Category: Government

Extreme Snow Loads Creating Danger of Roof Failure

by Community Contributor • March 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Significant snowfall and resulting snow loads have caused several roofs to collapse within the Flagstaff area. The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County are encouraging residents to check structures for signs of damage or stress. These signs can include:

Sagging ceiling tiles or boards, ceiling boards falling out of the ceiling grid, and/or sagging sprinkler lines and sprinkler heads
Sprinkler heads deflecting below suspended ceilings
Popping, cracking, and creaking noises
Sagging roof members, including metal decking or plywood sheathing
Bowing truss bottom chords or web members
Doors and/or windows that can no longer be opened or closed
Cracked or split wood members
Cracks in walls or masonry
Severe roof leaks
Excessive accumulation of water at nondrainage locations on low slope roofs

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb .27-March 3, 2023

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2023 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park experienced its eighth busiest year ever in 2022 with 4,732,101 visits. Last year’s visitation was more than 200,000 above the previous year at a 4.5% increase. Grand Canyon also went from the fourth most visited national park to the second most visited. (#1-Great Smoky Mountains National Park).

Visitation to Grand Canyon reached its highest level ever with approximately 6.4 million visits in 2018. Although 2022’s reduced visitation lessens the stress on the park’s resources, park operations still rely on the revenue from all income sources. Fewer visitors translates to reduced revenue for park programs. Federal Lands Recreational Enhancement Funds (aka FLREA), transportation fees, and concession franchise fees are still reduced compared to pre-pandemic years. Funds from these sources support many programs across the park and park managers continue to work on programming costs with these smaller revenue projections in mind for this fiscal year.

City of Flagstaff facilities to open noon Thursday, March 2 due to inclement weather

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Update: all City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will now open at 12 p.m. (noon) Thursday, March 2. Opening of these facilities had originally been scheduled for 10 a.m. today but is being extended to 12 p.m. (noon) due to significant inclement weather and poor road conditions. Facilities will close at their normally scheduled times. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

Discover Flagstaff — Find great Flagstaff events this week with Flagstaff 365

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Saturday, March 4
Orchestra Northern Arizona’s Spring Sing, Coconino High School

An evening featuring local soloists and Flagstaff composer Bruce Reiprich. 7 p.m.

Learn More

City of Flagstaff — Temporary suspension of residential trash and recycling collection service

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

Due to poor road conditions and limited accessibility related to recent snowfall, the City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste section has temporarily suspended residential trash and recycling collection services for Thursday, March 2. At this time, commercial trash and recycling containers continue to be serviced, where accessible.

The Solid Waste section will attempt to collect trash and recycling from both Thursday and Friday residential customers on Friday; however, some services may be postponed until Saturday. Service may be delayed for the next two to three days.

Residents are asked to wait to place their carts out for service until 6 a.m. the morning of service to allow for more efficient snow clearing operations. Please place residential carts in front of snow piles, on the curb, or at the end of cleared driveways to facilitate access. Carts placed on or behind snow piles will not be serviced due to accessibility issues.

Flood Control District Board Approves Two Essential Funding Sources for County Flood Mitigation

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2023 • Comments Off

At this week’s special session of the Flood Control District Board of Directors they approved acceptance of two new Federal grants that will enable the District to immediately proceed with the first phase of long-term flood mitigation projects.

The Schultz-Pipeline Flood Area is defined as the neighborhoods downstream of nine major watersheds damaged by the Schultz Wildfire in 2010 and the Pipeline Wildfire this past year. The District, along with several engineering partners, have determined that without extensive on-forest and neighborhood mitigation measures, the risk of life-threatening floods affecting our communities will only increase.

“The priority of local government is the health and safety of our citizens, and our citizens’ lives and homes were severely impacted this past monsoon season by the nine watersheds compromised by two major wildfires,” said Chair of the Board Patrice Horstman. “We want to thank Senators Kelly and Sinema and former Congressman Tom O’Halleran for their strong support with securing this unprecedented funding. Without it, the District and County would have likely had to cut other services to provide flood mitigation.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — We All Need Someone to Lean On

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y), sees you! We see all the ways you support folks in your neighborhood and our community! You are helping to “bring back the village,” and you’re doing great!

