Category: Government

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners, supporters participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — A variety of CCC&Y member partners and supporters that support children, youth and facilities throughout Northern Arizona are taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.

“Every year 1000+ nonprofits come together across the state to build a better Arizona and tens of thousands of donors come together to support the amazing work nonprofits are doing in our community,” Arizona Gives reported. “Arizona Gives is an initiative of AZ Impact for Good that began in 2013. This partnership has helped raise nearly $47 million for Arizona’s nonprofit sector, directly benefiting thousands of nonprofits across Arizona.”

Some taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:

Channeling the spirit of César E. Chávez, community leaders provide passionate response to our times at annual community breakfast

FLAGSTAFF — With a mixture of fiery speeches, presentations featuring the importance of telling everyone’s stories and a commitment to refusing to be erased from the history books, the 7th annual Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) César E. Chávez Community Breakfast took on a more feisty tone this year.

The event, held at the American Legion Post 3, included an opening presentation of the importance of remember the community’s history presented by Dr. Pedro A. Cuevas, assistant teaching professor at the Dept. of Ethnic Studies at Northern Arizona University.

Cuevas, who is a nationally recognized, award-winning educator with more than 25 years of experience working with incarcerated felons, gang members, drug addicted teenagers and migrant families, used his own family’s history in Flagstaff to tell of the importance of the Hispanic community to the fabric of the region’s society. He drew upon the oral history tales of the NAU Los Recuerdos del Barrio en Flagstaff Collection featuring interviews by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces member Delia Muñuz, who happened to be attending the breakfast program.

City of Flagstaff, Arizona Public Service announce new public art initiative

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Arizona Public Service (APS) have partnered on a pilot program to transform 10 utility cabinets into stunning works of art. To celebrate this collaboration, the City and APS hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony on March 25 to unveil a newly wrapped cabinet at the entrance of Sinagua Middle School, featuring artwork by local artist Jo Rohrbacker.

Building on the City’s highly successful traffic signal cabinet program, this initiative continues to turn utilitarian cabinets into colorful, community-centered art. Now in its fifth year, the program has introduced a variety of designs to Flagstaff’s streetscapes, from imaginative scenes of northern Arizona’s flora and fauna to playful abstract compositions. The artistic wraps, made of durable vinyl, are designed to last up to five years while providing the added benefit of deterring graffiti and vandalism.

AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — SSEGURO SOCIAL: Te Lo Has Ganado (9) – Usar Otros Fondos (2)

In this program, we discuss the proposal to use other funds to secure long-term Social Security benefits.

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En este programa dialogamos sobre la propuesta de usar otros fondos para asegurar beneficios de Seguro Social a largo plazo.

Beulah/University Realignment Project – Closure of the University Avenue and Milton Road intersection extending

FLAGSTAFF — Due to the recent winter weather, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) will be closed between Milton Road and Yale Street, 24 hours a day, until the week of April 7, 2025. Thru traffic along Milton Road will not be impacted.

Linda Vista Drive reopening prior to Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road intersection closure

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff (City) and the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation Team is hard at work constructing flood mitigation measures along Linda Vista Drive. We are currently on track to permanently open Linda Vista Drive, unimpeded, to all traffic on or before May 23, 2025 (the start of FUSD Summer break).

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 17-21, 2025

U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park Implement New Fine Structure to Enhance Public Safety 

The U.S. District Court of Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are taking proactive steps to improve public safety for residents and visitors alike. As part of this initiative, the U.S. District Court and the park are implementing a new fine structure for certain violations, including fire safety and speeding in school zones. 

To reduce the risk of wildfires, fines for having fires in undesignated areas have been significantly increased. During Stage 1 restrictions, individuals will face a $300 fine, while Stage 2 restrictions will result in a $500 fine. These increased penalties aim to deter unsafe fire practices and protect our park and community. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — 2025 Summer Camps registration continuing. See our listing

Register soon before camps fill up!

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2025 summer camps.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

(INFORMATION UPDATED March 18, 2025)

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group meeting on March 20

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

Sedona Arts Center — Join us for an Artist Reception on March 19

Join us on Wednesday, March 19, from 4 to 6pm for the “44th Annual Juried Friends Show & Sale” artist reception! You will have the opportunity to meet participating artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and explore a stunning selection of artwork available for purchase. This event is free and open to the public, with complimentary parking available behind SAC’s Art Barn.

Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project – Preliminary construction activities to begin March 31

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff, and Fann Contracting are set to begin a project to construct a new roundabout that will replace the signalized intersection at Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road to improve the safety and function of the intersection. This new roundabout will be designed with flashing pedestrian crossing beacons and will slow speeds, help avoid angle collisions and add a crosswalk at the fourth leg of the intersection. Additional work includes the installation of water, sewer and storm drain infrastructure.

City of Flagstaff invites local entrepreneurs to participate in Innovate Green Challenge Business Pitch Competition

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is thrilled to announce the return of the Innovate Green Challenge (formerly known as the Innovate Waste Challenge). Now in its fifth year, this initiative invites Flagstaff entrepreneurs to showcase groundbreaking ideas that promote environmental sustainability. Participants can win up to $30,000 in cash awards for their innovative project. This partnership between the City’s Economic Development and Sustainability teams underscores Flagstaff’s commitment to creative climate action, as this Challenge seeks product or service ideas in the following categories: converting waste into marketable materials, removing or reducing carbon dioxide, or conserving water.  

Coconino County to host home energy efficiency workshop in community of Valle on March 19

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Sustainable Building Program will host a free Home Energy Efficiency Workshop on Wednesday, March 19th from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 269 Highgrove Rd. Williams, AZ.

Highgrove Road can be reached off HWY 64 or HWY 180 and is 30 miles north of Williams. The location can also be found as Grand Canyon Junction or Valle. 

Make your reservation now for Cesar E. Chavez Community Recognition Breakfast on March 21, 2025

COCONINO COUNTY — The public is invited to attend the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) 7th annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2025 at American Legion Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

The celebration includes guest speakers (with presentations on an upcoming Cesar Chavez/UFW-related student mural art project at NAU; update on NAU Hispanic Serving Institution programs, community updates by local elected officials), Cesar Chavez historical video presentations and the return of NAU’s Banda Latino Caribeña de Flagstaff.

Bring your handouts for our Community Information Tables!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 10-14, 2025

Last Evening Program by Astronomer-in-Residence, Stephen Hummel

The Weird World of Upper Atmospheric Lightning
Thursday, March 13 | 7:30 – 8:30 pm | Visitor Center Theater

On rare occasions, under dark night skies, high above powerful thunderstorms, strange flashes of red and blue light leap skyward, forming dramatic, jellyfish-like shapes. These mysterious phenomena, known as sprites, are still poorly understood by science. In his final evening program, Stephen Hummel will explore how these events form and offer tips on how you might catch a glimpse of them yourself.


City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences news & opportunities Update — BIA grant applications due Mar. 15

Artists, local businesses, nonprofits, schools and community groups are encouraged to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. The City of Flagstaff, through the Beautification and Public Art Commission, is accepting applications for grants up to $7,500 for creative enhancement projects that bring character and beauty to Flagstaff’s shared spaces. Eligible projects must be in publicly accessible locations and can include murals, sculptures, community or pollinator gardens, decorative benches, neighborhood pathways and more.

Spring Deadline: March 15, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

City launches Connect Flagstaff: new community information and engagement platform

FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff has launched a new community information and engagement platform called Connect Flagstaff. This new site provides opportunities for residents to engage in various City surveys and other engagement initiatives, while also providing information on ongoing and longer-term projects in our community.

Residents are invited to engage on the Connect Flagstaff site by participating in open projects to share thoughts and feedback with City staff. While residents do not need to register to participate in some projects, registration offers the ability to select geographical areas and topics of interest and the ability to sign up to receive customized future notifications.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition Partners — Are you participating in Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025?

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — CCC&Y member partners have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and programs throughout Northern Arizona by taking part in the annual Arizona Gives Day on April 1, 2025.

Some of the Coalition partners currently taking part on Arizona Gives Day include:

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Flagstaff Family Food Center — 

… FFFC believes that communities can truly thrive only when the essential needs of all members are met. The Food Center is a reliable food source for thousands of people in our communities, improving physical and mental health and resilience by reducing food insecurity.

Donate here

City of Flagstaff water reclamation facility certified in ADEQ’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) has awarded Bronze Level to the City of Flagstaff Rio de Flag Water Reclamation Facility in their Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program.

Bronze Level recognizes organizations that demonstrate strong environmental compliance and go beyond legal requirements to protect human and environmental health. To qualify, regulated facilities must have zero violations on record with any environmental regulatory agency for the past three years. 

