Category: News

Coconino County Recorder’s Office Offers Recording Notification Alerts

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Recorder’s office is offering a new service called Recording Notification Alerts.  Recording Notification Alerts is a free service for the benefit of all who own property or businesses in Coconino County.  It monitors documents recorded with the County Recorder’s office and alerts subscribers. This program will notify participating subscribers by email when a document is recorded with a name and/or business that matches the subscriber. This service applies only to documents recorded after signing up. Users will also be able to unsubscribe or make updates to this service at any time.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. June Newsletter — Last weekend to see Men on Boats, about Powell’s first trip down the Colorado

One last weekend to catch Arizona-born playwright Jaclyn Backhaus’ Men on Boats on the Flagstaff stage. The show about John Wesley Powell’s first trip through the Grand Canyon has been produced nationwide. Now, for the first time, it comes home to Northern Arizona (where it belongs!) with a production by Theatrikos.

Sedona Arts Center — Summer Art Camp for Kids

Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm

Come Play in the Clay!

Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.

No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.

Sandbag removal in Coconino Estates to begin in July after completion of flood mitigation project, volunteers needed

FLAGSTAFF — Residents of the Coconino Estates neighborhood can begin moving sandbags to the curb in front of their home in late July, following the completion of the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180. City of Flagstaff crews will begin sandbag pick-up and removal from the neighborhood in August. City employees cannot go onto private property to remove sandbags, so residents should ensure that their sandbags are placed in City right of way prior to pick-up.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council meeting on June 6 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 6. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda.

The CCC&Y Prevention Council has its roots in our long history of child abuse prevention, our most recent work with substance misuse prevention and our overall commitment to understanding the protective factors, resiliency research and assets our community needs to thrive.

Fire danger changed to ‘High” in all three local Ranger Districts

By the U.S. Forest Service – Coconino National Forest

COCONINO COUNTY — Fire danger has changed to “High” on all three districts with continued windy and warmer temperatures throughout the forest, Coconino County officials reported on the county’s Facebook page

When the fire danger is “High,” fires can start easily from most causes, and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to escape. Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.

Different Starts, Common Goal: How Two Flagstaff Graduates are Transforming Their Passions into Nursing Careers

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College’s nursing program recently celebrated the achievements of two of its graduates, Jennifer Swomley and Joseph McIntire. Each brings a unique background and a personal story of dedication to the nursing field, reflecting both the diversity and the challenges of modern healthcare education.

Jennifer Swomley, 27, moved from Colorado to Flagstaff in 2021, drawn not only by personal relationships but also by the strong reputation of Coconino’s nursing program. Initially interested in becoming a firefighter, influenced by her friends in the emergency services, Swomley’s career path took a pivotal turn after her experiences on an ambulance crew. These experiences exposed her to the realities and complexities of medical care, sparking a new passion for nursing. “I was drawn to the depth of patient interaction and the broader scope of care I could provide as a nurse,” Swomley explained.

City of Flagstaff — ParkFlag implements new booting and towing policy in Downtown Parking District

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s parking management program, ParkFlag, will implement a new booting and towing policy effective June 1. This policy is part of the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing parking enforcement and ensuring the fair and equitable use of parking spaces in the Downtown Parking District.

The primary goal of the new booting and towing policy is to discourage repeat parking offenders and promote adherence to parking regulations, improving overall traffic flow and accessibility.

Mount Elden Trailhead reopens and new mountain bike trail debuts as improvements continue in Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills area

FLAGSTAFF —  An overhaul to Flagstaff’s busiest trailhead and a brand-new mountain biking trail are just two recent improvements in the Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills (MEDL) area.

The Mount Elden Trailhead reopened Thursday following eight weeks of construction with a new parking lot designed to accommodate 50 vehicles as well as additional visitor services.

“We’ve been working really diligently on improvements in the Mount Elden-Dry Lake Hills area, and we hope that work is apparent,” said Patrick McGervey, Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) Recreation and Wilderness Staff Officer. “We’re excited for the upcoming projects we have planned in the area for the coming months.”

In Remembrance of Memorial Day

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Memorial Day honors U.S. military service members who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.

In honor of this federal holiday, our office will be closed on Monday, March 27, 2024.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Safe Memorial Day Weekend

This weekend we will mark a somber tradition that dates back to 1868, just three years after the end of the Civil War. Known then as Decoration Day, it was a time to honor those who perished in the conflict by adorning their graves with flowers. In 1971 the last Monday in May was established as Memorial Day.

