Grand Canyon community members who are veterans gather for a group photo at Mather Amphitheater in recognition of Veterans Day. Grand Canyon National Park thanks them and all veterans for their service and sacrifice. Wednesday, Nov. 11, is also a fee-free day for U.S. citizens visiting all national park sites. (NPS/M. Quinn)
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – Greater Flagstaff and Sedona area residents are invited to provide feedback on the 2027 Greater Peaks and Red Rocks Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP). This feedback will help ensure the plan reflects local priorities and effectively addresses wildfire risk. Comments and feedback on the draft CWPP will be accepted through Nov. 20, 2026 at Connect.Flagstaffaz.gov/CWPP.
Residents from the communities of Baderville/Fort Valley, Bellemont, Cosnino/Winona, Doney Park, Flagstaff, Happy Jack, Kachina Village, Mormon Lake, Mountain View Ranches, Mountainaire, Munds Park, Parks, Sedona, Timberline-Fernwood, and Village of Oak Creek are encouraged to participate.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Workforce Development Board (CCWDB) is urgently seeking qualified business leaders to apply to fill a board vacancy.
The CCWDB brings together community business partners to enhance the capacity and performance of the workforce system and promote economic growth throughout Coconino County.
The board encompasses several cities and towns, including Flagstaff, Fredonia, Page, Sedona, Tusayan and Williams, as well as surrounding Native American communities. Meetings are held virtually and in-person every two months.
Auction Now Open! Bid Big for Science Education!
You don’t have to attend the Festival Fête to be part of the fun! Our online auction is officially open, and everyone is invited to participate.
With nearly 60 items up for grabs, there’s something for everyone—from unique experiences and gift cards to beautiful artwork and more. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, looking for the perfect gift, or hoping to win something special, your bids make a difference.
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Dear Museum Friends,
As we enter the season of giving thanks and gathering to spend time with friends and family, I want to share how grateful we are for your connection to MNA. It means the world to us to see you in the galleries and at our events sharing your favorite parts of the museum with your companions. November and December are times when we seek special connection with friends, family, or community. The Museum of Northern Arizona is the perfect place to visit at this time of year, whether it be with your friends, with family members, or seeking to connect with a community of people who enjoy shared interests. Our galleries and exhibitions offer special insights into the arts, culture, and science of the Colorado Plateau, and invite you to enjoy, reflect, and learn about this remarkable part of the world. In this newsletter you will see a range of special events that magnify that experience – come along and enjoy contemporary Native American art and performance; visit our gift shop to find a unique gift for that special someone; or enjoy a musical performance by the US Navy during Navy week. Above all, be sure to enjoy our newest seasonal experience, the Snowpine Model Railway, new for this year but set to become an annual seasonal favorite in Flagstaff.
Thank you for being part of the MNA community. I look forward to seeing you at the museum.
Mary Kershaw
Executive Director & CEO
Museum of Northern Arizona
One of every two NAU students is first-generation. For First-Generation College Celebration Day on Nov. 8, two Lumberjacks who overcame the obstacles share how they found success both in school and after.
FLAGSTAFF — Portions of the Red Rock Ranger District – including several recreation sites and trails – are inaccessible due to severe flooding and are closed for public safety.
A current list of temporarily closed recreation sites and closed forest roads is available on the Coconino National Forest website.
Forest employees are conducting field assessments to evaluate the extent of the flood damage, and more information will be made available as assessments are completed.
There is no estimate as to when area roads, trails and sites will re-open. Further closures may be warranted, and existing closures will only be lifted when it is safe to do so.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors declared a State of Emergency due to the impacts of flooding that began on Oct. 31. The cities of Flagstaff and Sedona and the State of Arizona have declared emergencies as well. Declaring a State of Emergency allows the county to expend emergency funds from all available sources and request assistance from the State of Arizona.
Excessive rain falling on already saturated ground caused flooding and damage to roads, vehicles, homes and businesses and led to the evacuation of three zones along Oak Creek Canyon. Food and supplies are currently being delivered to homes whose access to 89A is blocked by debris and damaged bridges.
If your home experienced flooding, please submit a damage report at https://gis.flagstaffaz.gov/Storm-Damage-Report/.This allows the City to better document affected areas and support local and state damage assessments. Submitting a report is NOT an application for assistance. Do not use this survey to report damage to outbuildings, trees or fences.
FLAGSTAFF — Two census tracts in the City of Flagstaff have been nominated as federal Opportunity Zones under the new OZ 2.0 program. Investors who place eligible capital gains in a Qualified Opportunity Fund can defer tax on those gains for up to five years.
Opportunity Zones are low-income census tracts where federal law offers tax incentives to encourage private, long-term investment in businesses and real estate. The program was created in 2017 and made permanent in 2025, with new zones designated every ten years. Investors do not receive grants or direct payments; the benefit comes through reduced federal taxes on capital gains they reinvest in the zones.
