Armed with sketchbooks, theory and a healthy dose of curiosity, a group of NAU students set out across the Alpine region—not just to admire the landscape, but also to decode the invisible forces that have shaped art in the area for centuries.
COCONINO COUNTY — The public is invited to comment on three candidates for the Division 6 Judge Pro Tempore vacancy on the Superior Court in Coconino County.
The candidates are Jonathon Kircher, Roberta McVickers and Bryan Shea.
COCONINO COUNTY — Starting Monday, Aug. 18, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office will be back in downtown Flagstaff for in-person services at 110 E. Cherry Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The current location at Flagstaff Mall, 4650 N. N. US Hwy 89, will be open until Aug. 18.
“Having one office downtown with in-person services helps streamline our processes and will make doing business with the Treasurer’s Office simple and convenient for residents,” Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar said. “We will now have a one-stop-shop for employees, meetings, partner agencies and residents.”
Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference to help pass important resolutions that could lead to changes both nationwide and locally.
NACo represents county officials from across the United States and provides counties a platform to advocate for policy changes at the federal level.
“As the manager of all county monies, I am concerned about fiscal policies that would impact federally awarded funds from reaching the county,” Treasurer Benatar said. “These funds help pay for the necessary services for constituents including maintaining public transportation and roads, operating public schools, enforcing building codes and providing public safety.”
Stained Glass Workshop
Saturday, Sept. 6 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
or
Sunday, Sept. 7 | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn the fundamentals of stained glass art and create your own art piece to take home! This workshop fills up quickly – if full, add yourself to the wait list to receive advance notice of future workshops.
Carter is a Certified Emergency Manager with a master’s degree in emergency management and homeland security. He has more than 13 years of service with Coconino County and more than two decades of public safety experience.
“Tim has demonstrated leadership in disaster response, hazard mitigation, stakeholder engagement and public outreach,” Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen said. “He is a strong leader who excels in interagency coordination, and we are fortunate to have him on our team.”
The Public Hearing Draft of the Regional Land Use Plan 2045 (Draft Regional Plan) was recently released by the City of Flagstaff online (PDF here; this is a large file and may take some time to download). A take home hard copy of the Draft Regional Plan can be requested by emailing Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.
We’re thrilled to share that we’re so close to reaching our goal to purchase brand-new seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts theater—but we need your help to get us across the finish line!
The current seats have been in use for over 40 years, and it’s time for a much-needed upgrade. With our concert season fast approaching, our goal is to have all seats sponsored by September 27 so the new seating can be installed in November. The photo below shows the modern, more comfortable seats we’ll install with your support.
GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park will implement water conservation measures for the South Rim of the park. These water restrictions are in response to a broken section of pipeline north of Phantom Ranch.
Water conservation measures require all park residents and visitors to conserve and reduce water usage wherever possible in homes, hotel rooms and campgrounds.
Water conservation measures include:
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in coordination with the Kaibab National Forest.
Stage 2 restrictions will take effect on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 6:00 a.m. for all unincorporated areas within the boundaries of the Tusayan Ranger District and North Kaibab Ranger District.
Upon implementation of these new restrictions, all unincorporated lands within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest and Kaibab National Forest will be in Stage 2 fire restrictions.
This Saturday, join us for the next workshop in our free Professional Development Workshop Series! Explore how nonprofits can leverage marketing strategies and AI tools to enhance outreach, engagement, and efficiency. Led by artist and designer Kayley Quick and marketing professional and theater leader Caitlin Burd, this session will provide practical insights into branding, content creation, and the evolving role of AI in nonprofit marketing. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations or strengthen your organization’s presence, this workshop will offer valuable takeaways for nonprofit leaders and creatives alike.
Fix-It Clinics are community-driven events that pair community members with knowledgeable volunteers who can help fix small appliances, clothing, electronics, and more! Join us for a day of hands-on sustainability and learn how simple repairs can make a big difference. Let’s work together towards a more sustainable Flagstaff.
This evidence-based training is designed for providers supporting birthing people and families—especially those serving underserved communities across Arizona.