Let’s face it, life can be challenging, and too often, we are collectively stressed. Stress is normalized. We can acknowledge that some stress is good for us, keeping us thinking and maybe even providing us a boost to take necessary action. However, maintaining health requires that we offer ourselves opportunities to decompress. CCC&Y hopes you gift yourself with time to reconnect with yourself and those closest to you.

During this winter season, CCC&Y invites you to cozy up with some tea and a warm blanket and take a few mindful moments to recognize and honor your inner self and notice your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. (“Mindfulness for Parents and Professionals”). If our opportunity for Mindfulness feels supportive to you, we invite you to share it with others.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation March 2023 Update

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2023 • Comments Off

Book Corner

Blustery weather makes for the perfect time to curl up with a good book! 50 Things to do in the Urban Wild by Clare Gogerty is a book to get the creative juices flowing by giving you ideas for how to connect to your local area. Although written in the United Kingdom, the book is applicable to people living anywhere, including the diverse landscapes of Coconino County. Topics include how to create a leaf journal, how to identify trees in winter, cloud spotting, city hiking, and restoring natural habitats. Get inspired to enjoy your local trail system, nature, and wildlife. Maybe you can even learn skills that you can enter in the Coconino County Fair, with topics including growing plants and incorporating nature in art!

City of Flagstaff facilities closed Wednesday, March 1 due to inclement weather

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2023 • Comments Off

All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Wednesday, March 1 due to predicted severe inclement weather.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating Education in Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2023 • Comments Off

Workforce development is a topic we often turn to when we talk about the critical needs of northern Arizona businesses, but often that discussion focuses on post-secondary education, internships, and job training.

The fact is that creating tomorrow’s workforce goes back much further, starting in elementary, middle, and high school. Which is why we are so happy that there are several upcoming events that celebrate our local educators.

It starts this Thursday with the annual STEMMY Awards being given out by Flagstaff STEM City to honor students, teachers and organizations who are STEM leaders in the greater Flagstaff community. Last year, Audrey Baird of Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy took top honors for STEM educator.

Thursday’s ceremony will be from 6 to 7 pm at the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Proposed Hospital Relocation and Opportunities for Community Action

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

In This Issue:

The Proposed Hospital Relocation
Action Alert: Urge the City to Stop Banking with Wells Fargo
“Big Shift” Funding and Personnel Priorities
Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045
Action Alert: Beulah & University Realignment Project Open House
In Memoriam: Freda Van Houten

F3 hit the ground running in January and there’s a lot to report to our members. This newsletter contains important information, updates, and opportunities for community action.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library week of 02/27/23

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2023 • Comments Off

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library

City of Page Copper Newsletter — March 2023

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2023 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 20-24, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2023 • Comments Off

Highway 67…plowed?!

Last week, North and South Rim Road Crew staff successfully plowed 30 miles of Highway 67, from Jacob Lake to the North Rim boundary, for administrative use. A team of three including John Venn, Brandon Alberta, and John Root completed the operation over the course of one week.

The primary objective of road clearing was to provide for a diesel fuel supply for the back-up generators on the North Rim. After a series of powerful snow storms this winter that knocked out power service, this backup fuel source is critical to support the staff and continuity of operations. Additional objectives included the ability to provide emergency ingress/egress to and from the North Rim, as well as improving safety for residents by allowing administrative traffic in motor vehicles instead of snowmobiles.

Thank you to the North Rim staff who continue to weather repeated storms and impressive snow removal operations!

Warming Station Opens at Sinagua Middle School as Power Outages Continue in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

With many Arizona Public Service (APS) customers in Coconino County without power due to high winds and downed trees, the American Red Cross has opened a warming station in Flagstaff at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E Butler Ave in Flagstaff.

