Category: News

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Grants & Operations Update

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2022 • Comments Off

The Arizona State Parks Board has selected Coconino Parks and Recreation as a recipient of a 2022 American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Grant, in the amount of $923,306 for the Fort Tuthill Improvement Project.

This project will provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities to park visitors by improving two parking lot surfaces at Fort Tuthill County Park, installing a new sewer line from the campground, and improving a walkway to the outdoor amphitheater.

“With Fort Tuthill County Park seeing increased visitor use throughout the year, the park’s infrastructure is being tasked like never before. We are thankful for the Arizona State Parks ARPA Grant award because important infrastructure like parking lots and a campground sewer line connection will allow visitors to benefit from these improvements now and in years to come,” said Cynthia Nemeth, Parks and Recreation Director.

For more information on this, please visit American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Grant.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Unusual Suspects

by Community Contributor • February 9, 2022 • Comments Off

So, I know this girl. She is twelve years old. She lives in a loving home. She made friends with neighborhood kids. Kids who had lived through much turbulence and instability on their road to adolescence. One day, this girl decided not to go to school and instead spent her day at the mall without the intent of returning home that night. When three in the afternoon rolls around, this girl is not home. Her mom starts wondering where she is. Mom calls the girl’s phone- no answer. She called the bus barn to see if her child was on the bus, but the driver had left for the day. So, mom waits. After a short period, mom starts calling around friends’ houses. No one had seen or heard from the girl.

By 6 p.m., mom calls the police to share her daughter is missing.

The NAU Review — Educating Indigenous health care providers, a love letter to the periodic table and who is Julie Mueller?

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2022 • Comments Off

How NAU is reducing health inequities among Indigenous populations

One of the most effective ways to address health disparities among Indigenous people is by ensuring the health care providers serving a community are offering culturally informed services and programs. For a long time, however, that need was ignored. A few years ago, after being regularly confronted with this deficit, professors in the Center for Health Equity Research created a track in the master’s of public health program that focused on Indigenous health.

February Updates from Creative Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • February 8, 2022 • Comments Off

Creative Flagstaff’s flagship grant program is now open for applications. This grant program supports nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups who have missions dedicated to producing, presenting, teaching, or serving the arts; cultural equity, preservation, or awareness; and/or presenting science programming to the public. Last year, $305,000 was awarded to 31 Flagstaff nonprofits.

NAU, FUSD experts collaborate to develop innovative computer science curriculum for Native American elementary students

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2022 • Comments Off

Native Americans are one of the least represented populations in the field of computer science. Moreover, Native American participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM fields) at the college level continues to be severely limited, resulting in a fraction of Native Americans earning bachelor’s degrees in STEM and computer science. Education researchers have found that a lack of rigorous preparation in mathematics and computational thinking, beginning as early as elementary and middle school, are major factors in this underrepresentation.

Assistant professor Morgan Vigil-Hayes of NAU’s School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems was awarded $275,944 by the National Science Foundation for a two-year project entitled “Towards Culturally Responsive and Computationally Rich Problem Based Learning for K-5 Students.” The project’s goal is to develop solutions to this problem, beginning right here in the Flagstaff community.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Happening at Your Library 2/7/22

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2022 • Comments Off

View this email in your browser February 7th, 2022 Come connect with your community Featured Resource Adult & All-Ages Events Youth Events Book Clubs To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331 (Downtown Library) or…

CCC student aims to keep national parks safe as an EMT

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

She wants to help people when they need it most.

Coconino Community College student Edmonia Martinez, who works as the down lake supervisor for interpretation at the Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, is currently taking classes at the CCC Page Center to help her achieve her goal of getting her Emergency Medical Technician certification.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” Martinez said during her interview at the Page Center. “It’s just good to have those skills in case we run into people that are in trouble.”

AARP Hispanic Connection — FINANZAS: PRESUPUESTO – No Perdamos la Brújula #3

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

We hosted another show on Finances (in Spanish) on our AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection FB page. We should be launching AZ Vote 2022 series soon. Stay tuned.

Coconino County, Flagstaff proclaim February as Black History Month. See upcoming events

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

On (Feb. 1), the Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February 2022 as Black History Month.

In celebration of Black History Month, the African Diaspora Advisory Council is now accepting entries for their Black History Month Essay and Art Contest. The contest is open to all students in Coconino County. Submissions will center around the theme of Black Health and Wellness and must be received by February 20, 2022. For more information on the essay contest, visit http://ow.ly/joQa50HLRCz.

Bilingual report — Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) launches homeowner assistance fund awareness campaign

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) (on Jan. 31) launched an advertising campaign to spread the word that financial help is available to struggling Arizona homeowners through the state’s Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). The print, radio, digital, and social media ads, in English and Spanish, will concentrate in rural Arizona and encourage homeowners facing foreclosure to apply for assistance.

