Category: Local

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Winslow Launches Housing Incentive Programs

by Community Contributor • June 20, 2024 • Comments Off

Winslow is taking a two-prong approach to creating more workforce housing to address current needs and also prepare for future development in the city of about 10,000 residents.

According to the Strategic Plan that ECoNA released last year, Winslow has a deficit of about 750 workforce housing units between the current gap and projected growth over the next five years. The current number of dwelling units is about 2,900, with another 180 in the pipeline, said Jack Fitchett, the city’s Economic Development Director.

“We have some pretty large plans for development,” he added, including a large industrial park. “That’s going to require pretty significant labor, and that’s not going to happen if those people don’t have a place to live.”

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Keep up with latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Want to stay informed of the latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families in Arizona?

Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive timely emails from Julianne E. Hartzell, a local educator who received CCC&Y’s special “Caring for Children Lifetime Achievement Award” during the Coalition’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022.

Julianne is a past board president but continues to volunteer her time for CCCY to share information from our partners to help keep our community informed.

Julianne has recently provided past updates from such organizations as:

Arizona Education Association — Legislative Weekly Update

Center for the Future of Arizona — “Majority of Arizona Voters Agree On Key Issues Ahead of Elections”

Education Forward Arizona Advocacy Alert — “Cuts and Lack of Investment in Education not Aligned with Voters’ Expectations or State’s Attainment Needs”

Save Our Schools Arizona — “Vouchers Blast Massive Hole in AZ Budget”

STAND for Children Arizona — “Tell your legislator to vote NO on HCR 20260” immigration enforcement measure

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Begin Friday in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Representatives from both Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have indicated their intent to move to Stage 2 fire restrictions Friday, June 21 at 8 a.m. Per Coconino County Ordinance 2024-01, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions in all unincorporated areas of the County at the same time.

Under the County’s Stage 2 restrictions the following activities are prohibited at all times, in all County jurisdictions:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including fires fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal.
Smoking outdoors.
Use of internal combustion engines for common household-only activities, such as landscaping or property maintenance and repair.
Use of explosive targets, tracer rounds, or incendiary ammunition.
Outdoor mechanical and industrial operations such as welding and/or the use of acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday, June 21 at Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • June 19, 2024 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Due to warm and dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim, North Rim and Inn Canyon beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites including: Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground, Havasupai Gardens Campground and the Colorado River corridor.

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions begin on Friday, June 21

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.

Coconino National Forest strengthening fire restrictions Friday

by Community Contributor • June 18, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 8 a.m. Friday, June 21 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited forest-wide:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material) …

City of Flagstaff announces Juneteenth closures

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Thursday, June 20 at 8 a.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Juneteenth include:

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

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 6/17/24

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

Sedona Arts Center — New day, new art workshops now available

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm

Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!

Flagstaff STEM City — Flagstaff Beer Festival 2024 fundraising event for non-profit organizations in Northern Arizona- Volunteers Needed

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Beer Festival is a fundraising event for non-profit organizations in Northern Arizona. This year’s proceeds support Flagstaff STEM City.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Big summer musical Annie! And Downtown Films Changing Gears next Monday.

by Community Contributor • June 17, 2024 • Comments Off

Theatrikos Theatre Company brings the big summer musical Annie to the Flagstaff stage. The sun’ll come out tomorrow! It’s a hard knock life—but this beloved family classic will fill your heart with love and joy. Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

Coconino County announces updated Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer that provides real-time access to critical emergency information

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Stay informed with our updated Coconino County Situational Awareness Viewer!

We are excited to announce the enhanced Situational Awareness Viewer. This all-hazards dashboard provides you with real-time access to critical emergency information, all in one convenient place.

Key Features:
Stay updated on the latest emergency alerts and evacuation orders.
View the latest fire restrictions and wildfire ordinance.
Interactive maps to help you understand which areas are affected during an emergency.

Flagstaff Police Chief Musselman to be recognized during June 18 Council Meeting

by Community Contributor • June 14, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Members of the public are invited to attend a recognition event for Flagstaff Police Chief Dan Musselman during the Tuesday, June 18 Council Meeting. The meeting will start at 3 p.m. and will be held at City Hall (211 W Aspen Ave). Light refreshments will be served.

Chief Musselman began working for the City of Flagstaff in November 1995 as a Police Officer. During his almost 29-year career with the City he served as Corporal Detective, Police Sergeant, Police Lieutenant, and Deputy Police Chief. He began serving as the City of Flagstaff Police Chief in December 2020.

