Category: Local

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 16-20, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Desert View Groundbreaking Ceremony and Inter-tribal Working Group meeting

On Tuesday, May 17, we held a ceremony at Desert View to celebrate the near completion of the initial phases of work being done at Desert View to turn it into the park Inter-tribal cultural heritage site.

Members of the Inter-tribal Working Group, Grand Canyon Conservancy, park staff and other partners attended a short celebration of the accomplishments to date. James Uqualla from the Havasupai Tribe, offered a blessing for the work and the efforts for all who have been involved.

In addition to Superintendent Keable, Theresa McMullan from GCC offered words of support, along with individual Working Group members. The Working Group will continue its efforts to develop the exhibit plan for the Desert View Welcome Center and has begun work on the next strategic plan.

United Way of Northern Arizona — (Video) Community Celebrates Elevate PreK

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Last weekend, proponents of early education gathered to celebrate the first year of Elevate PreK, a pilot program that offers high-quality, full-day, year-round preschool experience at no cost to families.

The program is geared toward 4-year-olds living in households with income between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level who are not currently enrolled in preschool.

United Way of Northern Arizona is one of the program’s supporters and co-hosted the event.

In addition to offering an evidenced-based curriculum, the program also offers wrap-around services for families so that parents and caregivers get the support they need.

The celebration included a review of Elevate PreK’s progress in its first year conducted by Dr. Caroline Black, an assistant professor of early childhood education at Northern Arizona University. Her study showed that outcomes of the program included growth in students’ social skills, self-control, engagement and vocabulary in the first year.

NAU News — Developing future Diné public health leaders starts with early, culturally significant exposure

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Successfully guiding Diné youth toward health and public health professions begins with two important ideas––start students in a program in high school and cultivate in them a love and understanding of their own cultural, strength-based assets.

Researchers from Diné College and Northern Arizona University explored these findings and other lessons in their recently released publication, “Engaging Native American High School Students in Public Health Career Preparation Through the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program.”

The publication examines the Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP), a one-week summer training program that exposes Native American high school students to public health careers and mentorship in Tsaile, Arizona.

Patrice Horstman — May 2022 District One Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 19, 2022 • Comments Off

Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Tunnel Fire
Tunnel Fire Follow-Up
Stage One Fire Restrictions
Be Prepared for Wildfire
Community Wildfire Defense Program–A Proactive Vison
Museum Fire Flood Mitigation/Sediment Reduction Update
County Supervisors Association Elects Western Interstate Region
Representatives
Havasupai Visit
Flagstaff Shelter Services Housewarming
Community Events: Ms. Cleo’s Tea Party
Congratulations Graduates!
SMILE
Contact Us

Museum of Northern Arizona — Signs of summer – Thirsty Thursdays & plant sales

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

What is it about the Colorado River that captivates people? Every photograph in the newest exhibition at the museum is a reminder of how strongly people respond to that river. For some, a trip down the Colorado River changed their life forever. Actress Katie Lee went on a river trip and then dedicated her life to singing and speaking for the river. When photographer Eliot Porter took his first river trip he was so overwhelmed he missed photos opportunities, but returned again and again to portray the incredible colors and intimate details of the canyon.

Discover Flagstaff — Overland Expo West, Fort Tuthill County Park May 20-22

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Join in on the premier overlanding event series in the world. 8 a.m.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — National Mental Health Month in May raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth joins other organizations in Arizona in recognizing the month of May as National Mental Health Month, which raises awareness of the impacts of trauma on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families and communities.

“As individuals and leaders in Arizona, we understand we must heal to move forward from the current trauma of COVID-19. We recognize that all individuals not only experience trauma from situations such as a pandemic but also because of ongoing social injustice practices.”

Solar co-op launches for Northern Arizona residents to go solar together

by Community Contributor • May 18, 2022 • Comments Off

Second co-op in the region launches following the state’s most successful co-op Local city, county officials throw support behind project. Information meeting set for Tuesday, May 24.

