Category: Business

Consulado de México en Phoenix — 13th edition of the Consular Newsletter on Economic and Tourism Affairs

As I write this letter, we have just recently finished celebrating another Hispanic Heritage Month

Of course, in our world, we celebrate and promote Hispanic culture every month of the year––and this issue of the Consular Newsletter will give you many reasons to celebrate.

One big reason to celebrate is the announcement that Mónica S. Villalobos, president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, will receive the prestigious Ohtli Award at the Ambassadors‘ Ball on Nov. 19 in Phoenix (p.8).

Coconino County — Emergency Early Voting Sites for November 8 General Election

The Coconino County Recorder’s Office will have three emergency early voting locations open on Monday, November 7.  Voters that have an unforeseen emergency that will keep them from going to their polling place or a vote center on Election Day, November 8, qualify to vote at one of the county’s four emergency early voting locations.

Voters taking advantage of emergency early voting do not need to disclose the specifics of their emergency but will be required to sign an emergency early voting affidavit. 

United Way of Northern Arizona — President & CEO Search Update

The search for the next head of United Way of Northern Arizona is entering its final stage, with the Board of Directors opening up the application process to replace current President & CEO Carol Dykes.

The Board has spent the past few months meeting and surveying key community stakeholders to gain their insights about the future direction of UWNA and the qualities they would like to see in the next head of the organization.

“We felt that input was vital, because – let’s face it – Carol will not be easy to replace,” said Board Vice Chair Armando Ruiz (Coconino County).

Ruiz was appointed by Board Chair Mike Kelly (W.L. Gore & Associates) to head up the Search Committee.

City of Flagstaff — Schultz Creek Detention Basins complete and functional

The City of Flagstaff is happy to announce that the Schultz Creek Sediment and Flood Mitigation Detention Basins are complete and functional. The basins were completed incredibly quickly, with the project being designed, planned, bid and constructed in less than three months, including significant rain delays.

The dedication and hard work of the City’s Stormwater and Public Works divisions, as well as the expertise of Shephard Wesnitzner, Inc, and the commitment of Fann Contracting made such a swift delivery possible. The project was delivered with $2.4M in funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Emergency Watershed Protection Program and a match of over $700,000 from the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation November Update

Public Comment on Fort Tuthill Management Plan

November 14 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

November 17 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Coconino County Parks and Recreation is asking for public comment on the Fort Tuthill Land Management Plan DRAFT. A copy of the draft plan is available here, where the public may leave comments. Public meetings will be held on November 14 at 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and November 17 at 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall. There will also be a virtual option to join through Microsoft Teams. The link will be available at coconinocounty.konveio.com/fort-tuthill-county-park-management-plan-draft, under Fort Tuthill County Park Management Plan DRAFT. 

City of Flagstaff snow operations

With snow forecast for northern Arizona in the coming days, the City of Flagstaff would like to provide information regarding snow operations. The City’s Public Works Division will deploy all available equipment and operators during winter snow events, with operations running 24 hours a day during significant events. 

Coconino County Buildings to be Adorned in Green Lights to Honor Nation’s Veterans

By an official, unanimous proclamation of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, 15 buildings and facilities throughout Coconino County will be illuminated with green lights from November 7 through 13 as part of Operation Green Light. The buildings will include the County Courthouse Clock Tower and Administrative buildings in downtown Flagstaff, the Justice Center in Williams, the Public Library in Tuba City, the Justice Court in Fredonia, and many more.

County Plows Ready for Season’s First Snow

Coconino County Public Works crews are prepared to keep County roads open and passable during the first snowstorm of the 2022-2023 winter season, which is forecast to hit Northern Arizona this week. 

According to the National Weather Service, rain and snow showers are expected across northern Arizona starting Wednesday night and lasting into Friday, with the heaviest expected Thursday morning/afternoon. Minor accumulations are expected down to about 5000 feet with around 4 to 6 inches expected above 6500 feet. 

