Category: Government

Applicants Sought for Williams School District Governing Board Vacancy

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Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Williams Unified School District #2.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment for Williams Unified School District #2. 

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district. 
 
Applications can be downloaded at this address: http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication

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There Is Still Time To Return Your Early Ballot

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The Coconino County Recorder’s Office reminds early voters that voted early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, August 2.  The recommended deadline to mail your voted early ballot has passed.  Instead, early voters should drop their ballots off in person.

As of Tuesday, July 26, the Recorder’s Office has received 28% of the early ballots issued for the Primary Election.

Voted early ballots may be dropped off in one of the ballot-drop boxes or at any of the Early Voting sites located around the county.  For a list of Early Voting Sites or ballot-drop box locations visit the Coconino County Elections website at www.coconino.az.gov/elections

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Dragon Fire holding and meeting resource objectives at 1,309 acres

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Over the last several days, the Dragon Fire has been holding at approximately 1,309 acres in size. The 135-personnel assigned fire has had minimal spread due to monsoonal precipitation over the Kaibab Plateau.

Naturally ignited wildland fires play an important role in fire-adapted ecosystems by reducing dead wood accumulations to ash and releasing nutrients that stimulate new plant growth, and helping to regulate insect and disease levels. These fires also create a mosaic of burned and unburned vegetation, which increases habitat diversity and breaks up continuous fuels on the forest floor (branches, fallen trees, etc.) which can help limit or slow the intensity and spread of large wildfires in the future.

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Dragon Fire grows at a steady pace to 733 acres

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — As of July 22, the Dragon Fire grew to approximately 733 acres and has 47 personnel assigned. The fire spread across the planning area with low to moderate fire behavior. The lightning-caused fire began July 17 and is…

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Friday, July 22 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for August 2 Primary Election

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The Coconino County Elections Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the August 2 Primary Election is Friday, July 22 at 5 pm. Voters may request an early ballot by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select “Early Ballot Request” or they may call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860.

During the week of July 25 through July 29, voters will be able to vote an early ballot in person at one of the early voting locations listed below. 

Early voting is available Monday through Friday (unless otherwise noted) at the following locations:

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Water Conservation Implemented on South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Due to Water-System Issues

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Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory Level 2 water conservation measures due to diminished water resources. At Level 2, 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.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 18-22, 2022

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In this edition:

Community level HIGH–masking requirement indoors remains in place
Arizona and Grand Canyon Community Statistics
Vaccine Clinics in Grand Canyon and Tusayan on August 2
Reporting COVID symptoms is critical to limiting exposure and keeping our staff and community safe
Water conservation begins for South Rim Friday, July 22
Dragon Fire grows to 200 acres on North Rim
Tuweep day use pilot reservation program takes effect Thursday, July 21
Transcanyon Waterline Project Contract Solicitation
Closure of southwest boundary/Rowe Well Road beginning August 2
Desert View Construction update
Tusayan Pueblo Stabilization-2022
More …

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North Rim Dragon Fire updates now available on Inciweb

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Why is there smoke? Dragon Fire on the North Rim

This lightning cause wildfire is being managed for resource benefits including improved wildlife habitat and forest health.

Fire personnel are containing the wildfire in areas where it may pose threats to park resources or visitor safety

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Dragon Fire on North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park grows to 85 acres

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The Dragon Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is approximately 85 acres in size. The lightning-caused fire began July 17 and is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem.

Located 5 miles west of the North Rim Grand Canyon Lodge, the Dragon Fire is burning in continuous ponderosa pine forest. Fire managers plan to continue monitoring fire activity while buffering containment lines to the north and east of the fire. All actions are being based on firefighter and public safety as well as current and expected fire weather and environmental conditions.

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Flagstaff Library front entry plaza renovation to begin in August

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On Aug. 1, the Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library will begin construction on a new front entry plaza for its downtown location at 300 W. Aspen Ave. in order to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

This renovation project involves the entry approach to the Downtown Library and includes the installation of new sloping sidewalks and parking that meet and exceed ADA accessibility standards, with an inclusive design to support equity of access for all community members. Beautification and art will also be incorporated into the project, along with a public seating area near the library entrance.

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Flagstaff partners with APS to power city operations with 100% renewable electricity

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The City of Flagstaff is partnering with Arizona Public Service Co. (APS) to power city operations with 100% carbon-free electricity. The City is the first enrolled participant in APS’s newly launched Green Power Partners (GPP) program, which helps APS business customers accelerate their own sustainability goals and make a positive impact on the environment through renewable energy options. As a participant of GPP, the City of Flagstaff will make important progress to become carbon neutral and be ahead of schedule to meet its 2025 goal to use 100% renewable electricity for municipal operations.

