Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 5-9, 2024

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Grand Canyon records second driest, second hottest July on record 

The National Weather Service reports July temperatures at Grand Canyon averaged +3.8° warmer than normal, and the precipitation total for the month was only 0.65 inches – that’s a full inch below normal! The period June 1-July 31, 2024 was the hottest on record for most locations across northern Arizona (including Grand Canyon).

During this period of high fire danger, it is important to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of wildfires and ensure the safety of ourselves and our community. 

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces to present 9th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 10

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Mariachi Rubor Femenil, Soul Persuasion and Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff to headline FREE event. Veterans are encouraged to attend so they can participate in the traditional group photo

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present its FREE 9th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival, from noon to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event was launched in 2014 to pay homage to past traditional tardeada and jamaica celebrations in the neighborhood and at the historic church, which was constructed by the local Hispanic community in 1926.

Premier sponsors for 2024 include Cococnino County Board of Supervisors, the Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and San Francisco de Asis Catholic Church, with additional sponsors to date including AmigosNAZ, APS, Barbara Arnold, Dale Crick Purple Hear Chapter No. 793, Duran Family, Flagstaff Findlay Toyota, Guadalupanas, Lozano’s Flagstaff Mortuary, Mama B’s, Mike and Ronda’s The Place, Nackard Pepsi and Nestlé Purina.

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Local

United Way of Northern Arizona — Please join us on Friday, Sept. 13 for the United Way of Northern Arizona Annual Campaign Kickoff

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Register here for the breakfast, which will begin at 8:30 am at the High Country Conference Center.

We’ll hear from Campaign Co-Chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, celebrate the early fundrising efforts of our Pacesetters, and unveil our plans for the coming year.

With your support, UWNA will continue to Lead the Way in promoting early childhood development and positive youth development as well as ensuring the safety and security for all in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

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Education, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Back to School events continuing. See our resource listing

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COCONINO COUNTY — Area school district officials and health care providers have been busy planning for a variety of Back to School events in Coconino County, including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals.

One of the most recent events occurred on Aug. 1 when the Native American Education Support Program Indian Education Committee presented its “School Supply Distribution & Health Fair” at Sinagua Middle School in Flagstaff.

Organizers reported that more than 200 back-to-school supplies kits were handed out to students during the event, which featured a variety of information booths staffed by such organizations as the Arizona Dept. of Economic Security, the Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y), the Coconino High School CocoNuts Robotics team, Grand Canyon Youth, Lowell Observatory, the Native American Disability Law Center, the Office of Gov. Katie Hobbs — Northern Arizona Constituent Engagement Dept. and North Country HealthCare, just to name a few.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.
(Updated Aug. 6, 2024)

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

August at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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Dear Museum Friends,

Welcome August! At the Museum this month, we’re warming up for some end-of-summer fun and an awe-inspiring open house. Please join us this week as we rock to the tunes of Black Lemon for our final Thirsty Thursday of the year. Then, take time for our free Easton Collection Center Open House on August 24. The center is an architectural marvel where the Museum cares for and preserves its vast collection of pottery, weavings, paintings, carvings, jewelry, photographs, and much more. Seeing the Journey murals by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie and Delbridge Honanie (detail shown above) is a delightful experience in itself. The annual open house is an opportunity for all to tour the center, engage with our collections staff and curators, and ask questions about the collections.

Whether a first-time visitor or a regular guest to the Museum of Northern Arizona, you’ll be amazed to see and learn something new about the Colorado Plateau. I hope to see you soon.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona

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Local

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport to conduct simulated aircraft incident exercise on Sept. 9

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) will conduct a full-scale exercise simulating an aircraft crash resulting in a mass casualty incident on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This exercise, named “Operation Ready FLG,” is being carried out in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

The primary goal of the exercise is to test and enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities in the event of a mass casualty incident. More than 25 local, state, and federal agencies will participate in the exercise to improve interoperability and coordination.

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Cultural, Government, Local, News

Coconino National Forest approves construction of new Sedona-area trails

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SEDONA — Several miles of new trails are slated for construction in five different areas of the Coconino National Forest’s Red Rock Ranger District (RRRD) following public feedback given during a lengthy planning process.

