FLAGSTAFF — During the Feb. 18 Council Meeting, the Flagstaff Fire Department gave a presentation to the City Council on Community Fire Preparedness efforts.
Flagstaff Fire Department discusses wildfire preparedness
Category: Health
AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — SEGURO SOCIAL: Te Lo Has Ganado (5) – Aumentar Los Impuestos de Nómina
Con el objetivo de fortalecer y extender la solvencia del Seguro Social se discuten al menos cinco opciones. En este vídeo explicamos una de ellas, a saber, aumentar los impuestos de nómina.
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Contestamos preguntas sobre el Seguro Social y la jubilación en general. Haremos énfasis en una de varias propuestas que buscan extender la solvencia del programa.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Variety of upcoming education opportunities (Literacy Fair, Summer Camps, Summer Reading) available for youth in region
From participation in a Literacy Fair this coming weekend in Flagstaff, to registration for upcoming summer camps and reading programs, a variety of educational opportunities are available for youth in Coconino County.
The United Way of Northern Arizona and Read On Flagstaff will present a Literacy Fair from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Feb. 22 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff.
The event will feature literacy activities for children up to age 8, resources for parents and workshops. Free books for everyone.
The fair is supported by The Literacy Center, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Northern Arizona University, Culture Connection AZ and the Flagstaff Unified School District
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there. Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship. FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center.
Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold next meeting on March 5. Seeking new members
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.
The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121
Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968
… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.
City of Flagstaff — Uranium ore hauling
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council continues to advocate against the mining of uranium and its transport in and through our region, including passing multiple resolutions and supporting federal legislation that would restrict uranium mining and transport.
While the Flagstaff City Council opposes the transport of uranium ore through our community, the City Council does not have jurisdiction over federal or state highways.
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Impact of Forestry on Our Safety – and Our Economy
Northern Arizona’s rich, dense forests are among the many reasons why people love to live and work in our region. But the beauty and recreational opportunities of these endless acres of green come with a risk in an area that is known for its dry and often windy conditions – the threat of wildfire.
Numerous entities are dedicated to reducing that risk. Northern Arizona University’s School of Forestry specifically offers a BS in Applied Wildland Fire Science; APS has a dedicated Forestry and Wildfire Mitigation team; and the 4FRI project continues to use thinning and prescribed burns to lessen the threat of wildfires – and post-wildfire flooding – to communities throughout northern Arizona.
The work of these entities not only impacts our safety – it also has an economic impact for the region.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps
View this email in a browser Feb. 12, 2025 Update CCC&Y Spotlight Parents gain information on upcoming summer camps By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth Parents had the opportunity to learn about programs for their children at the Summer 2025 Family Engagement…
The NAU Review — Make some V-Day plans, Humans of NAU: Lenin Salcedo
Honors College student Lenin Salcedo has an unusual capstone project planned. Inspired by his childhood in the Caribbean and his love of physics, the project will take the form of a performance that explores how sounds tether us to each other and to the universe. Salcedo promises you won’t need to know anything about physics or music theory to understand and enjoy it. Read on to find out more about the project, Salcedo’s upbringing and his dreams for the future.
What brought you to NAU?
I was initially attracted to NAU’s strong physics department, but I fell in love with the intimate learning environment and vibrant community. Especially in Honors, the classroom has felt like a dynamic place where I can creatively think and connect with diverse people. Flagstaff has also become a second home, bringing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to explore.
Save the Date — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) to hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27
FLAGSTAFF — Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff (CATs) will hold its Spring Pop Up Care Village for the region’s unsheltered community on April 27.
Service providers and agencies that would like to connect and engage with unsheltered community members are invited to table at the event. At our PUCV event in October we had 160 people in need who attended the event, over 30 volunteers working the event and almost 20 other agencies/NGOs/businesses providing services.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers share local, state impact of any potential freeze on federal grants, loans
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb.. 6. Our meetings provide our Coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
A representative from the Coconino County Health and Human Services will present information on a grant the agency received to prevent housing insecurity, with flexible funding preventing eviction and foreclosures.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
The NAU Review — NAU receives $150K grant from Direct Relief
Northern Arizona University has received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity to confront the critical nursing shortage in rural, underserved areas of Arizona by supporting Native American nursing students in their academic journeys.
The Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural and economic environment.
Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting on Feb. 6
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 27-31, 2025
Winter Arrives to the Canyon (Finally!)
This week, Northern Arizona finally got the memo that it’s winter—bringing much-needed precipitation across the region, including several inches of snow on the South Rim and a hearty 8 inches on the North Rim.
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road on the South Rim have REOPENED following several days of closure. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Roads Line at 928-638-7496.
For those who like to be ahead of the curve, Everbridge alerts are a great way to stay informed in real-time about road closures, power outages, weather events, and any other emergency situations that might pop up. This free service helps ensure you’re never caught off guard when the weather gets unpredictable.
Sign up today by following this link.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — After Day One: Trump Wants to Redefine America
On the first day of his second term, President Trump issued a series of immigration-related executive orders and proclamations that will quickly re-shape the U.S. immigration system. These executive orders affect nearly every facet of a complex and demanding system. Most of the policy changes introduced through these actions are framed as directives to federal departments and agencies. However, their language also aims to stoke fear as a means of testing the boundaries of executive authority.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Family and children service providers reviewing local, state impact of federal freeze on federal grants, loans
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
State and local organizations that provide services to families and youth are reviewing the ramifications of the Trump administration’s order on Jan. 27 to pause all federal grants and loans. Meanwhile, nearly two dozen attorneys general have announced they will sue to stop the federal funding freeze.
A federal judge issued a stay on the federal freeze until Monday, Feb. 3.
Nationwide, officials say the freeze halts loans and grants to local governments, nonprofit organizations and schools — impacting such programs as Head Start, the Dept. of Agriculture’s tribal food sovereignty program and other federally funded economic assistance programs.
An easy way to take action by contacting your member of Congress is available HERE
Coconino National Forest fire managers pivot to pile burns following Monday snow
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to continue pile burning this week following Monday’s snowstorm.
Firefighters will ignite piles located in three different areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District this week, and smoke is expected to be widely visible during burning.
The Coconino National Forest uses the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn ProjectsInciWeb page to relay last-minute project changes with the public should planned projects not proceed due to wind, weather, or other reasons.
Annual Willard Springs Green Waste Burn in Progress
COCONINO COUNTY — The U.S. Forest Service (USFS) has ignited the annual green waste burn at the Willard Springs Green Waste Site, which is located about 15 miles south of Flagstaff at Exit 326 on the west side of I-17.
The burn is necessary to reduce the existing stockpile of pine needles, tree trimmings, and other green waste at Willard Springs before the start of the 2025 fire season.
The Willard Springs green waste burn is expected to produce smoke during its ignition period. Based on wind and weather conditions, this smoke may be heavy at times and visible to motorists on I-17. The Coconino National Forest plans to post signage on I-17 as necessary to notify motorists about smoke from the burn and to drive with caution.
Prescribed burns planned around Flagstaff (week of Jan. 27)
FLAGSTAFF — Area fire managers plan to continue work on local prescribed fire projects – including broadcast burning and pile burning – (week of Jan. 27) while northern Arizona’s wind and weather conditions remain favorable to do so.
Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers aspire to continue work on this week’s Crater Sinks prescribed burn project located roughly 12 miles southwest of Flagstaff.
Additionally, Coconino National Forest fire managers hope to begin work on pile burns located in various locations around the Flagstaff Ranger District.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Trump’s First Immigration Executive Actions
President Trump wasted no time trying to radically change the U.S. immigration system. On his first day in office, he issued 10 executive orders that seek to redefine America—excluding everyone from asylum seekers to countless children of immigrants.
In the American Immigration Council’s new fact sheet, After Day One: A High-Level Analysis of Trump’s First Executive Actions, we break down what these policy changes seek to accomplish immediately and what they will mean for immigrants and all Americans in the future.
