Category: Local

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 tomorrow.

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.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

iPhoneography Crash Course
LIVE in-person at Sedona Arts Center and ONLINE 
with Kelli Klymenko
January 31: Friday, 9am–2pm Arizona Time

In today’s technological world, even professional photographers and artists are recognizing the iPhone as a useful (and even practical) photographic tool. Join photographer artist, Kelli Klymenko in his one-day class for beginner and advanced students and you’ll go beyond the basics and learn to shoot professional quality photographs with your iPhone.

Flagstaff College presenting ‘How to Build a Cooperative Business!’ on Jan. 30, plus listing of local action organizations

Co-ops come in all sizes and many forms.
Did you know that the Associated Press is a co-op?
And so is our local credit union.
There are worker co-ops, housing co-ops, purchasing co-ops, and production co-ops. Any business—including child care, house cleaning, grocery store, or cafe–can be run as a co-op. 

Cooperatives can play an important role in building more equitable, just, and humane communities.  

We’ve invited 6 experts from across the western U.S. to talk with us about what it takes to build a successful co-op business. Learn what it takes to found and run a coop from people with firsthand experience.

This is a great chance to get your questions answered and meet others who are interested in this alternative business model.

You can join us in person or on zoom.

Flagstaff STEM City — We’ve Got a Brand-New Look!

Here at Flagstaff STEM City, we are dedicated to elevating people and place through Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). With this mission in mind, we’ve redesigned our website to better reflect who we are and the collaborative spirit that drives everything we do.

Ready to explore?

$12 Million Approved to Construct Final Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation System in Pipeline Flood Area

“This is the home stretch,” Lucinda Andreani, Flood Control District Administrator said. “This has been a challenging area, but when we complete flood mitigation in the Government Tank Flood Corridor, we will have completed the projects funded by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and U.S. Forest Service to mitigate the devastating post-wildfire flooding left in the wake of the Pipeline Fire.” 

MLK message to LULAC Family

As we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I am reminded of the power of his vision. This vision continues to guide us in our work today. Dr. King’s dream of equality, justice, and a “Beloved Community” resonates deeply with our shared mission at LULAC. His strong commitment to nonviolence as a force for change reminds us that unity, courage, and action make progress possible.

This year, we find ourselves at a historic crossroads. The path ahead is uncertain, and challenges are many for the Latino communities we serve across the United States and Puerto Rico. Yet, I want to assure you that our sense of purpose has never been stronger. We are not merely observing the changes around us; we are preparing and taking deliberate action to confront them with clarity and determination.

City of Flagstaff — Point in Time Count starting Jan. 23, volunteers needed

FLAGSTAFF — The annual Point in Time Count (PIT) will take place starting Thursday, Jan. 23 throughout Coconino County. This count documents the number of unsheltered people experiencing homelessness at a single point in time and is conducted across the country.

Local data collected during the annual PIT Count measuresprogress at local and national levels related to preventing andending homelessness. Information gathered from the surveyscan help raise awareness about the challenges faced by people who are experiencing homeless in the community. Data is alsoshared on the local, state and national level to determinefunding for homeless services throughout Coconino County.This count is required by the U.S. Department of Housing andUrban Development.

‘Dreams Without Borders’ art show, panel discussion, fundraiser to be held Jan. 17 at the HeART Box Gallery, Flagstaff

The Dreams Without Borders art show, panel discussion, and fundraiser on Friday, January 17 will help Northern Arizona Immigration Legal Services (NAILS) provide much-needed legal assistance to our immigrant community.
Come to learn what you can do as an ally and immigrant rights advocate, and pick up your Know Your Rights materials to assist the immigrant community facing the threats of mass deportations.
This is a ticketed event, but all people are welcome, and free tickets are available. Your generous donation will make a difference in the lives of people who face the unimaginable fear of losing family, safety, and home.

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 13-17, 2025

Inner Canyon Trails Reopen Following Chlorine Gas Leak at Roaring Springs

On Wednesday, Jan. 15, at approximately 5 p.m., the Water Utilities team was alerted to a chlorine gas leak at the Roaring Springs Pumphouse through the SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) system. In response, a small park-led incident command team was mobilized, and aviation staff conducted aerial reconnaissance to ensure no hikers or backpackers were in the vicinity of the affected area. To prioritize safety, all inner canyon corridor trails were temporarily closed while the situation was assessed.

