The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags and trash bins throughout neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls. Materials will be available from May 13 through July 1, 2022.
The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is looking for nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year.
The award is a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.
To nominate a teacher and for other award categories, please submit a completed Coconino County Nomination Form.
NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky is an international juried art exhibition at Coconino Center for the Arts that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 8th iteration, we are excited to expand upon the exhibition concept in honor of the legacy of Flagstaff astronomer Carolyn S Shoemaker (June 24, 1929 – August 13, 2021) and her collaborations with husband and geologist Eugene Shoemaker (April 28, 1928 – July 18, 1997), with the inclusion of archival astronomical elements alongside the work of contemporary artists.
Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County.
We’ll be publishing each month, typically on the first Friday, to make sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as residents of Coconino County.
Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.
We hope that you’ll join us this Saturday for our celebration of Elevate PreK’s successful first year. In case you haven’t had a chance to register. please do so here.
Our keynote speaker will be early childhood education advocate Rhian Evans Allvin, the driving force behind the establishment of First Things First.
Educators, business community leaders and experts will also speak to why increasing access to high-quality, year-round preschool education helps not only our children, but our workplaces and communities as well.
Fire restrictions remain in Stage 1 for Grand Canyon
Fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as the Town of Tusayan, will be in effect beginning today Thursday, May 5. Under these restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site is prohibited on these lands. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is also prohibited in all federal buildings.
Grand Canyon National Park will remain in stage 1 fire restrictions, as we do year-round, which requires that campfires 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.
‘Social Peak Collective’ Launches Pop-Ups
There’s no doubt that the greater Flagstaff area is rich in resources to help people with basic needs. Between government services and non-profits, there are scores of programs that can assist families with everything from food insecurity to health screenings to utility expenses
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present Historical Trauma with Iya Affo Training & Discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.
Click here to register
We know from speaking to the community many have been impacted by injustice and inequity.
A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.
All Welcome!
Raffles & More
With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils.
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
Downtown Flagstaff. One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events held in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.; free.
Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, May 6th! Come see us at our info booth in Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up an ArtWalk Map – your guide to downtown during First Friday! Go digital and use the online map here.
Please join us on May 5th in the main gallery of Coconino Center for the Arts. The steering committee of the city’s Dark Sky Arts and Ideas Festival (working title) along with hired consultants from Canary Studio will present on a proposed concept and potential naming for the city-wide festival.
As stakeholders, we want your input and feedback on festival branding, your needs for participation, and feedback on the proposed concept. Your input is important as we move forward with festival planning.
The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Sunday, May 15 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2022 season. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence their 2022 seasonal operations on this date.
Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Office will open at 8 a.m. Information on daily Park Ranger programs will be available at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2022 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2022.
Northern Arizona University, Nestle Purina, Suddenlink and OneAZ Credit Union are leading the way in providing funds to help those who have been impacted by the Tunnel Fire. Together they have contributed $45,000 to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund.
These funds will be used to help people impacted by the fire meet immediate needs and offer assistance as they rebuild and recover. The blaze, which as of last night was 89% contained, has destroyed more than 100 structures, including 30 homes northeast of Flagstaff.
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 5, 2022.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are still allowed at private residences and private campgrounds within city limits.
Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.
Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.
A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began surveying the fire-affected areas within the Tunnel Fire perimeter this past Saturday.
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 Tunnel Fire BAER team, led by Forest Service Hydrologist Brendan Waterman, will conduct field surveys, and use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area.
The communities along the Highway 89 corridor, north of Flagstaff, from Campbell Avenue to the north entrance of Forest Service Road 545 (Wupatki National Monument) will be downgraded from “SET” (Pre-evacuation) to “READY” status.
“READY” status means- you are aware of and monitoring fire activity in your area. You should have basic plans in place for yourselves, important documents, medications, pets and livestock in the event that a “GO” message is received.
A burst of fushia in the inner canyon this week (NPS Photo/D. Yurcik)
This year’s fire season is off and running in the Southwest with four Type 1 Incident Teams already deployed for fires in the region. Earlier this week our wildland fire seasonal staff arrived and began fire training and annual pack tests continued through this week (see photo above).
In the coming weeks, park managers will be coordinating with the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests to assess fire restrictions and determine if the park will need to transition to fire restrictions in the near future. As of Thursday, 4/28, the Tunnel Fire north of Flagstaff, was at approximately 19.075 acres with 43% containment. More information on the Tunnel Fire can be found by visiting the Tunnel Fire Inciweb site here.
The Coconino County Elections Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the May 17 Coconino Community College (CCC) Special Election is Friday, May 6. Voters on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) should have already received their early ballot by mail. If not, you should call the Elections Office.