Scholarships and travel expense reimbursement are available – please don’t let cost be a barrier! Please note: applicants must apply for a scholarship before registering. Can’t make Flagstaff, no problem – there quarterly virtual offerings too!
At the Museum of Northern Arizona, learning is at the heart of everything we do. As a new academic year begins, we’re excited to share opportunities designed to inspire curiosity and deepen connections to the Colorado Plateau.
First, we’re pleased to offer free admission to all Northern Arizona University and Coconino Community College students from August 15 through May 15. Simply present a valid student ID to explore exhibitions highlighting the science, art, and cultures of this remarkable region.
For younger learners, our elementary school tours offer hands-on experiences with real artifacts, interactive activities, and guidance from passionate educators and volunteers. Programs align with Arizona state standards, and grant funding is available to help with field trip costs.
To kick off the school year, we invite teachers and administrators to join us for Educators Night Out on August 20—a free evening to explore MNA, connect with peers, and discover how we can support your classroom goals.
For all lifelong learners, step out of the August heat and into the cool, welcoming environment of our exhibit galleries to explore the Museum’s latest offerings. Also, don’t miss a rare chance to go behind the scenes during our Easton Collection Center Open House on August 23.
Wishing you a month of discovery, inspiration, and meaningful learning!
FREDONIA — On Friday, August 8, the Forest Service will reopen a portion of the North Kaibab Ranger District, which has been closed in its entirety due to the White Sage and Dragon Bravo fires. In addition, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will go into effect for the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office is proud to announce the creation of a Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU) to review post-conviction claims of actual innocence.
“Arizona law places special responsibilities on every prosecutor that continue even after a conviction. Those responsibilities require us to act when we encounter clear and convincing evidence of a claim of innocence,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “The Conviction Integrity Unit demonstrates our commitment to those special responsibilities through a fair, thorough, and transparent process.”
Theatrikos Education Is Growing – Join Us This Fall
We’re thrilled to announce a brand-new season of youth theatre classes starting this fall! These classes bring an exciting new chapter in Theatrikos’s long-standing commitment to arts education.
Our expanded education program means more classes, more creativity, and more opportunities for young people in Flagstaff to build confidence, express themselves, and discover the joy of live theatre.
The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is a temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, that represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.
Our Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
As we look to the North Rim, we can all see that the Dragon Bravo Fire continues to burn. It likely will burn for a while longer given the extremely dry conditions and the lack of monsoon rains. Many of us have deep connections to the North Rim and the people and places that make that a special place.
We are in a time of transition, with our personal experiences at the North Rim, our professional lives within the Park, and with the daily transitions that are occurring. Transitions can be hard as we leave the known and comfortable and enter uncharted territory. That is how I feel about the North Rim. I’m sure many of you feel that way too. But, transitions allow us to think differently, allow us to be unconstrained in our ideas and possibilities. That is also how I feel, and I hope many of you feel that way too.
OPENING RECEPTION THIS FRIDAY
at Celebrate Sedona!
Friday, August 1, 2025 | 4–6pm
In the Special Exhibitions Gallery and Theater Studio
at Sedona Arts Center
15 Art Barn Road, Uptown Sedona
Join us for a vibrant evening of art, music, and community as we kick off our 2025–26 season with Celebrate Sedona and the opening of our newest exhibition, The Face of Time. This juried show features powerful and diverse portraiture from artists across the country—exploring identity, memory, and transformation through the lens of time.
Firefighters are successfully repairing suppression lines. Resources continue to patrol the fire and backhaul equipment. A Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team of interdisciplinary professionals has begun evaluating fire impacts to determine rehabilitation needs and strategies. The Color Country Type 3 Team is coordinating closely with the North Kaibab Ranger District, BLM Arizona Strip District, and local cooperators to meet the needs of the changing fire conditions.
Highlights: Infrared mapping confirmed updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues pushing north, particularly into the burn scar of the 2006 Warm Fire. Air resources worked to slow fire spread in that area. Night operations focused on holding containment lines near Forest Road 610 and progressing south toward State Route 67.