“The HAF is open to eligible homeowners statewide and the word has spread in many urban areas about the program,” ADOH Director Tom Simplot said. “This ad campaign aims to reach those rural communities where there may be low-income homeowners in need and there are limited other resources available to keep them in their homes.”

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — NAH Expansion: Better Health Services & A Stronger Economy

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2022 • Comments Off

The ambitious plans of Northern Arizona Healthcare to build a new hospital and a ‘Health and Wellness Village’ on land just north of Fort Tuthill County Park is a bold vision that goes well beyond the traditional healthcare model.

For those not familiar with the expansion proposal, which was the subject of two virtual public neighborhood meetings last month, it would begin with the construction of a new hospital to replace the current Flagstaff Medical Center. Subsequent phases on the 180-acre parcel would include almost 200 units of housing, mixed used retail (with an emphasis on health-focused retailers and restaurants), and ultimately a medical research and development zone.

NAH is currently working with the City of Flagstaff to refine the plan in advance of NAH applying for a rezoning of the property.

The NAU Review — Rebuilding after wildfires, predicting infectious diseases, Humans of Flagstaff and Notes from the President

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

The West sees destructive wildfires every year—yet it hadn’t seen anything like California’s Camp Fire. Three months after the most destructive wildfire in recent history, wildfire sociologist Catrin Edgeley went to the devastated town of Paradise to learn how residents and town leaders were recovering. What she found was that, even with the frequency of fires, many cities and towns found themselves navigating unfamiliar territory as they attempted to rebuild. In her research, Edgeley didn’t just want to know how people and towns recovered; she wanted to know how lessons learned in one disaster could be individualized and applied to other fires—lessons that are increasingly important in Arizona as climate change leads to longer, more severe fire seasons.

Superintendent of Schools Seeking Applicants for Maine Consolidated School District Board

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for two vacant seats on the Maine Consolidated School District #10 Governing Board.

Applicants must reside in the school district and be registered to vote in Arizona. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.

Interested applicants can download an application online and email to cmango-paget@coconino.az.gov or fax to (928) 526-1469. All applications must have a live signature and be mailed to 2384 N. Steves Boulevard, Flagstaff, AZ 86004 by March 2, 2022.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Retired, But Still Stepping Up

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

Many supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona and its mission first learned about UWNA through a workplace campaign. After hearing about the work UWNA does, they chose to make a donation, often through an automatic payroll deduction.

We are grateful many choose to continue their support after they retire from the workforce.

People like Susanna Maxwell and Barry Lutz, a couple who began giving to UWNA more than three decades ago through workplace campaigns at Northern Arizona University. Although they both retired in 2010, that hasn’t slowed down their support.

Here’s what’s new at Sedona Arts Center!

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2022

by Community Contributor • February 3, 2022 • Comments Off

We have received several questions on how park managers make decisions and plans associated with the pandemic. We have been sharing information weekly since early in the pandemic and we have also decided to rebroadcast some of these plans on a regular basis to ensure employees and community members stay informed.

Superintendent Ed Keable established an Adaptive Management Park Operations (AMPO) Team in May 2020; this team replaced the Incident Management Team that acting Superintendent Mary Risser established at the beginning of the pandemic. Between them, these two teams have met weekly for the entire pandemic. This team now includes members of multiple divisions across the park to ensure that a wide range of disciplines are included in the discussions.

Discover Flagstaff — Universe Peoples and The Harvest live at the Museum Club on Feb. 4 and more events

by Community Contributor • February 2, 2022 • Comments Off

An unforgettable night of music at the Grand Ol’Opry of Flagstaff… The Museum Club. 8 p.m.

The NAU Review — Celebrating Black History Month, recognizing CEIAS diversity efforts and Team Rubicon

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

NAU is hosting a variety of events to celebrate Black history this month. These are opportunities for all of the NAU community to learn about diverse cultural traditions and honor and celebrate the contributions African Americans have made to society while raising awareness of their struggles of the past and present.
Read the story

African Diaspora Advisory Council Announces Black History Month Essay and Art Contest

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

The Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council (ADAC) is now accepting entries for the Black History Month Essay and Art Contest.

The contest is open to all students in Coconino County. Submissions will center around the theme of Black Health and Wellness and must be received by February 20, 2022.

“This is our tenth year holding the essay contest, and our first adding the art contest. It’s a joy to see how our young people will engage with the theme. The theme this year is ‘Black Health and Wellness,’ so we are inviting students the option to engage through recognition and celebration of that theme and Black healthcare heroes and heroines. We greatly look forward to seeing what the students of Coconino County have to say in words and art,” said Khara House Chair of ADAC.

CCC — The Comet — ‘A quick word from the President’ and more news

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Thirty years ago, Coconino Community College was born.