If you are not on the AEVL, but would like to get a Special Election early ballot by mail, you have until Friday, May 6, at 5:00 pm to make that request.
To request a ballot be mailed to you, voters may call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or toll-free 800-793-6181. Voters may also request an early ballot online at www.coconino.az.gov/elections and by clicking on “Early Ballot Request for May 17, 2022 Special Election.”
With Earth Day just behind us and Arbor Day tomorrow, it seemed like a good time to discuss the myriad of sustainability initiatives in northern Arizona, which are both on the ground and in the skies.
In Flagstaff, many of these green efforts are centered around Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
Both commercial airlines that operate at the airport – American and United – are working towards reducing their carbon footprint through the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which has the potential of providing the power of traditional jet fuel but without being refined from petroleum.
Current Situation: Containment on the Tunnel Fire increased to 43% on Wednesday evening due to firefighters’ continued hard work to mop up and secure the fire’s perimeter in the Sunset Crater National Monument and Black Mountain areas.
The Orpheum Theater.NAU’s student-led UTV Studios presents the NAU 2022 Film Festival LIVE at the historic Orpheum Theater in downtown Flagstaff. 5 p.m.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
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City of Flagstaff elected officials and staff have been closely following the events surrounding the Tunnel Fire and are deeply saddened by the fire’s impacts on families and neighborhoods in the area.
The City has played a supporting role in addressing this catastrophic event. After receiving a request for assistance, City of Flagstaff Fire Department units, in addition to units from Summit Fire and Medical District, Highlands Fire District and other first responders were on scene to fight the fire and defend values at risk.
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites members of the public to participate in Drop-off Day 2022. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flagstaff Police Department (911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001).
The Sustainability Office is excited to partner with the Flagstaff Police Department, Flagstaff Hazardous Products Center, Coconino County, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Ponderosa Medical Waste Services, and R3Ewaste Computer & Electronics Recycling to put waste in the right place.
Fire crews’ diligence and hard work have resulted in an increase in containment to 15% on the Tunnel Fire. Yesterday residents were able to re-enter the previously evacuated neighborhoods. US Hwy 89 was re-opened yesterday afternoon.
Cinder Lake Landfill will resume regular operating hours starting Monday, April 25. Regular operating hours are 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed on Sunday.
The Hazardous Products Center (HPC) will also resume regular operating hours starting Monday, April 25. Regular operating hours for the HPC are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Coconino County Community Development, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Emergency Management will be in the Tunnel Fire burn area to conduct property damage assessments beginning April 25.
This is an important process that is necessary for recovery services and for emergency declaration documentation purposes. If they approach you or your residence, then you can request to receive proper identification and they will explain their activity to you in conducting property damage assessments for official documentation purposes.
A Tunnel Fire Community Meeting will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23, at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, Flagstaff (parking information below).
This meeting is to provide an update regarding the fire conditions, potential flood risk, and evacuation status.
Representatives from the County, Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Weather Service, and Tunnel Fire Type 1 Incident Management Team will provide information on these topics and be available to answer questions. American Sign Language interpretation will be available at the meeting.
I am proud that I have never missed a commencement in my 41 years of working for community college students. I was so disappointed that during the height of the pandemic we had to hold two of our ceremonies in a virtual format, and I am thrilled that we are all planning to be together in person for commencement 2022!
Commencement is such a wonderful time to celebrate the achievements of our students with their families and friends, and with our colleagues all across the College. I know how important it is for our students—you can see it in their eyes as they cross the stage. And that is what makes it important to me. So, it is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge this will be my last community college commencement ceremony before I retire from serving our students. Yet, my heart is full of joy knowing that I get to finish out my career at Coconino Community College- somehow I must have saved the best for last!
The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed 65,300 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming May 17 Special Election. Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Tuesday, April 26 should call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.
Registered voters that are not on the AEVL may request an early ballot be mailed to them by calling the Elections Office, sending a written request to Coconino County Elections Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, or submitting an on-line request at www.coconino.az.gov/elections and clicking on “Early Ballot Request.” The deadline to request an early ballot by mail is Friday, May 6.
On April 22, 2022 in the early morning hours a spot fire started in the Timberline Community west of Hwy 89 in the “GO” evacuation area.
Deputies and Officers working overnight security in the evacuated areas recontacted the residents who refused to initially evacuate on Tuesday to notify them of the increased danger and remind them of the “GO” evacuation order. This fire was in the area of Wupatki Trails, Lenox Park, Pumpkin Patch, and Brandis Trail neighborhoods. Deputies and Officers went door to door and used sirens and loudspeakers in an attempt to wake residents to warn them of the fire threat.
The Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) is proud to announce a request for nominations for the 10th Annual Teacher of the Year, 5th Annual Rookie Teacher of the Year, and 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year.
Sign up now—Coconino County Emergency Notifications
When emergencies happen, be the first to know.
The Coconino County Emergency Notification System uses Alerts powered by Rave Mobile Safety’s Smart911 to send official, real-time alerts to the public with information about potentially life-saving actions you may need to take to keep you and your family safe.
This service allows you to receive voice, text, and email emergency notifications generated by Grand Canyon Dispatch and public safety officials. More information on this program can be found on the county’s website and a link to sign up can be found here.
April 21, 2022 — Residences, buildings, and watersheds that drain near them are currently the main emphasis for firefighters battling the now 20,511 acre Tunnel Fire 14 miles northeast of Flagstaff.
Overnight crews continued cooling hotspots in the Timberline Estates and Wupatki Trail subdivisions, as well as worked to contain multiple spot fires on the fire’s western flank near Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road). These efforts were instrumental in keeping the fire from burning up steep slopes toward Schultz Peak and may help to minimize post-fire flood impacts.
During last night’s informative community meeting on the Tunnel Fire, it was the words of Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman that stood out to us:
“This is a time for neighbors to help neighbors.”
United Way of Northern Arizona is currently raising money to help those impacted by the Tunnel Fire through the UWNA Crisis Response Fund. You can donate to the fund by texting UWNAZresponse to 41444. Donations can also be processed on our website here.
Flagstaff and Coconino County adopted the Flagstaff Regional Plan in 2014 and it’s time to start the conversation about what is in store for our community between 2025 and 2045. The Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 Update process is just getting started. Visit the project website athttp://www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045 to watch a snapshot video or to learn more about the process. You can participate right now by taking a survey on your vision for the Flagstaff Region on the Flagstaff Community Forum or by visiting our booth at the Earth Day Celebration this Saturday at Bushmaster Park from 11 am to 2 pm.
In This Issue:
F3 Supports Prop 438: Special Election May 17
Mayor and Council Elections
Join F3’s Election Committee
Coconino County Redistricting
Become an Election Poll Worker
Thorpe Park Annex Design Meeting
Earth Day: April 23rd
Effective immediately, the City of Flagstaff has lifted the mask mandate at the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport following an announcement from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA announced that it will no longer be enforcing masking on public transportation due to a recent federal court ruling.
Flying patrons or visitors to the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport will have the choice to wear or not wear a mask.
Cinder Lake Landfill will remain closed to the public until further notice due to its location inside the evacuation zone of the Tunnel Fire. The Hazardous Products Center at the landfill is also closed. Please avoid the area.
All commercial and residential collection services in the City of Flagstaff are running on a normal schedule.
Refer to Inciweb for up-to-date information on the Tunnel Fire by visiting https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/8068/
The City of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Office invites community members to a celebration of Earth Day 2022. The festivities are scheduled for Saturday, April 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bushmaster Park (3150 N Alta Vista Dr).
This year’s Earth Day event will be one to remember, featuring informational booths, food vendors, live bands, do it yourself activities, a sustainability scavenger hunt and free workshops on home electrification, rainwater harvesting and composting in Flagstaff. For detailed event information please visit https://flagstaff.az.gov/1439/Earth-Day.
The Flagstaff Leadership Program Board of Directors has extended the applications for new class members to 5 p.m., Saturday, April 30.
The Class of 2022-23 will be chosen soon after that deadline, so the FLP board is asking you to let your people know!
If you have friends, family, co-workers, bosses, employees, neighbors, or anybody else whom you think would be an asset to FLP and would get value from participation in the program, NOW is the time to alert them.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted map Scenario F (April 12) during their regular meeting as part of the Board’s statutory responsibility to reapportion county supervisory districts.
The Board adopted the final map after beginning the redistricting process in Fall 2021.Every ten years, according to A.R.S. § 11-212, county supervisory districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. The Board adopted map Scenario F from five proposed draft maps submitted for public comment in March. The draft maps under consideration by the Board of Supervisors are available at coconino.az.gov/redistricting.
On Friday, April 22nd, communities around the world will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of Earth Day. This year’s theme is “Invest In Our Planet.” Coconino County, in partnership with Friends of Coconino County Parks, the City of Flagstaff, Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, and Open Space, and the U.S. Forest Service are partnering to facilitate three cleanup events throughout the community.
