Author: Community Contributor

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Represented at SEMICON West

ECoNA with its municipality partners got a chance to promote northern Arizona to hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers and related businesses during the recent SEMICON West expo in San Francisco.

According to SEMI, the international trade organization that organizes the expo, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are poised to reach $109 billion this year, a new industry record. ECoNA’s 5-year Strategic Plan identifies advanced manufacturing as one of the five sectors the region should pursue for economic development.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Aug. 1 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda.

The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. August Newsletter — Big summer family musical Annie now playing!

Flagstaff’s big summer family musical Annie, which opened last Friday to a standing ovation, is already selling out some performances. The heartwarming classic, winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, is lighting up the Flagstaff stage.

“Annie is a wonderful musical for families. It’s such a feel-good story, gives a little taste of Christmas mid-summer, and lets everyone escape into history and song for a couple hours,”said chorus member Kim Hensley Owens.

Pinyon Plain Mine has begun Hauling Uranium Ore Through Coconino County

Coconino County has been notified by the United States Forest Service that the hauling of uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near Grand Canyon National Park to White Mesa Mill in Utah began this morning.

The haul route begins south on SR 64 to Williams, heads east on Interstate 40 through Flagstaff, then north on US 89 to Tuba City, and then northeast on US 160. A map with the route indicated by the red and purple lines is attached. 

Kaibab National Forest considers new fiber optic line to support rural northern Arizona

FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest (KNF) is considering authorization of a new fiber optic line between Fredonia and Jacob Lake, Arizona. The need for high-speed internet connections grows as new technologies require faster and higher-grade services. As such, the USDA Rural Utility Services Reconnect program helps rural utilities expand and keep their technology up to date by increasing bandwidth and communications capabilities. South Central Utah Telephone Association Inc. (a.k.a. SCUTA) is making high-speed internet affordable by participating in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program and is proposing to install buried fiber optic line in rural northern Coconino County.

The NAU Review — Humans of NAU with Kimberly Higuera and more news

Humans of NAU
with Kimberly Higuera

Growing up in Mexico, Higuera dreamed of attending college in the U.S. She earned a degree at NAU, and now she’s fulfilling another dream—teaching English in Argentina as part of the Fulbright program. Learn more about why she fell in love with Flagstaff, what’s pulling her toward Argentina and what’s on her bucket list. 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Send F3 Your Questions for City Council Candidates!

As we do every two years, F3 is preparing our Flagstaff City Council Candidate Questionnaire. F3’s questionnaire will include up to 10 questions designed to provide insight into the values, knowledge, and opinions of the candidates relevant to their potential positions as future city council members.

Coconino County — Election Day is Next Tuesday, July 30

COCONINO COUNTY — Let’s prepare for Election Day! The Coconino County Elections Department encourages all voters to make a Plan to Vote in the Primary Election next Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

38 polling locations across the County, with 15 vote centers, will allow voters access to participate in this important democratic process and exercise their right to vote.

Full closure of Aspen Ave between Humphreys St and Beaver St scheduled for July 31

FLAGSTAFF — A full closure of Aspen Ave between Humphreys St and Beaver St is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 so that crews can replace asphalt in the area. Work hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and local traffic will be allowed to enter and exit the Residence Inn parking lot. Beaver St will remain open with a single lane closure through the work zone. Through traffic on Aspen Ave will need to detour around the work zone utilizing Humphreys St, Cherry Ave and Leroux St. This work is part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program.

Heritage Days Return to the North Rim Friday through Sunday

GRAND CANYON, Ariz — Heritage Days will return to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Friday, August 2 through Sunday August 4th. Each day, Heritage Days programs and demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout the North Rim developed area. A special celebratory kick-off event will occur at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the North Rim Lodge. Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon area.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles listing of Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY —  A variety of virtual health and welfare resource networking meetings are 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.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions Friday

FLAGSTAFF — Due to increased precipitation received across the Coconino National Forest, fire restrictions will be lifted at 8 a.m. tomorrow, July 26, 2024.

While forest-wide restrictions have been lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will remain in effect.

Additionally, forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices while building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. Never leave a campfire unattended. Use at least 6 gallons of water and a shovel to completely extinguish a campfire. Before leaving a campsite, make sure all campfires are dead out, wet and cold to the touch.

