Category: Government

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Community level LOW–masking requirement indoors OPTIONAL

On Thursday, September 1, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to LOW. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Grand Canyon management has received updated information from the DOI and NPS on COVID guidance. We are reviewing this information and hoping to apply changes soon.

Additionally, the NPS Washington office has submitted new COVID guidance for concessionaires that removes mitigations that have been in place for building capacity, social distancing, and masking. We are working with the park’s concessionaires on these changes and expect most facilities to increase capacity indoors. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

Creative Flagstaff — OPEN NOW: Innovation & Capacity Grants

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

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Building safety plan review timelines extended due to staffing vacancies

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Due to a high number of staff vacancies and a high volume of permit activity, the City of Flagstaff is extending its current published building safety plan review times. The timeline for a building safety completeness review is being extending by five working days and the timeline for a building safety substantive review is being extending by 10 working days. It is always the goal of the City to process permits efficiently, while ensuring compliance with the adopted Building Codes. Once full staffing is achieved, the City will restore the previously published time frames for building safety plan reviews. The updated time frames are posted on the City’s website:

Residential Submittal Timeline https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/44019
Commercial Submittal Timeline https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/42127”

City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, CCC, other Labor Day closures

by Community Contributor • September 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed Sept. 5, 2022 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Sept. 6, 2022.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor 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 Coalition for Children & Youth — Ticket sales now open for the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 27

by Community Contributor • August 31, 2022 • Comments Off

50 Years of Creating Better Lives for Children and Families!

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Ticket sales are now open for the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s 50th anniversary celebration on Oct. 27.

You are invited to a delicious evening of fun and music as you support CCC&Y and celebrate our 50th Anniversary!

Please help us celebrate the stars in our community who helped make this last 50 years such a success – and come help us get the next 50 years off to a great start!

The event is open to all – and we are thanking our members with special discounted rates.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — F3’s Council Candidate Forum, the Housing Bond, and more!

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2022 • Comments Off

In This Issue:
F3’s City Council Candidate Forum October 1
Request for Volunteers to Assist at F3’s Candidate Forum
City & County Regional Plan Visioning Workshops
F3 Supports City Bond Proposition 442: Housing Bond
City Operations will be Powered with 100% Renewable Energy
Introducing Fossil Free Arizona

Coconino County Fair Celebrates 73rd Year This Weekend

by Community Contributor • August 30, 2022 • Comments Off

The 73rd Annual Coconino County Fair is this Labor Day Weekend, September 2 – 5, at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff. The county fair will include entertainment, food, vendors, and rides, with events for all ages.

Friday to Sunday, the fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Adult admission is $8 and youth and senior tickets are $5. Children 5 and under get in free! Parking is $5 per vehicle, with a free shuttle partnership with Mountain Lines Bus departing from the Northern Arizona University parking lot P62 on Pine Knoll Drive. The shuttle departs from NAU at 4 p.m. on Friday and runs every 40 minutes. Saturday to Monday, the shuttle departs from NAU at 10 a.m. and runs every 20 minutes.

Bat tests positive for rabies along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park biologists have received confirmation that a bat collected along the Colorado River in mid-August has tested positive for rabies. Wildlife managers generally report an increase in human-bat interactions in summer months. Individuals who have had physical contact with a bat are advised to seek medical attention and be assessed for appropriate medical treatment.

Rabies is a serious disease that can kill both animals and humans. Humans can contract rabies through contact with an infected animal’s saliva, such as a bite or scratch. Possible rabies infections should be considered in animals that exhibit unusual or aggressive behavior or that are not afraid of humans. All mammals are susceptible to rabies, including bats, skunks, and foxes. Although primarily nocturnal, bats observed flying during daylight is not indicative of a rabid bat.

Closure areas open on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park following the Dragon Fire

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

Effective immediately, all Dragon Fire closure areas on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park have been reopened to the public. These areas include the Tiyo Point Trail, the Widforss and Outlet Canyon backcountry use areas, and the Widforss Forest Trail.

The 1,362-acre lightning-caused fire began on July 17, 2022. The Dragon Fire has been allowed to fulfill its natural role within a fire-dependent ecosystem.

