Treasurer Sarah Benatar elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar was elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), marking a historic moment in the organization’s 90-year history. Benatar is the first Latina and the first Treasurer to serve in this leadership role.

“I am honored to be elected 2nd Vice President of NACo. Thank you to county leaders from across the nation for your support and your belief in our vision that when counties decide, communities thrive,” Benatar said. “I look forward to working alongside each of you to strengthen our counties and champion local leadership because it’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County Justice Bus receives national Enhancing Justice Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.

The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Making the Case for Northern Arizona

You already know what makes northern Arizona special. Our region has a natural beauty that has drawn visitors from all over the world for generations. But we also share an unwavering ambition to expand our foothold into some of the most vital and vibrant sectors of the economy, such as bioscience, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and transportation and logistics, as well as traditional tourism sectors.

Now we have a tool that captures all of it in one place. ECoNA’s new recruitment brochure showcases the full range of what the region has to offer. It’s a resource designed to help businesses see, at a glance, why northern Arizona is worth a serious look.

You can see it here.

Coconino County responds to call for assistance after flooding in Moenkopi Wash

COCONINO COUNTY — On July 22, Emergency Declarations were issued by Hopi Tribal Leaders for the Moenkopi Wash area following a monsoon storm. The heavy rains and flooding damaged homes, schools, businesses, roads, fields and washes. Several homes were evacuated.

The declaration for Upper Moenkopi Village asked for assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including Coconino County. The County deployed assistance from Emergency Management, Public Works and the Flood Control District to clear roads and provide 5,000 sandbags to residents.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘Kelly, Raskin, Whitehouse Introduce Bill to Protect U.S. Elections, Crack Down on Corrupt Influence of Foreign Money’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Files Lawsuit Challenging Unlawful Conditions on Federal Counterterrorism Funding’

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Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on Draft Programmatic Agreement for Fire Management Plan

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. —  The National Park Service is inviting the public to review and comment on a draft programmatic agreement that outlines how historic properties will be considered during planning and implementation of fire management activities at Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from July 16-August 15, 2026. 

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Final Chance for I Love You, new shows, & our first community forum!

Time is officially running out to catch the hit musical comedy that’s had audiences laughing in their seats all month long! I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change enters its final five-show stretch, running Thursday through Sunday only, with our absolute last performance taking the stage this Sunday afternoon.

From the awkward horrors of modern first dates to the wild rollercoaster of marriage, long-term commitment, and beyond, this hilarious production takes a brutally honest, utterly charming look at everything we do for love. Our phenomenal local cast delivers powerhouse vocals, razor-sharp comic timing, and non-stop energy through a lineup of unforgettable songs you’ll be humming all the way home.

Whether you’re planning a fun date night, an evening out with friends, or just need a good laugh, this is the show you don’t want to miss. Audience reviews are in, and the response has been overwhelmingly clear: this cast is brilliant, and the show is a total crowd-pleaser!

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. Also see our listing for other back to school, Summer reading, food security and other programs

COCONINO COUNTY — The Commons area of Sinagua Middle School came alive with more than 200 children and their parents going from table to table to gather information at the Flagstaff Unified School District’s Native American Education Support Program’s annual School Supply Distribution & Expo Fair held on July 14 in Flagstaff. …

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

Supervisors appointed to National Association of Counties leadership positions

COCONINO COUNTY — Several members of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors were appointed to leadership positions at the annual National Association of Counties (NACo) Conference. These appointments allow Coconino County to have a lead role in developing the American County Platform and resolutions designed to influence federal policy at the national level. 

The appointments include:

The NAU Review — Dispatches from Tonto National Forest, n Etruscan scholar

Going underground to measure fire risk

This summer, NAU associate professor Salli Dymond is working with the Salt River Project and the startup company Growvera to install moisture sensors on plants and dead fuel on the forest floor and underground in parts of Tonto National Forest. Over the course of a year, she and her colleagues will monitor the sensors and analyze the data they generate. Dymond said if the sensors provide accurate enough moisture data, they could be a gamechanger in how Arizona officials communicate about and prepare for wildfire season.

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) — July – August 2026 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.

Grand Canyon National Park eases South Rim fire restrictions

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. —  Effective Sunday, July 19, Stage 2 fire restrictions (were) lifted on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity across northern Arizona over the past week has significantly reduced fire danger in the area.