City of Flagstaff seeks community members to serve on public art panels

Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals or participate in discussions about projects. The total time commitment ranges from approximately four to 12 hours spread over multiple days, depending on the project. All meetings are held virtually to ensure accessibility and convenience. People from all backgrounds, industries and demographics are encouraged to apply.

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 County Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

Coconino County’s Administrative Center, the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed on Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will also be closed. There will be an Animal Services officer available on Monday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies. 

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — City Hall administrative offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Jan. 20 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Jan. 21 with regular hours.

Other City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Jan. 20 include:

East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Area (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

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. 

Supervisors Horstman and Fowler Appointed to Serve on National Monument Advisory Committee

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is pleased to announce that Supervisors Patrice Horstman as an elected official and Lena Fowler as a tribal representative, have been appointed …

by U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to serve on the Monument Advisory Committee (MAC) for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument.

Sedona Arts Center — SIGN UP for an Art Class or Workshop!

Historical-Contemporary Mashup:
Reimagining Ancient Forms with a Modern Twist
with Ben Roti
January 17-February 21: Fridays, 9am–12pm

In this unique hand-building class, students will explore the fascinating world of historical pottery by reimagining ancient forms and techniques through a contemporary lens. Students will choose an iconic historical pot or ceramic vessel and recreate it using modern materials and personal interpretation. This course blends traditional craftsmanship with innovative design, allowing students to learn from the past while creating something entirely their own.

Prerequisite: Completion of a beginner-level ceramics course.

MLK Day Breakfast and Celebration to be held Jan. 20 at Northern Arizona University

FLAGSTAFF — The annual MLK Day Breakfast and Program will be held from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at NAU DuBois Center, 1050 S. Knoles Drive. Proudly presented by the NAU Office of IMQ and the Black Student Union.

This event is free and open to the public, but RSVP HERE.

Join the Office of Inclusion (IMQ) along with the Black Student Union (BSU), The Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association, and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Black History Month on Monday, January 20, 2025.

This year’s theme, “MLK’s Vision: Building Bridges and Celebrating Community Connections,” honors the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by emphasizing the importance of unity, collaboration, and inclusivity in fostering stronger communities.

Discover Flagstaff — Discover New Events with Flagstaff Happenings!

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

City of Flagstaff awarded $19M federal grant for Butler Avenue and Fourth Street safety and multimodal improvements

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has been awarded a Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the US Department of Transportation for $19,000,000 for the construction of the Butler Avenue and Fourth Street safety and multimodal improvements project. This project will construct multimodal improvements along Butler Avenue from I-40 to Sinagua Heights Drive and Fourth Street from Sparrow Avenue to Crest Stone. The improvements include off-street bike lanes, ADA-compliant sidewalks, mid-block crossings, roadway widening and corridor access management solutions.

Coconino National Forest Winter 2024 Partnership Newsletter

Echoes of Excellence

Ellen Parish is the President of the Diablo Trust, a nonprofit in northern Arizona that provides a forum for active community participation in collaborative land stewardship (see the harmonic highlights article below for more information on the Diablo Trust.)

Ellen grew up near Porterville, California in a family that ranched and worked in the animal health industry. She moved to Arizona to go to school at NAU and, like so many of us do, fell in love with northern Arizona. Ellen’s strong connection to conservation was enhanced through studies in biology and physiology. While at NAU she fell in love with the ceramics department, and to this day makes ceramics as creative outlet during our winter months.

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Helping Kids and Teens Start the New Year Strong

Happy New Year!

One of United Way of Northern Arizona main focuses has been efforts to empower our children and teens so they can become resilient, successful youth.

As we step into 2025, it’s a wonderful time to help the children and teens in our lives set positive goals for this year.

Engaging young people in conversations about New Year’s resolutions can provide a great opportunity to foster growth and well-being. Here are 5 simple ways you can help support them:

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.

Superintendent Seeks Public Input on Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board Candidates

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, announces that interviews will be conducted for the open seat on the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board.