The flooding on November 1st in Oak Creek Canyon greatly impacted Indian Gardens. Our focus right now is supporting our team, and we will reopen as soon as it is possible. It has been a hard year in the canyon, first with the fires and now with the flood, and we are grateful for the patience and kindness of this community. We’ll share updates as we have them.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has rescinded Stage 2 fire restrictions on the South Rim. The restrictions were originally implemented due to limited water resources available for fire suppression. With water hauling operations continuing to supplement the South Rim’s water supply, the park is able to lift the additional restrictions.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Mayor Becky Daggett has signed a Declaration of Emergency in response to the impacts of the November 2026 flooding event in Flagstaff. The declaration enables the City to request assistance from the State of Arizona to support ongoing response and recovery efforts.
About Creative Flagstaff FREE Professional Development Workshop Series We are pleased to share our upcoming Professional Development Workshop Series, featuring three FREE in-person classes designed to support Flagstaff’s creative community. Upcoming Classes: 11/7- Writing for Artists & Creatives: Biography, Résumé…
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office has announced that as of Oct. 29, As of Thursday, Oct. 29, it has received about 30,900 voted ballots for the Nov. 3, 2026 General Election.
Click here for a printable list of Nov. 3, 2026 General Election Voting Locations
To check your voter registration status, visit my.arizona.vote
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — All City of Flagstaff administrative offices and non-essential facilities will be closed Monday, Nov. 2 to allow emergency responders and employees to respond to the impacts of today’s flooding events. This includes City recreation centers, libraries, and the Flagstaff Visitor Center. The City of Flagstaff will reopen administrative offices and non-essential facilities on Tuesday, Nov. 3 and voting locations will operate as normal.
Road closures remain in effect around the community due to ongoing flooding. Emergency response crews are operating at capacity. To help keep resources available for emergencies and for your safety, please avoid travel.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Emergency Management Department on Nov. 1 ordered the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) due to widespread flooding.
The EOC provides support and coordination to multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional emergencies impacting County residents, businesses, property and infrastructure.
A call center has also been activated for information about evacuations, sandbags and road closures at 928-679-8525.
The entire region is under a Flood Watch from the National Weather Service through 8:30 p.m. tonight. Roadways will be impacted so residents are encouraged to stay home. Current conditions include the closure of I-17, 89A and Sedona evacuation zones 8, 9 and 10 are in GO status.
COCONINO COUNTY — As Nov. 3 approaches, the Coconino County Elections Department reminds all eligible voters to finalize their voting plans for the General Election.
There are four in-person early voting locations open Friday, Oct. 30:
Halloween Tours at Riordan Mansion; 2026 Halloween Bash at Flagstaff Visitor Center, more.
The park remains on track to begin distributing treated water from the new South Rim Water Treatment Plant on Nov. 16, pending completion of required testing and startup activities. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality has been on site this week to review water safety requirements, and there are no significant water quality concerns to report at this time. Routine water quality monitoring and monthly lead and copper testing in 30 housing units are also continuing.
Reviving a neglected Caribbean archive
Over the last year, Honors College student Daniella Ferrero worked alongside a faculty member to transcribe a Methodist missionary’s account of life in 1820s Jamaica. Her work doesn’t just shed light on the complexities of 19th-century slavery, colonialism and religion. It also reinforces a timeless lesson that’s important for every scholar and citizen to remember: History is rarely straightforward because people aren’t one-dimensional.
Catch up on the excitement of the Flagstaff Festival of Science anytime! Livestream recordings of science presentations and events are now available on our YouTube channel, making it easy to revisit your favorite moments or experience programs you may have missed.
We’re excited to share that Building Back America’s Trades, the Lowe’s Foundation docuseries featuring Coconino Community College, has been named an Anthem Awards Finalist!
The Anthem Awards recognize purpose and mission-driven work making a positive social impact. As a finalist, Building Back America’s Trades is also eligible for the Community Voice Award, which is determined by public voting.
CCC is proud to be a part of a series that highlights building the next generation of skilled trades professionals, and we’d love your support!
Building Arizona’s rural healthcare workforce
More than $6.35 million in funding will help NAU students pursue careers in healthcare while addressing a critical shortage of health workers in rural, tribal and medically vulnerable areas of Arizona. The two awards to the College of Health and Human Services will provide more than $1.27 million in scholarships each year for the next five years.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Winter parking restrictions in the City of Flagstaff will begin on Nov. 1 and will remain in effect until April 1. During this time, parking on city streets and alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m.
Winter parking restrictions allow the City to thoroughly plow the streets during snow events and remains in effect even if it is not snowing to aid in street sweeping. This ordinance is enforced by the Flagstaff Police Department. Cars that are parked in violation of the ordinance when it is not snowing will receive a ticket and those parked in violation during inclement weather will receive a ticket and could be towed.
