FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr from Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, May 30. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for concrete work to be completed next to the roadway.
COCONINO COUNTY — Eslir Musta has served Coconino County since 2006 and currently holds dual roles as Election Director and Assistant County Manager, a position he has held since October 2021.
He earned his Master of Public Administration from Northern Arizona University, the same department now launching an Elections Administration Official Certificate in partnership with the Secretary of State’s Office.
The Coconino County Manager’s office was recently made aware of a potential scam targeting County residents and property owners.
Residents reported receiving an email from “Coconino County Planning and Zoning Division” regarding an “outstanding Application Review & Renewal Fee” associated with a Conditional Use Permit application for their property, as well as an attached PDF invoice for payment.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment for the Williams Unified School District governing board that will expire December 31, 2026.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district. A first review of applications will commence 30 days following the posting on June 19, 2025. Please turn in your applications by the end of the business day.
FLAGSTAFF — Curious about electric vehicles? Get ready to plug into the future of driving at the Flagstaff EV Ride & Drive, a free, family-friendly event hosted by DRIVE Electric Arizona in partnership with the City of Flagstaff and Northern Arizona University, on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at NAU Campus Parking Lot P62A.
Attendees will have the chance to get behind the wheel and test drive a wide range of the latest electric vehicles, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Rivian R1T, Lucid Air, BMW i4, Kia EV6, and many more.
COCONINO COUNTY — Jay Smith, Coconino County’s Forest Restoration Director, has been selected to participate in the 17th cohort of the Flinn-Brown Fellowship, a flagship program of the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation.
In his role with Coconino County’s Flood Control District, Jay Smith utilizes 28 years of forest management experience to develop and implement the County’s Forest Restoration Initiative. His experience managing logging operations and sawmills gives him a unique view of issues that slow the forest restoration process and innovative ways to tackle barriers.
An Exhibition at Sedona Arts Center
Exhibit Dates: August 1 – September 12, 2025
Opening Reception: August 1, 2025 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Deadline to Apply: July 1, 2025
Since 2022, Sedona Arts Center has embraced a unifying annual theme to inspire our exhibitions and programs. For the 2025–2026 season, our guiding theme is FACE—a word rich with meaning as both noun and verb. From the human visage to the surface of mountains, from emotional expressions to bold acts of confrontation, FACE invites endless interpretations.
FLAGSTAFF — The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association will hold two events this weekend beginning with the “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday, May 16 at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff. After extensive renovations, the market has reopened at the site of the old Redwood Bar & Grill
The organization will then hold its traditional Fiesta de Mayo Celebration inside at the Flagstaff Mall from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 18 at 4650 N US HWY 89 Flagstaff.
The Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition officially opens next week and brings together powerful cultural expressions through large-scale sculptures by artists Olivero Balcells, Isaac Caruso, Joe Ray, Adrian Wall, and Lance Yazzie. Artworks reflect personal and shared histories and add new layers of meaning to a park rich in visual storytelling and community spirit. The exhibition is on view through Mar. 15, 2026, and is presented in partnership with Coconino County.
What Arizonans are Saying, Watching, and Reading About Senator Gallego’s Border Security and Immigration Reform Plan … Senator Gallego, Whip Clark, and Congressional Dads Caucus Chair Rep. Gomez Hold Press Conference on Trump’s Baby Tax … Gallego, Whitehouse, Warren, Booker, DeLauro, Colleagues Demand Action to Prevent Corporations from Using Trump’s Reckless Tariffs as an Excuse to Price Gouge Hardworking Americans … MORE
Overland Expo West
Fort Tuthill County Park
Get Outfitted. Get Trained. Get Inspired. Get Going. 8 a.m.
North Rim and Bright Angel Trail Reopen Today; Key Closures Continue
As of today, Thursday, May 15, we’re officially kicking off the summer season with the North Rim and Bright Angel Trail open to the public once again. This marks a big step forward following months of heavy construction, planning, and collaboration—thank you to everyone who played a role in getting us here.
At the North Rim, visitor services are now fully operational. The campground, Grand Canyon Lodge, Backcountry Information Center, and the Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore are open, and Rangers will be staffing the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 15. Commercial services will run through mid-October, and the North Rim will remain open for day use until November 30 (or until snowfall closes the roads). The Bright Angel Point Trail will be closed for the season for safety improvements and trail repairs.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr on May 19 and May 20. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for crack sealing work to be performed on the roadway.