Firing operations continued to steer the fire away from values at risk in Grand Canyon National Park and the Kaibab National Forest and minimize impacts to infrastructure, including the Kaibab Lodge area. Firefighters got a slight reprieve as cloud coverage helped to moderate fire activity.
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Gallego Introduces Resolution Reaffirming ICE Cannot Arrest or Deport U.S. Citizens
• Following Passage of Republican Tax Bill, Gallego Fights to Restore CFPB Funding, Protect Consumers from Scams
• Gallego and Homeland Security Democrats Push Justice Department to Produce Epstein Files
• Gallego’s Shadow Wolves Bill Passes Committee Unanimously
• Gallego, Fetterman Reintroduce Bill Allowing DACA Recipients to Join the Military
• Gallego, Justice Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Protect Americans’ Access to Quality Customer Service, Preserve U.S. Jobs
• ICYMI: Gallego Demands Answers from Delta CEO as Company Moves Toward AI Pricing Model
• Gallego Shapes Bipartisan Housing Bill in Senate Banking Committee
• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War
• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Call on Trump Administration to Preserve Federal Support for College Readiness Programs in Arizona
• Gallego Backs Bill to Boost Supply of Doctors, Ensure Access to Medical Care
• Following Calls from Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, and Ansari, the Trump Administration Unfreezes Remaining $110 Million in Education Funding for Arizona
• Gallego, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Make Homeownership a Reality for Young Americans
• Gallego, Kelly Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism
MORE…
Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Kelly, Klobuchar, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Provide AI Guidelines for Election Offices
• Kelly, Senate Democrats Call for Large-Scale Expansion of Humanitarian Aid in Gaza and Resumption of Diplomatic Efforts to Secure a Ceasefire and End the War
• Kelly, Slotkin, Harder Reintroduce Ban Corporate PACs Act to End Corporate Influence in Politics
• WATCH: In SASC Hearing, Kelly Secures Commitment from Navy Nominee to Address Maritime Workforce and American Shipbuilding Gaps
• After Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, & Ansari Demands, Trump Administration Finally Releases $110 Million in Education Funds It’s Held for Weeks
• Kelly, Gallego Reintroduce Bipartisan Canadian Snowbirds Act to Boost Arizona Economy, Tourism
• Sens. Kelly, Murkowski, Warren and Reps. Ryan, Kiggans Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Lower Healthcare Insurance for Military Families
MORE …
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
News updates for July 2025 (This Week)
• Attorney General’s Office Secures Decade in Prison for Fentanyl Dealer After Successful Long-term Investigation
• What They Are Saying About Trump’s Tariff Tax Hikes: Arizona Businesses Warn of Economic Harm
• Attorney General Mayes and the Better Business Bureau Fight AI Scams
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Major Settlements to Expand Broadband and Protect 911 Access in Rural Arizona
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into Thin Blue Line Benefits Association
• Attorney General Mayes Sues Trump Administration for Illegal Demands that States Hand Over Sensitive Personal Data of SNAP Recipients
• Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Phoenix Man For ‘Patient Brokering’ Related to Sober Living Home Scandal
MORE …
Join us for the next workshop in our free Professional Development Workshop Series! Explore how nonprofits can leverage marketing strategies and AI tools to enhance outreach, engagement, and efficiency. Led by artist and designer Kayley Quick and marketing professional and theater leader Caitlin Burd, this session will provide practical insights into branding, content creation, and the evolving role of AI in nonprofit marketing. Whether you’re looking to streamline operations or strengthen your organization’s presence, this workshop will offer valuable takeaways for nonprofit leaders and creatives alike.
FREE Registration required
COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with Forest Lakes Fire District and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest are no longer under fire restrictions.
This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, applies to all private property within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. This includes the unincorporated community of Forest Lakes and all private campgrounds and recreation areas.
Based on significant improvement in forest conditions, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest rescinded fire restrictions on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Sedona Arts Center’s
Fall Catalog of Workshops & Classes is here!
You can get a sneak preview online right now at SedonaArtsCenter.org, where you’ll find upcoming classes, events, exhibitions, and more. Keep an eye on your mailbox—printed copies are arriving this week!