Discover Flagstaff — Juneteenth Celebration, Murdoch Community Center June 14-16 at Murdoch Community Center, Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Juneteenth with a weekend of events at the Murdoch Community Center, including a gala, outdoor festival, and community talk highlighting the history of the building, Southside neighborhood, and the mural. Various Times.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 10-14, 2024

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Last Call! Firewise Cleanup ends this Friday

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! Now through this Friday, June 14, the Firewise Cleanup is being held throughout the South Rim residential areas.

Here’s how you can make a difference:

Clear dead woody debris from around your residence, up to 30 ft.
Rake pine needles and leaves (please minimize collection of dirt and rocks-this will inhibit effective pile burning in the future)
Move firewood away from contact with structures (more than 10 ft. is recommended)
Please do not collect industrial lumber; this material will be left.

Bright Angel Point Trail Closure to Begin June 21 on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON — Beginning Friday, June 21, the Bright Angel Point Trail on the North Rim leading to Bright Angel Point will be closed for construction. This closure is necessary for the protection of staff and visiting public during an extensive repair effort to the Bright Angel Point Trail.

The trail will be closed to all pedestrian traffic as National Park Service (NPS) personnel replace asphalt, move large rocks, and operate equipment in these areas. The NPS emphasizes the importance of always staying on designated trails, and visitors should never attempt to go over or around a closure.

Large prescribed burn project next to Timberline community planned for this fall

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin preparing this summer for the upcoming Timberline prescribed burn project adjacent to the Timberline community northeast of Flagstaff, which burn will be conducted at later dates between mid-October and mid-November.

Residents will begin to see dozers and personnel working in the forest around the prescribed burn area throughout the summer as they prepare the landscape for a safe and successful burn.

This 1,730-acre project is important as it will remove forest fuels in strategic areas, helping mitigate and protect the Timberline-Fernwood and surrounding communities from future extreme wildfires.

Coconino County Supervisors Survey $60 Million of Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation Progress in Pipeline Fire Area

by Community Contributor • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors recently toured the Pipeline Fire Flood Area to observe the progress of post-wildfire flood mitigation in the eight fire-impacted watersheds.

In the fifteen months since the receipt of federal funding, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) has implemented over $60 million worth of mitigation, including over 240 acres of watershed restoration, over 250 erosion control structures, and nearly 5 miles of storm drain pipe and concrete channels.

“It’s monumental,” said District 4 Supervisor and Chair of the Board Judy Begay. “When I see the pace and scale of what has been accomplished to improve conditions for our people, I feel very proud of this team.”

Coconino County to Host Drop Off Days in Munds Park and Forest Lakes in June 14, 15

by AmigosNAZ.com • June 13, 2024 • Comments Off

Coconino County will host two free Drop Off Day events in June. The first will be in the Forest Lakes Community on Friday, June 14thfrom 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1538 Merzville Rd. Forest Lakes Estate, and the second…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

As Summer rapidly approaches, it’s time for parents to start collecting resources for upcoming Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 11, 2024).

The NAU Review — How NAU is revolutionizing stroke care, a quilt that symbolizes belonging and getting to know Zane Jacobs

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Is 100% survival after stroke achievable?

One bioengineer says yes. Tim Becker and a team of NAU students are designing groundbreaking medical devices with the goal of increasing survival rates—currently at 30-60%—for stroke patients. With a focus on reducing racial and gender disparities in health outcomes for stroke patients and creating adaptable, functional medical devices that can go from the lab to the surgical suite, the students are getting hands-on experience that is turning into inventions and job offers.

Sedona Arts Center — AZ Action Alert

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

The first look at the latest budget proposal that could be passed by the Legislature is showing ZERO FUNDING for the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Your legislators and Governor Hobbs NEED to hear from you TODAY. Click the link below.

Tell them why eliminating funding for the Commission is devastating. If you are connected to an arts organization or you are an artist, the most powerful message you can send will communicate the SPECIFIC impact this would have on your art, on your programs, on your community. If you would have to lay off staff, tell them. If you would need to cancel a program, give them the specifics. Legislators need to understand that these dollars are supporting THEIR communities, THEIR constituents, and zero funding is NOT acceptable.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Deadline Extended! Host an Event in the 2024 Festival of Science!

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Deadline extended to submit your event during the Flagstaff Festival of Science! Do you have an idea for a presentation, guided hike, hands-on workshop or more?