People needing to utilize the station may bring a bag or backpack of personal items; pets are allowed only with dog kennels or cat carriers, and owners must provide pet food.

Flagstaff facilities open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Feb. 23 due to inclement weather

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23 due to inclement weather and continued snowfall. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center.

Severe Storm Systems to Bring Snow, High Winds, and Hazardous Travel Conditions to Coconino County

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

The National Weather Service (NWS) is predicting three to four Winter storm systems to affect much of Coconino County from Tuesday night through Sunday. These systems are predicted be more impactful than recent storms in Northern Arizona.

Flagstaff facilities closed Wednesday Feb. 22 due to inclement weather

by Community Contributor • February 22, 2023 • Comments Off

All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Wednesday, Feb. 22 due to predicted severe inclement weather.

The City’s Public Works division has deployed all available equipment and operators during this winter snow event, with operations running 24 hours a day.

New Final Flood Maps Issued for Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2023 • Comments Off

On September 21, 2022, Coconino County announced that updated digital flood hazard maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Coconino County would become effective March 21, 2023.

The flood maps are known as Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). They show the extent to which areas recently re-mapped in Coconino County’s portion of Oak Creek Canyon are at risk for flooding. These flood maps are used to help determine flood insurance and building requirements. They replace maps that were based on studies more than 30 years old. Note that the flood maps for the portion of Oak Creek Canyon in Yavapai County are still being finalized.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Nationally Recognized Leader Liz Archuleta Chosen as New President & CEO

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Liz Archuleta, highly accomplished and nationally recognized leader, and former Coconino County Supervisor who has been serving as a presidential appointee in the Biden-Harris Administration as part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture senior leadership team, has been chosen to be the new President & CEO of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA).

“We are thrilled to have such a highly respected and accomplished leader as Liz join us,” said UWNA Board President Mike Kelly. “Her ties to UWNA and commitment to our program of work go back to 1997. During that time, she’s championed many efforts at UWNA. She’s been a Board chair, led an annual campaign and a capital campaign, been the chair of the Summit Society, and spearheaded a special 50th anniversary drive to support the KinderCamp program.”

2023 County Spelling BEE Winner and Runners-up Announced

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2023 • Comments Off

Cheryl Mango-Paget, County Superintendent of Schools, would like to announce Coconino County’s 2023 Spelling BEE winner is Calliope Hill from Montessori School of Flagstaff.

Calliope was determined the winner upon spelling the word “trilby” correctly after battling through the last few rounds with runner up Ember Evans from Flagstaff Christian School and third place winner, James Janik from Mount Elden Middle School. Congratulations Calliope Hill on winning the 2023 County Spelling Bee! You should be incredibly proud knowing your efforts and skills paid off and contributed to your recent achievement. Calliope Hill received $250 from the Flagstaff Rotary Club and will move on to compete in the State Spelling Bee on March 18, 2023.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 13-17, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

Cultural Demonstrator this weekend at Grand Canyon Visitor Center

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 17, 18, and 19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., stop by and meet Zuni fine art painter, Anthony Gchachu. He will discuss how he conceptualizes and executes his paintings.

Watch him work and learn how Zuni culture and art have influenced his unique painting style that uses layered acrylic paints to create texture, depth and movement to generate emotions.

This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

Board of Supervisors Approves Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

At their February 6, 2023 special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan.

In the fall of 2022, the public was able to provide comment on the draft of the Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan, which were factored into the final draft. The plan’s table of contents include the natural environment of the park, cultural resources and history, public use and facilities, and long-range planning. These topics address issues as varied as dark skies, weed control, emergency use, water conservation, preserving open spaces from damage, and preserving historic structures.

Public Comment Period for Proposed County Fair Fee Changes is now Open

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

The public is invited to comment on proposed Coconino County Fair admission fee changes until April 11, 2023.