Northern Arizona is stronger when people and organizations work toward the same goal. That idea is at the heart of United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Campaign Breakfast, and time is running out to register.
Annual Campaign Breakfast
Thursday, October 29th • 8 am
High Country Conference Center
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Hikers can once again explore several inner-canyon trails. These trails have reopened following repairs after trail damage caused by recent flooding.
The South Kaibab Trail below The Tipoff and the entire River Trail, connecting the South Kaibab to the Bright Angel Trail, has reopened to hikers. The Bright Angel Trail between Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens has reopened to hikers only. This section will remain closed to stock use as crews continue to repair additional trail damage.
and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, are proud to announce the completion of pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Soliere Avenue as part of the First Mile Last Mile Initiative. This initiative is a partnership between Mountain Line and the City to create safer pedestrian crossings at transit stops throughout the City, funded with a $5.5M Federal Transit Administration grant and approximately $1.4M in local match provided by the City’s local transportation tax.
SEDONA — West Fork and its trail will continue to be closed for the foreseeable future due to hazardous conditions resulting from flood waters. Trail work, possible rerouting, debris removal, and a consultation process with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) will need to be completed before the trail is reopen.
The canyon of West Fork has continued to receive a large amount of rain, which has moved large boulders and swept forest debris across much of the trail, making it hazardous and incredibly difficult to traverse.
We’re looking for people to contribute their experience, ideas, skills, talents, and time to fill the following roles, depending on interests and availability.
The Health Start Program is an evidence-informed home visiting program that provides home-based education, support, and advocacy services to pregnant/postpartum people and their families in the northern region of Coconino County.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino National Forest, along with partner Ecoculture, will be hosting a community volunteer planting event, where tree planting will begin across various fire scars on the Flagstaff Ranger District.
Volunteers can sign up to help plant trees on October 25 by contacting Wade Gibson at wade.gibson@ecoculture.us. These plantings will take place in fire scars that include the 2010 Schultz Fire, 2000 Pipe Fire, 1996 Horseshoe and Hochderffer fires, and 1951 White Horse Fire.
Bright Angel Trail Closure Extended
Due to recent rockfall and ongoing trail work, Bright Angel Trail remains temporarily closed to foot traffic between the Mile-and-a-Half Resthouse and Havasupai Gardens. The closure will remain in place until further notice as crews continue clearing debris and stabilizing the area.
Stock traffic is expected to be delayed longer as trail work continues. Hikers should check the park’s Key Hiking Messages page for current trail status.
How did a curse transform into a cure?
A toxin once known mainly for making people dangerously ill is now used to treat migraines, muscle disorders and even wrinkles. By studying more than 1,000 strains of the bacterium that produces it, NAU Regents’ professor Paul Keim is shedding new light on the science behind Botox.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Grand Canyon flash flood.
The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has vacancies on the Commission on Inclusion & Adaptive Living!
The goal of this commission is to serve the disabled community in Flagstaff by:
• Improving access to housing, buildings, and transportation.
• Have greater participation in recreational, social, and cultural activities.
• Encourage greater opportunity for employment and expand and strengthen rehabilitative programs and facilities.
From painting Flagstaff blue and gold to packed open houses, a community BBQ, the ASNAU carnival, an exciting Homecoming football game and more, campus was full of energy this weekend. Check out some pictures on Instagram.
COCONINO COUNTY — During late summer 2026, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget visited school facilities throughout the county with a civil engineer, a member of the Arizona School Facilities Oversight Board and liaisons from the Arizona School Facilities Division.
The visits included school sites within:
Grand Canyon Unified School District
Page Unified School District
Flagstaff Unified School District
Maine Consolidated School District
Williams Unified School District
Tuba City Unified School District
Join us for an exclusive evening with our festival artists, featuring delicious food by Heartline Catering, wine, beer, and the first opportunity to purchase original paintings created especially for this event.
Enjoy time with the artists, celebrate their incredible work, and experience a special awards presentation with guest judge Betty Carr.
The survey will be used for asset mapping to identify the types of services and supports offered, the populations served, and overall agency capacity throughout Coconino County.
Route 66 Centennial Walking Tour
Historic Downtown Flagstaff
Route 66 turns 100 this year, and in Flagstaff it’s still the road people take to work, school, and the grocery store. On Freaky Foot Tours’ Route 66 Centennial Walking Tour, a local guide takes you along both the original 1926 route and the 1934 reroute, past neon signs from the motel wars, a Green Book landmark, and a mural that packs a century of the Mother Road onto one wall. Along the way you’ll hear about a French priest, a Boston astronomer chasing Martians, and an unsolved double murder from 1916. It’s a 90-minute, 1.3-mile stroll from Heritage Square that is open to all ages.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — A ‘No Kings: Vote Early – Flagstaff’ rally will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. MST, Saturday, Oct. 17 at 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.