Application for Neighborhood Sustainability Grants open Sept. 1

by Community Contributor • August 29, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office invites the public to apply for a Neighborhood Sustainability Grant. The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant program is a competitive grant program that funds community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation.

Police academy OK’d by CCC governing board

by Community Contributor • August 26, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board approved agreements to begin a police academy and to start working on a partnership among community colleges in northern Arizona to share resources in order to better serve students.

During the Aug. 17 meeting, CCC Provost Dr. Nate Southerland presented an Oct. 3, 2022, start date for the first police academy at the college after possible program approval by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board. The police academy will start off as non-credit, but after curriculum approval, the program will give recruits credits to apply toward associate and higher degrees.

Southerland then shared information with the board on an agreement in the works with Northland Pioneer College, Mohave Community College and Yavapai College to share resources to better serve students in northern Arizona. Among the items discussed would be the sharing of courses and other services to extend a more robust level of service to students in the region. Talks are ongoing and intergovernmental agreements are planned for the near future.

Grand Canyon National Park Ranger Della Yurcik Receives the 2022 Harry Yount Award

by Community Contributor • August 25, 2022 • Comments Off

Della Yurcik, Backcountry Park Ranger at Grand Canyon National Park, has been selected to receive the 2022 National Park Service (NPS) Harry Yount Award for excellence in the field of rangering. The Harry Yount Award annually honors a NPS Ranger who consistently excels in the performance of duties that serve park visitors and protect the natural, historical and cultural resources of parks. The award is named after the nation’s first park ranger and is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a park ranger today.

First Monkeypox Cases Identified in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) announced the first confirmed cases of monkeypox in Coconino County. The two cases were tested in separate healthcare facilities and are unrelated. The individuals are recovering while following isolation guidance. As of August 22, 2022, 258 monkeypox cases have been reported in Arizona and more than 15,000 cases have been identified in the United States.

Monkeypox symptoms can be similar to the flu with a rash and usually resolve within 2 – 4 weeks. The illness can produce a rash that can look like pimples or blisters on the face, the inside of the mouth, hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus. Infection typically starts with a fever and can be accompanied by chills, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue.

Coconino County Acquires Important Kachina Village Parcel, Protecting Wetland Habitat

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

Protecting, preserving, and caring for our environment is a core value of Coconino County’s Mission Statement, and the county’s Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the acquisition of six acres of open space wetland near Pumphouse Wash in Kachina Village. Because of their unique characteristics, wetlands are important features in the natural landscape that provide numerous benefits for people and wildlife which include protecting and improving water quality, providing wildlife habitats, storing floodwaters, and maintaining surface water flow during dry periods.

This particular parcel is an important addition to the Pumphouse County Natural Area, which is a part of the Oak Creek watershed. Oak Creek has a special designation as a Federal “unique waterway,” and the acquisition will protect the land from development, which would have a negative impact to this sensitive and unique parcel and its biodiversity.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Flagstaff Regional Plan Visioning Starts This Week!

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s time to start providing input into the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County’s Planning Process.

The Regional Plan is a policy guide and serves as the general plan for the City of Flagstaff and an amendment to the Coconino County Comprehensive Plan. It reflects the community’s vision for the future, and describes how the community wants to grow and change over the next 20+ years. The current Regional Plan was adopted in 2014 and this new update will guide future growth and development in our region.

Fee Proposal Changes for Coconino National Forest Recreation Areas

by Community Contributor • August 23, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino National Forest is seeking public input on proposed fee implementation at six specific high-use recreation sites to provide consistent maintenance and keep these sites and trails at a level of quality visitors have come to expect. The deadline for comment is Aug. 31, 2022.

The following sites are under consideration for the fee implementation. Red Rock Passes and the Interagency America the Beautiful pass will continue to be honored at these sites.

Coconino County Flood Control District Briefs Federal Officials on Long-Term Flood Mitigation Plan

by Community Contributor • August 22, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Flood Control District hosted Congressman Tom O’Halleran and officials from the United States Department of Agriculture, United States Forest Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Federal Highway Administration, and the City of Flagstaff for a comprehensive briefing and tour of the Schultz/Pipeline Flood Area.

Flood Control District officials presented the District’s long-term plan for flood mitigation, briefing Congressman O’Halleran and federal officials about the new situation communities now face after nine critical watersheds were severely damaged by the recent Pipeline Fire. Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani, along with engineering partners, also presented a thorough long-term plan for flood mitigation on the east and west side of the San Francisco Peaks.