The birth was a two-step process: First, voters had to decide if they wanted to form a community college district; second, they had to decide to fund the district with property taxes.

Both measures passed, and CCC was born to serve the residents of Coconino County.

However, that is not the end of the story – only the beginning. A challenge came about with the formation of the college that has grown as the college has grown over time. The percentage of property taxes to help run the college is, by far, the lowest offered to any community college district in the state of Arizona. Initially, the college was able to overcome that challenge with the assistance of state funding and fees from tuition. In the last 30 years, the state funding has diminished considerably. Members of the governing board and the college communities have met the challenge of that initial underfunding with incredible efforts to do “more with less.”

Before she left office, state Sen. Sylvia Allen, after seeing the amazing stories of success being experienced by CCC students, decided to take forward an amendment to state law in 2018 that would allow community colleges to ask the voters to decide if they would support an increase to their primary property tax rate in order to bring the college somewhat closer to parity with other community colleges in the state. The governing board has decided now is the time to ask (see related story).

In a special election on May 17, voters will consider an increase to their primary property tax rate. If the voters approve, the tax rate will still be below all the other community colleges; however, it will provide an opportunity to meet many of the demands for career and technical programs and short-term training requested by business and industry throughout Coconino County.

Onward! Náás! Adelante!

Colleen Smith, PhD

Sedona Arts Center — SAC February News – Celebrate Sedona rescheduled

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Due to impending weather, we cancelled Celebrate Sedona originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 2. BUT we have a new date – Wednesday, February 9 – same time (4-6PM) in our parking lot.

This Celebrate Sedona was programmed to coincide with Vision & Sound: An African American Experience which opened on January 28 and will run until February 25 here in Sedona. An Additional exhibit will run until April 4 in Goodyear.

Vision & Sound is unique in a number of ways. First, we are partnering with the City of Goodyear and the City of Glendale – both of whom will be hosting events and exhibits throughout the month. Second, Sedona Arts Center is holding several artist talks and demonstrations here that celebrate black artists and culture. And finally, the work in both exhibits – here and in Goodyear – all tell a story. It is not art for art’s sake but art that provokes, celebrates and inspires the viewer to think more deeply about the history of our country, its cultures and its people.

Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant Repairs Begin

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Beginning Feb. 8, 2022, the first phase of short-term repairs and upgrades to the Phantom Ranch Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) will begin. Work is anticipated to be completed by December 2022 and includes two phases of hauling equipment via helicopters. The first phase is anticipated to go through March, and the second phase is expected to resume in September.

Inner canyon trail users in the vicinity of Phantom Ranch may experience temporary delays of up to 15 minutes, and noise and dust from equipment and helicopters. The contractor, GSE/Coventina Water, LLC, will have limited use of a heavy-lift helicopter (Chinook) to haul supplies and equipment. Visitors should follow directions from National Park Service (NPS) staff and construction crew workers as needed in the work zones to maintain safety.

Grand Canyon National Park Announces 2023 Noncommercial River Trip Lottery Period

by Community Contributor • February 1, 2022 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon National Park, located in northern Arizona, encompasses 277 miles (446 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. One of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world, Grand Canyon is unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

HECHO January Newsletter — Featured Guest Blog with Coconino County Supervisor for District 2 Jeronimo Vasquez — Building the Community We’d Like to See in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

In December, Coconino County Supervisor for District 2, Jeronimo Vasquez, shared his story with us about how connections to the outdoors can empower our communities and instill a legacy of stewardship. He writes: “The time I spent outdoors left a profound impact on me, instilling a legacy of stewardship that I hope to pass on to my children, and to my community.”

To read this blog post, click here.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Happening at Your Library 1/31/22

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Come connect with your community

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – January 2022

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Alfonso Ortiz Tirado was an opera singer and medical doctor born in Alamos, Sonora, Mexico in 1893. His obvious musical talent surfaced early in his life but nevertheless he decided to study medicine. It is in this capacity as a doctor that he is remembered by his many charitable contributions to the Mexican people, especially children. He also had a successful international career as an opera singer, earning the designation of “Tenor of the Americas”.

After a one-year hiatus required by Covid 19, the 37th Annual Music Festival Alfonso Ortiz Tirado happened this year in his birthplace of Alamos to pay homage to its illustrious son. The festival sponsored renowned local, national, and international musicians in numerous styles such as opera, classical music, popular music, and rhythm and blues, and also presented an important way for emerging performers to develop networks and foster their reputation.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — In Memory of Joe Shannon

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

Joe Shannon, PhD, a long-time member of F3 and the Flagstaff community, passed away peacefully at home on January 18 after a long illness. He was 64. Joe was a river ecologist, and an accomplished outdoorsman and athlete. For many years he was the Chair of the local Chapter of the Sierra Club. He was a strong supporter of F3 and frequently spoke before the Flagstaff City Council in favor of policies that would make Flagstaff a more environmentally sustainable community.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Cascadas y Conchas

by Community Contributor • January 31, 2022 • Comments Off

LO Portland hiked the Tamanawas Falls on January 2, 2022 to ring in the new year. While hiking the falls, located within Mount Hood National Forest, the group stopped and snapped this picture.