Click Here to View Online
COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a small business owner impacted by the White Sage Fire or Dragon Bravo Fire? If so, the Small Business Administration has an Economic Injury Disaster Loan program that may be able to provide support.
We know the importance of economic recovery following these wildfires. Help us tell your story as we seek recovery opportunities for small businesses throughout Coconino County.
The first step is for Coconino County to establish a need for the program by submitting a packet of Estimated Disaster Economic Injury Worksheets to the Governor’s Office.
The Worksheet is NOT a loan application and filling out the Worksheet does NOT require participation in the program.
Highlights: Tuesday’s infrared mapping provided updated acreage as the Dragon Bravo Fire continues its northward push amid extreme fire behavior. Operations focused on holding Forest Road 610, improving indirect lines, and firing operations to protect values at risk. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 is still taking a full suppression approach to the Dragon Bravo, while prioritizing firefighter and public safety.
Two of Arizona’s best and brightest are headed to Flagstaff this fall. Cianna Brooks and Grace Smithson are part of the 20-person class of 2025 Flinn Scholars, a coveted merit-based award that covers eight semesters of tuition, fees, housing and meals and even provides funds for study abroad and professional development. Brooks and Smithson beat out 1,100 other high school seniors to score the Flinn Foundation-supported scholarship, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Learn more about these two impressive incoming students as they prepare for freshman year.
Highlights
Throughout the fire footprint, crews continue to repair suppression lines using equipment to move soil and woody debris to prevent soil erosion. Firefighters are spreading seed into repair areas to promote regrowth of native plants. Crews are repairing fences along the fire perimeter.
The White Sage Fire is 58,985 acres. The Oak Point Fire, a small 85-acre fire about 8 miles south of the main fire, is 100 percent controlled. Previously, the White Sage Fire acreage had reflected the combined total for both fires.
Highway 89A and BLM 1065/House Rock Valley Road are open. Light, individual smokes may be visible within the White Sage Fire perimeter from Highway 89A. Occasional smokes can be expected in the weeks to come as fuels continue to smolder. Drivers are advised that firefighters continue to work along roadways. Please drive with care.
The Kaibab National Forests’ North Kaibab Ranger District and Highway 67 south of Jacob Lake remain closed due to the Dragon Bravo Fire. For additional information, check the Arizona Department of Transportation website: www.az511.com
COCONINO COUNTY — The risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-wildfire flooding in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed near Flagstaff represents a natural disaster with a potential economic impact of nearly $3 billion.
To reduce this risk, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) and Coconino National Forest (CNF) have partnered together in the Upper Rio de Flag Forest Restoration Project to facilitate critical forest restoration projects in the area.
“Wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the top two public safety threats in Coconino County,” Patrice Horstman, Chair of the Flood Control District Board of Directors said. “Forest Restoration, such as what is underway in the Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, is the best way to proactively address these threats.”
FLAGSTAFF —The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and their contractors are currently working on two projects along Cedar Avenue. We are happy to report that both projects are on schedule, with Cedar Avenue scheduled to be open to vehicular traffic (at Monte Vista Drive/Main Street and Fourth Street) by Monday, August 4.
The Public Hearing Draft of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available on the project website: www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045
This draft will be discussed at a series of public hearings with the Flagstaff Planning and Zoning Commission and the Flagstaff City Council, who will vote on adopting the Regional Plan in October.
Hard copies of the plan are available for review at:
City Hall Community Development Counter
Downtown Library Information Desk
East Flagstaff Library Information Desk
To request a take-home hard copy, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov
More updates on the City hearings, how to comment, and Coconino County’s hearing schedule will be provided via this newsletter in the coming weeks.
FLAGSTAFF —The frequency and severity of disasters continues to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce the risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan. The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, and the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University. Community participation is at the heart of this planning process. Input from residents, business owners, and local organizations is essential to help planners understand local priorities, concerns, and historical knowledge.
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.
VIEW ALL EVENTS THIS WEEK
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County leaders received bipartisan presidential appointments to various federal advocacy committees at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference earlier this week.
