
Thursday-Wednesday, March 5-11
Call of the Colorado Plateau
Museum of Northern Arizona
Explore the profound impact of nature on the human spirit in this multisensory exhibition. 10 am.

New Podcast Episode Highlights North Kaibab Trail Recovery and the Work Ahead
A new podcast episode of the Grand Canyon Hiker Dude Show was released this week featuring Trails Supervisor Adam Gibson, offering an in-depth look at the condition of the North Kaibab Trail following the Dragon Bravo Fire and outlining what recovery efforts may look like through 2026 and beyond.

March is a wonderful time to reconnect with the Colorado Plateau, and I invite you to visit the Museum to experience two of our latest exhibitions.
Call of the Colorado Plateau summons us to slow down and engage all our senses through art, sound, and scent. The exhibit shares the stories of writers, artists, and explorers who have been shaped by this expansive, remarkable landscape and ultimately invites us back outdoors to see the land not as a backdrop, but as a living presence.

Please join United Way of Northern Arizona on Thursday, April 30th as we celebrate a year of impact and achievement and the many things we have done – together – to ensure that all can thrive in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
This past year saw the 20th anniversary of KinderCamp™ and a major expansion of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. It marked the launch of a teen center for the northeast and a region-wide youth leadership summit.

COCONINO COUNTY — Every six years the Coconino County Community Development Department in partnership with the Building Safety Advisory Board (BSAB) leads the process of adopting new and updated building codes.
It is important to update building codes to address emerging safety risks, improve energy efficiency, incorporate new material and technology and to maintain a high Insurance Services Office rating.

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

FLAGSTAFF — During the March 3 meeting, the Flagstaff City Council received information about protocols to be utilized during interactions with federal agencies. These protocols include a directive on the use of City property by outside agencies, a notice to guide City employees if federal law enforcement personnel visit a City workplace, and a form for members of the community to report concerns. Staff also reiterated that the Flagstaff Police Department does not enforce federal immigration laws but also cannot interfere with or prevent lawful federal activities.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Ames Construction, will begin the next phase of the Lone Tree Overpass project on Monday, March 2. The project area is Butler Ave. between O’Leary St. and Lumber St. and Lone Tree Rd. between Butler Ave. and Sawmill Rd. The work entails roadway reconstruction, installation of water line, sanitary sewer, and storm drains, improvements to concrete curb and gutters, sidewalks, and driveways, and re-alignment to add bike lanes and multi-use travel paths. The work is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Spring Operational Changes Begin March 1
As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion at the South Entrance Station is heaviest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) continues to be a great way to monitor traffic.

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

Get ready to set the stage for an unforgettable summer! Theatrikos Education is thrilled to announce our 2026 Summer Camp season, a vibrant lineup designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and foster lifelong friendships. From the magic of fairytale storytelling and the high energy of Broadway hits to the technical artistry of makeup and puppetry, there is a spotlight waiting for every young performer in Flagstaff. Whether your student is a seasoned regular or stepping onto the stage for the first time, join us for a season of growth, collaboration, and theatrical wonder!

Shaping the world one sound at a time
Jordan Strohmeyer is exploring how audio shapes our world. Through the Lumberjacks Thrive Externship program, he has made connections and gained an inside look at what the industry he wants to explore after graduation is like, finding inspiration at the intersection of art and science.

FLAGSTAFF — Mary Goodman has been selected to serve as the new Flagstaff Deputy City Manager and will begin in the role effective April 27. Her appointment follows an open and highly competitive recruitment process that attracted more than 180 applicants. Mary will assume the position previously held by Joanne Keene, who became City Manager in November 2025.

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park is implementing water conservation measures on the South Rim following a power outage that impacted the SCADA system at the Havasupai Gardens pumphouse. As a result, water is currently unable to be pumped to the South Rim.
All park residents and visitors are required to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Water conservation measures include:

“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” said Coconino National Forest Supervisor Aaron Mayville. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.”

FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Public Works Director Scott Overton recently graduated from the Arizona City/County Management Association (ACMA) Management Academy. The Academy is a statewide program offered by ACMA that provides intensive leadership and management training within the context of local government to help build the leadership development pipeline. The program is 10-months long and includes topics of study such as stakeholder relationship management, legal frameworks, municipal budgets, workforce planning, and communications.

FLAGSTAFF — Community members and organizations are being asked to rally to support local cultural icon — Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff.
The organization has launched a fundraising campaign after it reported it may lose more than $13,000 in funds due to the bankruptcy of the Oakland-based fundraising platform Flipcause Inc.
“Storms don’t break real teams. They reveal them,” the Ballet Folklorico reported on its Facebook page.
“We want to be real with you all about where we are right now.”
Flipcause has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with more than 3,000 nonprofit organizations owed more than $29 million.
Also see:
• State of California Dept. of Justice — Funds Being Held by Flipcause? You Are Not Alone: Attorney General Bonta Announces Guidance for Affected Nonprofit Organizations
• Oakland Voices — Flipcause files bankruptcy, owing $29 million to nonprofits across country

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

FLAGSTAFF — The City received confirmation on Feb. 19 that all Flock Safety cameras covered under the City’s contract have been physically removed.
The Flagstaff City Council voted in December 2025 to terminate the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology. Following that decision, all cameras covered under the contract were immediately turned off and stopped collecting data.