“The first phase of this project includes trails that we think every type of user will appreciate,” said acting District Ranger Alex Schlueter. “Whether hiking, biking, or riding a horse, there’s a lot to look forward to.”

Work is planned to begin later this summer near both Cornville and Sedona, including the Bell Rock, Cornville Oak Creek Elementary School, Doe Mesa, Hardline Trail and Schuerman Mountain areas.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

Grand Canyon South Rim Reimplements Water Conservation Measures

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will reimplement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a pump failure at Havasupai Gardens.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Mandatory water conservation measures include:

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Business, Government, Local, News

Pedestrian underpass construction to begin; traffic pattern changing

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, have finished the majority of the work associated with Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. With this work complete, Phase 2 of the project is set to begin. Phase 2 starts with construction of the new pedestrian underpass prior to surface improvements along Milton Road. Additional work includes the reconstruction of a section of University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and Yale Street.

In order to safely install the new pedestrian underpass beneath Milton Road, the existing traffic pattern will shift. This shift will begin on August 19 and last through September 2024. With this shift, the southbound lanes along Milton Road will be detoured to University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and onto the new Beulah Boulevard extension, utilizing the newly constructed roundabout, to Forest Meadows Street. The new Beulah Boulevard extension and roundabout will also be accessible by University Avenue, as shown in the detailed map below. Please note that northbound traffic will be closed along the new Beulah Boulevard extension, as well as northbound traffic on Yale Street. Northbound traffic on Milton Road, including eastbound access to University Drive, will be maintained during this traffic shift.

Large cranes and trucks will also be present to assist in the installation of the pedestrian underpass. Motorists are asked to follow the marked signage, travel at the posted speed limit, and should expect delays when traveling through the project area. Crews will be working extended shifts to expedite this work. Work may occur Monday through Friday, with occasional work on evenings and weekends. Motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists can expect traffic delays, lane closures and detour routes along Milton Road, University Drive and University Avenue until late 2025.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work hard to finish this project. For additional project information, please visit www.beulahuniversityproject.com. To reach a project team member and receive further project information, call the Project Hotline at (928) 255-5153. To receive weekly eNewsletter project updates, email a request to news@beulahuniversityproject.com.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Museum of Northern Arizona — Your gift today opens minds!

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“This is the best field trip I’ve ever been on!” exclaimed a third grader who recently visited MNA as she admired the towering Therizinosaur in the museum’s lobby.

Did you know that in 2023, over 2,000 K-12 students visited MNA for free, thanks to generous philanthropic support like yours? A visit to the museum changes your perspective, regardless of your age. Recent visitor surveys tell us that 96% of visitors surveyed report gaining new insights and understandings from their MNA experience!

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Business, Education, Entertainment, Events, Familia, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 29-Aug. 2, 2024

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North Rim Native American Heritage Days kicks off this weekend

Heritage Days will take place this Friday, August 2, through Sunday, August 4. Throughout the weekend a variety of programs will be presented by members of Grand Canyon’s Associated Tribes, including music and dance performances, film screenings, discussions about cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and a variety of demonstrations by renowned Indigenous artists.   

Activities will take place daily from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in and around Grand Canyon Lodge. For more information and the schedule of activities, visit the park’s Heritage Days webpage or see the full event flyer attached here.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

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Greetings Potters, Artists, and Friends,

Neil Kennedy is moving!

His last day will be on September 6 at our Celebrate Sedona event from 4 to 6pm at Sedona Arts Center in Uptown Sedona. As many of you know, Neil joined our Sedona Arts Center ceramic department almost 7 years ago. During Neil’s tenure with us, he developed the Tuesday afternoon’s Hand Building and Saturday morning’s Pottery Wheel for Beginners classes. With Neil’s years of ceramic experience and his natural talent as an artist, he has helped build the ceramic department’s programming to what it is today—one of the most active and popular clay schools in northern Arizona.