Community celebrates renaming county park for former District Supervisor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta

by AmigosNAZ • August 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Under often Monsoon storming skies, more than 100 community members gathered at the now former Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park to rename the park for former District Supervisor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta.

Sheltered under the large canopy, well-wishers gathered to hear speeches from members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, local officials, friends, and most movingly family members of Archuleta on Aug. 13.

The event also included live music, park tours, children’s activities, a book signing, and recognition of the new amenities at the park, including a new mural design.

Flagstaff and Coconino County to host public workshops on updating the Flagstaff Regional Plan

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County will host a series of ten public workshops starting Aug. 22 and continuing through November to create a shared vision for the Flagstaff region through 2045 and beyond. These discussions are the first participatory workshops in this multi-year process. 

To chart a path for Flagstaff’s future, residents and staff need to reflect on its past, discuss its present, and dream about its future. These workshops will focus on visioning, which is a process that brings together diverse community members for conversations to guide the next version of the Regional Plan. A schedule of workshops can be found below.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Busy Summer for Volunteers

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

It’s been a non-stop summer for United Way of Northern Arizona volunteers as we worked together to help with post-fire recovery efforts, prepare for the increased possibility of flooding, and even help out at a couple of this year’s KinderCamp™ events.

Before we take a look at the work done – and a few upcoming events – we’d like to take a moment to thank everyone for their hard work so far this season.
The Numbers So Far: More than 1,500 Volunteer Hours

New Opioid Recovery Program Funded by Grant from Arizona Attorney General

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

In 2017, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency and announced a strategy for law enforcement and health professionals across the country to combat the opioid crisis, with an emphasis on improving access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

This year, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) has been awarded a grant from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for Local and Tribal Government Opioid Abatement in the amount of $2.5 million. At the August 9 Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board took swift action to authorize the addition of the grant funds to the CCSO budget. With these funds, CCSO now commence a collaborative partnership with the Jail District and Coconino County Health and Human Services to provide a new service and support-oriented diversion program focusing on assisting those recovering from opioid addiction in their recovery and re-entry into the community.

Grand Canyon National Park Crew Leader, Matthew Snider, Earns 2021 Director’s Award for Natural Resources

by Community Contributor • August 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Matthew Snider, Compost Crew Leader at Grand Canyon National Park, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 National Park Service (NPS) Excellence in Natural Resource Stewardship through Maintenance award. This award recognizes an employee for outstanding contributions in natural resource management by a Facilities Management employee. This award is given to one individual, once a year.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y provides variety of free training webinars for families, community organizations

by Community Contributor • August 17, 2022 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY —
Coconino County has endured a number of challenges in recent years, including the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resulting physical closures of schools, daycare centers and afterchool education programs and the switch to a more virtual world.
As we return to some semblance of normal, challenges still remain for families, youth, educators and organizations.
Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth wants to help. As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary on Oct. 27, 2022 at the High Country Conference Center, we want to remind the community of our growing library of on-demand webinars, to help the public gain the tools they need to provide trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences, address issues such as bullying and the support to adults and youth through the use of mindfulness practices.

South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park lifts water onservation measures as water levels return to normal

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park lifted its mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim when water storage reached an acceptable level on August 15.

Water conservation measures are generally prudent in the desert west to conserve water resources. Measures such as watering lawns/plants only as needed, washing cars infrequently; filling the sink with water while washing dishes; reporting drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices; turning off water while not in immediate use for shaving and brushing teeth; running dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads (and in eco mode if available), and taking shorter showers are all good conservation practices to have everyday.

Unsanctioned survey circulating on 2022 election propositions

by Community Contributor • August 15, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff has become aware of a survey circulating by text message on the 2022 election propositions that includes inaccurate and misleading information. The survey, which appears on the website opinion-counts.com, is not sanctioned by the City nor is it supported by the City in any way. It is currently unknown which organization or individual created and published the survey.

Community celebration to rename county park for former District Supervisor Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Archuleta to be held on Aug. 13

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Parks & Recreation has announced that members of the community are invited to a public dedication and re-naming ceremony of Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature County Park in honor of a former member of the Board of Supervisors and long-time member of the local community, Elizabeth “Liz” Archuleta from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 13 at 703 E. Sawmill Road, Flagstaff.