FLAGSTAFF — The Cities of Flagstaff and Sedona, and Coconino County have partnered with nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to launch the second Northern Arizona Co-op. The co-op will help residents go solar.

This co-op follows the launch of the first Northern Arizona Co-op in 2021. That group reached 225 member households and is Solar United Neighbors’ most successful co-op in Arizona to date. The second Northern Arizona Co-op provides a new opportunity for residents to take advantage of the area’s plentiful sunshine.

“The City of Flagstaff is making great strides to uphold our commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2030, but we know that we can’t do it alone,” said Flagstaff Vice Mayor Miranda Sweet. “The solar co-op represents the ‘what’s possible’ when we work together to create solutions, collectively.

City of Flagstaff hosts volunteer cleanup day on May 21 in areas impacted by Museum Fire flooding

by Community Contributor • May 17, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff is hosting a volunteer cleanup day in areas downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar on Saturday, May 21. Volunteers will be assisting with clearing debris and litter from public infrastructure around Ponderosa Park and the Grandview Homes neighborhood.

Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Proposition 438 supports Coconino Community College on Tuesday, May 17 ballot!

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

Only one more day untilwe know if CCC’s Proposition 438 passed, and so we’re doing ONE LAST PUSH!

Donating to the campaign: It’s not too late to donate for the first time, or even the second time. We have to raise more to give it everything we’ve got in these last days. You can donate on our website www.yesforcoconino.com or send a check made out to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, and send to Supporters for a Thriving CCC, 1600 W University Ave, Suite 206, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

Voting Yes: If you haven’t already sent in your early ballot, please dig it out of that pile that you made for later consideration, and take it to a ballot drop box, or take it to the polls on May 17. Or vote early at one of the Early Voting locations. Or go to the polls on May 17 and vote in person.

To learn the location of the Ballot Drop Box locations, Early Voting locations, Polling Place locations and other useful information here are some things you can click on:

Informational Pamphlet Early Voting Locations
Check the Status of your Early Ballot Ballot Drop Box Locations
Polling Place Locations Navajo Nation Ballot Drop Off Locations
Live Ballot Counting Video Stream
We greatly appreciate everything many of you have already done by donating, endorsing, phone banking, going door to door, tabling, advising us, or helping in other ways!

This is crucial for our county!

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 5/16/22

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2022 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser May 16th, 2022 Connect with your community Featured Resource Celebrate Lifelong Learning Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown…

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 9-13, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2022 • Comments Off

The CDC Community Level tracks a county’s ability to provide health care to COVID patients. We continue to register Low at the community level, and we have been at this level since early March.

The Coconino County Community Transmission looks at the number of COVID cases and positive tests. Coconino County is now High, which has increased from Substantial as of Thursday, May 5. COVID transmission in the county is continuing to rise and although we have relaxed mask mandates and other mitigation strategies in the park, we are reminded that the pandemic is not over.

As we continue to make decisions about park operations, we want to emphasize that we are considering the current transmission status and trajectory of cases nationwide. We want to acknowledge and recognize that there is a lot of information being shared by agencies, and some are conflicting. Our goal is to share pertinent information with you and also to use the best data to make decisions about park operations.

City of Flagstaff Grant funding available for historic preservation with May 25 deadline

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff has seven $10,000 matching grants available for historic property owners under its Historic Façades and Signs Grant program. The grants are available for both privately owned residential and commercial properties. Properties must be at least 50 years old and meet the criteria to be eligible for historic preservation. Funding is available on a 50/50-match basis, with up to $10,000 per property. Applications must be received by May 25.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Milestones, Workforce Program Focus of Economic Development Week

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

This is Economic Development Week, an annual event created by the International Economic Development Council to increase awareness of local efforts to promote economic vitality, highlight programs that create jobs, and celebrate entities that improve the quality of life in communities everywhere.