Short-Term Flood Mitigation Projects Move Forward

FLAGSTAFF — On October 25, the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) Directors approved investing up to $11.5 million in a set of smaller scale flood mitigation projects in the Schultz/Pipeline Flood area. These projects will restore the capacity of some of the existing flood mitigation measures in the area and reduce flood impacts to the Doney Park area through construction of a series of berms near Landfill Road. 

The District Directors received an in-depth presentation regarding the District’s short-term on-forest and neighborhood mitigation projects and staff requested a budget adjustment in the amount of $10.5 million to cover the costs. The funding will come through a loan from the County’s General Fund. After the presentation and clarifying questions from Board members, the budget adjustment was approved unanimously by those present. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 24-28, 2022

Tamale Sale-GRCA School
Fundraising efforts for 8th grade class underway

The fundraising for the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. has officially begun!

The vision of the Washington, D.C. field trip is to engage students as citizens in American Democracy. The mission is to provide 8th grade students at Grand Canyon School an opportunity to capstone their 8th grade civics curriculum by engaging with locations that exhibit how people of the past and present change the world through the processes in American Democracy.

For more information, please see the attached flyer here.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — What CHIPS Could Mean for Northern Arizona

Earlier this month, ECoNA’s Advisory Council heard a presentation from Joe Russell, Legislative Assistant to Senator Mark Kelly, about the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, which was signed into law this past August.

For more than a year, Sen. Kelly had championed the underlying pieces of legislation that formed the act, and served as the Arizona representative on the conference committee to reconcile the Senate and House versions of the bill.

The Act includes a $52 billion plan to boost domestic microchip manufacturing; a four-year, 25% investment tax credit to provide long-term incentives for semiconductor manufacturers and suppliers to construct or expand facilities in the United States; and $13.2 billion for research and development and workforce development.

Winter Parking Ordinance Takes Effect Nov. 1

Coconino County’s annual Winter Parking Ordinance goes into effect on November 1, 2022. The ordinance, which will remain in place until April 1, 2023, prohibits vehicles from parking along county-maintained right of way at all times both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous snow related traffic congestion and parking issues. 

The NAU Review — Celebrating World OT and International Religious Freedom Day, scary movies and RaMPing up research

Opportunity + Choice = Justice
Arantxa Amaya always knew she wanted a career that allowed her to help underserved communities become healthier. This goal led her to NAU’s occupational therapy program at the Phoenix Bioscience Core, where she is working on her doctorate. For World Occupational Therapy Day, learn more about one of the NAU students preparing for a career in this critical field of health care: “In the future, I would like to continue my OT journey in the field of pediatrics. I know I want to serve my community, working with underrepresented populations and advocating for diversity within the profession.” 

Willard Springs Green Waste Site to Close for Winter. Last day of Oct. 29

The last day of 2022 operations for the Willard Springs Green Waste Site will be Saturday, October 29, 2022. Willard Springs will be closed throughout the upcoming winter season, which runs each year between November 1 and March 31, so that Coconino County can reopen the station for green waste-only disposal on Saturday, April 1, 2023.

Sedona Arts Center — You won’t want to miss these paint outs!

Tuesday, October 25, 2022
Creekside Paint Out at L’Auberge, 10:00am –12:00pm
The Festival’s Creekside Paint Out is hosted by L’Auberge de Sedona, and the public is invited to the edge of the water to watch artists as they depict the spectacular scenery and flowing Oak Creek. The location includes still and moving water, reflections, sycamores, ducks and stunning rock waterfalls. At noon, awards will be presented to the artists and the works created at the event will be available for sale immediately following on the lawn. Attendees can park in the Arts Center lower parking lot and take the free shuttle to and from  L’Auberge from 8:30am to 1:30pm. Paintings will then be on sale at the Sedona Arts Center Special Exhibition Galleries throughout the remainder of the Plein Air Festival.

Compost your dried leaves and pine needles this fall

The City of Flagstaff invites the public to drop off dried leaves and pine needles at three drop-off locations in Flagstaff on Saturday, October 29 and Sunday, October 30.