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Business, Education, Finance, Government, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Represented at SEMICON West

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ECoNA with its municipality partners got a chance to promote northern Arizona to hundreds of semiconductor manufacturers and related businesses during the recent SEMICON West expo in San Francisco.

According to SEMI, the international trade organization that organizes the expo, global sales of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are poised to reach $109 billion this year, a new industry record. ECoNA’s 5-year Strategic Plan identifies advanced manufacturing as one of the five sectors the region should pursue for economic development.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Aug. 1 to share your story

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1. 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.

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Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

Theatrikos Theatre Co. August Newsletter — Big summer family musical Annie now playing!

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Flagstaff’s big summer family musical Annie, which opened last Friday to a standing ovation, is already selling out some performances. The heartwarming classic, winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, is lighting up the Flagstaff stage.

“Annie is a wonderful musical for families. It’s such a feel-good story, gives a little taste of Christmas mid-summer, and lets everyone escape into history and song for a couple hours,”said chorus member Kim Hensley Owens.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Pinyon Plain Mine has begun Hauling Uranium Ore Through Coconino County

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Coconino County has been notified by the United States Forest Service that the hauling of uranium ore from Pinyon Plain Mine near Grand Canyon National Park to White Mesa Mill in Utah began this morning.

The haul route begins south on SR 64 to Williams, heads east on Interstate 40 through Flagstaff, then north on US 89 to Tuba City, and then northeast on US 160. A map with the route indicated by the red and purple lines is attached. 

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Business, Education, News, Technology

Kaibab National Forest considers new fiber optic line to support rural northern Arizona

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FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest (KNF) is considering authorization of a new fiber optic line between Fredonia and Jacob Lake, Arizona. The need for high-speed internet connections grows as new technologies require faster and higher-grade services. As such, the USDA Rural Utility Services Reconnect program helps rural utilities expand and keep their technology up to date by increasing bandwidth and communications capabilities. South Central Utah Telephone Association Inc. (a.k.a. SCUTA) is making high-speed internet affordable by participating in the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Affordable Connectivity Program and is proposing to install buried fiber optic line in rural northern Coconino County.

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Local

The NAU Review — Humans of NAU with Kimberly Higuera and more news

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Humans of NAU
with Kimberly Higuera

Growing up in Mexico, Higuera dreamed of attending college in the U.S. She earned a degree at NAU, and now she’s fulfilling another dream—teaching English in Argentina as part of the Fulbright program. Learn more about why she fell in love with Flagstaff, what’s pulling her toward Argentina and what’s on her bucket list. 

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español, Government, Local, News, Politics

Coconino County — Election Day is Next Tuesday, July 30

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COCONINO COUNTY — Let’s prepare for Election Day! The Coconino County Elections Department encourages all voters to make a Plan to Vote in the Primary Election next Tuesday, July 30, 2024.

38 polling locations across the County, with 15 vote centers, will allow voters access to participate in this important democratic process and exercise their right to vote.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Full closure of Aspen Ave between Humphreys St and Beaver St scheduled for July 31

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FLAGSTAFF — A full closure of Aspen Ave between Humphreys St and Beaver St is scheduled for Wednesday, July 31 so that crews can replace asphalt in the area. Work hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and local traffic will be allowed to enter and exit the Residence Inn parking lot. Beaver St will remain open with a single lane closure through the work zone. Through traffic on Aspen Ave will need to detour around the work zone utilizing Humphreys St, Cherry Ave and Leroux St. This work is part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Heritage Days Return to the North Rim Friday through Sunday

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz — Heritage Days will return to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park Friday, August 2 through Sunday August 4th. Each day, Heritage Days programs and demonstrations will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. throughout the North Rim developed area. A special celebratory kick-off event will occur at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 1 at the North Rim Lodge. Heritage Days provide visitors and staff with the opportunity to experience and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of the Colorado Plateau, Arizona Strip, and the Grand Canyon area.

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Education, Family, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles listing of Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY —  A variety of virtual health and welfare resource networking meetings are held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

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Government, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions Friday

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FLAGSTAFF — Due to increased precipitation received across the Coconino National Forest, fire restrictions will be lifted at 8 a.m. tomorrow, July 26, 2024.