Which makes this the perfect week to note some important milestones being reached by northern Arizona businesses and organizations. In Flagstaff, this year is the 10th anniversary of two very popular businesses, Flagstaff Xtreme and Mother Road Brewing Co. It’s also the 20th anniversary of the latest iteration of The Orpheum as a entertainment venue.

USFS on-forest sediment reduction project underway in Museum Flood Area

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

A Coconino County Flood Control District (District) project to reduce on-national forest sediment production and transport above and below Mt. Elden Estates is underway.

The U.S. Forest Service Museum Fire Sediment Reduction Project broke ground in late April and is expected to be completed this fall.

Funded by the U.S. Forest Service, the $3.5 million project includes grade stabilization and watershed restoration work to reduce sediment production and transport. Without a reduction in these very high levels of sediment, any expansion of the floodwater conveyances within the City of Flagstaff will not be effective at reducing the level of floodwater impacting homes.

Sedona Arts Center — The Big Workshop Email

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Painting For All Levels: ONLINE!
with Gretchen Lopez
June 3, 2022
From the beginning to the experienced student, this one-day class in oil or acrylic will guide and teach students how to approach the painting process with confidence, while exploring the basics of value-pattern, composition and color. Students may work from life and/or photos. Instructor demonstrations and lots of individual attention provided.

The NAU Review — Special commencement, Notes from the President, and NAU Review news

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

NAU is welcoming back 900 alumni this weekend to get their long-awaited, long-delayed opportunity to put on their cap and gown and walk across the stage. The spring and fall classes of 2020 and the spring class of 2021, who had virtual commencement ceremonies during the pandemic, are returning to NAU this weekend for a special celebration.

Tusayan Route Shuttle Bus “Park and Ride” begins May 28

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2022 • Comments Off

Starting Saturday, May 28, the National Park Service (NPS) will offer shuttle bus service between the Grand Canyon National Park Visitor Center and the gateway community of Tusayan, Arizona. The Tusayan Route will run at 20-minute intervals between 8 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. daily through September 9, 2022.

Summer can be very busy at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. During busy periods, visitors can expect up to two-hour wait times at the South Entrance Station between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and parking lots can reach capacity as early as 12 p.m. Riding the shuttle from Tusayan can help visitors avoid entrance station lines and parking frustrations and reduce vehicle congestion in the park.

Discover Flagstaff — 2022 Total Lunar Eclipse Party, Lowell Observatory on May 15 and more events

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2022 • Comments Off

Come and witness an amazing and rare celestial evening. 5 p.m.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — ‘Rec center open stage’ to be held May 18 at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center, Flagstaff and more news

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The “Rec center open stage” will be held Wednesday, May 18 at the Hal Jensen Recreation Center, 2403 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff.

Speak or showcase your talents. Free entry. Cash Prize.

Click here to enter.

Presented by the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Building Communities and the City of Flagstaff PROSE (Parks, Recreation, Open Space & Events).

Sandbags available for residents impacted by Museum Fire flooding

by Community Contributor • May 11, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino County Flood Control District are helping residents in neighborhoods downstream of the Museum Fire burn scar prepare for the 2022 monsoon season by placing pallets of new sandbags and trash bins throughout neighborhoods, which residents can use to repair their sandbag walls. Materials will be available from May 13 through July 1, 2022.

The NAU Review — A record-breaking run, a new view of CO2, Flagstaff 🚲 Month and an NAU Online grad heads to law school

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2022 • Comments Off

Nur sets NCAA record in 5,000-meter run

Competing with some of the world’s fastest 5,000-meter runners, the stage was set for Abdihamid Nur and Nico Young to make history at Friday night’s Sound Running Track Meet in San Juan Capistrano, California. And make history they did—the pair of Lumberjacks quickly moved into the top five and held their spaces, eventually finishing in first and second. Nur finished with an NCAA record-breaking time of 13:06.32, and Young finished at 13:11.30, the third-fastest collegiate time in history.

Coconino County seeking nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is looking for nominations for 2023 Teacher of the Year.

The award is a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor, and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade.