Bags of dried leaves and pine needles can be delivered to the following locations between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.:

Jay Lively Activity Center (1650 N Turquoise Dr)
Continental Park (5650 E Old Walnut Canyon Rd)
University Highlands Park (3888 S Jewel Dr)

Eric Heiser selected as CCC President

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board announced during its Oct. 19 meeting that Dr. Eric Heiser will be the next president of the college.

“After a national search with more than 50 applicants, the District Governing Board is excited to announce the selection of Dr. Heiser as Coconino Community College’s next president,” said Dr. Nat White, Chair of the Board. “The college is positioned through the past leadership of Dr. Colleen Smith and community support through the passage of the tax reset, to leap forward in serving the residents of Coconino County – from workforce training and associate degrees to pathways to baccalaureates.”

White added that Dr. Heiser brings successful urban and rural college and national experience that matches well with CCC’s vision and mission and the needs of Coconino County’s residents and businesses.

The NAU Review — Removing greenhouse gases from the air, a professor makes history and an innovation hub

We know the Earth is warming, and society is struggling to slow emissions quickly enough to make a real difference. So scientists are looking at other options, including removing greenhouse gases from the air. Easy, right? According to mechanical engineer Jennifer Wade, it’s a difficult task, but not an insurmountable one. She is leading two federally funded projects that are addressing the critical question of how to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, thus slowing the devastating effects of global climate change. It’s part of a national effort called the Carbon Negative Earthshot: Being able to remove carbon at $100 a ton at a scale of a million tons per year. Learn how her lab is working toward that goal.

CCC Auto Tech program back in the game beginning Oct. 24

After a short delay, the Coconino Community College Automotive Technology program is back and ready for students beginning Monday, Oct. 24.

“CCC’s Automotive Technology has grown in the year since it started,” said Provost Dr. Nate Southerland. “When our instructor backed out right before the start of the semester and we had to suspend the program, we were heartbroken. We are thrilled to be able to get back up to speed and look forward to serving the students whose plans were disrupted at the beginning of the semester.”

The cost of living in Flagstaff made the process of hiring a full-time faculty member for the program a challenge, and the program was forced into a holding pattern until a full-time faculty member could be found.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap Up: Oct. 17-21, 2022

Successful vaccine event in Grand Canyon; Flu and COVID vaccines available October 25 in Tusayan

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team came to the park on Tuesday for a flu and COVID vaccine event. Thank you to the Grand Canyon Rec Center for hosting this event and the Mobile Vaccine Team who successfully vaccinated more than 100 individuals. The team will next be at the Tusayan Fire Department on October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Due to popular demand of these events, please arrive early to ensure you receive assistance.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Tusayan event here.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating Small Manufacturers: Chocolita

October is National Manufacturing Month, a time when we celebrate a sector that, according to McKinsey & Company, generates $2.3 trillion of the U.S. gross domestic product, employs 12 million people, and accounts for 70% of R&D investment.

But those outsized statistics are mostly fueled by small companies; the Small Business Administration estimates that three out of every four manufacturers in the U.S. have 20 employees or less.

Companies like Chocolita, maker of botanical, organic chocolates, which recently moved from a cooperative kitchen in Sedona to open a combined manufacturing/retail outlet in Kachina Square in Flagstaff.

Grand Canyon National Park — Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap Up: Oct.10-14, 2022

Flu and COVID vaccines available October 18 in Grand Canyon, October 25 in Tusayan

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team will be coming to the park on Tuesday, October 18. The event will take place at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will also be in Tusayan at the Tusayan Fire Department on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Grand Canyon event here and the Tusayan event here.

CCC a triple play for construction student

Lucas Giannetti wanted to continue to learn and to grow in the construction trades. He also wanted to land an internship with a local contractor. He also wanted to start his own business doing finishing work on homes.

He found all three at Coconino Community College.

Giannetti learned many construction skills from his father.

“Throughout my childhood, we worked together on home improvement projects on our home,” Giannetti said, adding that although he had basic skills, he didn’t see construction as a viable option due to pressures from school counselors and his parents to pursue a four-year degree. He found a program in Environmental Science in North Carolina – primarily because he loves the outdoors – but while in the program and looking at jobs in the field, Giannetti realized he wouldn’t be able to afford to pay back the debt of a four-year degree.