There will be speeches from local elected officials, live music, park tours, children’s activities, a book signing, and recognition of the new amenities at the park, including a new mural design.

The first Latina to be elected to the Board, Archuleta served in her position for more than 24 years. In that time, she also served as President of the County Supervisors Association and as Chairwoman of the National Association of Counties Public Lands Steering Committee, where she worked to bolster rural schools and forest health. Archuleta also served as Vice President of the National Association of Latino Elected & Appointed Officials and served on the Governor’s Arizona Statewide Water Advisory Council.

She currently serves in the Biden Administration as the Director of the Office of External & Intergovernmental Affairs at the United States Department of Agriculture. In this capacity, she serves as the department’s liaison to state, county, local, tribal officials and other stakeholders.

City hosts event celebrating National Navajo Code Talkers Day on Aug. 14

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff will celebrate National Navajo Code Talkers Day with an event on Sunday, Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the NACET Conference Room (2201 N. Gemini Rd.). Members of the public are welcome to attend. The event will feature a variety of speakers, including a Navajo Code Talker family member, a Pat Tillman scholar and youth advocates. An honor walk/ run hybrid 2K event will also be held at 9 a.m. at Buffalo Park.

City of Flagstaff announces volunteer opportunities available to create sandbags

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Flagstaff community members who would like to volunteer to support residents impacted by Pipeline Fire post-wildfire flooding on the west side of Flagstaff are invited to assist in filling sandbags. Volunteers are encouraged to visit either of the City’s self-fill sandbag stations (locations below) anytime during daylight hours, seven days a week to create sandbags. Empty sandbags and cinder sand are provided at the sites. Volunteers are encouraged to bring gloves, sun protection, shovels, and water for hydration. Completed sandbags can be left at the sites, where they can then be picked up by residents impacted by flooding. Self-formed groups, such as school groups, church groups, or other organizations are especially encouraged to volunteer. Volunteers can learn more about how to properly build sandbags a twww.flagstaff.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/72613/Sanbags-Poster.

Applicants Sought for the Fredonia Moccasin Governing Board Vacancy

by Community Contributor • August 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Fredonia Moccasin School District #6.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 8-12, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2022 • Comments Off

On Thursday, August 11, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the Coconino County Community Level to LOW. People may choose to mask at any time. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

Please note that this standard is flexible depending on conditions in Coconino County. It is possible that we may return to a mask requirement under this guidance if conditions in Coconino County returns to a HIGH community level.

Updates on local community levels for Coconino County will be posted and updated on the main nps.gov/grca webpage under the ‘Alerts’ section. This information will be updated weekly on Thursdays by the CDC.

We will keep employees, our stakeholders, and the public informed of any new developments as soon as they become available. For those wishing to post this signage outside of buildings and in workspaces, please see the attached signage.

Watch California Condors take their first flights in the wild during the 27th annual public condor release, in-person and live-streamed! on Sept. 24

by Community Contributor • August 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The Peregrine Fund and Bureau of Land Management at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument are hosting a celebration on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 24 by releasing captive-bred California Condors at 1 p.m. MDT (noon MST, northern-Arizona Condor Time) to take their first flights in the wild. The event will be held in-person at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument for anyone interested in traveling to the area, and it will be live streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube Channel.

The Arizona-Utah California Condor conservation effort is a cooperative program by federal, state, and private partners, including The Peregrine Fund, the Bureau of Land Management in Utah, the Bureau of Land Management’s Vermilion Cliffs National Monument, Arizona Game and Fish Department, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Grand Canyon and Zion National Parks, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, and Kaibab and Dixie National Forests among many other supporting groups and individuals.

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

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2022 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary on Oct. 27, 2022 at the High Country Conference Center, 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.

Discover Flagstaff — Enjoy family concerts, cultural events and more this weekend with Flagstaff 365!

by Community Contributor • August 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Family Pops Concert by Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, Pepsi Amphitheater at Fort Tuthill Park. This festive outdoor event includes a program of exciting animal-themed music, face-painting, and an instrument “petting zoo” where they can pick up an instrument, learn how to hold it, and even try playing it! 3-5 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 13.