To nominate a teacher and for other award categories, please submit a completed Coconino County Nomination Form.

Creative Flagstaff — NightVisions & DRC Grand Opening May 21

by Community Contributor • May 10, 2022 • Comments Off

NightVisions: Cultural Interpretations of the Night Sky is an international juried art exhibition at Coconino Center for the Arts that seeks to explore and celebrate our deep connections with the night. In its 8th iteration, we are excited to expand upon the exhibition concept in honor of the legacy of Flagstaff astronomer Carolyn S Shoemaker (June 24, 1929 – August 13, 2021) and her collaborations with husband and geologist Eugene Shoemaker (April 28, 1928 – July 18, 1997), with the inclusion of archival astronomical elements alongside the work of contemporary artists.

Coconino County — Coconino Chronicle

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County.

We’ll be publishing each month, typically on the first Friday, to make sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as residents of Coconino County.

Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of May 9, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

Connect with your community

United Way of Northern Arizona — Last Chance to Register for Elevate PreK Celebration This Saturday

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2022 • Comments Off

We hope that you’ll join us this Saturday for our celebration of Elevate PreK’s successful first year. In case you haven’t had a chance to register. please do so here.

Our keynote speaker will be early childhood education advocate Rhian Evans Allvin, the driving force behind the establishment of First Things First.

Educators, business community leaders and experts will also speak to why increasing access to high-quality, year-round preschool education helps not only our children, but our workplaces and communities as well.

Flagstaff Cinco de Mayo Celebration, dinner/dance to be held May 7

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2022 • Comments Off

The Cinco de Mayo Celebration, dinner/dance will return at 5 p.m. Saturday, May 7 at The American Legion, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff.

Sponsored by The American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

Dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m., with the dance from 7 to 11 p.m. with live music by Cumbre.

Tickets: $20 single / $30 couple. Dinner: $12 combo plate.

Tickets available at The American Legion.

NAU — Convenient and unique summer courses for students and community members

by Community Contributor • May 6, 2022 • Comments Off

Explore a topic that interests you and learn something new this summer. Northern Arizona University offers summer courses for the whole family—in Flagstaff, Phoenix, and online.

Summer is a great time for NAU students to catch up or get ahead on degree requirements, or supplement their studies with courses that interest them. There’s still time to register for summer sessions that begin May 30 and July 4.

Community members can explore non-credit courses on topics for personal enrichment or professional development. Start dates vary from May through July. From the Young Author’s Day Camp to Developing a Dynamic Strategic Plan for Your Small Business and Intro to Brewing Science, it’s easy to learn something new at NAU this summer.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 2-5, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Fire restrictions remain in Stage 1 for Grand Canyon

Fire restrictions for the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as the Town of Tusayan, will be in effect beginning today Thursday, May 5. Under these restrictions, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal or wood stove fire, except within a developed recreation site, or improved site is prohibited on these lands. Additionally, smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building. Smoking is also prohibited in all federal buildings.

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

The NAU Review — Celebrating the Class of 2022, a DOE fellowship and President Cruz Rivera’s top 10(ish) moments of the semester

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

Almost 5,600 students are graduating this weekend, and four leaders, including an NAU alum and the National Teacher of the Year, will speak at the ceremonies and receive honorary doctorates.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Social Peak Collective Streamlining Access to Basic Needs›

by Community Contributor • May 5, 2022 • Comments Off

‘Social Peak Collective’ Launches Pop-Ups

There’s no doubt that the greater Flagstaff area is rich in resources to help people with basic needs. Between government services and non-profits, there are scores of programs that can assist families with everything from food insecurity to health screenings to utility expenses

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y to present Historical Trauma with Iya Affo Training & Discussion on May 18

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present Historical Trauma with Iya Affo Training & Discussion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 18.

Click here to register

We know from speaking to the community many have been impacted by injustice and inequity.

A step in our Self-Healing Communities work.

All Welcome!