FLAGSTAFF — We’re hiring a Library Director to lead the City of Flagstaff’s library system and the Coconino County Library District.
This full-time executive leadership role oversees multiple city and county branches, supervises senior staff, directs budgeting and strategic planning, manages IT and collections, and serves as a key liaison to City Council, the County Board of Supervisors and community partners. The position plays a critical role in ensuring our libraries continue to meet the informational, cultural and educational needs of our region.

VIDEO: Run like a girl
Looking to swing your axe of service this year? Local nonprofit organization Girls on the Run is looking for coaches who can help teach perseverance, inner and outer strength and the joy of physical activity to girls in third through eighth grade. Watch a video to learn more about Girls on the Run, then visit NAU’s Axe of Service website to get involved.

Winter Weather Update for Residents and Employees
Hello, winter! Yesterday’s winter storm brought 3-4 inches of fresh snow to the South Rim. As of this afternoon,Desert View Drive remains closed due to icy road conditions and is likely to remain closed for the remainder of the day on Feb. 19 due to incoming predicted snowfall. As of this morning, admin travel for Desert View Drive has been lifted—however, roads remain icy and snow-packed. For the latest road status updates, call the park roads line at 928-638-7496.

I’m excited to share that the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona has launched a refreshed website at econa-az.com, and I invite you to take a look.
This new site was built with you in mind. Whether you are a partner in our region’s growth, a business exploring expansion opportunities, or site selector looking for a home for your company, we wanted to make it easier to find what you need, and show why northern Arizona is a smart place to do business.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science announces a new opportunity to join our passionate team! We strive towards excellence in community engagement, creating opportunities for lifelong learning, all the while celebrating science in Flagstaff.
Check out the position description and apply today!
The Program Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing all programmatic components of the Flagstaff Festival of Science’s annual 10-day science festival and related initiatives.
Key tasks include:

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is excited to congratulate City Manager Joanne Keene on receiving the 2026 ATHENA Award. The ATHENA® International Leadership Awards program is a prestigious initiative that recognizes and honors individual women for their outstanding achievements and contributions in leadership, mentorship, and community service.

The City of Flagstaff invites artists, community members and groups, schools, and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action (BIA) grant to enliven our community’s public spaces. Projects can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals, and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible. Up to $8,000 is available per project.

Flagstaff Airport (FLG) is excited to announce that beginning May 21, American Airlines will upgrade its Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) service to a larger aircraft. The Airbus A319 will replace the current CRJ700, more than doubling seat capacity and marking the first time a mainline aircraft will serve FLG.

At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning pile burns today and this week, pending all required approvals and favorable weather conditions. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Pile burns planned for the area include:

Dear Museum Friends,
As we move into the new year, I’d like to share why becoming a member of the Museum of Northern Arizona means a deeper connection to the Colorado Plateau you love, as well as belonging to a community of people who share that interest.
Members enjoy all that MNA has to offer with free year-round general admission to the Museum, early access to exhibitions and events, invitations to member-only experiences, and discounts on select programs and in the Museum Gift Shop. Some membership levels also include reciprocal admission to cultural institutions across the U.S. and Canada through the North American Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Association—an especially valuable perk for frequent travelers and museum lovers.

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest will be hiring seasonal employees for the upcoming recreation season and is encouraging local residents to apply.
“Our seasonal employees are the backbone of summer operations—keeping our campgrounds, trails and recreation sites open, safe and welcoming for visitors,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Nicole Branton. “These positions offer meaningful work, hands-on experience and the chance to support public lands close to home.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 16. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 17.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Presidents’ Day 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.)
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

BARKING NEWS: At CHS, the dogtor is in
Do you need a moment to decompress? Is life getting a little ruff? We have an important pupdate: High Country Humane and Health Promotion have once again pawrtnered to bring puppies to campus for a little cuddle time. Come to the Health and Learning Center every other Wednesday, where you can sit, stay and play. (And won’t somebody boop that snout already?) It’s a paws-itively perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Art Classes and Workshops
at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

Recreation Program Catalog
The 2026 Recreation Program Catalog (January – June) is now online! Register for upcoming programs and sessions. There are various classes listed including beginner and intermediate archery clinics, culinary classes, disc golf clinics, and the popular youth summer camp, Fun at the Fort.

FLAGSTAFF — Redemption Counseling Center has announced it is providing bilingual counseling services at 3009 N. West St. Flagstaff.
“At RCC, we are committed to making therapeutic help accessible to all,” said Brianna Snow, LAC. “Our team of Spanish speaking therapists are qualified to work with individuals, couples and families, of all ages. We also have a voucher program available at the moment to help ease any financial barriers.”