While forest-wide restrictions have been lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will remain in effect.

Additionally, forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices while building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. Never leave a campfire unattended. Use at least 6 gallons of water and a shovel to completely extinguish a campfire. Before leaving a campsite, make sure all campfires are dead out, wet and cold to the touch.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff to lift fire restrictions Friday at 8 a.m.

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Friday, July 26 at 8 a.m.

Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — Still Time to Register for Elevate PreK

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Registration is still open for the upcoming year of Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds.

The program, developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona, is in its fourth year and will be housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.

Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Family, Local, News, Youth

The Grand 75th Annual Coconino County Fair is Fast Approaching

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The Fair supports exhibits in agriculture and horticulture, fine arts, home economics, hobbies and collectibles, floriculture, schools, open youth categories, club work, gems and minerals, livestock and small stock. Exhibits are free or low cost to enter, supporting the talents and work of community members and providing opportunities to win prizes. The livestock auction also provides important funding for local farmers, especially young people, including education funding. 

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Local

The NAU Review — Could music improve health outcomes? Plus, try this delicious coffee milkshake and send us your best (or worst) jokes!

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Everyone knows music has the power to heal the soul. But could it also measurably improve health and wellness outcomes? One research team at NAU is eager to find out. Researchers at the Center for Health Equity Research are working with a symphony of experts, including clinical professionals and Indigenous musicians, on a pilot project that will evaluate the benefits of music-based interventions on mental and physical health. 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — KinderCamp™ 2024: Space, Safaris, and Success

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Last month, more than 150 four- and five-year-olds in Flagstaff, Williams, and Pinetop-Lakeside received a preview of what school life will be like by attending KinderCamp™.

The targeted intervention program, provided free to families, is a signature early education initiative coordinated by United Way of Northern Arizona with local school districts. It provides students who have limited preschool experience with the academic and social skills they’ll need to successfully transition into kindergarten.

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Business, Government, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Camp Verde Embraces a New Era

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Camp Verde is a town in transition.

The municipality of about 13,000 residents has changed leadership recently, with Town Manager Miranda Fisher coming on board in late May. Within a few weeks, Fisher promoted Economic Development Director Molly Davies to Deputy Town Manager. Davies, who is a member of the ECoNA Executive Board, will continue her role as ED director until a replacement can be found.

Fisher says that promoting Davies was in line with keeping economic development front and center for the Verde Valley community.

“All departments are vital, but I think in Camp Verde, economic development is one of the most essential, given the town’s desire to grow and increase business retention and recruitment,” Fisher said.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Technology

Coconino County Honored Again as 2024 NACo Digital Counties Survey Winner

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This is the fifth consecutive year the Coconino County Information Technology Department has placed in the Top 10 counties within the up to 150,000 population category. The County is being recognized for Aligned Leadership, Cybersecurity, Constituent Centric, Data Driven Government, IT Investments, Resilience, Continuous Innovation, Connected Infrastructure, and Business Process Alignment. Some of the accomplishment areas to highlight are the citizen assistance application known as SeeClickFix, Digital Transformation, IT Security, and evacuation map enhancements.

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Elections, Government, Local, News

Arguments Sought ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Ballot Question

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COCONINO COUNTY — On Nov. 5, 2024, Coconino County will hold an election asking voters to allow Coconino County to permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure by the amount of $7.7 Million.

The additional expenditure authority would be used for County services and programs, including but not limited to law enforcement, road improvements and maintenance, emergency response, and other County services. The ballot question relates only to an adjustment in the base expenditure; it does not involve or result in a tax increase or decrease. 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — See new updates to our Back to School events resource listing

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Area school district officials and health care providers have been busy planning for a variety of Back to School events, including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other 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 (Updated July 16, 2024)

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Education, Elections, Government, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — It’s hammock time! + meet the interim dean of CHHS and NAU’s fourth Olympian

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There’s lots to love about NAU in the summertime, from blooming gardens and luscious green grass to countless youth camps and conferences. But in the midst of all these exciting events, don’t forget to experience one of the simplest, most joyful warm weather activities: Swinging in a hammock under the shade of the trees. Here’s our list of favorite places to hang on campus.