The conference is a gathering of representatives from over 3,000 counties to discuss federal policies that impact counties, attend workshops to share best practices, and collectively elevate county voices at the federal level. Coconino County appointments are in key federal advocacy areas that directly impact the relationship between the federal government and the County.
“NACo brings counties together to find solutions to shared challenges and improve the services we deliver every day,” said Chair and District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman. “Here in Coconino County, we’re proud to be leaders on the national stage who help shape policies that impact rural communities like ours. Through active roles on NACo committees, we’re making sure Coconino County’s voice is heard across the country and in Washington, D.C., and that the unique needs of our residents are front and center in national conversations.”
The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 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.
Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)
Image: Changing Woman by Lance Yazzie (foreground) and Celestial Juggler by Joe Ray (background)
Message from Ed Keable, Superintendent of Grand Canyon National Park, on the Dragon Bravo Fire Response
On Saturday, July 19, we were honored to host Deputy Secretary Kate MacGregor, Acting Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Kevin Lilly, and Acting NPS Director Jessica Bowron at Grand Canyon National Park. Their visit underscored the Department of the Interior’s and National Park Service’s strong support for our ongoing response to the Dragon Bravo Fire and their commitment to the future of the North Rim.
Thank you for your support of the Museum of Northern Arizona. This year, we are introducing many new hands-on activities at MNA – and we need your help!
From holding a fossilized dinosaur claw in your hands to making your own geology-inspired jewelry, hands-on activities provide a sense of connection that you just can’t get through a screen. That’s why we are asking you to help us reach our summer goal of raising $20,000 to support interactive elements at MNA!
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) has informed Coconino County that it will temporarily close the railroad crossing on Garland Prairie Road in Parks for emergency repair work from Friday, July 25 through Monday, July 28.
Daily closures will be in effect from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the crossing scheduled to reopen each evening.
The emergency work will involve replacing railroad ties and repaving the asphalt crossing surface to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
FLAGSTAFF — Following the announcement of City Manager Greg Clifton’s future retirement, the City of Flagstaff has partnered with Duffy Group to lead a nationwide competitive recruitment process inclusive of community input. Mr. Clifton has targeted August 29, 2025 as the end date of his employment with the City, although he will continue to serve as a contracted interim manager until such time as the next city manager is in place.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Clerk Stacy Saltzburg has been recognized as the Clerk of the Year by the Arizona Municipal Clerks’ Association (AMCA). The Clerk of the Year award is reserved for the clerk whose accomplishments have made the most significant contribution to improving municipal government and their own community.
Stacy has served as City Clerk for the City of Flagstaff since 2018 and has made many notable contributions during this time.
Beekeeping is about more than making honey. According to assistant teaching professor Patrick Pynes, it’s also a powerful way to support biodiversity, strengthen local ecosystems and connect with nature. Every summer, Pynes’ Introductory Beekeeping Workshop teaches northern Arizonans how to take up this fun, sustainable hobby.
Watch the video & read the story
United Way of Northern Arizona is working with its agency and government partners in response to the wildfires at the Grand Canyon, which have impacted hundreds of individuals who live and work along the North Rim.
Contributions to UWNA’s Crisis Response Fund can be made HERE and will go towards helping those displaced by the blaze, which has closed the North Rim for the rest of the season. You can also text UWNAZRESPONSE to 41444 to give.
FLAGSTAFF — Shannon Anderson, City of Flagstaff Senior Deputy City Manager, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2025 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award. These awards, presented annually, spotlight the invaluable work of Arizona’s civil servants, fostering appreciation for their role in solving problems, strengthening institutions, and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Shannon was honored with the Civic Leader award, which recognizes extraordinary public servants who have spent much of their careers supporting Arizona communities. Since 2006, Anderson has helped drive operational excellence and strengthen city services in Flagstaff through a people-first approach. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to public service, cross-department collaboration, and enhanced quality of life for the Flagstaff community.
Highlights
Containment increased 2 percent from yesterday and the fire is mapped at 58,842 acres. Crews completed line construction around the successful burnout operation and followed up with mop-up work, increasing containment along the southern perimeter north of the Highway 89A area.