City of Flagstaff unveils key findings from ‘Art, Culture, Science and the Future of Flagstaff’ report

The report addresses core questions about how well existing programs serve the community, offering key insights into their successes, areas for improvement and the broader aspirations of residents. It highlights successful initiatives while identifying strategic opportunities with insights from peer cities. Additionally, the study emphasizes Flagstaff’s strong commitment to fostering a thriving arts and culture scene.  

County Delegation has a Productive Trip to Washington D.C.

Coconino County elected officials and leadership visited Washington D.C. to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Legislative Conference, as well as visit with key members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation and Federal partners. The goals of the visits to…

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of Week of 3/10/25

View this email in your browser March 10th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Flagstaff community invited to see current Multicultural Park Sculpture Exhibit before it closes on March 15

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is inviting the community to see the current Multicultural Park Sculpture Exhibit at Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park before it closes on March 15.

Cristen Crujido, the city’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences administrator, recently updated members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) on the current exhibit, a video on the project and a preview of the upcoming exhibit that will open on May 19, 2025.

Click here or on the image above see a video of the Multicultural Park Sculpture Exhibit.

Reception of ‘DISAPPEARED: PORTRAITS OF ABSENCE’ to be held March 7 at the Flagstaff Historic Ice House

FLAGSTAFF — If you missed our bilingual exhibition DISAPPEARED: PORTRAITS OF ABSENCE last year—displayed both at the Coconino Center for the Arts and at the NAU Riles building—please join us during the month of March to see it at Flagstaff’s Historic Ice House, 201 E. Birch Ave. A general reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m Friday, March 7 as part of Flagstaff’s First Friday. A few more programs, including an evening with music; keep your eyes open for further announcements.

The exhibit focuses on the mothers of “disappeared” people in Mexico; together with AZ Culture Connection, the Martin-Springer Institute is honoring women’s month with this exhibition.

Community invited to share memories for Southside sculpture at Cleo Murdoch Park in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites Southside residents, past and present, as well as those with strong ties to the neighborhood to contribute their memories and reflections for an upcoming public art installation. The sculpture, titled “Rustle,” will be placed at the newly named Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center at 203 E. Brannen Avenue.

The 8-foot-high weathering steel sculpture, designed by artist Beth Nybeck, will incorporate words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the area, the piece will celebrate the Southside, its history and its people.

Flagstaff City Council passes resolution urging state legislature to give cities ability to regulate short term rentals

In 2016, the state legislature passed legislation that required local governments to allow short-term rentals in all residential zones. While additional legislation has since been passed that gives local governments limited ability to regulate STRs through requiring contact information for owners or requiring a license, local governments are still prohibited from regulating the number or location of short term rentals in their communities.

Coconino County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) seeking Program Coordinator

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) IS seeking a Program Coordinator – Training and Recruiting CASA — Juvenile Court.

Limited Appointment – $49,116.00 – $51,571.80 Annually (for renewal on 9/30/2025)
Click here for more information.

Updates from Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Spring into Health’ on March 7

San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe to hold Spring into Health’ — health fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 7 at the San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, 67 NW Mable St., Tuba City, AZ.

Coconino County provides Court and Health Services in Tuba City on March 21

The Superior Court in Coconino County will provide walk-in services and conduct hearings starting at 10 a.m. The Court will be able to assist with quashing outstanding warrants, applying for marriage licenses or passports, filing documents, reviewing court records and paying any outstanding Superior Court fines or fees. Please note, any payments would need to be made with cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check.

The Coconino County Attorney’s office will have applications available for marijuana conviction expungement.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Connecting with Site Selectors

Later this month, Winslow Economic Development Director Jack Fitchett and I will attend the annual conference of the Site Selector Guild, the only association of the world’s foremost professional site selection consultants.

The influence of site selectors is becoming more critical as companies navigate complex factors from local and state regulations, available talent pools, zoning considerations, and more in the decision-making process.

Coconino National Forest — Pile burns expected to be conducted this week

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District were expected to conduct pile burns in several areas around the forest to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.

The piles are leftover slash from previous thinning projects and are ignited using drip torches and carefully monitored. Burning these piles help remove forest fuels and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 3-7, 2025

Stay Informed with NPS Everbridge Alerts

Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations. This free service ensures that you will stay informed when it matters most.

You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up by following this link.

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

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 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 meeting will include information on a Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead Early Childhood Fair in Flagstaff this Spring.