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Local

Lightning-caused wildfires to remain visible from Sedona area

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SEDONA — Coconino National Forest fire managers are working to suppress two lightning-caused wildfires, the Knob Fire and the Clay Fire. Both fires are located outside the Sedona area and pose no threat to communities.

The Knob Fire, located 6.5 miles north of Sedona, is approximately 4 acres in size. Resources working to contain and suppress the Knob Fire include one engine, one hand crew and one Type 3 helicopter.

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Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Big summer family musical Annie! And two films: 42nd Street and Unconscious

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“Annie is the plucky little orphan who captures the hearts of a self-made billionaire and his household staff. In essence, turning them from just waitstaff and their obnoxiously wealthy bachelor boss, into a loving caring family. Which is all Annie has really ever wanted for herself,” said Annie director Joe Maniglia. “Audiences will hear old favorites such as Tomorrow and Hard Knock Life as well as rediscovering new standards in this last of a bygone era of Broadway classic musicals.”

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Local

Grand Canyon Implements Water Conservation Measures

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a failure in the Trans Canyon Waterline after it was shut off for repairs. Crews were trying to repressurize the line when there was a break, causing an extension of the current water outage.

Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds. 

Read more →

Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Increase in Hantavirus Activity, Two Deaths Reported in Coconino County

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COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has seen an increase in hantavirus activity. Three hantavirus cases have been reported in the past 15 months, two of which have died (67% mortality rate). Previously, Coconino County’s last reported hantavirus case occurred in 2016.

Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

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Elections, Government, Local, News, Politics

Early Voting For July 30 Primary Election Has Begun

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FLAGSTAFF — Early voting for the July 30, 2024, Primary Election started Wednesday, July 3.  The Coconino County Recorder’s Office mailed out over 44,200 early ballots to voters on the active early voting list (AEVL) and those voters that requested a single election early ballot for the Primary Election.    

The July 30 Primary Election is a partisan primary, meaning voters on the AEVL who are registered with a recognized political party were mailed an early ballot for the political party indicated on their voter registration form.  The recognized political parties in Arizona for the 2024 elections are Democratic, Republican, Libertarian, Green and No Labels Party. 

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Elections, Government, Local, News, Politics

Friday, July 19 is the Last Day to Request An Early Ballot by Mail for July 30 Primary Election

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the July 30 Primary Election is Friday, July 19 at 5 pm. Voters may request an early ballot by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select “Early Ballot Request” or call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860.

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Business, Commentary, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

United Way of Northern Arizona — Can You Help Our Airport Be ‘Operation Ready’? at Pulliam Airport

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Every three years, Flagstaff Pulliam Airport stages a full-scale exercise to test responses to an aircraft accident at the airport. This is an event that requires help from the entire community, and involves representatives from the city, county, state, and federal government, private sector and non-government partners and lots of volunteers.

This year’s all-day exercise, called Operation Ready FLG. will take place on Monday, September 9, 2024 and requires about 60 volunteers to portray injured and non-injured passengers of a simulated plane crash and mass casualty incident.

United Way of Northern Arizona is helping to coordinate volunteers for the event.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News

City of Flagstaff announces Innovation Grants Awarded to Four Projects that Will Transform Waste to Reduce Wildfire Risk, Lock Away Climate Pollution

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A coalition of Western U.S. cities and counties awarded $335,000 to four projects designed to fight climate change and reduce wildfire risks by removing carbon dioxide from the air.

These projects will convert waste, like forest debris, yard scraps, and biosolids into valuable products, with three of the four projects also reducing local wildfire risk.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Lockett Fire operations nearing completion

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TUSAYAN — Crews completed planned ignitions around the entire perimeter and in the interior of the Lockett Fire planning area yesterday, bringing the total number of acres treated to 2,782.