The proposed recommended fees affect admission prices for adults, seniors, and active-duty military/veterans as well as the parking fee. Youth ticket prices would not change for the 2023 Fair but would change in 2024. Attendees ages 5 years and younger will not be affected by this change The Coconino County Board of Supervisors reviewed the fee changes at the regular meeting on February 6, 2023 and approved a 60-day public input process.

City of Flagstaff announces Presidents’ Day Closures

by Community Contributor • February 16, 2023 • Comments Off

City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 21 with hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Presidents’ Day 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.)

Coconino County delegation presents long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — A Coconino County delegation this week presented long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff.

“Our delegation to Washington D.C. had a very productive day of meetings. Supervisors Begay and Vasquez and County Flood Control District management presented Coconino County’s immediate and long-term plans for flood mitigation and forest restoration to several of Arizona’s representatives in Congress and their staff,” county officials reported.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — An opportunity to learn more about CCC&Y

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2023 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY —
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is focused on root causes and systemic solutions, proactively and boldly taking on challenges with an innovative and inclusive mindset.

We do this by bringing together informed and energized community members to solve problems, impact policy and create solutions that allow every person to realize their full potential.

Click here or on image above to see the full video and learn more about us.

United Way of Northern Arizona Administering Flagstaff ARPA Grants

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2023 • Comments Off

United Way of Northern Arizona will be administering $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds on behalf of the City of Flagstaff to benefit nonprofits recovering from challenges due to Covid-19.

The funds are intended to assist organizations working in Flagstaff that had an increased demand for services or suffered declines in fees or donations due to the pandemic.

There are three different categories that make up the funds:

Grant opportunities available for projects that enhance, revitalize public spaces

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2023 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff invites artists, individuals, community groups, schools and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant. Applications will be accepted through March 15 at 5 p.m. Up to $4,500 is available per project.

Specific projects that beautify and revitalize the urban environment can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals, mosaics and more. Priority will be given to community-driven efforts that provide a lasting benefit, such as building neighborhood relationships, fostering a sense of ownership and pride, inspiring playfulness, and greening the environment.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation February Update

by Community Contributor • February 6, 2023 • Comments Off

Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards Finalist

We are excited to share that our project is a finalist for the Arizona Forward Environmental Excellence Awards! Our project, Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park: Fostering Hope, Heritage, and Community Centered Environmental Education, honors the environmental education and communication work that Elizabeth “Liz” C. Archuleta County Park and Willow Bend Environmental Center are doing.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2023 • Comments Off

This week, the National Park Service (NPS) released details on 2023 investments that will improve access and facilities across the country, enhance climate and fire resilience, and further connect people with their national parks.

In the coming years, NPS and federal partners will make investments that will support Grand Canyon’s Shuttle Bus Maintenance Facility, Bus Fleet Replacement and Charging Infrastructure project.

The project aligns with the sustainability and climate change goals of converting the federal fleet to zero emission vehicles. It consists of acquiring 10 new battery electric buses (BEB) and 20 new near-zero emission compressed natural gas buses (CNG) to replace the aging fleet; installing charging infrastructure to support the electric buses, including a solar parking canopy; and replacing an obsolete and undersized vehicle maintenance facility.

City of Flagstaff Snow Play Stewards and Snow Heroes to be held on Feb. 2

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, in partnership with Coconino National Forest and Coconino County, is hosting a Winter Snow Play Clean Up on Thursday, Feb. 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at the corner of JW Powell Blvd and S. Lone Tree.

Members of the public are invited to help clean up trash, debris, and broken sled pieces from popular snow play areas with the Winter Snow Play Stewards to help keep our community’s play areas safe and clean.

Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2024 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2023 • Comments Off

The National Park Service on Feb. 1 will begin accepting applications for noncommercial river trip permits to raft the Colorado River through Grand Canyon National Park for specific launch dates within calendar year 2024. A total of 459 permits will be available for 12- to 25-day river trips. Eligible individuals may apply online at the weighted lottery website. Applications will be accepted online through noon Mountain Standard Time on Tuesday, February 21, 2023.