Northern Arizona, we are looking for you! Calling all science presenters, educators, demonstrators, and guides!

Submit your idea today before the June 24th final deadline!

Sedona Arts Center — New Art Workshops Just Added!

by Community Contributor • June 12, 2024 • Comments Off

Impressionistic Painting
with Gretchen Lopez
July 12 : Friday 10am – 4:30pm

I love the “Impressionists”! They had an incredible way with color and light. In this class, we will explore the color mixtures and brush work the Impressionists used, and work from the still life and the landscape! Let’s plan to learn more about the light, and discuss Artists such as Monet, Sorolla and Renoir!

June at the Museum of Northern Arizona

by Community Contributor • June 11, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Museum Friends,

I am thrilled to invite you, your family, and friends to our highlight event of the year – the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture – June 22 & 23 at the Museum. The festival promises an immersive experience, connecting you with the rich and diverse traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Colorado Plateau. Dozens of Native American artists will showcase their work, interspersed with dancers, musicians, demonstrators, and cultural experts sharing their knowledge and insights. My favorite part of this MNA annual festival is the opportunity to talk with artists directly and purchase unique handmade pieces reflecting the beauty and spirit of the Plateau. The painting above by Venaya Yazzie (Diné) gives you an idea of the talented artists who will be on hand. There will be something for everyone to enjoy, including activities for children, energizing music from Tha ‘Yoties, and tasty regional foods like frybread from Sacred Hogan.

The anticipation for summer is building! I can’t wait to see you at the Museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler June 2025 Quarterly Newsletter

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2024 • Comments Off

As we welcome the warmth of summer, I am pleased to reconnect with you. It’s always a remarkable time of the year when we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, welcome all the lambs, and feel accomplished with the completion of shearing the sheep. Within this dynamic, we find ourselves poised at an intersection of tradition and innovation, resilience and progress.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library 6/10/24

by Community Contributor • June 10, 2024 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

United Way of Northern Arizona — Reveal Your Inner Hero: Volunteer to Help in Emergencies

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2024 • Comments Off

With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions were enacted today (June 6) in the City of Flagstaff, unincorporated parts of Coconino County, and the Coconino National Forest.

The precaution is to lessen the chance of a devastating wildfire like the ones we’ve had over the years, most recently the Tunnel and Pipeline Fires of 2022 and the Museum Fire in 2019.

United Way of Northern Arizona coordinates crisis response volunteers for both Coconino County and the City of Flagstaff during emergencies and disasters.

The best time to plan for an emergency is before one happens, which is why we’d like to ask you to consider adding your name to the list of volunteers we can call on if an emergency occurs.

City of Flagstaff — Nonstop service to LAX beginning this fall

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — American Airlines will add nonstop seasonal service between Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) this fall. Starting on October 12, the service will operate on Saturdays using a CRJ700 aircraft.

“The addition of the LAX route offers more choices for travelers in northern Arizona,” said Airport Director Brian Gall. “This new route provides hundreds of one-stop destinations, making travel even more convenient for the Flagstaff region.”

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport is actively working to attract a second air carrier and expand air service. Increased traveler use of FLG makes it easier for airlines to add more flights to various destinations. The best way to secure new services is by filling the seats currently available.

Comet’s Welcome 14 New Cross Country Recruits for Fall 2024 Season

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College (CCC) is thrilled to announce the addition of 13 talented recruits to the cross country team for the upcoming fall 2024 season. These new athletes, hailing from diverse backgrounds and bringing a wealth of experience, are poised to strengthen CCC’s already formidable cross country program.

“We are incredibly excited to welcome these outstanding runners to our team,” said Head Coach Craig Hunt. “Each of these athletes brings unique strengths and a dedication to excellence that will help us continue to build a competitive and cohesive team.”

Museum of Northern Arizona — Party on the Plateau Silent Auction closes soon!

by Community Contributor • June 7, 2024 • Comments Off

Dear Museum Friends,

The silent auction for this year’s Party on the Plateau will close tomorrow, June 8th at 7:00 pm! You do not have to be attending the Party on the Plateau to participate and bid on items in the silent auction. Bidding is heating up! With items ranging from artworks to experiences, there is something for everyone and all the proceeds benefit the museum.