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member, has been assembled to conduct interviews and provide recommendations to Superintendent Mango-Paget regarding the appointment.

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.

January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Welcome 2025! As MNA marks its 97th year celebrating the Colorado Plateau, I’m excited to share a bit about our upcoming exhibits—a mix of art, science, and cultural phenomena.

February: Life Extended: Biology as Metaphor features vivid new works by Flagstaff artist Debra Edgerton that explore the links between biological and human social structures.
March: Collecting in a Changing World showcases recent MNA acquisitions with insights into why the museum collects what it collects.
May: Shifting Life Zones looks at climate-driven ecological shifts in northern Arizona and MNA research that reveals how plants are adapting.
November: Wagon Road to Mother Road marks the Route 66 Centennial with a journey through the rich history of the iconic highway. The exhibit will debut captivating stories about the road’s wild side, unveiled by MNA archaeological research in Petrified Forest National Park.

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.  

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these Art Classes & Workshops!

Our new catalog of classes and workshops is now available!
(You can also check it out online by clicking here)
See what’s new and explore a new class or workshop today!

Sedona is surrounded by a magical landscape of red rock formations and high desert hills with beautiful Oak Creek meandering through it all. Come experience the Shangri-La of the Southwest, a beautiful learning environment with Art Colony roots going back nearly 100 years!

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.”

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 01/06/25

View this email in your browser January 6th, 2025 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

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.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — January Newsletter ~ Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery is the hilarious adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles, where Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are called to investigate a mysterious, deadly hound haunting the desolate Devonshire moors. The Baskerville estate has named a new heir who is the potential next victim. The play features rapid-fire character changes with only four actors playing forty roles, creating a whirlwind of disguises and witty twists as the intrepid duo try to unravel the truth behind the murderous curse.

Sedona Arts Center — Opening Reception this Friday for ‘Earth and Fire’ Ceremics Exhibits

Join us this Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm for Celebrate Sedona and the opening of “Earth and Fire,” a ceramics exhibition and sale January 3-31, 2025. The exhibition showcases a diverse collection of ceramic pieces and kicks off with an opening reception Friday, January 3, from 4-6 pm, programmed in conjunction with Celebrate Sedona. The afternoon features artist demonstrations, food, wine, beer and music. Both events are free and open to the public.

“Earth and Fire” features a variety of artworks that celebrate and reflect ceramics contribution to the arts in Arizona as well as the artists who’ve graced Sedona Arts Center’s halls over the years. Event attendees will find everything, including decorative and functional pieces.

What a year! 2024 at Culture Connection AZ

Dear Friends and Supporters,

As we reflect on 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible milestones Culture Connection AZ has reached this year. Thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to connect our community, celebrate local culture, and amplify voices that have long been overlooked. Our events this year have brought together hundreds of attendees, and we are excited to share with you some of the highlights and successes from the past year.

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — Make A Difference This New Year’s Eve

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA). Your generosity reminds us that one person can make a difference – and together, we can drive lasting change in our region.

This year, thanks to donors like you, we’ve celebrated major milestones: tuition-free education for KinderCamp™ graduates at Coconino Community College and Northern Arizona University, a significant boost in children enrolled in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, and efforts to expand Elevate PreK to serve more working families.

Your contributions have also supported nearly 40 other programs throughout northern Arizona, fueling hope and opportunity for thousands.

Flagstaff STEM City — Congratulations to Citizen of the Year, Sylvia Johnson

This recognition celebrates her dedication to serving our community. Sylvia’s humble spirit and remarkable contributions have touched many lives, and we’re so proud to see her hard work acknowledged in this way.

Join us in celebrating Sylvia and her inspiring achievements!

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Happy New Year!

Hello,

As we move into 2025 this week, the Board and investors of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona extend our warmest wishes for a Happy New Year.

Our region’s economy is ever-evolving, and we’re excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we will continue to strengthen key business sectors, address challenges facing our communities, and foster a thriving environment for both industries and individuals in northern Arizona.

Thank you for being part of this journey. We look forward to collaborating with you in the year ahead.

Wishing you a successful and fulfilling 2025.

Grand Canyon National Park Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Fee Increase for Non-Commercial River Trips

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed fee increase for non-commercial river trips. The proposed change would begin March 1, 2025.