We wish you a safe holiday weekend as we continue the tradition of honoring those who gave all so we could live in freedom.

Erika Acosta of Ash Fork Middle School earns 2024 Chicano For La Causa ‘Esperanza’ Latino Teacher Award

Erika Acosta of Ash Fork Middle School has been named a 2024 “Esperanza” Latino Teacher Award winner by Chicano For La Causa (CPLC).

“(May 6), we honored four outstanding teachers at the 2024 Esperanza Latino Teacher Awards,” CPLC stated on its Facebook page.

Congratulations to our honorees from across Arizona: Erika Acosta, Margaret Gallego, Gabriel Robles, and Lilian Williams

You are not just teachers— you are mentors, role models, and an inspiration to all. Your passion and hard work shapes the future of our community

As we celebrate your well-deserved recognition today, we also celebrate the countless lives you have touched

Gracias to our sponsors: Salt River Project, Cox, Amazon Fire TV, Southwest Airlines, and HUB International”

CCC Selects Dr. Sandra Hinski as Provost & Executive Vice President

FLAGSTAFF — Upon conclusion of a national search with 60 applicants, Coconino Community College today announced the selection of Dr. Sandra Hinski as the next Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Hinski will oversee the college’s academic programs, faculty and academic support staff. She will join the college on July 1, 2024.

Dr. Hinski has over 14 years of experience in higher education and over 25 years in various roles in the health professions. Dr. Hinski most recently served as the interim Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA) at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), where she provided support and leadership to both instructional and occupational programs, as well as instructional support service areas.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — May 20-24, 2024

Grand Canyon Unified School District high schoolers spent last week on a four-day whitewater rafting trip down the Colorado River.  Facilitated in partnership with Grand Canyon Youth (GCY), 20 students participated in the Diamond Down Expedition that covers the last 50 miles of the river through Grand Canyon National Park into Lake Mead Recreational Area. This is their third year the school has provided this experience for students.  Grand Canyon National Park rangers Monique Navarro and Catrina Whitton were able to attend the trip which was coordinated by high school science teacher Forrest Radarian.

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

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 May 21, 2024).

SEE LIST OF PROGRAMS

The NAU Review — NAU wins: a hydropower competition, a research grant for studying desert birds and a fourth-straight track and field championship!

NAU wins national hydropower competition

An interdisciplinary team of senior engineering students entered the U.S. Department of Energy’s Hydropower Collegiate Competition to fulfill their capstone requirements—and won. The team, made up of three electrical engineering students and three mechanical engineering students, took first place in all three of the competition’s challenges—siting, design and community connections—earning first overall for the competition.

Sedona Arts Center — Summer Art Camp for Kids

Summer Youth Clay Camp!
with Dennis Ott
Ages 8–12
June 24 – 28
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9am – 12pm / Friday 1 – 4pm

Come Play in the Clay!

Come spend the week playing in the “mud” with two ceramicists who love sharing their clay talents with young folks. Each student will have the opportunity to learn throwing skills on the potter’s wheel as well as create several hand-built projects. You will also learn how your clay projects will be fired and glazed.

No experience is necessary – just your willingness to come and have fun creating in clay.

City of Flagstaff — Speed limit on portions of Butler Avenue reduced

FLAGSTAFF — The speed limit on portions of Butler Ave has been reduced, effective immediately. The speed limit on Butler Ave from S Milton Rd/ Rte 66 to E Sawmill Rd was reduced from 35 mph to 30 mph and the speed limit from E Sawmill Rd to Ponderosa Pkwy was reduced from 40 mph to 35 mph. Speed limit signs in the corridor have been updated.

Your Artistic Journey Begins at Sedona Arts Center

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP! STARTS TOMORROW!

Creating the Abstract Landscape
with Amanda Hawkins
May 22 – 24 : Wednesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm Daily

There is a sweet spot of overlap between the traditions of abstraction and contemporary landscape painting where mark-making and the implications of planar structure combine with color and light to create a magical realm of newly discovered space.

This workshop will help you transform Sedona’s beautiful scenery into loose and expressive abstract landscape paintings.

Prescribed burns planned within Flagstaff city limits on May 21

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department is planning a prescribed burn on Tuesday, May 21 in the Observatory Mesa Natural Area off Forest Service Rd 515A and Westridge Rd. The burn area is approximately 123 acres. Sections of the Observatory Mesa Trail will be closed to the public during firing operations. The Mars Hill, Tunnel Springs, and Karen Cooper FUTS trails will remain open. There will be an increased firefighter presence in the area during the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Smoke is expected to drift to the northeast over the neighborhoods of Westridge, Anasazi Ridge and Ridge Crest. Fire managers will coordinate with neighboring national forests, national parks, fire departments, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to monitor smoke impacts.