You can bid online by clicking here. Note that if you view the auction on your desktop browser, keep your cursor in the middle of the screen as you scroll to ensure you see all auction items. Some of our great items are showcased below!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 3-7, 2024 — Star Party Continues through Saturday, June 8!, more news, events

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

The 34th annual Grand Canyon Star Party will conclude for the season on Saturday, June 8. South Rim events include a nightly slide show from a special guest speaker at 8 p.m. in the plaza of the Grand Canyon Visitor Center.

The list of speakers can be found on the Grand Canyon Star Party webpage and also in the NPS Mobile App. The talks are followed by free telescope viewing behind the building. Green-laser constellation tours will be offered nightly at 9, 9:30, and 10 p.m.

North Rim events include telescopes set up on the terrace of the Grand Canyon Lodge every evening along with astronomers with green lasers to pointing out constellations. By day, look for solar telescopes on the terrace and surrounding the Grand Canyon Lodge. A flyer for the evening events on the North Rim can be found here.

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Pro Rodeo, Fort Tuthill County Park Thursday through Saturday, June 6-8

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

Flagstaff Pro Rodeo, Fort Tuthill County Park

Get ready for thrilling rodeo action, live entertainment, and fun for the whole family in the cool pines of Flagstaff! 5 p.m.

Resources responding to 100-acre Bravo Fire located on Camp Navajo west of Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Resources are responding to a 100-acre wildfire on Camp Navajo located 9 miles west of Flagstaff.

The Bravo Fire was reported at 11 a.m. today and resources responding to the incident include the Arizona National Guard, one Hotshot crew, two hand crews and one engine.

Summer Safety: Avoid Hiking During Excessive Heat Warnings

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for parts of Grand Canyon National Park. The warning is in effect from 8 a.m. Thursday, June 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 7 for areas below 4,000 feet in the canyon including Phantom Ranch and Havasupai Gardens. Forecast temperatures in the shade range between 105 F/41 C and 111 F/44 C. Hotter than normal temperatures will also hit the rims, with highs of 92 F/33 C on the South Rim and 85 F/30 C on the North Rim.

Board of Supervisors Elects Judy Begay to Serve as Chair, Patrice Horstman as Vice-Chair

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — At their regular meeting on Tuesday June 4, 2024, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) elected District 4 Supervisor Judy Begay to serve as Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman to serve as Vice-Chair through the end of 2024.

This will be each Supervisor’s first time serving in each of these leadership positions. Chair Begay has served as Vice-Chair since August 2023, Vice-Chair Horstman previously served as Chair from February 2022 until August 2023.

Chair Begay was first elected to the Board in 2020, after serving over 14 years as a public-school Board Member in Tuba City, as well as several other non-profit organizations. She also has experience in management and supervision of health programs, school administration, facilities management, roads and infrastructure, and public housing.

City of Flagstaff to receive over $1M for water resource systems modeling and efficiency projects

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2024 • Comments Off

The four grants awarded to the City by WIFA include $750K to accelerate the replacement of water meters with ultrasonic meters, $136K to improve the tracking of non-revenue water, $60K for the development of a watershed model for the Upper Lake Mary Watershed, and $80K for the development of a computer model that will integrate the City’s existing surface water and groundwater models.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Executive director Virginia Watahomigie serves as vital link to support members, partners and community to benefit local children and families

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2024 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

“We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

That is the Mission Statement of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth. And with a county as large as Coconino (second largest in the nation); with an individual, non-profit and for-profit membership approaching 100; and a diverse, dedicated and talented board of directors — it takes a special individual to bring all these moving parts together to benefit families throughout Northern Arizona.

Virginia Watahomigie joined CCC&Y as executive director in September 2016. In a CCC&Y news posting at the time, she said: “The opportunity to work with CCC&Y is rewarding and very exciting as the work and reputation of the Coalition is impeccable. I have found the members to be genuinely dedicated to children’s issues. I feel privileged to further this mission, as well as, continue building relationships with the community” …

The NAU Review — NAU’s first Hispanic/Latine youth media workshop, more news

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2024 • Comments Off

For the first time, the School of Communication hosted a free two-day seminar for Hispanic and Latine high school students looking to explore film and visual communication.

Board of Supervisors Recognizes 100th Anniversary of Indian Citizenship Act

by Community Contributor • June 5, 2024 • Comments Off

“The right to vote and run for office is an American birthright and despite the efforts of the past to stifle the Native American voice, we are here, and our voice is strong,” said Lena Fowler, Coconino County District 5 Supervisor. “Every election is important, and I encourage all residents to register to vote, learn about candidates, research ballot questions and vote in the primary election on July 30 and presidential election on November 5.”