Read the Analysis
Flagstaff Mayor Daggett selected for MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship
In the face of a nationwide housing crisis, the 2025 MICD Just City Mayoral Fellowship will explore what it means to house our communities, introducing mayors and their staff to planning and design frameworks – beyond housing supply and demand – that maximize all city resources to support the broad range of housing needs faced by a broad range of city populations.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 20-24, 2025
Smallmouth Bass: Not a Small Threat to the Grand Canyon
A recent article in Intermountain Park Science magazine highlights the growing concern over smallmouth bass and their potential impact on the Colorado River ecosystem in Grand Canyon National Park. Researchers from the National Park Service, U.S. Geological Survey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have collaborated to address this emerging threat to the park’s delicate ecological balance.
City of Flagstaff announces excavation to begin for the Wedge Detention Basin Project
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are set to begin excavation operations for The Wedge Detention Basin Project. These excavation operations will take place within the area of the construction yard, which will shrink as excavation continues. These excavation operations are the first part of detention basin construction, with the majority of construction taking place in the spring when temperatures are favorable. The Wedge Detention Basin is being constructed to hold excess stormwater run-off that would otherwise overwhelm the box culvert being installed along Linda Vista Drive. The basin is designed to fill with water, and then slowly release it back into the City’s stormwater management system when it is safe to do so.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y’s free webinars offers opportunities to meet the challenges of a new year
COCONINO COUNTY — The start of a new year always brings along a time of new challenges and opportunities — be it personal or professional.
To help parents and families get off to the right start in 2025, the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth wants to remind everyone that we have a variety of free webinar training programs on our website.
Maybe you are looking for an escape from all the negative news of the day? If so, take a moment to take care of yourself with our free Mindfulness (for adults) one-hour webinar
Maybe your child is having a challenging time getting back into the swing of school life (homework, social media) after the holidays? Then they may also benefit from our free Mindfulness for Youth 45-minute webinar or our free Bullying and Cyberbullying one-hour webinar
Our growing library of on-demand webinars are also designed to help you gain the tools you need to learn about trauma-informed care, tips to help strengthen family protective factors, examine the effects of historical trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
Click on the image above to get a quick look at the various free programs we offer, or get more details below.
Wishing you a happy and healthy 2025.
Flagstaff Sustainability Office announces 2024 Sustainability Grant recipients
The Neighborhood Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, waste, climate action, resilience, building energy, public health, and transportation.
“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.
Prescribed burn planned southwest of Flagstaff this week
FLAGSTAFF — Arizona State Department of Forestry and Fire Management and Coconino National Forest fire managers plan to take advantage of current weather conditions and begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project southwest of Flagstaff starting (Jan. 22).
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.
The NAU Review — It’s time to brag about your coworkers! Plus, relive MLK Day + Diné musician Ravon Chacon comes to campus
Building bridges, celebrating community
Martin Luther King Jr. dreamed of a United States strengthened by unity, collaboration and inclusivity. On Monday, NAU honored King’s legacy with a campus event focused on all three of those themes. Lumberjacks and Flagstaff residents came together to march in King’s honor, make posters celebrating his inspiring leadership and hear from keynote speaker Tony Ross, a Lumberjack doctoral grad and higher education consultant based in Phoenix. Unity and collaboration was the day’s secret sauce: Multiple NAU offices, student clubs and community organizations came together to make it happen.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Who runs the U.S. immigration system?
The Laken Riley Act Would Give States Sweeping Power Over Immigration Policy
Who runs the U.S. immigration system? If the Senate passes the Laken Riley Act this week, the answer might not be Congress?or?the president. The bill, already passed in the House, would hand state attorneys general, like Ken Paxton in Texas, veto power over large swaths of federal immigration policy.
Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group Meeting
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
CCC&Y is building an inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities.
Through leadership, education and advocacy. By becoming a member you add your name to an expansive list of individuals, families, businesses and organizations who are igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
One of those individuals is Heather Marcy, deputy director at Northland Family Help Center in Flagstaff.
Northland, which provides safe haven, advocacy, counseling and education services to promote and restore healthy relationships, recently took part in the Flagstaff City Council Proclamation ceremony declaring the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness month. The organization also held its second annual breakfast fundraiser at Little America late last year.
READ MORE
The NAU Review — The extinction risk facing freshwater animals + NAU’s days are back!
The results of a new study, published this week and coauthored by an NAU conservation biologist, are sobering: One-quarter of freshwater animals are at risk of extinction, including fish, shrimps and insects. Learn what this means for these ecosystems, including the unique risks in the Southwest, and what governments and industry leaders can do with these data to protect critical species and ecosystems.
