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.
Author: Community Contributor
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
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/22/24
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.
Discover Flagstaff – Arizona Highland Celtic Festival, Fort Tuthill County Park July 20-21
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
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
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 City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/15/24
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
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.
Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 Committee Meeting to be held July 10
Coconino Community College Community Education — Stay Abreast of Programs in August
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!
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/8/24
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 1-5, 2024 — Employee Spotlight! Monique Navarro, Branch Lead of Education/ Acting Deputy Lead of Interpretation and Education
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
Discover Flagstaff — 4th of July Street Faire (4-5), 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.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs, upcoming Back to School events in Coconino County
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
With Summer here, parents can still get information on ongoing Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.
Also, check on our new Back to School events resource listing to get your child prepared of the upcoming school year.
Please check with individual 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.
Thank you. (Updated July 2, 2024).
City of Flagstaff Approves Settlement Agreement with Area Indigenous Nations and Tribes Over Regional Water Rights
FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, July 2, the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution to approve the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. This historic agreement ends years of costly and protracted litigation over surface water and groundwater rights claims by the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the United States. The parties to the Settlement Agreement confirm certain water rights of the City of Flagstaff and other towns and communities, the Salt River Project, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Arizona Public Service, various irrigation districts, ranching operations and other parties.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Happy Independence Day
As we come together to celebrate the birth of our nation, it’s a perfect time to reflect and remember the values that unite us: freedom, equality, and the unwavering spirit of community.
Independence Day honors not only those who founded our country, but also each person committed to a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.
Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor, volunteering in our communities, or supporting those in need, every act of kindness makes a difference. Thank you, as always, for Living United. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation July 2024 Update
City of Flagstaff announces Fourth of July closures
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Friday, July 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July 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.)
Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — An Update on F3’s Spring and Summer Work
It’s been a busy spring and beginning of summer here at F3! Below are short updates on some of the issues on which we have been working.
The city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility”
F3 did a deep dive into the city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility.” After many conversations with city staff and careful consideration over nearly two months, F3 decided to support the zoning code amendment because the city included the requirement for any development proposal to go through the Conditional Use Permit process. Read our final letter to Council on March 14 for more information.
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 7/1/24
City of Flagstaff to begin annual Road Repair and Street Safety Project
FLAGSTAFF — The City will begin work on the 2024 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) project on Monday, July 8. The project will address numerous deteriorated roads around the city, with work including milling, paving, and updates to utilities, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and pavement markings. The goal of the RRSS project is to update infrastructure for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of transportation.
Grand Canyon National Park to lift Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Monday, July 1
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective on Monday, July 1 at 8 a.m., Stage 2 fire restrictions are rescinded for the entire Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity throughout northern Arizona has significantly lowered the fire danger risk within the last week.
Grand Canyon National Park will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.
Theatrikos Theatre Co. July Newsletter — Sing it! The sun’ll come out tomorrow!
The big summer musical Annie comes to the Flagstaff stage. It’s a hard knock life—but this beloved family classic will fill your heart with love and joy. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
“The audience will love the energy and the laughs as well as the talented cast,” said Teri Gochanour who plays Mrs Gear. “It’s a feel-good show that will have everyone humming and singing along long after the show.”
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 24-28, 2024
Town of Tusayan Fourth of July Celebration
Join community members from the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village for the annual Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.
Kid’s bike decorating begins at 3:30 p.m., parade line-up starts at 3:45, and the parade will begin at 4:30. Additional events and activities include: live music from local bands, food, auction items, Native American dancers, kid’s games, and a drone show after dark.
For more information on this event and to register to be in the parade, visit the town’s website here.
Elevate PreK Seeking Students
FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.
The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.