Each year in February, a main lottery is held to assign launch dates for river trips occurring the next year. Public notifications regarding main lotteries are made by both email and news release. In addition to the annual main lottery, follow-up lotteries are held as needed throughout the remainder of the year to reassign canceled and/or unassigned launch dates. Public notifications for these follow-up lotteries are made through email and Twitter.

City of Flagstaff announces Students invited to participate in climate action challenges

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2023 • Comments Off

Registration for the City of Flagstaff’s Youth Climate Action Challenge is now open! As part of this year’s event, three unique challenges are open to teams of 4th – 12th graders. Students can participate by implementing a climate action project in their community or by designing wind turbines and solar-powered structures to exhibit their knowledge in renewable energy. The challenges are an opportunity to develop leadership experience and illustrate local climate solutions. Now is the time for students to build their team, register, and demonstrate their leadership in climate action.

Board of Supervisors Receives First Presentation of Proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2023 • Comments Off

At the January 24, 2023 special meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, the Board viewed a presentation and provided direction in crafting a new ordinance regulating short-term rental properties in the county.

A new Arizona state law, enacted by the State Legislature in 2022 gives local governments the legal authority to regulate short-term rental properties within their jurisdictions.

The Board has acknowledged through public input that short-term rental properties have both positive and negative impacts on our communities and requested the County’s Community Development Department and the County Attorney’s Office to draft an ordinance specific to Coconino County’s unincorporated communities and neighborhoods.

Sedona Arts Center — FREE EVENT! Celebrate Sedona on Feb. 1

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2023 • Comments Off

This year, Vision & Sound opens at Celebrate Sedona on February 1 from 4 to 6pm, featuring music by Simply Renee and food by Not Your Routine Poutine. This free performance will also have Vision and Sound artists in attendance, artist demonstrations, and more. Free to the Public, food and beverages for sale, 21 to drink. Celebrate Sedona takes place in Uptown Sedona at Sedona Arts Center.

Coconino Community College — The Comet — ‘Adult Education learners at CCC take free English course’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2023 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Ana Roman met and became best friends with Montserrat “Montse” Rodriguez when they worked together at a Flagstaff restaurant. Rodriguez needed help studying for her United States citizenship exam that she was preparing for, and Roman was happy to help.

After Rodriguez passed her citizenship test with flying colors, the two young women continued taking English Language Acquisition for Adults courses in the Adult Education program at Coconino Community College. Successful in their studies, they were awarded a grant that allowed them to take a course at the college free of charge.

They chose ENG 101A, and they both passed their first official college course, and now the two are considering continuing down the college path.

“I was so scared,” Rodriguez said. “We were with students so young, so bright, who spoke English their whole lives. This class has taken me out of my comfort zone. This is a first step.”

United Way of Northern Arizona — NE Arizona Report Lays Groundwork for Strategic Plan

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

A recently completed United Way of Northern Arizona report on building capacity to help UWNA better address critical needs in Navajo and Apache counties has identified substance abuse/mental health issues, affordable childcare and afterschool programs, and creating a skilled workforce as top priorities for the northeast region.

UWNA retained Phoenix Philanthropy Group to create the report, which was based on interviews with nonprofit leaders, elected officials, economic development directors, healthcare and education professionals, as well as current and past members of the UWNA Board of Directors.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 23-27, 2023

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2023 • Comments Off

Winter safety tips!

South Entrance Station

We have received multiple reports of park employees and/or residents driving through the south entrance station without stopping. As a reminder, when the bypass lane is closed or inaccessible due to snow, all vehicles are required to come to a full and complete stop when driving through any of the lanes of the entrance station. A failure to stop is not only hazardous but could result in a serious accident to employees who routinely move between booths.

Parking – Safety Concern

Please do not park vehicles on roadways.
Vehicles parked inappropriately compound already hazardous conditions and they impede the plowing of roadways.
Please use designated parking areas.