City of Flagstaff to lift fire restrictions Friday at 8 a.m.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Friday, July 26 at 8 a.m.

Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Still Time to Register for Elevate PreK

Registration is still open for the upcoming year of Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.

The program, developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona, is in its fourth year and will be housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.

Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

The Grand 75th Annual Coconino County Fair is Fast Approaching

The Fair supports exhibits in agriculture and horticulture, fine arts, home economics, hobbies and collectibles, floriculture, schools, open youth categories, club work, gems and minerals, livestock and small stock. Exhibits are free or low cost to enter, supporting the talents and work of community members and providing opportunities to win prizes. The livestock auction also provides important funding for local farmers, especially young people, including education funding. 

The NAU Review — Could music improve health outcomes? Plus, try this delicious coffee milkshake and send us your best (or worst) jokes!

Everyone knows music has the power to heal the soul. But could it also measurably improve health and wellness outcomes? One research team at NAU is eager to find out. Researchers at the Center for Health Equity Research are working with a symphony of experts, including clinical professionals and Indigenous musicians, on a pilot project that will evaluate the benefits of music-based interventions on mental and physical health. 

Fall Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

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!

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — KinderCamp™ 2024: Space, Safaris, and Success

Last month, more than 150 four- and five-year-olds in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside received a preview of what school life will be like by attending KinderCamp™.

The targeted intervention program, provided free to families, is a signature early education initiative coordinated by United Way of Northern Arizona with local school districts. It provides students who have limited preschool experience with the academic and social skills they’ll need to successfully transition into kindergarten.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Camp Verde Embraces a New Era

Camp Verde is a town in transition.

The municipality of about 13,000 residents has changed leadership recently, with Town Manager Miranda Fisher coming on board in late May. Within a few weeks, Fisher promoted Economic Development Director Molly Davies to Deputy Town Manager. Davies, who is a member of the ECoNA Executive Board, will continue her role as ED director until a replacement can be found.

Fisher says that promoting Davies was in line with keeping economic development front and center for the Verde Valley community.

“All departments are vital, but I think in Camp Verde, economic development is one of the most essential, given the town’s desire to grow and increase business retention and recruitment,” Fisher said.

Coconino County Honored Again as 2024 NACo Digital Counties Survey Winner

This is the fifth consecutive year the Coconino County Information Technology Department has placed in the Top 10 counties within the up to 150,000 population category. The County is being recognized for Aligned Leadership, Cybersecurity, Constituent Centric, Data Driven Government, IT Investments, Resilience, Continuous Innovation, Connected Infrastructure, and Business Process Alignment. Some of the accomplishment areas to highlight are the citizen assistance application known as SeeClickFix, Digital Transformation, IT Security, and evacuation map enhancements.

Arguments Sought ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Ballot Question

COCONINO COUNTY — On Nov. 5, 2024, Coconino County will hold an election asking voters to allow Coconino County to permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure by the amount of $7.7 Million.

The additional expenditure authority would be used for County services and programs, including but not limited to law enforcement, road improvements and maintenance, emergency response, and other County services. The ballot question relates only to an adjustment in the base expenditure; it does not involve or result in a tax increase or decrease. 

Road repair and maintenance work on Aspen Ave. scheduled for July and August

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance work is scheduled to take place on Aspen Ave. in downtown Flagstaff in July and August as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety program. Members of the public should expect intermittent traffic impacts during the following time frames: 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — See new updates to our Back to School events resource listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Area school district officials and health care providers have been busy planning for a variety of Back to School events, including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

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 (Updated July 16, 2024)

The NAU Review — It’s hammock time! + meet the interim dean of CHHS and NAU’s fourth Olympian

There’s lots to love about NAU in the summertime, from blooming gardens and luscious green grass to countless youth camps and conferences. But in the midst of all these exciting events, don’t forget to experience one of the simplest, most joyful warm weather activities: Swinging in a hammock under the shade of the trees. Here’s our list of favorite places to hang on campus.

New Art Classes & Workshops at the Sedona Arts Center

Our Fall Catalog is here!

Expect our fall catalog of art classes and workshops to arrive in your mailbox within the next week… but in the mean time, you can preview it online at SedonaArtsCenter.org!

Check out our fall lineup and preview what’s in store for 2025!