Ceramics: Independent Study
with Ben Roti
June 9-July 14, 2025 – Mondays, 3:30-6:30pm
*Designed for experienced ceramicists, this class offers a supportive studio environment for you to explore advanced throwing and hand-building techniques while working on personal projects. (Beginners are welcome in Ben/Lolo/John’s Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday classes or in the Pottery Wheel for Beginners on Saturdays.)
What You’ll Experience:
FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled. If that occurs, the updates will be posted on our Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available. The following projects are listed in chronological order.
This week we celebrate Economic Development Week, created by the International Economic Development Council in 2016. This year’s theme, “The Power of Partnerships,” emphasizes the collaborative spirit that fuels innovation, community well-being, and economic transformation across the country – and especially here in Northern Arizona.
At the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with local governments, businesses, nonprofits, and education partners to address the region’s most pressing challenges – from workforce development to housing to business attraction and retention.
What is the County’s Comprehensive Plan?
The Comprehensive Plan is the County’s long-range policy document. It provides a twenty-year vision and guide for future physical, economic, and social development for the entire county, and contains maps, goals, policies, and implementation actions that guide decisions about the County’s future, in particular with regard to land use decisions.
Pine & Peaks Post | Our Brand-New Newsletter!
Welcome to your go-to source for everything Coconino County Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.
We want to hear from you! Take our quick satisfaction survey to let us know what you’d like to see more of!
2025 Coconino County Fair Entries Are Open! Think you’ve got a winner? Enter your exhibit by clicking here!
“Coconino County implements fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. CCEM continues to work closely with our fire mitigation partners at the federal, state, and local levels to determine if fire restrictions are needed, and if so, to what extent,” said Tim Carter, acting Emergency Management Director. “In coordination with the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests’ decision to enter Stage 2 restrictions, Coconino County will also enact Stage 2 restrictions for all private lands within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest in southeastern Coconino County.”
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has announced dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in additional neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The schedule is listed below.
• Rock Ridge Estates, Ridge Crest, and Anasazi Ridge – Friday, May 16 – Friday, May 23
• Lynwood and Cheshire – Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 9
• Country Club Estates – Friday, June 16 – Friday, June 23
• Boulder Point – Monday, June 30 – Monday, July 7
You asked, we listened! Early bird pricing is back for one final encore—but only through May 19.
Register for the Beethoven 5K today and help support Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra, one step at a time.
We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.
The City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space division is presenting the Greater Observatory Mesa Area Trail Plan to City Council this Tuesday in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation.
According to the Council’s agenda, the meeting will provide the City Council an understanding of the trail plan, and offer the opportunity to provide feedback on the plan in preparation for a future request to adopt the trail plan for implementation by the City via resolution.
Tuesday, May 13 City Council Work Session, starting at 3:00 pm
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is proposing changes to recreation fees at various recreation sites on the forest to help maintain highly-visited sites and standardize the recreation pass program for all forest visitors.
Most recreation sites on the forest will not require a fee, with more than 67% of sites on the forest remaining free for general public use and enjoyment. The forest will continue to honor the suite of “America the Beautiful” Interagency Passes and Red Rock Passes at all standard amenity fee sites and provide several fee-free days throughout the year. Also, the Sedona Shuttle program, which provides free transportation from two Park and Ride lots to popular recreation fee sites, will continue to operate.
Join us at MOCAF for Daago, a springtime exhibition of contemporary work by Diné painters and weavers, curated by artist Corey Begay. 6 p.m.
• Gallego Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Fight China’s Fentanyl and Human Trafficking
• Gallego, McCormick Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Efficiency in Federal Housing Programs
• Gallego, Kelly Introduce Legislation to Ensure Fair Share of Energy Assistance, Lowers Costs in Hot Weather States
2025 Wildland Fire Season: Be Ready, Stay Informed, and Know Your Evacuation Plan
As we enter wildfire season, the newsletter released this week provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready.
It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.
The full newsletter can be viewed here. If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, please share with family, friends, and coworkers widely.
On Friday, May 2, the Flagstaff City Council, Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the Planning and Zoning Commissions for the City and County met at City Hall to discuss important components of the Regional Plan: the priorities and goals, the Future Growth Illustration, land use categories, trail maps, and sense of place.
Thank you to all who took time out of their day to attend, provide comments, and contribute to this productive session!
FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, May 12, closures will be implemented on portions of Riordan Rd and Riordan Ranch St to facilitate the installation of a new water meter and underground utilities. Vehicles parked along the impacted portion of Riordan Ranch St must be moved or may be towed. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2025.
Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 27, 2025 – Tuesday, 9am-12pm
In this half-day camp class, kids will learn all about local bug species and paint rocks to look like their favorites! Arizona is home to so many incredible creatures; from dragonflies and butterflies to beetles and ants and many more, we’ll get into what makes these insects so cool and so important to our ecosystem. Campers will use acrylic paint to transform rocks into bugs. Weather-proof and perfect for the garden, kids can take home their new bug friends and create a lasting memory. This is the perfect activity for little artists AND little scientists!
Rocks and painting supplies provided.
FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin reconstructing the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive, as well as reconstructing the portion of Milton Road that was impacted by this project. This work will be done along half of the roadway at a time to maintain traffic along Milton Road.
As we enter wildfire season, this message provides important information for all Grand Canyon National Park residents and staff to help you stay prepared, informed, and ready. It includes seasonal wildfire outlooks, emergency planning guidance, evacuation procedures, and details on a new power shutoff program that may affect the park in 2025. Our unique location in the wildland-urban interface makes us especially vulnerable to wildfires and other emergencies that could require swift evacuation.
The JWP Specific Plan applies to the areas made accessible by the planned John Wesley Powell Boulevard extension. The open house will feature stations with project team members and topic experts available for discussion. Topics covered by the plan include trails and open space, transportation networks, wildlife corridors, community character and the Rio de Flag. Community members are invited to attend any time between 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and provide feedback on any topics of their choice.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) holds its next public in-person meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 4 at the Grand Canyon Conference Room, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff.
The public can also click the Zoom link below to Join the Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84746979878
Meeting ID: 847 4697 9878 Phone: + 1 (719) 359-4580
CHAC generally holds its first •Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Contact Areina Contreras at acontreras@coconino.az.gov or call 928-679-0886 for more information.
Featuring artists from across the state, this show explores themes of heritage, family, untold histories, and both personal and collective experiences. ¡Qué Hermoso! also honors the legacy of Gretchen Lopez, showcasing never-before-seen works from her estate. Lopez played a pivotal role in shaping this annual exhibition, and her influence continues to inspire.
¡Qué Hermoso! is made possible by an anonymous donor.
AI for Everyone
Mondays and Thursdays
June 2, 5, 9, 12
10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Get comfortable using free AI tools to increase your business or personal productivity and creativity.
AI – Learn more and register!
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE
On Monday, May 5, the Town of Tusayan will be hosting its annual Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4:30-9 p.m. at the Squire Resort in Tusayan. Mexican food and music will be featured as well as pinatas for kids, a face painter, balloon artist, a dive-in movie and indoor and outdoor pool, as well as a drone light show.
More information can be found in the attached flyer here.
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
News updates for week of April 28
Gallego Visits Northern Arizona, Phoenix, to Address Medicaid Cuts, Tariffs, VA Layoffs, and More
Downtown Flagstaff
Enjoy a vibrant, pedestrian-focused ArtWalk filled with creativity, community, and all things bikes. 5 p.m
Help create a welcoming space for all
We value your input! As part of the Downtown Mile Project, the Milton Underpass Project aims to enhance a vital area of Flagstaff with creative, community-centered design. Your feedback is important in helping shape a public art installation that reflects the spirit, culture, and vision of our city. Whether you walk, bike, drive, live or work in the area, your ideas will help create a meaningful and welcoming space for all.
Complete the survey by May 5 and let your voice be part of the design.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to the additional traffic on Sawmill Road related to the Lone Tree Overpass detour route, pavement repair has been scheduled on a portion of Sawmill Road. The work will require overnight full closures of Sawmill Road from the Police Department public parking lot driveway to Kensington Drive for two nights.
May is a month of growth and renewal—and we’re celebrating both here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
International Museum Day is May 18 and we welcome everyone to the Museum with free admission all day. Enjoy hands-on activities featuring fossils, pottery, Indigenous games and arts. A heartfelt thank you to APS, our generous partner, for helping make MNA’s free admission days possible.
On May 24, come explore the beauty of the season at the annual Master Gardener Association Plant Sale and Garden Festival in the historic Colton Garden. Then, join us for the opening of our newest exhibit, Shifting Life Zones, which highlights the resilience and challenges of plant life in rapidly changing environments.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin the 2025 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) Project Phase 1 on Thursday, May 1. The project will address numerous roads around the City and will include crack sealing, chip sealing, curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs and pavement marking. The goal of the project is to update infrastructure for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Among the award recipients were Engineering Senior Lead Project Manager David Pedersen, Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, and Water Production Manager Brian Huntzinger, who along with city contractors Hunter Contracting and Jacobs Engineering, won the Project of the Year Award for their work on the Inner Basin Waterline Restoration Project. Substantially completed in fall 2024, the project restored drinking water production from the Inner Basin after the 2022 Pipeline Fire. The subsequent monsoonal flooding damaged this critical waterline infrastructure which the project restored. The team was recognized by the Flagstaff City Council this week for their achievement.