Join us to rally in celebration of exercising our superpower – voting!
We will provide non-partisan education for those who haven’t yet voted, including finding the closest ballot box or how to vote early in-person. We will also provide volunteer opportunities for our Election Protection program.
Bring signs with the theme of early voting en mass as the best way to thwart attempts to disrupt elections. Have fun with it! Superhero costume + voting is our superpower. Voting is as American as Apple Pie. Express yourself! The People Decide Our Elections,
South Rim Water Treatment Plant Begins Testing with Bright Angel Creek Water
Big progress is happening on the South Rim. On October 15, we began bringing water from the Bright Angel Creek intake into the South Rim Water Treatment Plant for the first time. This is a major step toward a more reliable water supply for our community.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The Flagstaff City Council has selected Moses Milazzo to fill the Council seat vacated by the resignation of Mr. Anthony Garcia. He will be appointed and sworn in during the Tuesday, Oct. 20 Council Meeting at 3 p.m. and will serve until December 2028.
Mr. Milazzo was selected through a competitive process that drew 28 applicants. Candidates submitted an application, letter of interest, resume, written responses to applicant questions, and provided a public introduction during a Council meeting. After an initial review of these materials, the City Council selected five finalists to participate in public interviews before making its final appointment. All materials submitted by candidates can be viewed athttps://public.destinyhosted.com/35247/agenda/.
“The Board of Supervisors is honored to present Kim Musselman with the Medal of Merit,” Chair of the Board and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman said. “This award is reserved for individuals whose contributions to the people of Coconino County are truly extraordinary. Kim’s legacy exemplifies this standard, and the County proudly celebrates her achievements and lasting impact.”
Musselman is best known for her service as Director of Health and Human Services, where she led a transformative restructuring that unified public health and social services into a single, integrated department. This vision strengthened county operations and enhanced services for the community.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking qualified community members interested in serving on the Williams Unified School District #2 Governing Board for a two-year term beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
Grand Canyon Semester students lend a helping hand on the North Rim
As the 2026-27 year kicked off, students in the unique Honors College program Grand Canyon Semester spent two full days at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon clearing barbed wire that had been burned by the Dragon Bravo Fire. Their work didn’t just benefit public lands and wildlife—it also gave them crucial hands-on experience that could serve them well in their outdoor-focused careers.
What if your skills, ideas, and connections could help inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and problem-solvers? The Flagstaff Festival of Science is seeking passionate, creative, and community-minded professionals to join our Board of Directors and help shape the future of Northern Arizona’s most engaging science education initiative.
The 22nd Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival is almost underway, and artists from across the country are arriving in Red Rock Country for nine extraordinary days of painting, creativity, and community.
Throughout the festival, artists will set up their easels across Sedona and the Verde Valley, capturing the changing light, brilliant colors, and breathtaking landscapes that make this place so inspiring.
And you’re invited to experience it all!
I’m excited to share that United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Annual Campaign is officially underway.
This year, we’re working to raise $1.2 million to fund programs that increase youth opportunity, promote healthy communities, foster financial security, and strengthen community resiliency across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Our theme this year is Give Where You Live. United at Its Peak. It celebrates the power of local giving and what we can accomplish in northern Arizona when we come together.
I am excited to report that the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona and our regional economic development professionals were honored at the recent Fall Forum of the Arizona Association for Economic Development.
The AAED presented 25 Golden Prospector Awards and Awards of Merit at its event in Flagstaff. Two awards of merit were earned by ECoNA, and a third by the City of Winslow, a member of our collaborative.
Homecoming festivities start in two days, Jacks! Don your school colors and get ready for a weekend packed with pride, tradition and celebration, both on campus and throughout Flagstaff. There’s something for everyone, and new this year—campus open houses to learn more about campus spaces.
FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council formally adopted the 2024 Suite of Building and Fire Codes during the Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. This adoption updates the City’s construction regulations to align with the latest industry standards and includes local amendments that address Flagstaff’s unique conditions and priorities. These codes primarily apply to new buildings and are designed to benefit residents, builders, and the broader community.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen appointed Forest Restoration Director Jay Smith to the role of Interim Flood Control District Administrator following the retirement of Lucinda Andreani.
“Jay Smith brings valuable leadership experience and a strong understanding of Coconino County’s natural resources and land management challenges to this interim role. His work as Forest Restoration Director has given him important insight into the interconnected issues of watershed health, forest management and community resilience,” Bertelsen said. “I appreciate Jay’s willingness to take on this additional responsibility and am confident he will help ensure the Flood Control District continues to meet its mission of protecting our communities and residents.”