So, he left university and began traveling the country and getting jobs in the trades.

“I felt like my learning was slowing down,” Giannetti said. “I wanted to expand my opportunities for learning.”

Discover Flagstaff — Enjoy peak fall colors and great events happening in Flagstaff this weekend

2022 LEAFometer

Discover Flagstaff this fall with the Discover Flagstaff LEAF-ometer. The #LEAFometer (Lee-faa-muh-tr: like speedometer) requires updates from our partners. Look for updates from the City of Flagstaff, Arboretum, AZ Snowbowl, Lowell Observatory, the Inner Basin, Oak Creek Canyon and the City of Sedona.

Business Opportunity Announced for the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park

Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent, Ed Keable, has announced the availability of a prospectus for a business opportunity in the park to provide lodging, food and beverage, retail, and other visitor services on the North Rim. The prospectus released today outlines this business opportunity, describes the existing business, and provides details on how to submit a responsive proposal.  

The services provided under the new contract encompass the majority of the commercial visitor services on the North Rim. It includes services currently provided by Aramark Sports and Entertainment Services, LLC This contract currently earns gross revenues of approximately $13 million per year, with 219 guest rooms, four restaurants and bars, gift shop, general store, public showers and laundry, and gas station. 

Northern AZ community colleges sign historic partnership agreement to benefit students, community

The four community college districts covering all northern Arizona have entered into a historic partnership agreement to help better serve students.

The presidents of Coconino Community College, Mohave Community College, Northland Pioneer College, and Yavapai College recently signed an intergovernmental agreement called the Northern Arizona Community College Partnership (NACCP). 

The NACCP calls on the districts to collaborate and combine resources to better serve citizens and communities throughout northern Arizona. This includes sharing college courses to improve student success and completion and enhancing workforce development by utilizing each district’s vast array of unique programs. 

“I am continually impressed with the number and quality of the partnerships I have seen since arriving at Coconino Community College,” said CCC Interim President Christal Albrecht. “It seems that the colleges genuinely want to work together, recognizing the positive impact their efforts will have on our collective students.”

Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez District 2 Newsletter — 15th Edition

Thank you for your patience as well as the community residents who have
been engaged within the efforts of Coconino County during this past
summer. We have, as a county, experienced historical amounts of floods—
totaling 45 floods. The pipeline fire as well as the tunnel fire have resulted
in the increase and impact of floods during our monsoon season. It has
been taxing for everyone in our community, especially those who have
been directly impacted by the fires and floods through property, emotional,
and physical damage. I want to acknowledge our resilience as a
community as well as the collective efforts that have taken place across
the board. I want to thank our first-responders, county staff, community
volunteers, vendors, and the nonprofit organizations who all came together
to help our community in our time of need.
The county moving forward wants to address two key issues: long-term
mitigation and government funding. We have made strides towards trying
to secure federal funding to best direct our actions towards re-building.
We want to focus on three components: forest restoration, channels, and
highway improvements. We are working very closely together during this
time with our community, and overall county. Please email me your
concerns with as much detail as possible.
Email: jvasquez@coconino.az.gov

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Oct. 3-7, 2022

The Coconino County Health and Human Services Mobile Vaccine Team will be coming to the park next on Tuesday, October 18. The event will take place at the Grand Canyon Rec Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The team will also be in Tusayan at the Tusayan Fire Department on Tuesday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines will be available at this event (to include the new COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine) for those ages 6 months and older. See the attached flyer for the Grand Canyon event here and the Tusayan event here. 

North Rim Day-Use Operations Begin on Oct. 16

Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will transition to day-use operations on Sunday, October 16, 2022. At that time, the Grand Canyon Lodge and North Rim campground will close, and limited services will be available to visitors.

The entrance gate on State Route 67, which provides vehicle access to the North Rim, will be closed at 5 p.m. on November 30, 2022, or after the first major snowstorm if prior to that date.

Visitors exploring the North Rim on, or after, October 16, should be self-sufficient and bring enough food and water for the day. The Cape Royal Road, leading to Cape Royal and Point Imperial, will be closed to the public from October 18-19 due to annual road maintenance.  