Coconino County Health and Human Services Ready to Respond to Monkeypox

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in partnership with state and federal partners, is responding to the recent increase in monkeypox illness in the United States. Although no cases have been identified in Coconino County, 102 monkeypox cases have been reported in Arizona as of August 5, 2022, and more than 7,000 cases have been identified in 49 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC).

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Launches New Website

by Community Contributor • August 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) is pleased to announce the launch of a new website with a modern design, increased functionality, and innovative features. The website flyflagstaffaz.com provides accessible resources for travelers and the community.

Commonly searched travel information such as flight tracking, parking details, and airline information is prominently featured along with community, pilot, and general aviation resources. Content is strategically located in an intuitive interface with a contemporary, clean layout.

Grand Canyon National Park Initiates Water Conservation Measures

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Effective this weekend, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures due to diminished water resources and storage on the South Rim. This measure is a reversal from earlier this week when water restrictions were lifted, as park managers have learned that storage tanks on the rim are not refilling at a sustainable rate. Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms, and at the campgrounds.

Conservation measures require that all concessions operations switch to disposable dishes and utensils; alter menus to use less water for food prep and dish washing; adopt low water use for hotel room cleaning; and serve drinking water at restaurants by request only.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library week of 8/8/22

by Community Contributor • August 8, 2022 • Comments Off

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Interim president selected for CCC

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2022 • Comments Off

The District Governing Board for Coconino Community College has selected Dr. Christal M. Albrecht to serve as Interim President while the search for a permanent president is underway.

Dr. Albrecht and her husband are in the process of establishing a temporary residence in Flagstaff and will be on campus in the next two weeks. Dr. Albrecht is recently retired after serving seven years as the president of Alvin Community College in Alvin, Texas.

“The Board found her experience, educational philosophy and enthusiasm met our exceptionally high expectations set by the legacy of Dr. Colleen Smith,” said Board Chair Dr. Nat White, adding that the selection was made after the Board reviewed the qualifications of four highly experienced candidates suggested by the Association of Community College Trustees, the college’s search consultant.

“I am honored to be selected as the interim president at Coconino Community College,” Dr. Albrecht said. “I can’t wait to get started. Although I will be with the college only a few months, my goals are to exceed the Board’s expectations and to ensure a smooth transition for the next president. Go Comets!”

Arguments Sought ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Jail District Tax Extension

by Community Contributor • August 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County’s jail system is administered and operated through a Jail District (District) by the Coconino County Sheriff, who is delegated by Arizona Revised Statutes as keeper of the jail. The District is currently funded by a half-cent excise tax, which expires in 2027. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors serves as the Jail District Board of Directors.

On the upcoming General Election ballot, the District Board of Directors will ask Coconino County voters to extend the existing Jail District tax for maintaining and operating Coconino County jails for 25 years until 2052.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Aug. 1-5, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Native American Heritage Days take place this weekend on North Rim

The 27th Annual North Rim, Native American Heritage Days will take place on the grounds of Grand Canyon Lodge, this Friday, August 5, through Sunday, August 7.

Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon region. Starting around 9:30 a.m. each day, special programs will be presented by tribal members on a variety of subjects, including, astronomy, cultural connections, and Native American music and dance performances. A variety of cultural artisan demonstrations will also be taking place, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. each day.

Some of this year’s demonstrators will include:

Richard Graymountain from Southern Paiute – Basket Weaving
Jessica Lomatewama – Hopi – Katsina Carving and Basket Weaving
Henry Nez Dine (Navajo) – Silversmith Jewelry making
Duane Maktima – Hopi/Laguna Pueblo – Silver Jewelry/metalsmithing
Leann & Tavavee Shearer “Kaivavich” Kaibab Paiute – traditional clothing creation
Lyle Harvey Dine Navajo – Loom Construction/Weaving

A full flyer of all the Heritage Days Demonstrators is available here.

Heritage Days began in 1993 as “Paiute Days” which celebrated the Paiute, the tribe most associated with Grand Canyon’s North Rim. In 1997, the event was expanded to include all 11 of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes with cultural ties to the canyon.