Helicopter operations will continue today to locate areas which did not receive fire effects and determine if further isolated ignitions are required. Crews on the perimeter of the planning area will be patrolling to ensure the fire stays within containment lines, and resource advisors will work to identify areas requiring rehabilitation, such as on dozer lines, hand lines, and other areas impacted by firefighter activity to mitigate potential erosion issues in the future. Crews and equipment will be working along forest roads and smoke may cause decreased visibility – drive with caution.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Aerial ignitions begin on Lockett Fire east of Tusayan

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TUSAYAN — Cooler temperatures, increasing humidity, and light winds to the south allowed fire crews to begin tactical firing operations along the eastern end of the Lockett Fire planning area perimeter yesterday evening, treating 274 acres of forest landscape with low-severity fire. The applied fire moved slowly across the forest floor, consuming pine needle duff, dead-and-down woody debris, and some standing snags.

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Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News, Public Safety, Sports, Technology

The NAU Review — Protecting northern Arizona’s forests, creating ceramics in one of the country’s largest wood-fired kilns and spotlighting Olympics-bound Lumberjacks

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In 1996, John Paul Roccaforte and his colleagues at NAU’s Ecological Research Institute embarked on an ambitious mission to study restoration across more than 5,000 acres of dense ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona. After two decades of hands-on investigation, they successfully decreased the area’s tree density and vulnerability to wildfire—unlocking the key to revitalizing and protecting our beloved local ecosystem in an era when fires in the West burn hotter and bigger than ever.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Summer 2024 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — New Member Drive: It’s Time to Join F-cubed!

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Dear Friend of Flagstaff,

A thriving democracy needs organized people and organized funding. When you become a member of Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3), you can contribute to both. The F3 Board of Directors invites you to join our local grassroots nonprofit.
 
We are a multi-issue organization whose mission is to achieve a sustainable, just, and thriving Flagstaff through community education, engagement, and advocacy.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to begin July 11 on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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FREDONIA — Due to increasing fire danger, Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will go into effect beginning 6:00 a.m. Thursday, July 11, 2024 on the North Kaibab Ranger District – all Kaibab National Forest lands north of the Grand Canyon. The North Kaibab received less rain from recent storms than the Williams and Tusayan Districts south of the Grand Canyon, which will not go into restrictions at this time.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

July at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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As the warmth of summer settles in, there’s no better time to step into the cool and captivating spaces of the Museum of Northern Arizona. July brings a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in our latest exhibits. Explore the fascinating connection between Indigenous people and horses in Horse and Rider: A Southwest Story. And journey through the layers of the Grand Canyon’s alluring geology in the Grand Canyon Dragon Map exhibition. There’s so much to experience!

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — New Ceramics Classes Starting Next Week!

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Through demonstration and one-on-one instruction, students will learn to throw a variety of forms on the potter’s wheel or techniques to create hand-built works. Slab roller, extruder and forms are also available to create functional and decorative pieces. Class sessions are 6-weeks long and meet once/week.

Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics instructors are all highly skilled artists and experienced teachers!

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 1-5, 2024 — Employee Spotlight!  Monique Navarro, Branch Lead of Education/ Acting Deputy Lead of Interpretation and Education

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We’ll be taking a break from the Weekly Wrap Up for the next three weeks. Look for our next issue on Thursday, August 1. In the meantime, operational updates can be found on our park website here.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Government, Local, News, Youth

CHAC, community to celebrate 2024 Flagstaff 4th of July Parade

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COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff during a warm summer day to celebrate the 2024 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Thursday, July 4, 2024.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Also see: 

• Arizona Daily Sun — Thousands turn out for Independence Day parade through downtown Flagstaff

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff — Hazardous Products Center shifting Public Dropoff to Monday, Wednesday, and Friday

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Hazardous Product Center (HPC), located at the Cinder Lake Landfill will be adjusting their public drop off schedule to Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 8:00 am-4:00pm beginning on July 10th, 2024. This new schedule will ensure that staff has the ability to properly track and dispose of hazardous products dropped at the facility in a safe and timely manner.