Lightning-caused wildfires to remain visible from Sedona area

SEDONA — Coconino National Forest fire managers are working to suppress two lightning-caused wildfires, the Knob Fire and the Clay Fire. Both fires are located outside the Sedona area and pose no threat to communities.

The Knob Fire, located 6.5 miles north of Sedona, is approximately 4 acres in size. Resources working to contain and suppress the Knob Fire include one engine, one hand crew and one Type 3 helicopter.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Big summer family musical Annie! And two films: 42nd Street and Unconscious

“Annie is the plucky little orphan who captures the hearts of a self-made billionaire and his household staff. In essence, turning them from just waitstaff and their obnoxiously wealthy bachelor boss, into a loving caring family. Which is all Annie has really ever wanted for herself,” said Annie director Joe Maniglia. “Audiences will hear old favorites such as Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life as well as rediscovering new standards in this last of a bygone era of Broadway classic musicals.”

Grand Canyon Implements Water Conservation Measures

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a failure in the Trans Canyon Waterline after it was shut off for repairs. Crews were trying to repressurize the line when there was a break, causing an extension of the current water outage.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

City of Flagstaff Stormwater Section releases recommendations and resources for upcoming monsoon season

FLAGSTAFF — Each year, the City of Flagstaff Stormwater Section releases up-to-date recommendations and resources on monsoon and flood awareness. With monsoon season upon us, residents are encouraged to review the updated information, which includes the following recommendations:

Increase in Hantavirus Activity, Two Deaths Reported in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has seen an increase in hantavirus activity. Three hantavirus cases have been reported in the past 15 months, two of which have died (67% mortality rate). Previously, Coconino County’s last reported hantavirus case occurred in 2016.

Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

Early Voting For July 30 Primary Election Has Begun

FLAGSTAFF — Early voting for the July 30, 2024, Primary Election started Wednesday, July 3.  The Coconino County Recorder’s Office mailed out over 44,200 early ballots to voters on the active early voting list (AEVL) and those voters that requested a single election early ballot for the Primary Election.    

The July 30 Primary Election is a partisan primary, meaning voters on the AEVL who are registered with a recognized political party were mailed an early ballot for the political party indicated on their voter registration form.  The recognized political parties in Arizona for the 2024 elections are Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green and No Labels Party. 

Friday, July 19 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for July 30 Primary Election

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the July 30 Primary Election is Friday, July 19 at 5 pm. Voters may request an early ballot by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select “Early Ballot Request” or call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Can You Help Our Airport Be ‘Operation Ready’? at Pulliam Airport

Every three years, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport stages a full-scale exercise to test responses to an aircraft accident at the airport. This is an event that requires help from the entire community, and involves representatives from the city, county, state, and federal government, private sector and non-government partners and lots of volunteers.

This year’s all-day exercise, called Operation Ready FLG. will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024 and requires about 60 volunteers to portray injured and non-injured passengers of a simulated plane crash and mass casualty incident.

United Way of Northern Arizona is helping to coordinate volunteers for the event.

Downtown Flagstaff — Thirsty Thursday with Colton House Sessions – Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin, Museum of Northern Arizona on July 11

Live music from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. by Colton House Sessions — Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin — in MNA’s beautiful, historic Courtyard. 5 p.m.

Learn More

City of Flagstaff announces Innovation Grants Awarded to Four Projects that Will Transform Waste to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Lock Away Climate Pollution

A coalition of Western U.S. cities and counties awarded $335,000 to four projects designed to fight climate change and reduce wildfire risks by removing carbon dioxide from the air.

These projects will convert waste, like forest debris, yard scraps, and biosolids into valuable products, with three of the four projects also reducing local wildfire risk.

Lockett Fire operations nearing completion

TUSAYAN — Crews completed planned ignitions around the entire perimeter and in the interior of the Lockett Fire planning area yesterday, bringing the total number of acres treated to 2,782.

Helicopter operations will continue today to locate areas which did not receive fire effects and determine if further isolated ignitions are required. Crews on the perimeter of the planning area will be patrolling to ensure the fire stays within containment lines, and resource advisors will work to identify areas requiring rehabilitation, such as on dozer lines, hand lines, and other areas impacted by firefighter activity to mitigate potential erosion issues in the future. Crews and equipment will be working along forest roads and smoke may cause decreased visibility – drive with caution.