County Board of Supervisors Approve Grant Match Totaling $12 Million to Secure Federal Funding for Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation Projects

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2023 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved the establishment of a new Flood Control District (District) Grant Match Fund at its meeting on January 24, 2023.

In late 2022, Congress approved $50 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to engineer and construct flood mitigation measures in the neighborhoods impacted by post-wildfire flooding from the Pipeline Fire.

Coconino National Forest Representatives Present Proposed Changes to Fire Restrictions to Board

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2023 • Comments Off

The Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) of the Coconino National Forest is considering fire restriction changes that would limit camping, campfires, and motorized vehicle use in strategic areas during certain times of the year when catastrophic wildfire risk is high to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires.

Proposed changes to fire restrictions would increase the boundaries of the existing year-round camping and campfire ban located adjacent to the City of Flagstaff. They would also forbid the use of motorized vehicles in areas around the San Francisco Peaks, Walnut Canyon, and Pumphouse Wash during Stage 2 fire restrictions. These areas have rough terrain and topography that increase wind speeds, which can limit firefighter ability to suppress wildfire starts. The areas under consideration would still be open for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use during Stage 2 fire restrictions.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides a variety of options in 2023 to help families, community members

by Community Contributor • January 25, 2023 • Comments Off

As we enter 2023, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth continues to connect families and community members with a number of options, including free educational resources, city resource guides, calendars of upcoming family events and a variety of programs offered by our more than 100 individual and nonprofit members.

The NAU Review — Health care theater, a real-life tooth fairy and what China’s politics mean for the future of our world

by Community Contributor • January 24, 2023 • Comments Off

Lights, camera, SCALPEL!
When the stage lights and hospital beds meet, greatness happens. Students from NAU’s School of Nursing and the Department of Theatre collaborated to create a simulation lab as part of the Health Care Theater Class, giving students hands-on experience in their respective fields of study.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y fondly remembers the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom

by Community Contributor • January 20, 2023 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

CCC&Y and community members fondly remember the life of founder Florence Mae Karlstrom who passed away on Jan. 8, 2023 in Amherst, Mass. She had recently celebrated her 100th birthday on Dec. 22, 2022.

“Many of us in Flagstaff remember Florence. The community we live in today has roots in her work, founding CCC&Y, serving on the FUSD Board, supporting United Way and the vision of early childhood education and development,” wrote consultant and coach Kerry Blume, former president and CEO of the United Way of Northern Arizona.

“I am so sorry to learn of Florence’s passing. … Florence also championed women’s rights and was instrumental in the budding women in history programs at NAU in the early 1970’s which included a cross department collaboration with Peg Morley and Katherine Nutt. Her commitment for building a better world led to focusing on children and the most vulnerable and resulted in the creation of what is now CCC&Y. She was a strong advocate for early childhood education. I worked on her successful campaign for FUSD school board and her unsuccessful campaign for state senate. A consummate community builder who led with compassion, intellect and kindness. During her 100 years many of us got to experience that warm smile and her grace. A life well lived. Her memory will always be a blessing,” wrote Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman.

“The acknowledgement of all of Florence’s accomplishments in her lifetime is truly amazing. I was never aware of Florence’s beliefs in life. But now being aware of them, they don’t surprise me. If you looked deep you would know that she was always giving of herself in a compassionate, love filled way, no matter what she did. In working with Florence most closely as we worked together on the school board, I found a woman who was strong in her beliefs, not afraid to share them and if necessary challenge others on theirs. At the same time, her quiet love of all of those she worked with and for came through. There were always those times when she would come to me to be sure all was alright. I knew she truly cared and loved those she worked with, no matter what may be going on. She continually demonstrated her faith of love and hope by the way she lived, whether we were aware of the reason or not. Children were always a top priority. I now wonder if we were all her children, no matter the age. How proud as a founder of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth she would be today, knowing of their many accomplishments. For us and our children she not only met the challenge of life, but found opportunity for the young and old in all that she did,” wrote Julianne Hartzell, past board president and member of CCC&Y’s Action & Outreach Committee.