“Our new partnership with APS is a testament to the City’s commitment to climate action and APS’s commitment to clean energy. We’re very excited that in securing 100% clean electricity for municipal operations, this partnership will allow Flagstaff to achieve one of the major milestones in our Carbon Neutrality Plan two years ahead of schedule,” says Mayor Paul Deasy.

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Vacancy Announced for Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review

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The Arizona Supreme Court has announced a vacancy for a public member representing Coconino County on the Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review. Coconino County invites all interested applicants to review the requirements and submit an application before the July 29 deadline.

The Arizona Commission on Judicial Performance Review meets four to six times a year in Phoenix. Members are volunteers and are reimbursed for travel expenses. Service on this Commission involves active participation with a commitment to attend most, if not all, of the meetings. 

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — July 11-15, 2022

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Project update-Grand Canyon school fiber project

Last month, Commnet completed a fiber optics project that will now bring improved high-speed capability and bandwidth to the Grand Canyon School from Williams. Now that Commnet has completed the fiber optic project servicing the school, the park is exploring ways to utilize the incoming improved telecommunications services for park administrative functions.

New NPS owned/operated telecommunications infrastructure may be installed, or additional telecommunications infrastructure owned and operated by a commercial entity could occur–which must be authorized through the Right-of-Way permitting process. A sub-group of park staff from the Telecommunications Inter-Disciplinary Team are meeting later this month to identify next steps for improving telecommunications capabilities for Grand Canyon.

We will keep park staff and our community informed of the progression of this project, as well as other future telecommunications updates.

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Coconino County Honored as 2022 NACo Digital Counties Survey Winner

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Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news that we have been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2022 NACo Digital Counties Survey

Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news that we have been recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2022 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government. 

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City of Flagstaff launches revised public input process for the Greater Observatory Mesa Trail Plan Draft

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The City of Flagstaff is revising the public input process for the Greater Observatory Mesa Draft Trail Plan. As part of the revised process, City staff will schedule additional meetings with adjacent neighborhoods and stakeholders to allow for in-depth discussions on initial feedback. The current survey on the Flagstaff Community Forum site will be closed and previously announced public meetings will be rescheduled to a later date. An updated version of the draft plan will then be shared with the public for review and feedback.

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United Way of Northern Arizona — How Agencies Came Together During This Fire Season

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In less than two months this spring, three major wildfires dominated our news as they charred land, displaced residents, and destroyed structures in their path.

One of the few silver linings during those eight weeks was how well individuals, nonprofit organizations and local governments came together to deal with the crises.

“What I find in Coconino County is that everyone works together like a family,” said Joel Bunis, who joined Coconino County Health and Human Services in January as its Outbreak Response Division Manager. “It’s all about connecting people with what they need.”

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Early registration ends on July 24 for First Things First’s Early Childhood Summitt on Aug. 18

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By First Things First

You have two weeks left to register at the early registration rate of $45 for the virtual First Things First Early Childhood Summit 2022. The standard registration rate increases to $55 on July 24.

FTF EARLY CHILDHOOD SUMMIT | AUGUST 18, 2022

You won’t want to miss keynote speakers Liz + Mollie. Based on their book, “Big Feelings,” their session will provide participants with tactical tips for how to combat burnout and effectively navigate uncertainty.

All Summit attendees will have access to all of the recorded sessions up to 60 days after the event.

Register today!

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Grand Canyon National Park ALERT: Roaring Springs System Failure to Meet Water Treatment Requirements; No potable water available along North Kaibab Trail

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Grand Canyon National Park’s water system recently violated a drinking water requirement. Although this incident was not an emergency, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct this situation.

On the morning of July 13, 2022, for more than 4 hours, we did not meet one or our treatment requirements to provide sufficient levels of disinfectant due to a waterline break near Ribbon Falls on the North Kaibab Trail. The break triggered loss of the chlorination and pressure for pumping in sections of the waterline, impacting the following areas: Manzanita, Cottonwood, Phantom Ranch, and the North Rim.

What should I do?

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Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim returns to normal water operations

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Park staff and contractors have successfully repaired the electrical system that supports water delivery from the Roaring Springs Pumphouse to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Water restrictions have been removed and the park has resumed basic water conservation measures.