District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman Newsletter — Top 10 December 2024 — January 2025! Enjoy!
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 6-10, 2025
Phantom Ranch Closure and Upcoming TCWL Shutoff
All Phantom Ranch operations are closed from January 2 to March 30, 2025, for the installation of new water and electric lines for the Transcanyon Waterline Project. Hikers can still access the North Kaibab Trail, however, the bypass route around Phantom Ranch may change. Please follow all closure signs and be aware that water will only be available at Boat Beach (near the Black Bridge) during this closure period.
Additionally, from 8 a.m. on January 15 to 5 p.m. on January 19, the Transcanyon Waterline will be shut off for necessary construction work on a temporary water bypass along the River Trail. During this period, water will not be available at Boat Beach or Manzanita Rest Area. More information on water availability in the inner canyon can be found on park’s Critical Backcountry Updates page.
Water for the South Rim will be supplied from the existing storage tanks, and park management will closely monitor tank levels. Water conservation measures may be implemented until pumping is resumed to the South Rim.
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — Mass deportations will make us less safe
President-elect Trump’s mass deportation plan will target thousands of people who richly contribute to their families, communities, and our local economies often for decades. While Trump and his advisors claim they will start with “criminal immigrants,” their plans will include millions of people who pose no public safety risk at all—just as we saw during his first administration.
H-1B Modernization Rule Provides Some Comfort But Also Raises Concerns
By issuing a final rule, the Biden administration has made it more difficult for the Trump administration to reverse some agency practices with which it disagrees.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Connect in 2025 with our regional Health and Welfare Resource Meetings listing
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — As the new year begins, it is time to connect with other individuals and organizations involved in assisting families and youth throughout Northern Arizona.
To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth has compiled this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.
Individuals who attended these resource meetings in 2024 have said they offer a great opportunity to share information about the program and services offered by their organizations.
“As we head into the New Year, we at Senior Services continue to support our older adults here in Coconino County!,” said Beth Almquist, community aide with Coconino County Health & Human Services. She most recently attended the monthly Williams Community Resource Meeting. “We are blessed to deliver home care as well as moral support to all the older adults who are on our program in Flagstaff and Williams Arizona. Along with each New Year come challenges, change and new goals. I am truly thankful for one more ‘New Year’ with Senior Services of Coconino County. Let us rise to the occasion.”
Yemisi Agbebi, founder/director of Synergy Creatives Inc. in Page who has previously attended the monthly Page Community Resource Meeting, recently wrote “… To our community partners, your collaboration has expanded our reach and strengthened our efforts. You have helped us build meaningful connections and create lasting change by including Synergy Creatives Inc. in your events and initiatives. We treasure these partnerships and look forward to continuing this important work together … As we celebrate 2024’s achievements, we acknowledge that none of them would have been possible without your hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Your generosity and shared vision have driven the positive impact we’ve been able to create together. Looking ahead to 2025, we wish you a year filled with hope, love, unity, and strength. May it bring happiness, prosperity, and success in all your endeavors. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the chance to continue making a difference with your support.”
The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org
READ MORE
The NAU Review — Happy 2025. Tips for learning new names, fresh research on antibiotic resistance + ecology, one FEMA volunteer’s story and more!
Bridging gaps for first-generation families
Sending a child to college is stressful for any family. Navigating cultural and language barriers can make it even harder. That’s why NAU’s Family Access, Communication, Transition and Support team developed Team College Bound, a five-lesson curriculum designed to deliver resources and a sense of community to prospective NAU families. There are four programs—one online, one in English, one in Spanish and one first-of-its-kind Indigenous course created in partnership with Indigenous Lumberjacks. The aim? To increase the number of first-generation, rural and underserved students enrolled at NAU.
Coconino County — Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Partnership
COCONINO COUNTY — Since 2003, the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Injury Prevention Program has enjoyed a successful partnership with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in promoting child passenger safety and occupant protection.
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages 3 to 14. Research shows that as children age, they are less likely to be in the appropriate child safety seat for their age and weight. Fortunately, correctly used child safety seats are extremely effective and reduce the risk of injury and death as much as 71 percent for infants and 54 percent for toddlers. Children ages 4-8 using belt-positioning booster seats were 45 percent less likely to sustain injuries than similar aged kids who used seat belts alone.
