world-class British theatre performances directly to Flagstaff audiences. Starting this season, theatre lovers can experience the magic of London’s finest productions, captured live in stunning high definition and screened at our state-of-the-art facility through this innovative collaboration. Our season includes four performances starting in March.

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program — News & Opportunities

Applications are now open for the ARTx Art + Ideas Experience 2025 grant cycle. Submit your innovative idea and bring it to life through one of four exciting categories:

ARTx @ ArtWalk
ARTx @ The Arb
ARTx @ Coconino Center for the Arts
ARTx @ Free Range
ARTx is an annual, accessible community opportunity to engage with the arts in an immersive and interactive way. Visit Creative Flagstaff’s website to learn more and help shape Flagstaff’s artistic future.

Application Deadline: January 31, 2025

Image: Envision by Bryan David Griffith.

Discover Flagstaff — SUNGYUN KIM: THE EVOLVING MACHINE, Coconino Center for the Arts Jan. 24, 25, 29 and more events

Friday-Saturday, Wednesday, January 24-25, 29

SUNGYUN KIM: THE EVOLVING MACHINE, Coconino Center for the Arts.

In The Evolving Machine, Sungyun Kim brings together an array of video works and kinetic sculptures that highlight this evolving relationship between machines, media environments, and human intervention. 11 a.m.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions

President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.

In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.

Read the Analysis

Guest contribution — LULAC applauds federal court ruling blocking President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship

“LULAC wholeheartedly affirms the decision of the federal judge to stop this attack on one of our nation’s most treasured constitutional protections,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “Any child born on our soil has the right to be called a citizen, and that right is irrevocable and should not be tampered with. We call upon all Americans to rise in unity and respect for this important and invaluable right.”

Flagstaff Mayor Daggett selected for MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship

In the face of a nationwide housing crisis, the 2025 MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship will explore what it means to house our communities, introducing mayors and their staff to planning and design frameworks – beyond housing supply and demand – that maximize all city resources to support the broad range of housing needs faced by a broad range of city populations.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 20-24, 2025

Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon

A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.

AZ Culture Connection announces Valentine’s Artist Market to be held Feb. 8 at The Ice House

The Day of Love and Friendship Artist Market celebrates all things love with an event featuring several local artists and creators sharing their work and the stories behind it. Come and get to know your local artist community and shop local for the upcoming Valentine’s holiday. Artists across a variety of mediums, cultures, and backgrounds will be on site.

Plus a Valentine card-making station and chocolates!
We are a stop on the Flagstaff Visitors Center’s Chocolate Walk, so come downtown to check out all the art and chocolate!

Vendors currently being accepted. Email info@cultureconnectionaz.org if interested.

City of Flagstaff announces excavation to begin for the Wedge Detention Basin Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are set to begin excavation operations for The Wedge Detention Basin Project. These excavation operations will take place within the area of the construction yard, which will shrink as excavation continues. These excavation operations are the first part of detention basin construction, with the majority of construction taking place in the spring when temperatures are favorable. The Wedge Detention Basin is being constructed to hold excess stormwater run-off that would otherwise overwhelm the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin is designed to fill with water, and then slowly release it back into the City’s stormwater management system when it is safe to do so.

Board of Supervisors Reappoints Deborah Harris and Khara House to African Diaspora Advisory Council

her community for many years, most recently serving two years on City Council. Her other contributions include assisting in developing the Southside Neighborhood Plan and securing a grant to establish the Murdoch Community Center as one of three Resilience Hubs in the City. She is also a founding member of ADAC, having served consistently on the Council since its creation in 2002. 

Khara House was appointed to the Flagstaff City Council in May 2022, and elected to a four-year term that year. After teaching at Northern Arizona University, she began a career in multifamily housing in 2013. Her passion for service and community engagement has led to membership with NAACP Flagstaff, the Southside Community Association, NAMI Flagstaff, Flagstaff Young Professionals, and several other community and service organizations. She currently serves as Chairperson of ADAC. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offers opportunities to meet the challenges of a new year

COCONINO COUNTY — The start of a new year always brings along a time of new challenges and opportunities — be it personal or professional.
To help parents and families get off to the right start in 2025, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.

Maybe you are looking for an escape from all the negative news of the day? If so, take a moment to take care of yourself with our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar

Maybe your child is having a challenging time getting back into the swing of school life (homework, social media) after the holidays? Then they may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar

Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.

Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.

Flagstaff Sustainability Office announces 2024 Sustainability Grant recipients

The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation.

“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.

Sedona Arts Center — ‘Out of the Fire’ Exhibition THIS WEEKEND ONLY!

Sedona Arts Center presents Out of the Fire: Student Ceramics Show January 25-26, 2025. The annual exhibition and sale features artworks by students and faculty from Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics department and is free and open to the public. The event will be held in the Art Barn Theatre Studio and kicks off with a special opening reception Friday, January 24, from 4-6pm.