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 or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Bookmobile extends library services to meet community needs

FLAGSTAFF — Vroom! The bookmobile is back! The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Bookmobile is a mobile library that travels throughout Coconino County. County residents may remember the 40-foot blue-and-purple bus from its service from 2006 through 2019. Thanks to the work of staff at the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and City of Flagstaff Fleet Services, the bus is back on the road and headed to a stop near you!

The new schedule of stops can be found at http://bit.ly/4139wa2 or by scanning the QR code.

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 — Thank you for participating in the 60-day public review!, upcoming meetings

Over 2,000 comments were submitted during the 60-day public review, which occurred from October 20, 2024 to December 19, 2024. It was wonderful to see how many people dedicated their time to reading the plan and providing feedback. We have read every comment and we are working on revisions to the draft. 

Coconino County District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Virtual Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment & Implementation Meeting to be held on March 12

We are pleased to share the latest information from the Navajo Nation Broadband Office about the upcoming Navajo Nation Broadband Deployment and Implementation Meeting. This meeting is scheduled for March 12, 2025, in Tse Bonito, NM. In-person and virtual attendance options will be available to ensure full accessibility for all participants.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) to present Coffee with F3’s Executive Director on March 5

Come join the lively ‘Coffee with the Executive Director’ gatherings on the first Wednesday of every month. Tell me about your concerns, ask me questions, and I’ll update you on the issues on which I’m working.

Join me tomorrow, March 5, from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium, 2144 N. 4th Street located in the Greenlaw Village Shopping Center behind Fratelli’s Pizza.

This month I have updates on the next steps for Regional Land Use Plan among other issues.

Center for the Future of Arizona — Northern Arizona teens champion mental health through virtual Internship

Navajo County students pose with United Way of Northern Arizona President and CEO Liz Archuleta after receiving awards from UWNA for their outstanding contributions.

High school students Bobbi Seaton and Tyra Dixon of Navajo County helped advance The Arizona We Want by envisioning a data-driven solution to improve teen mental health. Through a paid virtual internship with CFA’s Arizona Pathways to Prosperity and the Work-Based Learning Alliance, they worked alongside a mentor from United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), gaining hands-on experience that resulted in much more than resume-building.

Consumers taking part in ‘Buy Nothing Day’ on Feb. 28

NATIONAL — A variety of organizations are planning for a national “No Buy Day” to protest what they believe is corporate greed, along with efforts by corporations to scale back their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts (DEI), which they say is led by the Trump administration.

CBS News has reported the economic boycott has been spreading on social media (see link below).

In Arizona, the Arizona Republic reported the following “companies have rolled back DEI in the past year:”

2025 Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, proudly congratulates the exceptional educators selected as finalists for the prestigious Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year awards.

The winners will be unveiled at the highly anticipated 12th Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM at the High Country Conference Center in Flagstaff.

Areas of Coconino County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday

FLAGSTAFF — After consultation with Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM), Forest Lakes Fire District, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Coconino County Treasurer announces closure of drive-through office in Flagstaff

“At this moment our staffing levels and roles do not allow for us to maintain the drive-through location,” said Treasurer Sarah Benatar. “We will continue to look for ways to maintain excellent customer service for our residents while making sure public funds are secure and accounted for.”  

City of Page March Happenings

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAGE!

Welcome to a special edition of Page Happenings. This month we are celebrating a major milestone — Page’s 50th anniversary! For half a century, our city has been a gateway to breathtaking landscapes, a hub for adventure seekers, and a vibrant community that continues to grow and thrive. This month we’ll take a look back at Page’s history, highlight upcoming anniversary events, and showcase the people and places that make our city unique. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future.

Coconino County planning countywide test of Emergency Notification System on March 12

The purpose of the test is to ensure that the systems continue to be an effective means of warning the public about emergencies. All messaging received by the public during this test will clearly state that the message is a TEST and that no action is needed.

Wildfire danger prompts early opening (March 7) of Willard Springs Green Waste site

The site, which usually opens the first Friday in April, will open next Friday, March 7 to provide free green waste-only disposal to all County residents.

“After one of the driest winters on record we recognize the importance of preparing now for wildfire season,” said Christopher Tressler, Director of Coconino County Public Works. “We’re opening Willard Springs a month early to give our residents more time to clean up pine needles and other green waste in order to create defensible spaces on their properties and around their homes, which can slow the spread of wildfire.” 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Action Alert — Flagstaff Needs a Diversity of Housing Types

What kind of housing do we need in the City of Flagstaff? There is almost universal agreement that we are desperately in need of housing that year-round residents from all walks of life can afford.