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 committee to meet May 22

The focus of the ninth Regional Plan Committee meeting will be to discuss the draft Future Growth Illustration and initial Land Use Framework for the plan. 

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Growth Concept Survey! Your feedback is crucial. We are excited to share the preliminary results at the meeting and how they will be used to inform the Regional Plan’s Future Growth Illustration.

Flagstaff High School celebrates its 2024 Hispanic Convocation

FLAGSTAFF — Nearly 80 students were recognized at the 2024 Hispanic Convocation held at Flagstaff High School on May 8, 2024.

The event included the introduction by Principal Libby Miller, the welcoming address by Ruby Sanchez Ramirez and the keynote address by Daniela Tirado Barva.

The Presentation of Students ceremony included Miller, Assistant Principal Frank Alvillar, Assistant Principal Matt Barquin and Athletic Director Jeannine Brandel.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Deadline Extended to May 17 for KinderCamp™

A survey of parents indicated that children’s KinderCamp experience improved their knowledge of letters and sounds of the alphabet, made them better able to socialize with other children, and increased their ability to communicate with adults.

If you are interested in learning more about KinderCamp in Flagstaff or registering, please click here.

Alumni Spotlight: Coconino Community College Graduate Thrives in Bay Area

FLAGSTAFF — Three years ago, Joshua Singer bid farewell to his hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona, to embark on a solo journey to San Francisco. Armed with not one but two degrees – a fine arts degree and a general studies degree from Coconino Community College – Singer ventured into the vibrant arts scene of the Bay Area. Singer, now a seasoned resident of San Francisco and a student at the Academy of Art University, reflects on his experience since leaving Flagstaff.

Prescribed burn projects continue around Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers will begin conducting the Mint West prescribed burn project this weekend to help protect communities from catastrophic wildfires and improve the health of the forest.

The Mint West project is slated to begin Saturday, May 18 and is located 25 miles south of Flagstaff. Smoke impacts may occur along Lake Mary Road and in the Mormon Lake Village area.

Plans for prescribed burns often change quickly since they are dependent upon weather conditions and wind predictions. Details and updates about all prescribed burns can be found at inciweb.wildfire.gov. Planned prescribed burn projects will always be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind and humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plan.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Men on Boats opens tonight! No men. No boats. One river. ARTx starts today, too

“Men on Boats is a brilliant reimagining of the mapping of the Grand Canyon,” said actor Sunny Richardson, who plays John Wessley Powell. “The show has direct quotes from Powell’s field journals, adding another layer of authenticity to the play.”

Photos from last night’s preview performance.

“Men on Boats is said to be a ‘true-ish’ story, based on the journal writings and accounts of John Wesley Powell and the crew that survived. Audiences will learn many rafting terms and how to work together out in the wilderness and on the water as a team to get through challenging situations,” said Theatrikos Board Member Lisa Coe, who plays trapper/hunter William Dunn in the play. Dunn was one of those who tragically left the expedition just moments before the successful conclusion. “Men on Boats is based on local history with a connection to the Grand Canyon and river running.”

Flagstaff Youth Riders (FLYRS) — FLYRS Summer Camp Still Has Openings, more news

Join us for short track racing on Wednesday May 15 from 5:00-6:30pm at the Puente de Hózhó Bike Park. This will be a fun short track race for bragging rights, swag, and to support a good cause.
$15 race entry donation gets you a race plate, entry into prize drawing, and the great vibes of supporting FLYRS getting more kids on bikes.

Bring cash for the 50/50 cash raffle where the winner takes home 50% of the cash and the other 50% goes to FLYRS

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography — Images of the Month – May 2024

Carrying children on people’s backs is a common and practical method of transport and care in many cultures around the world. The aguayo (ah-gwah-yo) is the traditional and colorful carrying cloth used by parents in many regions of the world to carry babies on their backs. It’s a beautiful woven square piece of fabric that is wrapped around the caregiver’s back and secured in a way that allows the baby to be snugly held against the caregiver’s back. At the same time, it reflects the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of the region, a symbol of tradition and identity within indigenous communities.