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Business, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff to adopt new rates for water, wastewater, and reclaimed water services

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The rate change concludes a year-long rate study and cost-of-service analysis for water, sewer, and reclaimed water services. Through this process, the Flagstaff City Council prioritized minimizing the cost impact to customers. Data and information supporting the new rates can be found on the resources page of cleanwaterflagstaff.com

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Modified Transcanyon Waterline construction closures begin Oct. 21, 2024

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service (NPS) is announcing modified closure dates of inner canyon trails and facilities to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.  

New inner canyon closure dates are:  

Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge that crosses the Colorado River, Oct 21, 2024-May 14, 2025 
Bright Angel Campground, Nov 4, 2024-May 14, 2025 
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point, Oct. 12, 2023-May 14, 2025 

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Government, Local, News, Public Safety

New lightning-caused fire on Tusayan Ranger District

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TUSAYAN — A new lightning-caused wildfire discovered last week east of Tusayan will be managed in a confine and contain strategy within designated areas to reduce fuel loads and promote healthier landscapes.

The Lockett Fire started on June 29 and is located approximately 12 miles east of Tusayan along the Coconino Rim, between Forest Road 307 and Forest Road 310. It is currently 16 acres burning in ponderosa pine forest, moving with a slow rate of spread and consuming pine needle duff and dead-and-down woody debris and stumps on the forest floor. This fire is burning in the footprint of the 2014 Belknap Fire.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs, upcoming Back to School events in Coconino County

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

With Summer here, parents can still get information on ongoing Summer Programs including food security, reading support and more throughout Coconino County.

Also, check on our new Back to School events resource listing to get your child prepared of the upcoming school year.

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 July 2, 2024).​​​​​​​

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Business, Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

City of Flagstaff Approves Settlement Agreement with Area Indigenous Nations and Tribes Over Regional Water Rights

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FLAGSTAFF — On Tuesday, July 2, the Flagstaff City Council passed a resolution to approve the Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2024. This historic agreement ends years of costly and protracted litigation over surface water and groundwater rights claims by the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe, and the United States.  The parties to the Settlement Agreement confirm certain water rights of the City of Flagstaff and other towns and communities, the Salt River Project, the Central Arizona Water Conservation District, Arizona Public Service, various irrigation districts, ranching operations and other parties.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local

United Way of Northern Arizona — Wishing You a Happy Independence Day

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As we come together to celebrate the birth of our nation, it’s a perfect time to reflect and remember the values that unite us: freedom, equality, and the unwavering spirit of community.

Independence Day honors not only those who founded our country, but also each person committed to a future where every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Whether it’s lending a hand to a neighbor, volunteering in our communities, or supporting those in need, every act of kindness makes a difference. Thank you, as always, for Living United. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

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Business, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff announces Fourth of July closures

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Thursday, July 4 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Friday, July 5 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July include:

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

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Government, Health, Local, News

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — An Update on F3’s Spring and Summer Work

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It’s been a busy spring and beginning of summer here at F3! Below are short updates on some of the issues on which we have been working.

The city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility”
F3 did a deep dive into the city’s proposal to allow housing on lands zoned “Public Facility.” After many conversations with city staff and careful consideration over nearly two months, F3 decided to support the zoning code amendment because the city included the requirement for any development proposal to go through the Conditional Use Permit process. Read our final letter to Council on March 14 for more information.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff to begin annual Road Repair and Street Safety Project

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FLAGSTAFF — The City will begin work on the 2024 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) project on Monday, July 8. The project will address numerous deteriorated roads around the city, with work including milling, paving, and updates to utilities, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and pavement markings. The goal of the RRSS project is to update infrastructure for motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and other modes of transportation.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Grand Canyon National Park to lift Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Monday, July 1

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective on Monday, July 1 at 8 a.m., Stage 2 fire restrictions are rescinded for the entire Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity throughout northern Arizona has significantly lowered the fire danger risk within the last week.

Grand Canyon National Park will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions which requires that a campfire 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.

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Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Theatrikos Theatre Co. July Newsletter — Sing it! The sun’ll come out tomorrow!

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The big summer musical Annie comes to the Flagstaff stage. 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. 

“The audience will love the energy and the laughs as well as the talented cast,” said Teri Gochanour who plays Mrs Gear. “It’s a feel-good show that will have everyone humming and singing along long after the show.”