The schedule for each day is available on the Park’s website and mobile app, by clicking on the “calendar” button. A full flyer on the event is also available here.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Providing an Alternative Route to Homeownership

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Becoming a homeowner in Flagstaff has never been easy, but this year the barriers have been particularly high, with the median average price of a single-family home well above $700,000 by this summer.

Combine that with hikes in mortgage rates and overall inflation pressures, and it was a triple whammy that dashed the dream of homeownership for many who live and work in northern Arizona.

Public, nonprofit, and private entities are working together to give some relief by producing starter homes through Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona (HFHNA) that are small-scale, affordable, and meant to create equity quickly for homeowners.

The group is currently building the first of these homes in Flagstaff’s South Side, but it is likely the effort will grow exponentially in the next five years under a plan to build at least 40 of the units at the new Timber Sky development on West Route 66.

“The escalation of home prices has closed the window for a huge amount of middle-class people,” said Eric Wolverton, Executive Director of HFHNA. “This isn’t about serving the poorest of the poor. We are looking to create workforce housing.”

Creative Flagstaff — Join us for First Friday ArtWalk (on Aug. 5)

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

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Board of Supervisors Receives National Recognition at Annual Conference

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The National Association of Counties (NACo) held its 2022 Annual Conference in Adams County, Colorado at the end of July. The Board of Supervisors advanced policy resolutions, accepted two national awards, moderated and participated in panels with colleagues from around the country, and received NACo presidential appointments to key leadership positions on the NACo Board of Directors and key policy committees.

Flagstaff launches two new residential food scrap drop-off locations

by Community Contributor • August 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites the public to use two new residential food scraps drop-off locations at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth St) and Bow and Arrow Park (3701 N Cochise Dr). To use the free drop-off locations, residents can take the City’s brief online survey to receive a bin access code, collect acceptable items at home, and bring them to either location.

Drop-off locations are serviced by contractors who weigh, sort, and transport materials to several small-scale farms in and around northern Arizona. Materials are processed onsite at the farms and incorporated into the soils to support regenerative agriculture, the local food system, and healthy ecosystems.

South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park lifts Water Conservation measures as water levels return to normal

by Community Contributor • August 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park lifted its mandatory water conservation measures when water storage on the South Rim reached an acceptable level, Aug. 1.

Water conservation measures are generally prudent in conserving our water resources at any given time, such as watering lawns/plants only as needed, washing cars infrequently; filling the sink with water while washing dishes; reporting drips, leaks, or other water loss to appropriate offices; turning off water while not in immediate use for shaving and teeth brushing; running dishwashers or washing machines with only full loads (and in eco mode if available), and taking shorter showers.

Creative Flagstaff — Join us this Thursday, August 4th, for NIGHTCAP featuring an artist talk by Tyrrell Tapaha

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Alert: Petition Signatures Needed to Stop School Voucher Expansion

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The Arizona Legislature voted this June to pass universal ESA vouchers. This impacts public education in the state by diverting over $1 billion away from public schools. The Legislature defied the will of 1.5 million Arizona voters who overwhelmingly rejected this dangerous voucher expansion in 2018 through Prop 305.

Arizona voters have one chance to stop this bill from going into effect – a referendum of HB2853 (Universal ESA Voucher Expansion): “Stop Voucher Expansion.” The Arizona Constitution allows voters the right to determine whether a law can go into effect via a referendum.

In order to stop the Voucher Expansion, 118,823 valid signatures must be collected before September 24, 2022. This will put the law on hold until the November 2024 election, when AZ voters will be able to eject these destructive universal ESA vouchers.

Election Day Aug. 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • August 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Who is eligible to vote: All registered voters.

Deadline to return voted early ballot: August 2, 7:00 pm

Locations to drop off voted early ballots:

Any ballot drop box -https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/51730/Coconino-County-Ballot-Drop-Box-Locations-2022-Primary-Election
Any polling location in the county between 6 am to 7 pm on Election Day

Coconino County Fair now hiring event staff!

by Community Contributor • August 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Help put the “County” into the Coconino County Fair!

Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hiring for the 2022 Coconino County Fair, taking place at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, AZ on Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5, 2022.

Each year the Coconino County Fair employs approximately 40 part time (temporary) employees. Positions hired for the fair include: admission cashier/floater, admissions money runner, ice crew, mascot & mascot handler, parking staff, ticket scanners, and more.