Prescribed burn planned southwest of Flagstaff this week

FLAGSTAFF — Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to take advantage of current weather conditions and begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project southwest of Flagstaff starting (Jan. 22).

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

The NAU Review — It’s time to brag about your coworkers! Plus, relive MLK Day + Diné musician Ravon Chacon comes to campus

Building bridges, celebrating community

Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a United States strengthened by unity, collaboration and inclusivity. On Monday, NAU honored King’s legacy with a campus event focused on all three of those themes. Lumberjacks and Flagstaff residents came together to march in King’s honor, make posters celebrating his inspiring leadership and hear from keynote speaker Tony Ross, a Lumberjack doctoral grad and higher education consultant based in Phoenix. Unity and collaboration was the day’s secret sauce: Multiple NAU offices, student clubs and community organizations came together to make it happen.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

iPhoneography Crash Course
LIVE in-person at Sedona Arts Center and ONLINE 
with Kelli Klymenko
January 31: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time

In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.

Flagstaff College presenting ‘How to Build a Cooperative Business!’ on Jan. 30, plus listing of local action organizations

Co-ops come in all sizes and many forms.
Did you know that the Associated Press is a co-op?
And so is our local credit union.
There are worker co-ops, housing co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and production co-ops. Any business—including child care, house cleaning, grocery store, or cafe–can be run as a co-op. 

Cooperatives can play an important role in building more equitable, just, and humane communities.  

We’ve invited 6 experts from across the western U.S. to talk with us about what it takes to build a successful co-op business. Learn what it takes to found and run a coop from people with firsthand experience.

This is a great chance to get your questions answered and meet others who are interested in this alternative business model.

You can join us in person or on zoom.

Flagstaff STEM City — We’ve Got a Brand-New Look!

Here at Flagstaff STEM City, we are dedicated to elevating people and place through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). With this mission in mind, we’ve redesigned our website to better reflect who we are and the collaborative spirit that drives everything we do.

Ready to explore?

$12 Million Approved to Construct Final Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation System in Pipeline Flood Area

“This is the home stretch,” Lucinda Andreani, Flood Control District Administrator said. “This has been a challenging area, but when we complete flood mitigation in the Government Tank Flood Corridor, we will have completed the projects funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and U.S. Forest Service to mitigate the devastating post-wildfire flooding left in the wake of the Pipeline Fire.” 

MLK message to LULAC Family

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and a “Beloved Community” resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.

This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.

City of Flagstaff — Point in Time Count starting Jan. 23, volunteers needed

FLAGSTAFF — The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) will take place starting Thursday, Jan. 23 throughout Coconino County. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measuresprogress at local and national levels related to preventing andending homelessness. Information gathered from the surveyscan help raise awareness about the challenges faced by people who are experiencing homeless in the community. Data is alsoshared on the local, state and national level to determinefunding for homeless services throughout Coconino County.This count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development.

‘Dreams Without Borders’ art show, panel discussion, fundraiser to be held Jan. 17 at the HeART Box Gallery, Flagstaff

The Dreams Without Borders art show, panel discussion, and fundraiser on Friday, January 17 will help Northern Arizona Immigration Legal Services (NAILS) provide much-needed legal assistance to our immigrant community.
Come to learn what you can do as an ally and immigrant rights advocate, and pick up your Know Your Rights materials to assist the immigrant community facing the threats of mass deportations.
This is a ticketed event, but all people are welcome, and free tickets are available. Your generous donation will make a difference in the lives of people who face the unimaginable fear of losing family, safety, and home.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?

The Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy

Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 13-17, 2025

Inner Canyon Trails Reopen Following Chlorine Gas Leak at Roaring Springs

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at approximately 5 p.m., the Water Utilities team was alerted to a chlorine gas leak at the Roaring Springs Pumphouse through the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. In response, a small park-led incident command team was mobilized, and aviation staff conducted aerial reconnaissance to ensure no hikers or backpackers were in the vicinity of the affected area. To prioritize safety, all inner canyon corridor trails were temporarily closed while the situation was assessed.

City of Flagstaff seeks community members to serve on public art panels

Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals or participate in discussions about projects. The total time commitment ranges from approximately four to 12 hours spread over multiple days, depending on the project. All meetings are held virtually to ensure accessibility and convenience. People from all backgrounds, industries and demographics are encouraged to apply.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Coconino County Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Coconino County’s Administrative Center, the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will also be closed. There will be an Animal Services officer available on Monday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies. 

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — City Hall administrative offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21 with regular hours.

Other City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Jan. 20 include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Area (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.

Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.

One of those individuals is Heather Marcy, deputy director at Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff.