An electrical failure north of Roaring Springs was identified on June 26, resulting in limited water services and water conservation measures. 

Grand Canyon National Park always operates under water conservation measures, encouraging all residents, visitors, and businesses to mindfully use water and adopt basic water conservation practices. 

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Invasive smallmouth bass found in Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam

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On July 1, 2022, juvenile smallmouth bass were found in the Colorado River below the Glen Canyon Dam. Smallmouth bass are a predatory non-native fish that have adversely impacted native and federally protected fish in the upper basin of the Colorado River over the last 20 years. The National Park Service (NPS) is working closely with partners and stakeholders to coordinate rapid response actions to address this finding in accordance with previously approved management plans.

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Early Voting For State Primary Election Has Begun

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Early voting for the August 2, 2022 Primary Election started Wednesday, July 6.  The Coconino County Recorder’s office mailed out over 47,000 early ballots to voters on the active early voting list (AEVL) and those who have requested a single election early ballot for the Primary Election.    

“Early voters decide how they want to return their voted early ballot:  by mail; by dropping it off in a ballot drop box or at an early voting location; or dropping it off at any polling location in the county on Election Day.  There has been a lot of misinformation about fraud associated with early voting.  This is just not true,” states Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen.  “We have numerous safeguards and procedures in place that would catch anyone trying to cast fraudulent early ballots.” 

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Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Mayoral Forum Recording, City Bonds, JW Powell and more!

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It’s been a packed couple of months and there’s a lot of information in this newsletter. This newsletter contains important updates and multiple opportunities for community input into important city projects. I encourage you to take time to read it!

In This Issue:
F3 Mayoral Candidate Forum Recording Available
Pipeline Fire Flooding Updates
City Bonds on November Ballot
Update: JW Powell Blvd Extension
Update: Pilot Bike Lanes Program, Beaver and Butler Avenues
Lone Tree Overpass Design Public Meetings in July
Apply for Flagstaff’s Climate Equity Advisory Committee
Community Input Sought
Featured Nonprofit: Townsite Community Land Trust

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Urgent Call for Sandbag Volunteers

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Coconino County’s Flood Control District, in partnership with the United Way of Northern Arizona, are once again making an urgent request for volunteers to help fill and place sandbags to mitigate the serious threat of post-wildfire flooding threatening homes in the Timberline, Wupatki Trails, Fernwood and Doney Park areas.

Beginning Saturday July 9, and operating daily through at least July 17, the United Way will be organizing volunteer events in an ongoing effort to meet the anticipated need of 800,000 sandbags as soon as possible.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 4-8, 2022

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Masking requirement indoors remains in place

Grand Canyon NP has been directed by the Department of Interior (DOI) to use Center of Disease Controls (CDC) COVID Community Levels to put in place guidance and masking requirements to protect our community, park employees, and visitors. Last week the CDC COVID Community Levels were High for the first time since this metric was used. Consequently, we were required to implemented masking for all individuals over the age of two, regardless of vaccination status, in all park buildings and in public transportation per DOI policy. As of Thursday, July 7, Coconino County has transitioned into Medium Community Level.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ​​​​​​​Arizona Voter Information Portal — Are you ready to vote?

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By the Arizona Voter Information Portal

The Arizona Primary Election is coming up on Tuesday, August 2! Take a moment to get ready to vote.

Check your registration status ASAP to make sure it matches your current address: https://tvote.org/3czO01W.
Still need to register to vote? Go to your state’s registration website.
Register online on or before Tuesday, July 5 to vote in this election.
Request your mail ballot; or
Any voter in your state can request an early/mail-in ballot. You can request an early/mail-in ballot online: https://tvote.org/2uFCvpc.
We recommend you request your early/mail-in ballot at least two weeks before the Friday, July 22 deadline to make sure you have time to receive and cast your ballot before the election.
Make a plan to vote in person.
Did you know you can vote early from Wednesday, July 6 to Friday, July 29? (Dates and times may vary by location.) Learn more about where you can vote early in your area: https://tvote.org/2Wn1pp9.
Planning to vote on Election Day? Great. We’ll send info about your voting location the day before the election so you know where to go.
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Flood risk assessment map available for Pipeline West area

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Some homes and businesses in Flagstaff face a heightened risk of post wildfire flooding due to the Pipeline Fire. Residents who live in the northwest area of Flagstaff, including the neighborhoods of Creighton Estates, Forest Hills, Lynwood, Cheshire, Valley Crest, Coyote Springs, Ridge Crest, Coconino Estates, and Rock Ridge Estates are encouraged to visit flagstaff.az.gov/PipelineWest to view the flood risk assessment map and determine how their residence is impacted. 