But though the demand for housing serving a spectrum of needs is great, most developments to date have been high-end student and luxury housing.  

This month, the City Council is facing a request for another student housing project. It’s one we’ve seen before, the controversial but previously approved 2018 Mill Town project across from Target. The developer wants to submit a new plan but under an old code. But the new plan will remain a student housing project, consisting mostly of four-and-five-bedroom apartments to be shared by students.  

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 24-28, 2025

Did you know that since 2010, Grand Canyon National Park’s fisheries program has been collaborating with tribes to repurpose invasive fish for uses like human consumption, animal feeding, and fertilizer?This initiative has become a vital part of fisheries operations, with regular fish donations made to the Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, and Hualapai Tribes.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families receive youth reading support, summer camp registration and more information at Literacy Fair in Flagstaff

Children received free books and played fun literacy games, while parents attended a number of youth reading workshops and received resources from a variety of organizations including summer camp registration information at a Literacy Fair presented on Feb. 22 by the United Way of Northern Arizona and Read On Flagstaff.

The event, held at Killip Elementary School in Flagstaff, was moderated by Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta, president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona, with a guest appearance by Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez. It also included several story time programs featureing Coco the Comet, the mascot for Coconino Community College and a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

​​​​​​​Organizations sharing information at the event included Arizona State University’s PBS, Bookmans Entertainment Exchange in Flagstaff, Culture Connection AZ, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, First Things First, the Flagstaff Unified School District, Northern Arizona University, North County HealthCare and the University of Arizona Cooperative Exchange.

City of Flagstaff announces public art opportunity for Spruce Wash Wedge

The artwork will be a visually striking and durable installation that enhances the cultural and aesthetic landscape of the neighborhood and Flagstaff. This public art installation, known as the Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork, is a part of the Spruce Wash Watershed Improvements flood mitigation project. The site-specific piece will integrate with a reconfigured promontory, which includes a new retaining wall and expanded sidewalk landing. It will serve as a distinctive icon, engaging community members and passersby.

Coconino County Attorney’s Office Announces Formation of New Cold Case Unit

“We are determined to ensure that every case, regardless of how long ago it happened, deserves justice,” said Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker. “Our Cold Case Unit reflects our unwavering commitment to work as a team with partners at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies to solve cases and bring violent criminals to justice. Our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department are using modern forensic techniques to solve cold cases, and when that happens, it is time for my office to bring charges and prosecute the case in court. Through our collaborative efforts, we are confident that we can deliver justice for victims and their families who have sought accountability for so long.”

Community garden plot applications opening soon for the 2025 growing season

FLAGSTAFF — Members of the public are invited to submit applications for community garden plots starting on Saturday, March 1. Applications will remain open until March 31 or until filled. Returning gardeners will have priority to secure their plots from the previous season, and remaining available plots will be offered to new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis. New gardeners who do not have access to growing space at home or those who qualify for SNAP benefits will be given priority for remaining available plots through the application process.  

County Residents Needed to Fill Vacancies for the Commission on Trial Court Appointments

COCONINO COUNTY — Looking for a way to get more involved in Coconino County? Consider applying to serve on the Commission on Trial Court Appointments (Commission) or to be part of the Nominating Committees.

These bodies are the first steps in the merit selection process of appointing new superior court judges. In 2018, Coconino County voters approved a measure to change from a partisan election of superior court judges to a merit selection process.

Flagstaff joins nationwide 2025 Presidents’ Day protest rallies

FLAGSTAFF — More than 500 people took part in a National Day of Protest event at the Flagstaff City Hall on Feb. 17. The protests were part of a nationwide demonstration against the Trump administration and its ongoing efforts to close federal agencies and fire thousands of federal workers.

The event in Flagstaff also included a rally to Support Federal Works and Public Lands.

See more photos and related stories.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 17-21, 2025

Expect Longer Wait Times at Entrance Stations: Spring Operational Changes Take Effect March 1

As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion is expected at all entrance stations, with the heaviest delays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) is a great way to monitor park traffic. To help reduce congestion, we encourage visitors to purchase entrance passes in advance, use lane 1 at the South Entrance, explore alternative transportation options, and arrive early or visit later in the day.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. We recognize long lines and heavy traffic can be challenging and your professionalism and commitment make an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!