We certainly are hoping for April showers to bring May flowers and provide much needed moisture to Coconino County. April is also the month we celebrate Earth Day. Since 1970, April 22nd marks the day that is referred to as the birth of the modern environmental movement. This year’s theme is “Invest in our Planet” and in keeping with that theme and the importance of us all working together to build a healthier and more sustainable planet, Coconino County has a number of “Earth Month” events including litter cleanups, climate action and renewable energy programs. Go to http://www.coconino.az.gov/2884/Earth-Day-Schedule for more information.
A Coconino County Flood Control District project to reduce sediment production and transport on private lands below the Museum Fire burn scar is underway in Lockett Ranches & Mt. Elden Estates.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service and District-funded Emergency Watershed Protection Project will reduce erosion and sediment transport downstream.
Earth Day is next week and there’s no better way to celebrate than participating in a local event. Join Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Friends of Coconino County Parks, and the U.S. Forest Service for a volunteer cleanup and an activity afterwards in honor of Earth Day 2022. All cleanups start at 10 a.m. and include a fun outdoor activity. Register at the Sign-Up Genius Links below.
Can’t make it? Invest in yourself and your community by getting outside and making a difference on your own. Tag a picture with #NAZEarthDay22 to be a part of the celebration.
Wed., April 20 cleanup at Highway 180 (Peak View) https://tinyurl.com/et7jdajj
Thurs., April 21 cleanup at Fort Tuthill County Park https://tinyurl.com/yc7t6ykn
Fri., April 22 cleanup at Ashurst Lake
https://tinyurl.com/2s4pmk5v
Grand Canyon and Tusayan April vaccine events
The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccination team will hold its next mobile vaccination event for Grand Canyon and Tusayan on Monday, April 25. The Grand Canyon event will be held at the Rec Center from 9-11 a.m. (see full flyer here) and the Tusayan event will be held at the Tusayan Fire Station from 1-3 p.m (see full flyer here).
As a reminder, the FDA and CDC have approved a second booster dose for individuals who are age 50 or older. They recommend the booster be given 4 months after your first booster.
NPS employees are authorized to take administrative leave up to 4 hours (and 8 hours if traveling) for COVID vaccines, including vaccine booster doses. You may also use this leave to support family members receiving COVID vaccines or booster doses.
Earth Day Celebration, Ardrey Auditorium. A unique concert focused on the importance of everyone’s role in protecting our environment. 7:30 p.m.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has unveiled a free training webinar for parents, caregivers and all community members as part of Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
This quick overview video is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness. It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.
With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals. Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.
A very special thank you to all of our partners who help get this information out to our community!
Comments from those who have already seen the training.
“loved the acknowledgment that we can all recognize stressors are high right now”
“realized this was my first mindful breath of the day”
“feels supportive and a great jump off point to learn more”
For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org
Southwest Decision Resources, the City of Flagstaff (Parks Recreation Open Space and Events Division), and Wheat Design Group have announced it is conducting a survey through April for the Thorpe Park Annex.
The community survey will continue generating great ideas and continue problem solving.
Click here to take part in the survey.
Grand Canyon Visitor Center changes in operations
Due to low staffing levels, there will be modified operations to Grand Canyon Visitor Center information desk hours this spring.
From April 8-23, the outdoor GCVC Information Desk will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday to Monday. Please note, the building is still closed to the public and the GCVC Theater is under construction. Ranger programs will continue at 11 a.m. at the Yavapai Geology Museum Amphitheater, Thursday to Monday through April 23
Creative Flagstaff, formerly Flagstaff Arts Council, the City’s nonprofit art, science, and culture agency seeks applicants to serve as board members. Applicants will fill seats previously filled by long-time board members that have terms ending June 30, 2022.
Diversifying stakeholders, community groups, experience, and expertise represented by the Board of Directors is an important part of Creative Flagstaff’s strategic plan adopted in June 2021.
Over the coming couple of years, the Board anticipates recruiting members that provide leadership experience in nonprofit governance, philanthropy, arts, education, sciences, public policy, and programming from diverse lived experiences including BIPOC and creative professionals.
The City of Flagstaff has received all candidate packets for the 2022 election and the following are official candidates for the mayor and city council positions:
The mayoral candidates are (alphabetical by last name):
Becky Daggett
Paul Deasy
Regina Salas
Daniel Williamson
City council candidates are (alphabetical by last name):
Austin Aslan
Lori Matthews
The City of Flagstaff is accepting applications from qualified residents interested in serving on the City Council. An appointment will be made on or before May 5, 2022, to fill the Council seat vacancy created by the resignation of Becky Daggett. The appointment term will expire on December 20, 2022.
To be eligible for appointment to the City Council, a citizen must be registered to vote in the City of Flagstaff, a city resident for a minimum of one year, and cannot hold any other public office.