Meet this third-generation Flagstaff resident whose unique approach in the classroom earned him the distinction of 2025 College of Education Teacher of the Year. Learn how he fell in love with teaching and what advice he gives future educators.
“The EPA’s decision to terminate this grant is deeply alarming—not only for the City of Flagstaff, but for the many residents, community leaders, and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to enhance local preparedness. These community hubs were already delivering measurable impact, supporting those most vulnerable to extreme weather-related threats, as well as workforce development. We stand firmly behind this vital work and intend to challenge the EPA’s decision. Flagstaff remains unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and future of our residents.” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.
Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director for the City of Flagstaff, is the Vice Chair of the Executive Board of ECoNA. Originally from Delaware, she moved to Flagstaff when her father, a W.L. Gore & Associates employee, relocated to Arizona. After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Northern Arizona University, she spent more than 20 years in media advertising before becoming the City’s Convention and Visitor Bureau’s director in 2012.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite the community to attend the Citizen Review Session for the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045, which will be held on Friday, May 2 at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The session was originally to be held at the Aquaplex, but the location has changed to City Hall. The meeting can also be attended virtually, and the link will be available in the agenda.
The session is a Joint City-County Retreat, where elected officials will discuss important updates to the draft Regional Plan, which was revised following the 60-day public review process. Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the City and County Planning and Zoning Commissions will participate in the review and there will be an opportunity for public participation. The meeting agenda and packet will be available on Monday, April 28 at flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) is pleased to announce the debut of the County’s new mobile incident command unit designed to enhance disaster response, emergency coordination, and reliable communications in remote areas.
This mobile command center will serve as a self-sufficient operational hub, providing the first responders from multiple agencies within the County with real-time situational awareness and improved decision-making capabilities.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to unforeseen logistical complications, the City of Flagstaff is updating the dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. Dumpsters will be placed in the University Heights neighborhood from April 25 – May 2 and the schedule for placement of dumpsters in other neighborhoods will be published when available.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) has officially approved the Fort Tuthill County Park Master Plan Update, setting in motion a bold, 10-year vision to elevate community recreation, sustainability, and cultural celebration across one of the county’s most beloved parks.
This plan outlines a flexible, phased roadmap to improve accessibility, sustainability, recreation, and cultural experiences at Fort Tuthill. While actual implementation will depend on future funding and evolving community needs, the Master Plan serves as a valuable guide for how the park may grow and adapt over time. Highlights of the planned improvements include:
FLAGSTAFF — On March 3, 2025, the Phoenix Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) agreed to begin developing a scope of work for an appraisal-level study for the City of Flagstaff’s planned regional water supply pipeline from Red Gap Ranch (Regional Project). The City acquired Reg Gap Ranch in 2005 with 71% voter-approved funding for future water supply. Together with continued conservation measures, the Regional Project at Red Gap Ranch can provide resiliency to the City’s existing water system and add needed protections against drought and natural disasters. Red Gap Ranch is located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff along the I-40 corridor.
Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 29, 2025 – Thursday, 1-4pm
In this half-day camp class, kids will learn about the tie dye process and experiment with pattern techniques as they create a wearable rainbow! Tie dye supplies will be provided as well as bandanas to dye, but campers are encouraged to bring their own white t-shirts from home or anything else cotton they’d like to transform.
The Arboretum opens to the public again for the 2025 season! 9 a.m. Wednesday, April 30
Learn More
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will have a new Chair and Vice Chair effective Friday, May 2, 2025.
At the end of their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Board elected District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman as Chair of the Board and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez as Vice Chair of the Board.
The nominations were motioned by District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros, with a second from District 4 Supervisor and outgoing Chair Judy Begay.
Elk Calving Season is Here!
It’s elk calving season, a time when adorable elk calves are born between late April and June. These little ones may only weigh around 35 pounds at birth, but they come with some very large bodyguards. Cow elk are devoted mothers and, understandably, don’t take kindly to anyone getting too close to their newborns. Even if you can’t see a calf nearby, mom might still be watching you.
Pregnant elk often seek out quiet, hidden spots to give birth—sometimes in places you’d least expect, like near your office, behind your porch, or along your favorite trail. So, whether you’re taking out the trash or heading out for a jog, keep your eyes open and give wildlife plenty of space.