The South Rim will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require that all campfires be contained in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. Inner canyon users may continue to use gas cook stoves. River users should follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors are urged to take the following precautions:

City of Flagstaff — Parking rate adjustments to begin August 1

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff and ParkFlag will implement new parking rates starting Saturday, August 1. The hourly parking rate is increasing from $1 an hour to $2 dollars an hour. These parking rates were approved by the Flagstaff City Council following a comprehensive public process. The rate adjustments will help ensure a financially sustainable parking system while supporting enhanced services throughout the downtown parking district.

Grand Canyon National Park eases South Rim water restrictions

The South Rim will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require that all campfires be contained in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. Inner canyon users may continue to use gas cook stoves. River users should follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors are urged to take the following precautions:

Coconino County — Timeline for release of July 21 Primary Election results

COCONINO COUNTY — Election Day! Voting locations across the County are open today, July 21, 2026 from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Find your closest voting location at coconino.az.gov/vote.

Coconino County Elections Department shares the election results release schedule so voters can understand what the tabulation process entails for the Primary Election on July 21, 2026. All elections results are preliminary and not official until they are canvassed by the County Board of Supervisors on July 31.                                                                                                     

8 p.m. – First batch of results: Includes early ballots processed through July 20.
About 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. on Election Night: Ballots cast at voting locations on election day.
Daily until completion: Early ballots dropped off on Election Day and Provisional/Conditional ballots. The cure deadline is July 26 at 5 p.m.
This schedule is subject to change based on the number of ballots received on Election Day.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, and photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Whether you’re discovering a new passion or continuing to grow your skills, you’ll find opportunities to explore, create, and connect in the heart of Sedona. New ceramics classes begin in June, alongside a wide variety of upcoming workshops and studio experiences for adults, teens, and families.

City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions effective July 20

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff has lifted current fire restrictions and returned to Stage 0 fire restrictions, effective 6 a.m. on Monday, July 20.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park Weekly Wrap-up: July 13-17, 2026

Monsoon Season Returns to Grand Canyon

Monsoon season has returned, bringing the potential for thunderstorms, lightning, flash flooding, strong winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions through September. Park staff are actively monitoring weather conditions and remain prepared to adjust operations, closures, and visitor access as needed to protect visitors, employees, and park resources.

Coconino County seeks federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses affected by Pocket Fire

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has submitted an application for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) for review after the Pocket Fire caused economic injury to local businesses.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate capped at four percent to affected businesses. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The EIDL program, if awarded, would be available to all businesses in Coconino County, as well as neighboring Yavapai, Mohave, Gila and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — News & Opportunities

Call to Artists: Temporary 3D Artworks

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2027/2028 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Measles virus detected in wastewater from the Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant

COCONINO COUNTY — Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials announced that wastewater samples from the City of Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant taken on July 7 and July 9, 2026, have tested positive for measles virus.

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) monitors wastewater to provide early detection of infectious diseases. The positive wastewater test, conducted by Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL), indicates that one or more people with a recent measles infection have been in the area.

People infected with the measles virus may shed the virus in their urine before a rash appears and for several weeks afterward. Wastewater test results can show when the measles virus is in the wastewater, but the results do not indicate how many people in the area are shedding the virus and cannot be traced back to individuals.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiling back-to-school resource information. Also see our listing for Summer reading, food security and remaining Summer camps

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — While many families are enjoying their Summer vacations, school officials are busy planning for a variety of back-to-school information fairs and other activities as the new school year rapidly approaches.

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

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In addition, agencies, school districts and other organizations are still continuing to present a variety of Summer food security, Summer reading and Summer camp programs in Coconino County and throughout Northern Arizona.

Please check with individual organizations to confirm times, dates, other information. Please visit the links below to see if registration is still available. Registration deadlines may have already passed for some programs.

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

(INFORMATION UPDATED July 15, 2026)

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Willard Springs Green Waste Site reopens July 17 for Friday/Saturday green waste disposal

FLAGSTAFF — The Willard Springs Green Waste Site will reopen this Friday, July 17 for free green waste-only disposal after a temporary closure to support aerial firefighting operations for the Pocket Fire.

The site was closed on July 1 for public safety so it could serve as a staging area for fire suppression materials used by helicopter firefighting crews.

Willard Springs is open Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Oct. 31. The last load of green waste is accepted through the gate at 4:30 p.m. each operating day. This schedule is subject to change due to weather or unforeseen circumstances.