Sedona Arts Center October Update

There is a definite feel of fall in the air and a sure sign of the season is the flurry of activity we experience leading up to the Sedona Plein Air Festival at the end of the month. 
 
There is so much going on in Sedona right now – every weekend is filled with activity.  We are hoping the events and festivals will draw more tourists in to town as we are definitely feeling the effects of fewer people around.  For instance, traffic to our Gallery was down by half over last year during September.  This directly impacts our bottom line.  Since about 80% of our earned revenue comes from tourists, we are watching this closely.

City of Flagstaff proposes stormwater rate adjustment

The City of Flagstaff is proposing amendments to the City Code to adopt new or increased fees related to stormwater service charges.

Several events since the most recent rate adjustment have combined to make the current stormwater rate insufficient to meet current and future community needs. These events include post-wildfire flood mitigation needs, critical infrastructure upsizing needs in multiple drainage areas, deferred Capital Improvement Projects identified in the 2010 Northeast Area Master Drainage Study, and rapidly increasing materials and construction costs worldwide. 

CCC students figure out futures with Pipeline AZ

 You just graduated from high school in Coconino County, and you’ve been thinking about college or career training. You know you like working with computers, but you’re unsure of the next move.

CCC’s participation in a new career-orienting service, called Pipeline AZ, can help.

Juanita Tarango, Director of Student Success at CCC, said Pipeline AZ is a statewide effort to help students figure out their professional futures.

“If a student doesn’t know where to start, Pipeline AZ will provide that assistance and give them ideas on what fields they may want to go into,” Tarango said. “It’s truly a pipeline to getting the job they want. It’s a virtual one-stop shop for students.”

Voter Registration Deadline for Nov. 8, 2022, General Election Approaching Fast (Oct. 11)

The voter registration deadline for the November 8, 2022, General Election is Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022. 

To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.

Registered voters who have moved, changed their name or wish to change their political party affiliation must re-register. 

Citizens may register to vote online or print off a voter registration application atwww.coconino.az.gov/elections.

Latino Outdoors — Yo Cuento: Latinx Heritage Month

Latino Outdoors continues to celebrate Latinx Heritage Month 2022!

Known also as Latino Heritage Month and Hispanic Heritage Month, this month “traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries.” Latinx Heritage Month starts on Sept. 15th and goes until Oct 15th. every year.

¿Por qué el 15?

This date is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of Latin American countries including: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. Mexico and Chile also celebrate their independence on Sept. 16 and Sept. 18.

LHM continues until October 15th and LO has numerous events already planned!

HECHO September Newsletter

This is an important time for HECHO – Hispanic Heritage Month. During the month, which spans September 15-October 15, we are celebrating and reflecting upon the longstanding Hispanic leadership and stewardship of our land and water. We are lifting up a way of life that puts relationships with nature and each other as a central part of the culture, and we are asking you to join our cause to work toward ensuring that these practices are reflected in future public land and water management policy and decision-making. To learn more, I hope you’ll read my blog post elaborating on HECHO’s vision of strong, culturally-rich communities connected to nature and each other. We also have some very exciting news to share with you:

Pew Research Center — Recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month 2022

It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and, as always, Pew Research Center is committed to studying the rich diversity of the nation’s 62.5 million Latinos, from an exploration of U.S. adults who identify as Afro-Latino to a recent report on Latinos’ varied political views. This month is a celebration of not only the diverse origins of U.S. Latinos and the independence days in the countries of their ancestors, but also of the unique and varied experiences of Latinos across the country. We hope you will continue following our work detailing the nuanced lives of U.S. Latinos.

County Board of Supervisors Allocates Funds to Sponsor Navajo Bridge Star Party Event

During the Coconino County Board of Supervisors regular meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 the Board unanimously agreed to allocate community initiative funds in the amount of $5,000 to the non-profit Glen Canyon Conservancy for expenses associated with the Navajo Bridge Star Party this Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1. 