Raffles & More

With funding support by Vitalyst Health Foundation and the Department of Child Safety Prevention Councils.

For more information, contact: coalition@coconinokids.org

Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk on May 6 and more events

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Downtown Flagstaff. One of Northern Arizona’s premier arts events held in historic downtown Flagstaff. 6 p.m.; free.

Creative Flagstaff — Don’t Miss May’s ArtWalk!

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Join us for ArtWalk this Friday, May 6th! Come see us at our info booth in Heritage Square from 5-8 pm to pick up an ArtWalk Map – your guide to downtown during First Friday! Go digital and use the online map here.

Attention Flagstaff’s Arts & Culture Community: May 5 Stakeholder Meeting on city-wide Festival Concept

by Community Contributor • May 4, 2022 • Comments Off

Please join us on May 5th in the main gallery of Coconino Center for the Arts. The steering committee of the city’s Dark Sky Arts and Ideas Festival (working title) along with hired consultants from Canary Studio will present on a proposed concept and potential naming for the city-wide festival.

As stakeholders, we want your input and feedback on festival branding, your needs for participation, and feedback on the proposed concept. Your input is important as we move forward with festival planning.

The NAU Review — ‘A transformative public health leader’, understanding asteroids, a third straight for women’s tennis and so much more

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2022 • Comments Off

When you’re undocumented, you don’t always feel like you have a voice. Alexandra Samarron Longorio wanted to make sure undocumented students did. The first-generation college student took on an undergraduate project that shared stories of Arizona’s undocumented students, and as a master’s of public health student and a senior research coordinator for CHER, she studied how hotel practices and policies affect the health of Latina immigrant housekeepers. She also helped establish Aqui Entre Nos—Just Between Us, a CHER initiative focused on wellness and health for hospitality workers, in collaboration with hotel housekeepers, CHER researchers and other MPH students.

HECHO April Newsletter

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Welcome to the windy season! The HECHO team has been hard at work empowering Hispanic leaders to use their voice and platform to bring conservation results to legislative bodies across the Southwest and in Congress. We’ve been busier than ever, growing our team, managing a variety of critically important policy and advocacy projects, cultivating the Hispanic Conservation Leadership Council (HCLC), and staying on the top of the latest administrative changes that impact our states and communities.

North Rim of Grand Canyon to reopen May 15 for 2022 season

by Community Contributor • May 3, 2022 • Comments Off

The North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park will open on Sunday, May 15 at 6 a.m. to mark the official start of the 2022 season. Grand Canyon Lodge and Grand Canyon Trail Rides will also commence their 2022 seasonal operations on this date.

Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Office will open at 8 a.m. Information on daily Park Ranger programs will be available at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2022 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2022.

United Way of Northern Arizona — TUNNEL FIRE: Crisis Response Fund Update

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Northern Arizona University, Nestle Purina, Suddenlink and OneAZ Credit Union are leading the way in providing funds to help those who have been impacted by the Tunnel Fire. Together they have contributed $45,000 to the United Way of Northern Arizona Crisis Response Fund.

These funds will be used to help people impacted by the fire meet immediate needs and offer assistance as they rebuild and recover. The blaze, which as of last night was 89% contained, has destroyed more than 100 structures, including 30 homes northeast of Flagstaff.

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 5

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on May 5, 2022.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are still allowed at private residences and private campgrounds within city limits.

Fire restrictions to begin May 5 on Kaibab and Coconino National Forests

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

Beginning Thursday, May 5 at 8:00 a.m., Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions will be in effect on the Williams and Tusayan Districts (aka “South Zone”) of the Kaibab National Forest and the entirety of the Coconino National Forest.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest and state lands.

Burned Area Emergency Response Team assessing Tunnel Fire damage

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off

A Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team began surveying the fire-affected areas within the Tunnel Fire perimeter this past Saturday.

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

The Tunnel Fire BAER team, led by Forest Service Hydrologist Brendan Waterman, will conduct field surveys, and use science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of May 2, 2022

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2022 • Comments Off