Aerial ignitions begin on Lockett Fire east of Tusayan

TUSAYAN — Cooler temperatures, increasing humidity, and light winds to the south allowed fire crews to begin tactical firing operations along the eastern end of the Lockett Fire planning area perimeter yesterday evening, treating 274 acres of forest landscape with low-severity fire. The applied fire moved slowly across the forest floor, consuming pine needle duff, dead-and-down woody debris, and some standing snags.

The NAU Review — Protecting northern Arizona’s forests, creating ceramics in one of the country’s largest wood-fired kilns and spotlighting Olympics-bound Lumberjacks

In 1996, John Paul Roccaforte and his colleagues at NAU’s Ecological Research Institute embarked on an ambitious mission to study restoration across more than 5,000 acres of dense ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona. After two decades of hands-on investigation, they successfully decreased the area’s tree density and vulnerability to wildfire—unlocking the key to revitalizing and protecting our beloved local ecosystem in an era when fires in the West burn hotter and bigger than ever.

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

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Summer 2024 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — New Member Drive: It’s Time to Join F-cubed!

Dear Friend of Flagstaff,

A thriving democracy needs organized people and organized funding. When you become a member of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3), you can contribute to both. The F3 Board of Directors invites you to join our local grassroots nonprofit.
 
We are a multi-issue organization whose mission is to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff through community education, engagement, and advocacy.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to begin July 11 on the North Kaibab Ranger District

FREDONIA — Due to increasing fire danger, Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will go into effect beginning 6:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024 on the North Kaibab Ranger District – all Kaibab National Forest lands north of the Grand Canyon. The North Kaibab received less rain from recent storms than the Williams and Tusayan Districts south of the Grand Canyon, which will not go into restrictions at this time.

July at the Museum of Northern Arizona

As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s no better time to step into the cool and captivating spaces of the Museum of Northern Arizona. July brings a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our latest exhibits. Explore the fascinating connection between Indigenous people and horses in Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story. And journey through the layers of the Grand Canyon’s alluring geology in the Grand Canyon Dragon Map exhibition. There’s so much to experience!

Sedona Arts Center — New Ceramics Classes Starting Next Week!

Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.

Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics instructors are all highly skilled artists and experienced teachers!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 1-5, 2024 — Employee Spotlight!  Monique Navarro, Branch Lead of Education/ Acting Deputy Lead of Interpretation and Education

We’ll be taking a break from the Weekly Wrap Up for the next three weeks. Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 1. In the meantime, operational updates can be found on our park website here.

CHAC, community to celebrate 2024 Flagstaff 4th of July Parade

COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff during a warm summer day to celebrate the 2024 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Also see: 

• Arizona Daily Sun — Thousands turn out for Independence Day parade through downtown Flagstaff

City of Flagstaff — Hazardous Products Center shifting Public Dropoff to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Hazardous Product Center (HPC), located at the Cinder Lake Landfill will be adjusting their public drop off schedule to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 am-4:00pm beginning on July 10th, 2024. This new schedule will ensure that staff has the ability to properly track and dispose of hazardous products dropped at the facility in a safe and timely manner.

City of Flagstaff to adopt new rates for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services

The rate change concludes a year-long rate study and cost-of-service analysis for water, sewer, and reclaimed water services. Through this process, the Flagstaff City Council prioritized minimizing the cost impact to customers. Data and information supporting the new rates can be found on the resources page of cleanwaterflagstaff.com

Modified Transcanyon Waterline construction closures begin Oct. 21, 2024

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service (NPS) is announcing modified closure dates of inner canyon trails and facilities to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.  

New inner canyon closure dates are:  

Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge that crosses the Colorado River, Oct 21, 2024-May 14, 2025 
Bright Angel Campground, Nov 4, 2024-May 14, 2025 
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point, Oct. 12, 2023-May 14, 2025 

New lightning-caused fire on Tusayan Ranger District

TUSAYAN — A new lightning-caused wildfire discovered last week east of Tusayan will be managed in a confine and contain strategy within designated areas to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

The Lockett Fire started on June 29 and is located approximately 12 miles east of Tusayan along the Coconino Rim, between Forest Road 307 and Forest Road 310. It is currently 16 acres burning in ponderosa pine forest, moving with a slow rate of spread and consuming pine needle duff and dead-and-down woody debris and stumps on the forest floor. This fire is burning in the footprint of the 2014 Belknap Fire.