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United Airlines suspending service at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport beginning Oct. 30, 2022

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United Airlines has announced plans to suspend service at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and will review after six months. United Airlines currently provides direct service to and from Denver, Colorado and will continue service through the end of October 2022.

“We are disappointed to hear that United Airlines has plans to suspend service in and out of Flagstaff,” said Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Director. “Unfortunately, the airline industry is seeing service reductions nationwide due to increasing fuel prices and staffing issues. United flights out of Flagstaff are at 90% load capacity, meaning 90% of the seats are filled which is viewed as very successful in the commercial airline industry. We will continue to stay in contact with United during 2022 in hopes we can reestablish service in 2023.”

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Voter Registration Deadline is July 5 for August 2 Primary Election

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The deadline for Coconino County residents to register to vote in the Aug. 2 Primary Election is Tuesday, July 5. 

The qualifications to become a registered voter are:  You must be a U.S. citizen; be 18 years old by Election Day; reside within Coconino County; and not have any felony convictions, unless your civil rights have been restored. 

Registered voters who have moved, changed their name or wish to change their political party affiliation must re-register by the voter registration deadline. 

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Testing of Voting Equipment Resumes Tuesday

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The Arizona Secretary of State’s office, in cooperation with the Coconino County Elections Department, is in the process of conducting its mandated Logic and Accuracy Test of the ballots, tabulation equipment, program, and accessible voting equipment for the August 2, 2022, Primary Election in Coconino County.

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Board of Supervisors Adopts FY 2023 Budget, New Fiscal Year Begins

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The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget during a Special Session on Tuesday, June 28.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted a $408.8 million budget for FY 2023 during a Special Session on Tuesday, June 28. The FY 2023 budget includes strategic investments for public health and safety, mental health services, flood control, forest restoration, prosecutorial diversion, staffing resources, and leveraging significant federal funds to meet strategic and programmatic goals across Coconino County operations.

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Flagstaff celebrates 4th of July with a new laser light show

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Experience oohs and aahs or hoots and hollers along with big laughs, giggles, and smiles as you look up to an amazing night sky on the 4th of July in Flagstaff. This new laser light show will captivate your attention replacing the standard fireworks with a stunning display of multicolored lights and lasers in sync to fun music. “The shift from traditional fireworks to a laser light show was the responsible action to take due to extreme fire risk with the dry and hot conditions in the northland. It is extremely important to have a safe celebration and be fire aware,” said Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton. “And it is also important to have a yearly celebration that we can all anticipate and rely upon, without the disappointment that comes from frequent cancellation of fireworks.”

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 27-July 1, 2022

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Town of Tusayan July 4th Events

The Town of Tusayan has many events planned for July 4th, including music, food vendors, a kids corner, Native American Dancers, and a silent auction.

There will be a bike decorating contest and activities for kids at 3:30 p.m., a parade at 4:40 p.m., live music from 5:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m., and a drone and laser show beginning at dusk.

More information is available at the Town of Tusayan website here.

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City of Flagstaff Fourth of July closures

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Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed July 4, 2022 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen July 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

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Young Bi-Lingual Latino Professionals sought for Latino Loud PSA voting campaign

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orres Multicultural Communications is seeking young Latino professionals to participate on a Latino Loud PSA campaign to get out the vote. The campaign is funded by Chicanos por la Causa, through Torres Multicultural Communications and produced by Randy Murray Productions.

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Creative Flagstaff — Kick off your holiday weekend at ArtWalk!

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July’s ArtWalk is this Friday, July 1st!
Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, July 1st! Visit our info booth in Heritage Square from 4:30-8 pm to pick up an ArtWalk Map – your guide to downtown during First Friday! Go digital and use the online map here. Use the official ArtWalk map to make your way around downtown to our more than 20 participating galleries and businesses.

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Coconino County Removes Fire Restrictions

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In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, at noon on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Coconino County removed all staged fire restrictions formerly in place in unincorporated communities and recreation areas.

Most Forest Service restrictions and related forest closures on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as City of Flagstaff restrictions, will expire at that time as well. Forest closures in and near the Pipeline and Haywire Fire zones will remain in place. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full)

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Flagstaff Pulliam Airport advises you arrive 90 minutes early

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Ahead of the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport reminds travelers to arrive 90 minutes before departure to ensure a seamless experience during this busy travel period. New regulations, implemented by the airlines, require passengers to check in or check bags at least 45 minutes prior to departure.