To ensure thorough coverage, firefighters are patrolling in a gridding pattern, using a method called cold trailing to detect any latent heat near containment lines. This technique involves carefully feeling the ground with the back of their hand to detect lingering heat, ensuring nothing is left that could reignite. Heavy equipment and firefighters are also engaged in suppression repair, restoring soil stability and vegetative cover.
OIE 2025 Annual Summit registration now open!
September 2-4, 2025
Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, Phoenix, AZ
“Strong Roots, Soaring Futures.”
Session tracks include:
Teaching and Learning
Policy and Data
Culture and Wellness
Youth Advocacy and Engagement
“This planting is significant not only because of the visual aesthetics and cultural importance of the San Francisco Peaks, but also because it can help reforest areas that burned uncharacteristically hot and may not naturally regenerate for more than one hundred years,” said silviculturist Mark Nabel. “These planted trees will help reduce soil erosion and improve wildlife habitat while also restoring some of the timber base that was lost in these recent fires.”
When ECoNA released its 5-year Strategic Plan in 2023, it confirmed something many of us already knew: northern Arizona is facing a critical shortage of workforce housing.
During the decade leading up to the plan, the average price of a single family home in our region soared – by as much as 294%, depending on the community. This surge has priced many out of home ownership and pushed rental prices higher, straining families and employers alike.
View this email in your browser LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE ART! The Big Gay Art Show at Sedona Arts Center—and online! Only Until Friday July 25, 2025 The Big Gay Art Show is coming to a close, and this is…
Message from Superintendent Keable on Dragon Bravo Fire
The recent Dragon Bravo Fire has profoundly impacted our Grand Canyon community, particularly for our colleagues on the North Rim who have bravely faced this devastating event. Many have experienced traumatic conditions, with some losing their homes and cherished belongings. The challenges have not been limited to our North Rim team; South Rim employees and the Grand Canyon community in and out of the park have felt the weight of this fire, as many have deep personal connections to the North Rim.
The destruction wrought by the fire is hard to fathom, and we acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on all of us. In response to this crisis, we are adjusting our park management structure to better serve the needs of our affected employees, and the complex demands of the Grand Canyon. I continue to focus my efforts as the Agency Administrator of the Complex Incident Management Team (CIMT), comprised of skilled professionals who are dedicated to addressing the ongoing fire.
To further stabilize our response, we have assembled a regional Incident Management Team that is focusing on vital areas such as coordinating mental and physical health resources and planning for the ongoing needs of those affected.
As we navigate this difficult time, we are bolstered by the strength, resilience, and dedication that defines the GRCA community. Together, we will overcome these challenges.
GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, due to high fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim and all other areas of the park.
The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites.
Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:
Highlights
The White Sage Fire is now mapped at 58,559 acres, an increase of 6,637 acres due to improved mapping. The updated acreage accounts for previously undetected burned areas in the northern part of the fire, where light fuels and low heat signatures made early detection difficult. Containment has increased to 9%, with progress made along the south side of the fire, from the west side of Highway 89A to Road 422A. Today, crews will work to extend containment lines east of Highway 89A and along the northern edge of the fire’s western finger near Road 422A.
Latest Update: Firefighters are taking advantage of current favorable weather conditions to establish fireline on the Dragon
Bravo Fire as part of a full suppression strategy. Crews are continuing to protect remaining structures and cultural values located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park while providing for public and firefighter safety. Fire behavior has decreased slightly due to recent weather events but remains dynamic and unpredictable.
Flagstaff Shakespeare Festival
Lowell Observatory
Come celebrate our 11th season with us this year under the festival tent at Lowell Observatory! Various Times.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, northbound Beulah Blvd will be closed at Forest Meadows St on Monday, July 21 for pavement patching, this work is in preparation for the full pavement overlay scheduled in August. The closure will be in place for less than 24 hours. Southbound traffic on Beulah Blvd will not be impacted.
Additional work is also scheduled throughout the community under the RRSS program. Temporary lane shifts, lane closures, and/ or shoulder closures should be expected on the following roadways during the indicated timeframes:
