Author: Community Contributor

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 3-7, 2024 — Star Party Continues through Saturday, June 8!, more news, events

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The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will conclude for the season on Saturday, June 8. South Rim events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

The list of speakers can be found on the Grand Canyon Star Party webpage and also in the NPS Mobile App. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m.

North Rim events include telescopes set up on the terrace of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening along with astronomers with green lasers to pointing out constellations. By day, look for solar telescopes on the terrace and surrounding the Grand Canyon Lodge. A flyer for the evening events on the North Rim can be found here.

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Resources responding to 100-acre Bravo Fire located on Camp Navajo west of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Resources are responding to a 100-acre wildfire on Camp Navajo located 9 miles west of Flagstaff.

The Bravo Fire was reported at 11 a.m. today and resources responding to the incident include the Arizona National Guard, one Hotshot crew, two hand crews and one engine.

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Summer Safety: Avoid Hiking During Excessive Heat Warnings

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GRAND CANYON — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens. Forecast temperatures in the shade range between 105 F/41 C and 111 F/44 C. Hotter than normal temperatures will also hit the rims, with highs of 92 F/33 C on the South Rim and 85 F/30 C on the North Rim.

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Board of Supervisors Elects Judy Begay to Serve as Chair, Patrice Horstman as Vice-Chair

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COCONINO COUNTY — At their regular meeting on Tuesday June 4, 2024, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) elected District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay to serve as Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman to serve as Vice-Chair through the end of 2024.

This will be each Supervisor’s first time serving in each of these leadership positions. Chair Begay has served as Vice-Chair since August 2023, Vice-Chair Horstman previously served as Chair from February 2022 until August 2023. 

Chair Begay was first elected to the Board in 2020, after serving over 14 years as a public-school Board Member in Tuba City, as well as several other non-profit organizations. She also has experience in management and supervision of health programs, school administration, facilities management, roads and infrastructure, and public housing. 

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City of Flagstaff to receive over $1M for water resource systems modeling and efficiency projects

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The four grants awarded to the City by WIFA include $750K to accelerate the replacement of water meters with ultrasonic meters, $136K to improve the tracking of non-revenue water, $60K for the development of a watershed model for the Upper Lake Mary Watershed, and $80K for the development of a computer model that will integrate the City’s existing surface water and groundwater models.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Executive director Virginia Watahomigie serves as vital link to support members, partners and community to benefit local children and families

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

“We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.” 

That is the Mission Statement of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. And with a county as large as Coconino (second largest in the nation); with an individual, non-profit and for-profit membership approaching 100; and a diverse, dedicated and talented board of directors — it takes a special individual to bring all these moving parts together to benefit families throughout Northern Arizona.

Virginia Watahomigie joined CCC&Y as executive director in September 2016. In a CCC&Y news posting at the time, she said: “The opportunity to work with CCC&Y is rewarding and very exciting as the work and reputation of the Coalition is impeccable. I have found the members to be genuinely dedicated to children’s issues. I feel privileged to further this mission, as well as, continue building relationships with the community” …

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Board of Supervisors Recognizes 100th Anniversary of Indian Citizenship Act

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“The right to vote and run for office is an American birthright and despite the efforts of the past to stifle the Native American voice, we are here, and our voice is strong,” said Lena Fowler, Coconino County District 5 Supervisor. “Every election is important, and I encourage all residents to register to vote, learn about candidates, research ballot questions and vote in the primary election on July 30 and presidential election on November 5.” 

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Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to Begin Thursday in Coconino County

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COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, the Coconino National Forest will begin Stage 1 Fire Restrictions this Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.

Per Coconino County Ordinance 2024-01, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) will implement Stage 1 fire restrictions in all unincorporated areas of the County at the same time.  

Under the County’s Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, or maintaining a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a developed recreation site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest and State lands.

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City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on June 6

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.

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Fire restrictions begin Thursday on Coconino National Forest

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FLAGSTAFF — Due to forest conditions and a number of key factors being met, Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions begin 8 a.m., Thursday, June 6, across the entire Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and smudge pots are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.

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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Reminder: Coffee with F3’s Executive Director Tomorrow June 5!

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Coffee With F3’s Director, Wednesday, June 5th 9:00-10:00 am at Campus Coffee Bean, 1800 S. Milton #24

F3 wants to engage with you one-on-one. We want to hear your concerns, questions, and ideas about Flagstaff issues that are important to you.

Do you want to know more about the proposed increases in our water and wastewater rates and the upcoming public hearing on June 18? Or what’s going on with the revision process for Flagstaff’s Regional Plan? What has the Community Engagement Coalition for Energy Retrofits been up to this year? We can talk about anything and everything in which F3 is involved!

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Sedona Arts Center — Art classes and workshops to elevate your skills

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Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm

Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!

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Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren testing scheduled for Friday, June 14 at 10 a.m.

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During the testing, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in English, Spanish and Navajo, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message. This process may repeat several times during the testing period. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or smoke in the area. To hear the siren sounds that will be used or to read more about the Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system, please visit www.museumfloodprojects.com/sirensystem

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District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — April/May Newsletter 2024

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• Hello From Supervisor Horstman
• Andy Bertelsen Appointed Next County
Manager
• 4FRI and Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Update
• Flood Control District Receives $19.3 Federal
• PROTECT Grant for HWY 89
• Pinyon Uranium Mine Continues to Extract Ore
• County Designates Lake Mary Road as Recreation Corridor: Where the World Comes To Train
• Valle Arizona: An Innovative Community
ª Cheshire Community Gets Creative about Improving Street Safety
• BLM/AZ RAC Meeting on Proposed Recreation Fees at Arizona BLM Sites
• Western Interstate Conference in Yosemite Highlights Partnership and Responsible Land Management
• Northern Arizona Tradition Continues … Next generation of Moon-Bound Astronauts Train at Babbitt Ranches.
• Mount Elden Trailhead Re-Opens

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Coconino County Parks & Recreation June 2024 Update

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Frontiere Draft Concept Master Plan

Thank you to everyone who participated in our May Values and Vision workshop. Join us on June 13th, 10:00 a.m. to noon, at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall, to review the Draft Concept Master Plan. Share your insights and comments regarding this beautiful property and its continued use! For more information, click here.

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Lake Mary Road Pavement Preservation Work Starts Monday, June 3

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COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s contractor is preparing to conduct pavement preservation operations starting next Monday, June 3 along the six-mile stretch of Lake Mary Road between the Flagstaff city limits and Milepost 332.

C & E Paving & Grading is scheduled to work during daylight hours. Traffic control will be in place and pilot cars will be used to guide vehicles through the work zone. The project is scheduled to be completed by next Friday, June 7; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors. 

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Museum of Northern Arizona — Party on the Plateau Silent Auction now live!

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In just one week, on Saturday, June 8th, MNA will host its largest fundraiser of the year, the Party on the Plateau. Part of the fundraising efforts at this event is a silent auction, which is now live and available for online bidding. You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate and bid on items in the silent auction. With items ranging from artworks to experiences, there is something for everyone and all the proceeds benefit the museum. You can bid online by clicking here.

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Forest restoration work to begin northeast of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — A new fuels reduction project, slated to begin next week, will work to protect communities northeast of Flagstaff from future catastrophic wildfire while restoring forest land to a healthier condition.

The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) will begin work on the Timberline Wupatki Trails Hazardous Fuels Reduction project Monday.

“We’re looking forward to adding another layer of risk reduction to the Timberline and Wupatki Trails communities by proactively taking this initiative,” said District Ranger Matt McGrath. “This project is just one small part of our overall commitment to Wildfire Crisis Strategy work.”

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Flagstaff Festival of Science Call for Presenters!

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Are you a science professional that works as a researcher, in medicine, engineering, environmental sustainability, any scientific field, or for a science institution? Bring your scientific concepts to a classroom right here in Flagstaff and make a difference in the lives of students.

When you present to students, they see and hear about novel scientific fields that aren’t covered in their textbooks and they learn directly from you, a specialist in the industry. This makes science more exciting, more real, and more accessible and interesting to students. When you demonstrate your enthusiasm and employ engaging displays you capture students’ attention and keep them actively involved in the learning process.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 27-31, 2024

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As we bid farewell to the bustling Memorial Day weekend, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated frontline staff. Your unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of visitors during this busy time does not go unnoticed. Thank you!

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Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Cultivating (and Funding) Entrepreneurs in Northern Arizona

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At the ECoNA Advisory Council meeting last week, we took a deep dive into programs dedicated to cultivating budding entrepreneurs in northern Arizona.

The initiatives range from a free entry-level program to help potential entrepreneurs determine if their innovative ideas could be commercialized, to loans and venture capital investments for early-stage businesses.

Cristy Salanga, Patent Manager at Northern Arizona University, discussed the National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, an immersive entry-level training program, which focuses on determining the potential customers of a business as well as the potential value proposition of a product or service.

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Coconino County Recorder’s Office Offers Recording Notification Alerts

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COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Recorder’s office is offering a new service called Recording Notification Alerts.  Recording Notification Alerts is a free service for the benefit of all who own property or businesses in Coconino County.  It monitors documents recorded with the County Recorder’s office and alerts subscribers. This program will notify participating subscribers by email when a document is recorded with a name and/or business that matches the subscriber. This service applies only to documents recorded after signing up. Users will also be able to unsubscribe or make updates to this service at any time.

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United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — Why High-Quality Preschool Matters

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Access to high-quality preschools can be transformative – not only for the children who attend or their families, but also for our communities as a whole and the economy of our state.

For proof of this, look no further than the results of Elevate PreK, which is concluding its three-year pilot program and moving into a fourth year of providing free, high-quality preschool education to lower- and middle-income families in northern Arizona. The pilot program was supported by a consortium of partners, including United Way of Northern Arizona.

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Theatrikos Theatre Co. June Newsletter — Last weekend to see Men on Boats, about Powell’s first trip down the Colorado

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One last weekend to catch Arizona-born playwright Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats on the Flagstaff stage. The show about John Wesley Powell’s first trip through the Grand Canyon has been produced nationwide. Now, for the first time, it comes home to Northern Arizona (where it belongs!) with a production by Theatrikos.

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Sedona Arts Center — Summer Art Camp for Kids

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Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm

Come Play in the Clay!

Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.

No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.

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Sandbag removal in Coconino Estates to begin in July after completion of flood mitigation project, volunteers needed

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FLAGSTAFF — Residents of the Coconino Estates neighborhood can begin moving sandbags to the curb in front of their home in late July, following the completion of the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180. City of Flagstaff crews will begin sandbag pick-up and removal from the neighborhood in August. City employees cannot go onto private property to remove sandbags, so residents should ensure that their sandbags are placed in City right of way prior to pick-up.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council meeting on June 6 to share your story

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6. 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.

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Fire danger changed to ‘High” in all three local Ranger Districts

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By the U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest

COCONINO COUNTY — Fire danger has changed to “High” on all three districts with continued windy and warmer temperatures throughout the forest, Coconino County officials reported on the county’s Facebook page

When the fire danger is “High,” fires can start easily from most causes, and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.

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Different Starts, Common Goal: How Two Flagstaff Graduates are Transforming Their Passions into Nursing Careers

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College’s nursing program recently celebrated the achievements of two of its graduates, Jennifer Swomley and Joseph McIntire. Each brings a unique background and a personal story of dedication to the nursing field, reflecting both the diversity and the challenges of modern healthcare education.

Jennifer Swomley, 27, moved from Colorado to Flagstaff in 2021, drawn not only by personal relationships but also by the strong reputation of Coconino’s nursing program. Initially interested in becoming a firefighter, influenced by her friends in the emergency services, Swomley’s career path took a pivotal turn after her experiences on an ambulance crew. These experiences exposed her to the realities and complexities of medical care, sparking a new passion for nursing. “I was drawn to the depth of patient interaction and the broader scope of care I could provide as a nurse,” Swomley explained.

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City of Flagstaff — ParkFlag implements new booting and towing policy in Downtown Parking District

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s parking management program, ParkFlag, will implement a new booting and towing policy effective June 1. This policy is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing parking enforcement and ensuring the fair and equitable use of parking spaces in the Downtown Parking District.

The primary goal of the new booting and towing policy is to discourage repeat parking offenders and promote adherence to parking regulations, improving overall traffic flow and accessibility.

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Mount Elden Trailhead reopens and new mountain bike trail debuts as improvements continue in Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills area

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FLAGSTAFF —  An overhaul to Flagstaff’s busiest trailhead and a brand-new mountain biking trail are just two recent improvements in the Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills (MEDL) area.

The Mount Elden Trailhead reopened Thursday following eight weeks of construction with a new parking lot designed to accommodate 50 vehicles as well as additional visitor services.

“We’ve been working really diligently on improvements in the Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills area, and we hope that work is apparent,” said Patrick McGervey, Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) Recreation and Wilderness Staff Officer. “We’re excited for the upcoming projects we have planned in the area for the coming months.”

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United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

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This weekend we will mark a somber tradition that dates back to 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War. Known then as Decoration Day, it was a time to honor those who perished in the conflict by adorning their graves with flowers. In 1971 the last Monday in May was established as Memorial Day.

We wish you a safe holiday weekend as we continue the tradition of honoring those who gave all so we could live in freedom.

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Courtesy ‘The NAU Review — What Memorial Day means to me’ by Brandon Piestewa

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Shí éí Brandon Piestewa yinishyé

Nakaii nishłį́
Naaneesht’ézhí Tachii’nii bashishchiin Shash dashicheii
Tábąąhí dashinalí

Hi, my name is Brandon Piestewa. My mother is from the Mexican clan. My father is born of the charcoal streak red running into the water people. My maternal father is Bear clan. And my paternal father is edge water people.

While some may perceive this day as a holiday, offering a break from work or school, I as a military dependent perceive Memorial Day not just as a holiday but also as a deeply personal day of remembrance and respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. From my personal perspective, I experience it as missing parental involvement during crucial life milestones, such as sporting events or graduation ceremonies. The Iraq War tragically claimed the lives of approximately 4,500 U.S. troops, leaving over 3,000 children bereft of a parent. Consequently, many of us have experienced a loss in some shape or form. 

I became deeply entrenched in the military-connected community at a young age due to the sacrifice my mother made while serving.

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Erika Acosta of Ash Fork Middle School earns 2024 Chicano For La Causa ‘Esperanza’ Latino Teacher Award

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Erika Acosta of Ash Fork Middle School has been named a 2024 “Esperanza” Latino Teacher Award winner by Chicano For La Causa (CPLC).

“(May 6), we honored four outstanding teachers at the 2024 Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards,” CPLC stated on its Facebook page.

Congratulations to our honorees from across Arizona: Erika Acosta, Margaret Gallego, Gabriel Robles, and Lilian Williams

You are not just teachers— you are mentors, role models, and an inspiration to all. Your passion and hard work shapes the future of our community

As we celebrate your well-deserved recognition today, we also celebrate the countless lives you have touched

Gracias to our sponsors: Salt River Project, Cox, Amazon Fire TV, Southwest Airlines, and HUB International”

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CCC Selects Dr. Sandra Hinski as Provost & Executive Vice President

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FLAGSTAFF — Upon conclusion of a national search with 60 applicants, Coconino Community College today announced the selection of Dr. Sandra Hinski as the next Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Hinski will oversee the college’s academic programs, faculty and academic support staff. She will join the college on July 1, 2024.

Dr. Hinski has over 14 years of experience in higher education and over 25 years in various roles in the health professions. Dr. Hinski most recently served as the interim Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), where she provided support and leadership to both instructional and occupational programs, as well as instructional support service areas.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 20-24, 2024

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Grand Canyon Unified School District high schoolers spent last week on a four-day whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River.  Facilitated in partnership with Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), 20 students participated in the Diamond Down Expedition that covers the last 50 miles of the river through Grand Canyon National Park into Lake Mead Recreational Area. This is their third year the school has provided this experience for students.  Grand Canyon National Park rangers Monique Navarro and Catrina Whitton were able to attend the trip which was coordinated by high school science teacher Forrest Radarian.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

As Summer rapidly approaches, it’s time for parents to start collecting resources for upcoming Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.

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 May 21, 2024).

SEE LIST OF PROGRAMS

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The NAU Review — NAU wins: a hydropower competition, a research grant for studying desert birds and a fourth-straight track and field championship!

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NAU wins national hydropower competition

An interdisciplinary team of senior engineering students entered the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower Collegiate Competition to fulfill their capstone requirements—and won. The team, made up of three electrical engineering students and three mechanical engineering students, took first place in all three of the competition’s challenges—siting, design and community connections—earning first overall for the competition.

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Sedona Arts Center — Summer Art Camp for Kids

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Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm

Come Play in the Clay!

Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.

No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.

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City of Flagstaff — Speed limit on portions of Butler Avenue reduced

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FLAGSTAFF — The speed limit on portions of Butler Ave has been reduced, effective immediately. The speed limit on Butler Ave from S Milton Rd/ Rte 66 to E Sawmill Rd was reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph and the speed limit from E Sawmill Rd to Ponderosa Pkwy was reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph. Speed limit signs in the corridor have been updated.

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Your Artistic Journey Begins at Sedona Arts Center

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LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! STARTS TOMORROW!

Creating the Abstract Landscape
with Amanda Hawkins
May 22 – 24 : Wednesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm Daily

There is a sweet spot of overlap between the traditions of abstraction and contemporary landscape painting where mark-making and the implications of planar structure combine with color and light to create a magical realm of newly discovered space.

This workshop will help you transform Sedona’s beautiful scenery into loose and expressive abstract landscape paintings.

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Prescribed burns planned within Flagstaff city limits on May 21

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department is planning a prescribed burn on Tuesday, May 21 in the Observatory Mesa Natural Area off Forest Service Rd 515A and Westridge Rd. The burn area is approximately 123 acres. Sections of the Observatory Mesa Trail will be closed to the public during firing operations. The Mars Hill, Tunnel Springs, and Karen Cooper FUTS trails will remain open. There will be an increased firefighter presence in the area during the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Smoke is expected to drift to the northeast over the neighborhoods of Westridge, Anasazi Ridge and Ridge Crest. Fire managers will coordinate with neighboring national forests, national parks, fire departments, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts.

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Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 committee to meet May 22

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The focus of the ninth Regional Plan Committee meeting will be to discuss the draft Future Growth Illustration and initial Land Use Framework for the plan. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Growth Concept Survey! Your feedback is crucial. We are excited to share the preliminary results at the meeting and how they will be used to inform the Regional Plan’s Future Growth Illustration.

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Flagstaff High School celebrates its 2024 Hispanic Convocation

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FLAGSTAFF — Nearly 80 students were recognized at the 2024 Hispanic Convocation held at Flagstaff High School on May 8, 2024.

The event included the introduction by Principal Libby Miller, the welcoming address by Ruby Sanchez Ramirez and the keynote address by Daniela Tirado Barva.

The Presentation of Students ceremony included Miller, Assistant Principal Frank Alvillar, Assistant Principal Matt Barquin and Athletic Director Jeannine Brandel.

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United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline Extended to May 17 for KinderCamp™

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A survey of parents indicated that children’s KinderCamp experience improved their knowledge of letters and sounds of the alphabet, made them better able to socialize with other children, and increased their ability to communicate with adults.

If you are interested in learning more about KinderCamp in Flagstaff or registering, please click here.

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Alumni Spotlight: Coconino Community College Graduate Thrives in Bay Area

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FLAGSTAFF — Three years ago, Joshua Singer bid farewell to his hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona, to embark on a solo journey to San Francisco. Armed with not one but two degrees – a fine arts degree and a general studies degree from Coconino Community College – Singer ventured into the vibrant arts scene of the Bay Area. Singer, now a seasoned resident of San Francisco and a student at the Academy of Art University, reflects on his experience since leaving Flagstaff.

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Prescribed burn projects continue around Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin conducting the Mint West prescribed burn project this weekend to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.

The Mint West project is slated to begin Saturday, May 18 and is located 25 miles south of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along Lake Mary Road and in the Mormon Lake Village area.

Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.

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Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Men on Boats opens tonight! No men. No boats. One river. ARTx starts today, too

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“Men on Boats is a brilliant reimagining of the mapping of the Grand Canyon,” said actor Sunny Richardson, who plays John Wessley Powell. “The show has direct quotes from Powell’s field journals, adding another layer of authenticity to the play.”

Photos from last night’s preview performance.

“Men on Boats is said to be a ‘true-ish’ story, based on the journal writings and accounts of John Wesley Powell and the crew that survived. Audiences will learn many rafting terms and how to work together out in the wilderness and on the water as a team to get through challenging situations,” said Theatrikos Board Member Lisa Coe, who plays trapper/hunter William Dunn in the play. Dunn was one of those who tragically left the expedition just moments before the successful conclusion. “Men on Boats is based on local history with a connection to the Grand Canyon and river running.”

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United Way of Northern Arizona — The News from the Northeast

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We recently received a progress report from Northeast Arizona Representative Tempy Wessel about the region’s efforts to redefine its future.

Tempy joined United Way of Northern Arizona earlier this year at a pivotal time for Navajo and Apache counties.

Historically an economically challenged area, the region has faced additional pressures due to imminent power plant closures. Stakeholders are hoping to create new jobs, address workforce development, and increase the supply of workforce housing.

UWNA is focusing on positive youth development and building the capacity of community nonprofit organizations after receiving community input that substance abuse/mental health, affordable childcare, and afterschool programs are among the top priorities for Northeast Arizona. The creation of the Northeast Arizona Representative position is part of UWNA’s commitment to the region.

“It’s a huge effort to help support community vitality and positive youth development is critical to that effort,” Tempy said. “Youth are our future workforce and leaders.”

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 13-17, 2024

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Inner Canyon Water Status

The North Rim has reopened for the season and inner canyon temperatures are beginning to climb! Our water utilities staff are working diligently to turn on all remaining inner canyon water sources over the next week.

Projected “ON” dates for remaining inner canyon water sources:

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