City of Flagstaff and NAU VisualDESIGN Lab partnering on new City logo

The NAU VisualDESIGN Lab is a collaborative learning space where students in the NAU Visual Communication program work with community members as active partners on innovative design solutions that help bring brand awareness to local non-profits and university organizations. It has a proven history of creating recognized and lasting logos for many prevalent organizations in Flagstaff, including Coconino County, Flagstaff Festival of Science, and Flagstaff Shelter Services.

Andy Bertelsen Appointed Next Coconino County Manager

COCONINO COUNTY — After unanimous approval from the Board of Supervisors (Board), Andy Bertelsen will be Coconino County’s next County Manager. Bertelsen is currently Deputy County Manager and will begin his new role on July 1.

“Andy has a wealth of experience in public service spanning over 25 years in Northern Arizona,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board and Supervisor for District 2. “He’s an incredible Deputy County Manager, and we look forward to his leadership into the future. I’d also like to thank County Manager Steve Peru for his many years of service and his continued commitment to our community.”

Sedona Arts Center — Field Expedition: Alaska

Embrace the wild and honor your untamed heart in Alaska while making memorable art.

July in Alaska is synonymous with gorgeous weather. So it comes as no surprise that flowers are at their prime, the wildlife is active and the days are warm in the land of the midnight sun.

We will mix colors in rich hues inspired by the lush landscape, and create mono prints on a Gelli plate. As we amass a stack of abstract printed paper we will choose our favorites to incorporate into our art journals for compositions featuring circles, symmetry and symbolism that are personalized and inspiring to each individual.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Recognizes Winners of Elections Sticker Design Contest

“With the generous support of the EAC Help America Vote College Program grant, the Coconino County Elections Department successfully organized a sticker design contest,” said Eslir Musta, Coconino County Elections Director. “This initiative not only deepened our partnership with Northern Arizona University but also motivated NAU students to join us at the polls, spreading these stickers far and wide. Furthermore, by integrating English, Navajo, Hopi, and Spanish languages into a single design, we celebrated and embraced the linguistic diversity of our community.” 

Andreani Recognized for Post-Wildfire Recovery Accomplishments with 2024 Phoenix Award

Andreani was nominated for the award on the merits of her leadership in post-wildfire flood response in Coconino County, where she has dedicated many years of service in the pursuit of solution-oriented approaches to both wildfire recovery and forest restoration. Andreani has also served on the federal Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission, testified to Congress about wildfire response, and developed a network of partnerships and education to support wildfire response in communities throughout the Western United States.  

Installation of traffic calming infrastructure to begin in Boulder Pointe neighborhood

FLAGSTAFF — Work to install traffic calming infrastructure in the Boulder Pointe neighborhood and on Woodland Dr will begin on Monday, May 20 and will be complete in August 2024. The purpose of the project is to address speeding concerns in thearea by installing traffic calming measures that include traffic circles, pedestrian crossings and curb bump outs. The project will occur at five locations:

Art Workshops at Sedona Arts Center

Creating the Abstract Landscape
with Amanda Hawkins
May 22 – 24 : Wednesday – Friday, 9am – 3pm Daily

There is a sweet spot of overlap between the traditions of abstraction and contemporary landscape painting where mark-making and the implications of planar structure combine with color and light to create a magical realm of newly discovered space.

Bilingual report — NAU conducting survey on stress on Latina mothers. Also seeking Community Advisory Board members

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University is conducting a survey on stress on Latina mothers. 

Complete a 30–40-minute survey and receive a $25 gift card

After completing the survey, you may be selected to join our Community Advisory Board!

Total Compensation up to $350

The community advisory board members will inform the development of a stress and coping program for Latina mothers*

Community celebrates Cinco de Mayo with annual dance at the American Legion in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Community members spent a lively evening dancing, enjoying bowlfulls of posole, participating and having a good time during the annual Cinco de Mayo Dance, featuring Los Alambrados, held at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 on Saturday, May 4, 2024.

The event was presented by the American Legion Auxiliary and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

Vendor Applications now available for the 2024 Celebraciones de la Gente at the Museum of Northern Arizona, Flagstaff

The Museum of Northern Arizona (MNA) and Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invite you to participate in the annual Celebraciones de la Gente, a lively Day of the Dead festival on October 26 & 27, 2024.

Exhibitor booths will be open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024.

Please click here to download and fill out a vendor application.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of upcoming summer camps in Coconino County. Contact individual programs for more information on their 2024 summer camps. (Updated May 6, 2024).

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

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

May at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to enjoy a vibrant array of activities we have lined up over the coming weeks. I’ll share some highlights but be sure to scroll down to see all the happenings at MNA.