Park Moves to Stage 1 Water Restrictions
Good news! Grand Canyon National Park has moved to Stage 1 water restrictions after improved reservoir tank levels. While this shift allows for normal operations, conserving water is still important. All employees, residents, and visitors are asked to continue using water wisely.

We have so much going on this month, I am going to jump right in….
First, Vision + Sound: An African American Experience opens TONIGHT, Friday, February 6 at Celebrate Sedona from 4-6PM. Since the weather will be GREAT, we will be outside. The band, Just Common, is performing and artist, Isse Maloi, is demonstrating. As usual, we will have beer, wine and water for sale as well as some light hors d’oeuvres to munch on.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — During the Jan. 20, 2026 Council meeting, the Flagstaff City Council approved a grant from the Arizona Department of Public Safety in the amount of $285,000 to fight against drug trafficking, human smuggling and other criminal activity. This funding is not related to, nor will it be used for immigration or the enforcement of immigration laws.

United Way of Northern Arizona invites you to celebrate your Love of Community and be part of our special campaign throughout February to strengthen the place we all call home.
February is a month overflowing with love. There’s Valentine’s Day, of course, but it’s also national Love of Reading Month, and on February 17th, you can celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day.
That makes this the perfect time for heart-centered folks to show their love and create lasting local impact by giving to United Way of Northern Arizona. Love of Community is about each of us playing a part in supporting youth, building stronger families, healthier communities, and a more resilient region.
Every dollar donated stays right here in northern Arizona. Whether you’re giving for the first time or renewing your commitment to our community, now is the time to show that United is the Way to make a difference for our friends and neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Arizona law provides property tax assistance options for eligible widows and widowers, veterans with a disability and individuals with a permanent disability, commonly referred to as individual exemption programs. These exemptions reduce the assessed value of qualifying property, which may include individually owned real estate, mobile homes and, in some cases, personal property. Applications for individual exemptions are accepted Jan. 1 through Mar. 1 each year.

The City of Flagstaff announces a public art opportunity for artists, graphic designers, and illustrators to create a design for the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Bookmobile. This project is an opportunity to enhance the visual landscape by using the bookmobile as a canvas for meaningful and relevant visual expression. Artists are encouraged to use a variety of media, including digital imagery, painting, drawing, photography, collage, etc. to develop their proposed designs that will be transferred to vinyl wraps. The artist whose design proposal is chosen will each receive a payment of $4,000.
Application Deadline: February 24, 2026, 5:00 pm (Arizona Time)

through innovative public-private partnerships. The town currently has 1,480 housing units in various stages of development – proof that creative collaborations between municipalities and developers can deliver results.
Last month, Highview at Boulder Creek broke ground on the first phase of what will ultimately be more than 300 factory-built homes as part of a larger mixed-use development on the west side of town. It’s an area with little infrastructure and currently no links to the Town’s water or wastewater systems.

At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.

COCONINO COUNTY — Words will take center stage as Coconino County School Superintendent Cheryl Mango-Paget hosts the 2026 Coconino County Spelling Bee, a countywide academic showcase celebrating student excellence, preparation, and poise.
The competition will take place Saturday, Feb. 7, beginning at 10 a.m. at Flagstaff High School’s Cromer Auditorium.

Courtesy MosaicNAZ.org
FLAGSTAFF — A national shutdown is planned for Friday, Jan. 30 as part of the growing opposition to the ICE crackdown operation in Minneapolis, Minn. Under the banner of”No Work, No School. No Shopping. Stop Funding Ice,” organizers hope the action will convince the Trump administration to end their operation in Minneapolis.
“The people of the Twin Cities have shown the way for the whole country – to stop ICE’s reign of terror, we need to SHUT IT DOWN,” the organization reported on its website.
Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified during the past few weeks following the shooting deaths of ICE watchers Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
Another protest against ICE and surveillance cameras is scheduled for 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 31 near Flagstaff City Hall.

In Arizona, Native Americans represent 5.3% of the population but just 1.1% of registered nurses. Charmaine Begay is determined to change that. A first-generation student from Crystal, New Mexico, Begay is pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing through NAU’s American Indian Nursing Program and helping shape a future in which Indigenous communities get care from providers who understand their culture and values.

Phantom Ranch has reopened following the successful repair of multiple breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline, and water service has now been restored to Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, and the Delta restrooms. Park water utilities crews completed repairs near Manzanita Rest Area and the mule corral near Phantom Ranch, allowing the system to be repressurized and inner canyon operations to resume.
On the South Rim, water tanks are slowly refilling as the system stabilizes. Grand Canyon National Park remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, and residents are encouraged to continue reducing water use wherever possible to support system recovery. Utilities staff will continue monitoring the waterline and system pressures as operations return to normal.