LO Leader Kassy Delgado reflected on the hike afterwards “Enjoying conchas, tamales, and dulces while admiring a wintery waterfall, what a wonderful way of welcoming 2022!”

Conchas y Cascadas for the new year? Que maravillosa!

AARP Hispanic Connection — First update of the year

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

I trust you and yours are doing well! …as well as can be, given the circumstances.

This is our first update of the year. We, as I’m sure many of you, are working on our plans to deliver services and products that benefit our communities, in my particular case, Hispanic/Latinos.

In 2022 we will continue with our radio/FB live shows on Salud, Dinero y Amistad, a show where we address Social Security, Medicare, healthcare in general, finances, fraud and scams, retirement preparation and other current issues. We have done 4 shows so far (all with Finances as the underlying concept); as you know, the videos can be accessed on our FB page at www.facebook.com/aarparizonahispanicconnection.

Arizona State Parks Board Awards County Parks and Recreation American Rescue Plan Act Grant

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

The Fort Tuthill Improvement Project will provide greater outdoor recreation opportunities to park visitors by improving two parking lot surfaces at Fort Tuthill County Park. The park has seen an increase in winter recreation use, which requires parking lots to be plowed continuously during the winter to ensure visitor access and safety, which deteriorates the life of the parking lot surface. Prior to resurfacing the south parking lot, a new sewer line will be installed, to aid in future campground improvements. More than 15,000 campers each year are served by a septic system and leach field. Moving the campground sewer connection is the preferred option in the future. A walkway to the popular outdoor amphitheater will also be improved.

New changes coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2022 • Comments Off

New changes are coming Jan. 28 to the Flagstaff Mall COVID-19 vaccination site.

Adults 18+ and Children 5-17: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. -5 p.m.

Please note a change in ages beginning on Friday’s COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Flagstaff Mall. Both adults and children may be vaccinated beginning at 11 am. If you have a vaccine card please bring it with you.

No appointment is needed. A guardian must accompany a child receiving the vaccine. Masks are required at the vaccine site. Pfizer Booster doses are available for all eligible individuals 12 years and older. Moderna and J&J Booster doses are available for 18+.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Jan. 24-28, 2022 — ‘Safer Federal Workforce Update’ and more news

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

We’ve gotten new guidance this week from the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce pertaining to vaccinations for federal employees. This information is the result of legal challenges related to COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

The new guidance instructs us to take no action to enforce or implement the COVID-19 vaccination requirement pursuant to Executive Order 14043 on Requiring Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccination for Federal Employees. All the other guidance on protocols related to masking, distancing, travel, testing, and quarantine—remains in effect.

Did you ever wonder who makes up the Safer Federal Workforce Taskforce? This group is led by the White House COVID-19 Response Team, the General Services Administration (GSA), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Task Force members include: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Federal Protective Service (FPS), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the United States Secret Service (USSS). For more information, visit: https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/.

Stride Forward with MetroPlan

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

The people of Greater Flagstaff are ready to find solutions to our biggest problems. That’s why MetroPlan is bringing communities together to build our region’s long-term transportation plan, Stride Forward. This plan will direct regional transportation investments for the next 20 years.

MetroPlan is the Flagstaff region’s transportation planning agency. It is made up of public agency partners from across the Flagstaff region and working alongside residents to create the finest transportation system in the country.

Transportation is central to the daily lives of Flagstaff area residents and visitors. Planning (and lots of it) keeps the bus system moving, builds the roads, and clears the trails. The region is growing fast, and planning will help get it right. Stride Forward is a journey into transportation planning, and every resident is called to be a part of it.

Flagstaff City Council advances Lone Tree Overpass project

by Community Contributor • January 27, 2022 • Comments Off

During the Jan 25 Flagstaff City Council meeting, the Council heard an update on the Lone Tree Overpass project and future intersection improvements for Butler Avenue and Lone Tree Road. The Council gave direction to investigate refinement of an intersection design that has five lanes on each leg and protective elements for bicycle and pedestrian travel, in accordance with the City’s draft Active Transportation Master Plan. The Council also directed staff to analyze the feasibility of a north/ south oriented bridge over Butler Avenue for bicyclists and pedestrians. This intersection size and design highlights the effort to balance pedestrian and bicycle safety and the City’s climate action goals with the goal to efficiently move vehicular travel.