International Museum Day is May 18 and we’re offering free admission all day long. It’s an ideal chance to enjoy the Museum exhibits and some special events alongside your friends and family – absolutely free of charge.

Get ready for the unveiling of a captivating new exhibit, The Grand Canyon Dragon Map. I had the opportunity to see this extraordinary geology map during a rafting trip on the Colorado River in 2022. It immediately drew me in with its intricate details, colors, and design. This exhibit delves into the creation of the map in the 1970s, its applications today, and the stunning geology it depicts. Whether you’re a geology buff, an admirer of the Grand Canyon, or someone who appreciates exquisite maps, this exhibit promises to be an engaging experience.

Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project Moves Forward to Reduce Wildfire Risk in Flagstaff

COCONINO COUNTY — Since its launch in early March, the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project has reached important initial milestones toward the goal of reducing the significant wildfire and post-wildfire flood risks that face the greater Flagstaff area.

Spearheaded by the Coconino National Forest and the Coconino County Flood Control District, the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project targets roughly 12,000 acres across six priority areas in the first phase of its forest restoration treatments.

The NAU Review — Water in space? Rocket science? It’s not science fiction—it’s what NAU students have been up to lately

The where, why and how of water in space

Laura Lee, a Ph.D. student in astronomy and planetary science, is one of three graduate students to be selected for the Graduate Research Fellowship Program, a prestigious funding opportunity that supports students in STEM fields. Using a variety of techniques with instruments on Earth and in space, Lee is mapping water in the Solar System to better understand how and where this critical element is located on other celestial bodies. In addition to her groundbreaking research, Lee’s career goals include community education and promoting opportunities for women, people of color and first-generation students in planetary science.

Speed Limit Lowered on Lake Mary Road to Aid Wolf Fire Backburning Operations

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Public Works Department has lowered the top speed limit to 35 mph along the southernmost 10 miles of Lake Mary Road in support of U.S. Forest Service (USFS) backburning operations for the Wolf Fire.

The 35-mph speed limit is in effect on Lake Mary Road between Milepost 300.5, which is located about five miles south of Happy Jack, to the junction with State Route 87. Electronic message boards are also in place to notify motorists of the speed limit reduction.

The reduced speed limit is being implemented for the safety of firefighters who are working alongside Lake Mary Road, and for the traveling public due to potentially heavy smoke from backburning operations that could obscure visibility and create hazardous driving conditions. 

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) May-June 2024 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Vol 3 Issue 3
May – June 2024

Coconino County Parks & Recreation May 2024 Update — Opening Reception of the Multicultural Park Sculpture Exhibition on May 17 and more news, events

Opening Reception of the Multicultural Park Sculpture Exhibition to be held at 9 a.m. Friday, May 17 at Elizabeth ‘Liz’ C. Archuleta County Park

Arizona PBS — Your Summer Conexión is here!

… Speaking of pioneering women, I encourage you to watch this season’s episode of “Horizonte,” featuring a discussion about Mexican playwright Sor Juana Iné de la Cruz. 

Sor Juana is considered the first woman playwright in Mexico and the Americas. She was a poet, a nun, and a staunch advocate of women’s rights.  

Coconino National Forest to resume prescribed fire plans next week following rain-induced delay

FLAGSTAFF  — Coconino National Forest fire managers will resume spring prescribed fire plans following an unexpected delay due to precipitation across northern Arizona.

“Last weekend’s snow and rain is an example of why we always frame our prescribed fire plans as ‘tentative’ until we can conduct our pre-project test fire,” said Jason Clawson, Coconino National Forest Fire Staff Officer.

Successful prescribed fire requires ideal conditions. “Hazardous fuels” – including pine needle accumulation, dead and down trees and decaying plant matter on forest floors – need to be dry enough to burn at a low rate of intensity, but not too dry as to burn hot and fast.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Discover the FREE Dolly Parton Imagination Library

United Way of Northern Arizona has launched a campaign to add 200 more children in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library by the end of this summer.

The free book program is available to all children from birth to five years old and does not have any income eligibility requirements. The country music icon started the program in 1995 to honor her father, a sharecropper in Tennessee.

“He was the smartest man I have ever known but I know in my heart his inability to read probably kept him from fulfilling all of his dreams,” she said.

The Imagination Library started in Parton’s home county with the goal of providing every preschool child there with a library of books to encourage a love of reading and learning.

The initiative was so successful that she began offering the program to any community that would support it financially. It now sends out more than 2 million free books each month to children around the world, mailing them directly to families.