Red Rock Ranger District to begin overhauls to Turkey Creek area trail system
SEDONA — The Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District will begin improving the Turkey Creek area trail system later this year.
Phase 2 of the Red Rock Trails Access Plan was signed last week following an environmental analysis, a lengthy project scoping process and multiple rounds of public comment that concluded in November.
As part of the plan, the district will construct new trails, enhance existing trails, rehabilitate several unauthorized trails and improve trailheads in the Turkey Creek area, which is located near the Village of Oak Creek.
“We’re excited to get started on this work, which we think will greatly improve the recreation experience for Turkey Creek visitors,” said District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “We’re grateful to our public for providing us with valuable insight during this process and our partners for committing to undertake this work alongside us.”
Catholic Charities Community Services, other organizations seeking volunteers for National Point in Time (PIT) Count Jan. 23-25
The Point in Time or PIT Count is a HUD requirement for COC’s nationally. The count provides a snapshot of those experiencing homelessness at a single point in time. It is an opportunity to collect basic data that is used to measure homelessness on a national, state, and local level. This data is used for system and program planning and to measure progress in ending homelessness.
North Country HealthCare — New Hours for our Flagstaff 4th Street Clinic & Pharmacy!
Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration
Biden makes critical last-minute change to help combat USCIS backlogs. More options available. Immigrant farmworkers make our holiday meals possible
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President Biden has just over one month left in office. He can still take decisive action to protect people at risk of indiscriminate immigration enforcement.
Among other priorities, the Council encourages the administration to protect DACA recipients; extend and redesignate Temporary Protected Status for certain countries; and rescind remaining Trump-era immigration regulations.
Read more: Urgent Last Requests for the Biden Administration
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 16-20, 2024
See you in 2025! Wishing you all a joyful holiday season. This newsletter will return on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2025.
2024 Giving Machine back at Heritage Square Dec. 18 through Jan. 1, 2025
FLAGSTAFF — We are excited to share that the Light the World Giving Machines are back this year at Heritage Square! They will operate every day starting tomorrow, Dec 18th – Jan 1st. The local charities in the machines this year are Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Boys and Girls Club, Flagstaff Family Food Center. The statewide charities are Gathering Humanity and Child Help. The Global charities are iDE and Days for Girls International.
This is the third year we have had the opportunity to bring the Giving Machines to Flagstaff, the last two years we have raised about $150,000 just in Flagstaff. Please know that 100% of the donations go directly to the charities, each charity picked their own needed items that will be showcased in the machines.
Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 – Comment by Dec. 19!
The 60-day public review of the draft Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is ending on December 19! That means you have THREE DAYS to read, ask questions, and share your feedback on the draft contents. Visit bit.ly/RPpublicreview to learn more about the 60-day public review.
H5 Avian Influenza Detected in Wastewater in Coconino County
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has confirmed that H5 avian influenza has been detected in wastewater sampling. The specimens were collected at the Rio De Flag Water Reclamation Plant and the Wildcat Hill Water Reclamation Plant.
The source of the virus is suspected to be from chickens and wild birds, however other sources cannot be ruled out. There are no reports of human or animal H5 cases in Coconino County.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Top 10 Highlights from 2024
It has been an extraordinary year for the United Way of Northern Arizona and, more importantly, for the communities we serve. We saw dramatic increases in some programs, added benefits to others, and witnessed the amazing ability of our communities to pull together and collectively improve conditions for all in our region.
Here are our Top 10 highlights of the year:
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Dec. 9-13, 2024
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Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Update Winter 2024 Newsletter
Stay Informed!
Keeping residents updated and informed about the County’s Comprehensive Plan – Envision 2045 – is a priority for the County. We have been busy at work on the update and have news to share with you! For all the latest information about Envision 2045 visit the project website: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
Pumphouse Wash forest restoration work beginning south of Flagstaff
FLAGSTAFF — Both the Coconino National Forest and Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management are beginning a project aimed at restoring forest lands in the Pumphouse Wash area near Flagstaff’s Kachina Village community this week.