“In order for the airlines to run required reports regarding the aircraft’s weight, airlines are unable to accept baggage less than 45 minutes before departure, so it’s important travelers arrive with plenty of time before takeoff,” said Barney Helmick, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport Director. “Flying out of Flagstaff is still your easiest option for northern Arizona travelers, we just ask that folks arrive with plenty of time to check in and check any bags.”

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Fire restrictions lifted at Grand Canyon National Park

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Effective immediately, Stage 2 fire restrictions are rescinded for the entire Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity throughout northern Arizona has significantly lowered the fire danger risk within the last week.

Grand Canyon National Park will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire always be in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Inner canyon users can use gas cook stoves, but campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

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City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions

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The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Tuesday, June 28 at 12 p.m. (noon).

Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

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Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $710 million to local economy in 2021

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A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 4.5 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park in 2021 spent an estimated $710 million in gateway regions near the park. That spending supported 9,390 jobs in the local area.’

“Grand Canyon is proud to be welcoming back more visitors from across the country and world since the beginning of the pandemic,” said superintendent Ed Keable. “We appreciate and rely on the partnership and support of our neighbors and are glad to be able to give back by helping to sustain local communities.” 

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Creative Flagstaff — June Updates from Coconino Center for the Arts

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The Sonnet Man has arrived in Flagstaff! Come set Shakespeare sonnets to hip hop music with rap artist Devon Glover, better known as the Sonnet Man. In this 5-day series of workshops, students will learn the ins and outs of Shakespeare’s writing before transforming his works into their own original projects. The residency will include 4 workshops each day, 9AM-12PM, for students ages 12-18. Hosted July 11th-15th, 2022. Members save $25. 

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North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Implements Stage 1 Water Conservation Measures

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Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park is initiating water conservation measures on the North Rim due to an electrical failure serving the Roaring Springs pumphouse.

Park staff and contractors are working to investigate the extent and location of damage to the system. The estimated timeline for repair and replacement of the electrical system is unknown and water conservation measures will remain in effect for the North Rim until further notice. Visitor facilities on the North Rim will remain open with water limitations for some services.

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Self-fill sandbag stations available in west Flagstaff for residents impacted by Pipeline Fire  

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The City of Flagstaff has established two self-filling sandbag stations for those impacted by the Pipeline Fire who live on the west side of Flagstaff. The first station is in Thorpe Park, at the parking lot at the north end of N. Aztec St. between Frances Short Pond and the softball fields. The second station is located at the intersection of Schultz Pass Rd and E Mt Elden Lookout Rd. (commonly called the Schultz “Y”). Maps of these locations are attached.  

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BAER team completes Soil Burn Severity map for Pipeline Fire

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Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) specialists recently completed their field data evaluation to produce the Soil Burn Severity (SBS) map for the Pipeline Fire, which delineate unburned, low, moderate, and high SBS categories.

The BAER team assessing the Pipeline Fire determined that approximately 1,310 acres (1%) of the fire is unburned, approximately 15,004 acres (56%) have low soil burn severity, approximately 9,141 acres (34%) sustained a moderate SBS and approximately 1,315 acres (5%) were identified as having high SBS.

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Grand Canyon National Park — ALERT: Drinking Water Advisory for North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon National Park

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Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a drinking water advisory for Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, and Phantom Ranch along the North Kaibab Trail within the backcountry of Grand Canyon National Park. 

All drinking water in these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. All other park drinking water is safe for consumption.  

If treating water:  

Follow manufacturer’s instructions on water filtration systems. 
Follow manufacturer’s instructions on water treatment tablets. 
To boil water, fill a pot with water, heat at ground level and allow bubbles to form. Allow water to boil for at least one (1) minute. Cool completely before drinking. 

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The ECoNA Q&A: NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera

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José Luis Cruz Rivera recently completed his first year as the 17th President of Northern Arizona University (NAU). To mark this anniversary, we asked him about key initiatives during his first year, NAU’s niche in the higher ed marketplace, what local restaurants he’s discovered, and his upcoming formal installation in September. You can see the full interview here.

Q: What do you feel your biggest success has been this first year?
A: Well, that’s an easy answer. The fact that I survived the Running of the Freshman at the first home football game!