The existing $25 lottery application cost fee would remain the same and the flat rate per-person cost would increase from $90 to $310 for Lees Ferry to Diamond Creek and $0 to $55 for Diamond Creek to Pearce Ferry.

Interested parties can submit feedback online at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_River_Trip_Cost_Increase through January 30, 2025. Written comments may also be sent to the following address by January 30, 2025:

Community turns out in force seeking answers regarding potential federal immigration sweeps

Organizers plan a follow-up forum in early 2025.

Editor’s note — The first in a series of articles on local immigration rights and information sharing efforts in Coconino County. We encourage community members to provide information on upcoming events, issues and programs by sending an email to fmoraga@amigosnaz.com

By AmigosNAZ.com

While local law enforcement officials stated they do not work for the incoming presidential administration’s immigration program, community members and local immigration officials called for more local law enforcement information on how to protect themselves from potential federal immigration sweeps.

In what promises to be the first of a number immigration information programs in reaction to the potential new federal immigration policies starting on Jan. 20, 2025, members of the Flagstaff community gathered at Killip Elementary School for the “Let’s Talk About the Current State of Immigration” forum on Dec. 3, 2024.

The event, presented by the Northern Arizona Interfaith Council (NAIC), drew more than 150 individuals to the school’s gymnasium, who listened to live presentations by Flagstaff Police Chief Sean Connolly, incoming Coconino County Sheriff Bret Axlund, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, staff from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix, plus a virtual presentation from the Mexican Consulate in Phoenix.

Board of Supervisors Recognizes Retiring Employees at Final Meeting of 2024

COCONINO COUNTY — After conclusion of regular business at the final meeting of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board), the Board took time to recognize, thank, and congratulate six outstanding public servants …

… who will be retiring at the end of 2024, and who spent much of their professional careers in Coconino County. 

Sheriff Jim Driscoll leaves Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) after 50 years, beginning as a Deputy on patrol in 1974, and serving as our Sheriff since 2017. The CCSO will now be led by Chief Deputy Bret Axlund, elected in November. 

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

***

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

National League of Cities selects Flagstaff Councilmember Khara House for Centennial Under 40 Impact Award

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Councilmember Khara House has been named among the inaugural recipients of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) Centennial Under 40 Impact Award. The award recognizes and celebrates the achievements of elected officials under the age of 40 from NLC member cities, towns and villages.

The winners were chosen from a competitive pool of nominees and are recognized for their outstanding contributions to public service, governance, and community development. These dynamic leaders are shaping the future of local governance, demonstrating excellence through impactful initiatives, and fostering positive change in their communities.

Applicants Sought for School District Governing Board Vacancies

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointments to four School District governing board positions that will expire December 31, 2028.

The following Governing Boards are now accepting applications for one seat each: Grand Canyon Unified School District; Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District; NATIVE (Tuba City); and Tuba City Unified School District. 

City of Flagstaff announces holiday closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall will be closed to the public on the afternoon of Tuesday, Dec. 24, all day Wednesday, Dec. 25 and all-day Wednesday, Jan. 1 for the Christmas and New Year holidays. Closures and reopening schedules for other City facilities and services are listed below.

Art Workshops & Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Mini Masterpieces: Palette Knife and Cold Wax Basics
with Casey Cheuvront
January 4, 2025: Saturday, 11am–4pm

Good things come in small packages!  Add some dimension to your painting with cold wax and learn the basics of palette knife painting in this one-day workshop. All materials provided. Leave with your own mini masterpiece!

 Gallery depth mini panel, palette knife, paint, and cold wax included in the materials fee (paid to the instructor)
 Reserve early; limited seating – All levels welcome!

Coconino County Hope Receiving Center Earns AACo Statewide Summit and Merit Award

The Hope Receiving Center, developed by the Coconino County Juvenile Court, with participation from 12 community partners, was awarded a Summit Award in the Court Administration & Management category at the AACo Annual Conference last week. The project drew praise for its foresight in creating a space where at-risk youth as well as their parents and guardians can access services including formal deflection, truancy response, therapy dogs, and educational programming all designed to keep youth in school and stem the tide of juveniles entering the justice system.