Northland, which provides safe haven, advocacy, counseling and education services to promote and restore healthy relationships, recently took part in the Flagstaff City Council Proclamation ceremony declaring the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness month. The organization also held its second annual breakfast fundraiser at Little America late last year.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — The extinction risk facing freshwater animals + NAU’s days are back!

The results of a new study, published this week and coauthored by an NAU conservation biologist, are sobering: One-quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of extinction, including fish, shrimps and insects. Learn what this means for these ecosystems, including the unique risks in the Southwest, and what governments and industry leaders can do with these data to protect critical species and ecosystems. 

Supervisors Horstman and Fowler Appointed to Serve on National Monument Advisory Committee

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is pleased to announce that Supervisors Patrice Horstman as an elected official and Lena Fowler as a tribal representative, have been appointed …

by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to serve on the Monument Advisory Committee (MAC) for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.

Sedona Arts Center — SIGN UP for an Art Class or Workshop!

Historical-Contemporary Mashup:
Reimagining Ancient Forms with a Modern Twist
with Ben Roti
January 17-February 21: Fridays, 9am–12pm

In this unique hand-building class, students will explore the fascinating world of historical pottery by reimagining ancient forms and techniques through a contemporary lens. Students will choose an iconic historical pot or ceramic vessel and recreate it using modern materials and personal interpretation. This course blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, allowing students to learn from the past while creating something entirely their own.

Prerequisite: Completion of a beginner-level ceramics course.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover New Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

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.

City of Flagstaff awarded $19M federal grant for Butler Avenue and Fourth Street safety and multimodal improvements

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has been awarded a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the US Department of Transportation for $19,000,000 for the construction of the Butler Avenue and Fourth Street safety and multimodal improvements project. This project will construct multimodal improvements along Butler Avenue from I-40 to Sinagua Heights Drive and Fourth Street from Sparrow Avenue to Crest Stone. The improvements include off-street bike lanes, ADA-compliant sidewalks, mid-block crossings, roadway widening and corridor access management solutions.

Coconino National Forest Winter 2024 Partnership Newsletter

Echoes of Excellence

Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)

Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 6-10, 2025

Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff

All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.

Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.

Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Helping Kids and Teens Start the New Year Strong

Happy New Year!

One of United Way of Northern Arizona main focuses has been efforts to empower our children and teens so they can become resilient, successful youth.

As we step into 2025, it’s a wonderful time to help the children and teens in our lives set positive goals for this year.

Engaging young people in conversations about New Year’s resolutions can provide a great opportunity to foster growth and well-being. Here are 5 simple ways you can help support them:

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe

President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.

H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns 

By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.

Superintendent Seeks Public Input on Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board Candidates

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, announces that interviews will be conducted for the open seat on the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board.

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member, has been assembled to conduct interviews and provide recommendations to Superintendent Mango-Paget regarding the appointment.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Connect in 2025 with our regional Health and Welfare Resource Meetings listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As the new year begins, it is time to connect with other individuals and organizations involved in assisting families and youth throughout Northern Arizona.

To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has compiled this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

Individuals who attended these resource meetings in 2024 have said they offer a great opportunity to share information about the program and services offered by their organizations.

“As we head into the New Year, we at Senior Services continue to support our older adults here in Coconino County!,” said Beth Almquist, community aide with Coconino County Health & Human Services. She most recently attended the monthly Williams Community Resource Meeting. “We are blessed to deliver home care as well as moral support to all the older adults who are on our program in Flagstaff and Williams Arizona. Along with each New Year come challenges, change and new goals. I am truly thankful for one more ‘New Year’ with Senior Services of Coconino County. Let us rise to the occasion.”

Yemisi Agbebi, founder/director of Synergy Creatives Inc. in Page who has previously attended the monthly Page Community Resource Meeting, recently wrote “… To our community partners, your collaboration has expanded our reach and strengthened our efforts. You have helped us build meaningful connections and create lasting change by including Synergy Creatives Inc. in your events and initiatives. We treasure these partnerships and look forward to continuing this important work together … As we celebrate 2024’s achievements, we acknowledge that none of them would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Your generosity and shared vision have driven the positive impact we’ve been able to create together. Looking ahead to 2025, we wish you a year filled with hope, love, unity, and strength. May it bring happiness, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to continue making a difference with your support.”

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

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The NAU Review — Happy 2025. Tips for learning new names, fresh research on antibiotic resistance + ecology, one FEMA volunteer’s story and more!

Bridging gaps for first-generation families

Sending a child to college is stressful for any family. Navigating cultural and language barriers can make it even harder. That’s why NAU’s Family Access, Communication, Transition and Support team developed Team College Bound, a five-lesson curriculum designed to deliver resources and a sense of community to prospective NAU families. There are four programs—one online, one in English, one in Spanish and one first-of-its-kind Indigenous course created in partnership with Indigenous Lumberjacks. The aim? To increase the number of first-generation, rural and underserved students enrolled at NAU.

January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.

February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.