Crews are preparing for timber sales on a 2,500-acre parcel of land located near Kachina Village and Forest Highlands as part of the Pumphouse Community Protection Project.
Timber crews have started delineating project boundaries and designating trees to be removed as part of the thinning project.
Prescribed burn planned north of Flagstaff next week
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to begin work on a highly visible prescribed burn project north of Flagstaff next week.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available
Fire Managers Planning for Prescribed Fire Operations on the North Rim this Week
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Fire managers at Grand Canyon National Park are preparing to conduct a prescribed burn operation on the North Rim this week, which will begin on Tuesday, December 10. These operations will help reduce hazardous fuel loads, improve forest health, and restore natural fire regimes. The burns are expected to occur over several days and will coincide with prescribed burns planned on the North Kaibab Ranger District.
Burn Operations Schedule:
Prescribed Fire Planned on North Kaibab Ranger District
FREDONIA — Fire managers are expecting to conduct a prescribed fire operation on the North Kaibab Ranger District this week. The Telephone Hill Unit is located approximately 14 miles south of Jacob Lake adjacent to State Route 67, which has closed for the winter season. Fire Managers are focusing ignition around the Pleasant Valley Cabin area of the unit to reduce hazardous fuel loads around the cabin and State Route 67 corridor, the operation is expected to affect about 700 acres in that vicinity. Operations could begin as early as Tuesday, December 10, and are expected to be completed in 2-3 days, coinciding with prescribed fires planned on Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim.
Additional Water Restrictions Implemented at the South Rim
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Dec. 5 to share your story
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
The guest speaker for this week Jennifer Hernandez, project manager, College & Career Pathways — Northern Arizona for the Center for the Future of Arizona. She is presenting information on the center’s youth internship program.
The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
Coconino County Health and Human Services Receives Grant to Help Prevent Housing Insecurity
The goal of the Preventing Housing Insecurity Flexible Funds grant is to further the reach of existing prevention efforts by providing flexible funding that helps expand the effectiveness of current housing stability and homelessness prevention approaches.
United Way of Northern Arizona — Help Us Reach Our Campaign Goal on Giving Tuesday!
Welcome to the biggest single day of philanthropy on the calendar – #GivingTuesday. Can we count on you to help us reach our 2024 Campaign Goal during this international day of giving?
When you donate, you help LEAD THE WAY and support early childhood development programs and help our youth live up to their full potential. You also help fund programs that meet our community’s needs, quickly and efficiently, in times of crisis.
During our campaign kickoff, we announced a goal of $1.2 million. Today we are two-thirds of the way there, but still need $400,000 to reach our goal. Can you help us bridge the gap today?
Bilingual report — Northern Arizona Interfaith Council to present ‘Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration’ on Dec. 4
FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Interfaith Council will present “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Killip Elementary School, 2300 E. 6th Ave., Flagstaff.
Language interpretation available.
Hear from Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund and other public officials and legal experts.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Nov. 25-29, 2024
The 2024 Fall Astronomy Volunteers. This team put on dark skies programs 4-5 nights per week through the fall season, connecting tens of thousands of visitors to the stars. Thank you for your stellar service to your national parks and to Grand Canyon’s dark skies! Left to right: Bernie Sanden, Robyn Tan, Steve Dimse, Lian Tan, Tyler Cherry, Rader Lane, CC Cogswell, Joey Green.
AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — ¡Adiós 2024! … ¡Bienvenido 2025! … ¡GRACIAS!
Today we conclude the radio programming for 2024 We hope to continue in 2025 and, above all, continue to count on your tune. We wish to have served you as you deserve. THANK YOU!
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Hoy concluimos la programación radial de 2024. Esperamos continuar en 2025 y, sobre todo, seguir contando con su sintonía. Deseamos haberle servido como usted se merece. ¡GRACIAS!
Board of Supervisors Adopts Ordinance for the Regulation & Prohibition of Unlicensed Establishments
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved changes to Chapters 1 and 2 of the Coconino County Unified Health Code and the adoption of the Ordinance for the Regulation and Prohibition of Unlicensed Establishments within Coconino County …
… at the November 25, 2024, meeting. These changes, requested by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health, will assist in the regulation of unlicensed food vendors in Coconino County.