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff holds swearing in ceremony for new Chief of Police

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Sean Connolly, center, was officially sworn in as Flagstaff Chief of Police at a ceremony held during the City Council’s work session on June 25.

Connolly, who takes over from retiring Chief of Police Dan Musselman, was sworn in during an event attended by family, friends, law enforcement officials from Phoenix and Chandler — and a surprise bagpipe performance by City of Flagstaff Senior Assistant City Attorney Marianne E. Sullivan.

Connolly, who was born in Flagstaff, served in the Phoenix Police Dept. for more than 30 years in such capacities as police commander and assistant police chief. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 24-28, 2024

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Town of Tusayan Fourth of July Celebration

Join community members from the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village for the annual Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Kid’s bike decorating begins at 3:30 p.m., parade line-up starts at 3:45, and the parade will begin at 4:30. Additional events and activities include: live music from local bands, food, auction items, Native American dancers, kid’s games, and a drone show after dark.

For more information on this event and to register to be in the parade, visit the town’s website here.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Elevate PreK Seeking Students

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FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.

The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino County Downgrading to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday Morning

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COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with partner agencies in the region, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) and the County Manager’s Office will be downgrading the County’s fire restrictions to Stage 1 on Friday June 28, 2024 at 8 a.m.

During Stage 1 fire restrictions the following activities are prohibited at all times, unless exempted by the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance: 

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 explosive targets, tracer rounds, or incendiary ammunition. 

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff moving back to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on June 28

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FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff will move back to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
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.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino National Forest moving back to Stage 1 fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Due to the amount of rain the forest has received over the last several days that reduced the criteria for meeting Stage 2, Coconino National Forest will move back to Stage 1 fire restrictions Friday (June 28) at 8 a.m.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and smudge pots, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating the 4th of July in Northern Arizona

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It’s no secret that 4th of July events can be an economic driver, with parades, festivals, and fireworks prompting tourists to visit communities large and small. In northern Arizona we are fortunate to have a wide range of Independence Day events for visitors – and locals – to enjoy.

The celebrations start early in Flagstaff where hundreds of runners will compete in the Downtown Mile, a series of races held prior to the annual 4th of July Parade. There are races for all levels of runners, including elite races for cash prizes and one just for children. The first race starts at 6:30 am.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

City of Flagstaff — Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180 experiences delays

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FLAGSTAFF — The Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US HWY 180 has experienced delays from unforeseen developments in the relocation of existing utility lines. The project is now expected to be substantially complete by the last week of July. Road paving and landscaping will commence by mid-August. 

The existing stormwater infrastructure at US Hwy 180 remains in place and will not be removed until the Drainage Improvements Project is complete. Flood risk to the area was significantly reduced in 2023 by the installation of detention basins upstream and the addition of a new 48-inch storm pipe near Fire Station No. 5. The current project will continue flood mitigation efforts by increasing the capacity of the culvert to accommodate a 100-year storm. 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about our Back to School events resource listing

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Yes, Summer has just begun but area school districts and health care providers are already planning for a variety of Back to School events.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other 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 25, 2024)​​​​​​​

Also, see our:

Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing
Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County listing

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Business, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff announces Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) City of Flagstaff ARPA Local Recovery Funds Aid to Nonprofits Providing Victim Services

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the availability of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to promote the recovery of nonprofit organizations in the City that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City can use these funds to make strategic investments by providing valuable resources to community nonprofits to help ensure a strong and equitable recovery from the pandemic.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — ‘How an NAU ecologist is following in Darwin’s footsteps and a Lumberjack becomes an Olympian’ and more news

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Conservation ecologist Jut Wynne is spending a month aboard a tall ship that’s retracing much of Charles Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle voyage 200 years ago. While on board, Wynne will study insects unique to eastern Polynesia in hopes of confirming that some of these animals were brought there by ancient Polynesians via voyaging canoe. 

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Business, Education, Local, News

Unlock Your Artistic Potential with Summer Art Classes at the Sedona Arts Center

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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!

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