In all seriousness, while there have been many success stories, I think my biggest success has been learning about and connecting with the people and organizations who live and work at NAU, in Flagstaff and throughout northern Arizona. It has been important to me from day one to understand the values here. Time will be the judge of my success leading and supporting the efforts of our awesome university community, but I have truly enjoyed listening and learning and still feel it is a privilege to serve as the President of NAU and live is this amazing and beautiful community.

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Voto Latino — Latinos in Battleground States support gun control & abortion rights

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Also see:

NBC News — Poll: Majority of Latinos in battleground states support abortion rights, gun reform

By Voto Latino

Latinos are the second largest voting bloc in the country and disproportionately reside in critical battleground states where they are also the fastest growing voting bloc. Candidates hoping to win in November and beyond will need to appeal to Latinos and the issues that matter to them. In order to understand how Latinos feel about two of the most salient issues in the country – abortion rights and mass shootings – Change Research surveyed 1,033 registered Hispanic and Latino voters in the seven key battleground states of Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania from June 2-7, 2022 on behalf of Voto Latino.1

A strong majority of Latinos are concerned about their personal safety from gun violence and believe weak gun laws are a major reason why perpetrators are capable of inflicting such carnage. Overwhelming majorities support many common sense gun safety laws Democrats have proposed and believe there would be fewer mass shootings if they were to be enacted. Latinos are also ready to reward leaders who take action on gun laws: an overwhelming 69% are more likely to support candidates who support the gun laws tested in this poll, including roughly half of Republican Latinos.

Latinos also fear for their reproductive freedoms as the conservative majority on the Supreme Court indicates it is prepared to overturn Roe v. Wade. Over two-thirds of Latinos support the right to an abortion in all or most cases.

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Deadline for submission of Thorpe Park Annex Property design concept is July 18

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The deadline for submission of Thorpe Park Annex Property design concept is July 18.

The City of Flagstaff is conducting a broad community outreach to develop a concept plan for an 8.5 acres parcel (Thorpe Park Annex) on the southeast side of Thorpe Park to incorporate into the larger regional park.

Since the 1950s, the Thorpe Park Annex is dedicated to the “exclusive use of Park, Recreational and Museum Purposes” by ordinance, but for the last 75 years the Thorpe Park Annex has been used as a Public Works yard and currently houses the Sustainability Program offices, parking in existing garage bays, and a few businesses.

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United Way of Northern Arizona — A Crowning Achievement — UWNA Grant Helps Launch New Shelter Service

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When COVID-19 made congregant shelter living a dangerous option for those experiencing homelessness, Flagstaff Shelter Services (FSS) stepped up by renting hotel rooms for their most immunocompromised clients. It was a successful – if expensive – way to continue to serve the homeless at the height of the pandemic.

It also led to an innovative idea: tap into funds available through the American Rescue Plan Act to acquire a hotel and rehab the units into emergency housing. With the support of the Arizona Department of Housing, FSS purchased a Route 66 hotel that years ago was the The Crown Motel and more recently operated as a Howard Johnsons.

Other groups helped support the launch of the new site, including the Forest Highlands Foundation and the Arizona Diamondback. A grant from United Way of Northern Arizona allowed FSS to hire a full-time manager for the new shelter complex, which is being renamed The Crown in a nod to the building’s history.

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Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: June 20-24, 2022

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Grand Canyon Star Party 2022 underway for 2022

The 32nd annual Grand Canyon Star Party is currently underway and is being held through Saturday, June 25, on both South and North rims. National parks such as Grand Canyon are protective havens for some of the last remaining dark skies in the United States. This is the first onsite event since 2019.

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim), with funding from Grand Canyon Conservancy and in partnership with the International Dark-Sky Association.

Amateur astronomers from across the country are volunteering their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Numerous telescopes offer views of planets Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars, as well as double stars, star clusters, nebulae, distant galaxies—and the Moon, earlier in the week. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

For additional information on the Grand Canyon Star Party visit http://www.nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit/grand-canyon-star-party.htm, or contact Rader Lane at 928-638-7641.

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Burned Area Emergency Response team assessing Pipeline Fire damage

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A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team has started surveying the fire-affected areas located within the Pipeline Fire perimeter.

BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape. These assessments determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow, and calculate how these risks will affect both human safety and the natural and cultural resources in the area.

The team, led by Forest Service Soil Scientist Eric Schroder, began conducting field surveys yesterday. In addition to field surveys, BAER teams use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area.

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