“This event started very small, just an idea, and has grown into a huge party on the Navajo Bridge,” stated District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, “Now that things are opening up and people are gathering together again, we’re excited to bring it back after a brief absence.” 

There are educational events in the evenings both Friday and Saturday featuring lectures from Dr. Henry Fowler of Navajo Technical University at 6 p.m. and George Rhee of UNLV at 8 p.m. The talks will focus on identifying Navajo star constellations and the historical Navajo teachings about the stars. On Saturday at 11 a.m. visitors can take a guided hike through the historic Lonely Dell Ranch, a settlement that dates to the Great Mormon Migration deep into Arizona.

“I encourage the public to attend and join us on the Navajo Bridge for the only Star Party held above the Colorado River!” added Supervisor Fowler. 

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — NAU Holds Master Plan Open House on Oct. 6

Northern Arizona University will hold a Community Open House on Thursday, October 6 to discuss the development of its Smart, Sustainable, Comprehensive Campus Master Plan, which will provide a framework for land use, open space and facility development at NAU.

NAU is asking that you register for the session, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the High Country Conference Center.

The master plan will emphasize “smart campus” capabilities to drive new efficiencies, reduce carbon emissions, and effectively manage resources. NAU is working with DLR Group, a nationally recognized design firm, in developing the master plan.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Sept. 26-30, 2022

The Weekly Wrap Up is getting a new look!

Beginning next week, the Grand Canyon Office of Communications will be transitioning to a new email distribution platform called GovDelivery. This transition is necessary for us to meet the Department of Interior’s new policies for email distribution.

The Wrap Up as well as news releases from our office will have a new layout and feel. If you are not receiving email communications from our office (through the Wrap Up or news releases), please check your junk email folder or email us directly at grca_public_affairs@nps.gov.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — F3’s 2022 VOTER GUIDE to Propositions

This month’s newsletter focuses on providing information that will be helpful as you prepare for the the upcoming General Election. We provide F3’s 2022 Voter Guide to statewide and local propositions, and information about how to vote for the official write-in City Council candidates. Lend your voice to community decisions by attending local meetings in October that are outlined below, and check out the upcoming workshop on socially-responsible investing.

Law enforcement partners with CCC for training academy

They will undergo drills and inspections. They will take classes and be put under extreme stress.

The purpose: To achieve a level of professionalism in policing that meets the needs of the communities of northern Arizona. Beginning Oct. 3, 13 recruits will undergo 21 weeks of training at the newly established High Country Training Academy at Coconino Community College.

“CCC’s goal is to partner with the local community to train people who live in Coconino County for jobs in Coconino County,” said Dr. Nate Southerland, Provost for CCC. “We are so grateful to our local law enforcement agencies for being the driving force behind this new program and providing the personnel needed to make it successful.”

Southerland also said that with CCC and local agencies working together, they can generate new interest in law enforcement careers and keep the community’s talent in the community.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Providing Safety & Security

Why should you donate to United Way of Northern Arizona during our annual campaign?

Because when people struggle to meet basic needs – like food, shelter, and safety – everything else becomes more difficult.

Fueled by your financial support, UWNA and its network of partners work with families and individuals so they can move from day-to-day existence to planning for a positive future.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools to receive 2022 Woman Achiever of Arizona Award

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, has been recognized as a 2022 Woman Achiever of Arizona by the Arizona Capitol Times.  

The Arizona Capitol Times states that this award celebrates the accomplishments of women leaders who persevered and excelled in their work this year. A Woman Achiever of Arizona helps Arizonans today and prepares the state for a flourishing future. Cheryl Mango-Paget will be honored with other Women Achiever Winners at a luncheon on October 25, 2022, at the Phoenix Art Museum. She will also be profiled in a special edition of the Arizona Capitol Times. A list of the awardees can be found at https://azcapitoltimes.com/2022-women-achievers-of-arizona/.

Grand Canyon National Park — Parkwide Water Restrictions Lifted

After several weeks of pipeline breaks and water restrictions, water in storage tanks on both North and South rims of Grand Canyon National Park have reached sustainable levels.

Visitors, residents, and businesses should continue to use basic water conservation practices and mindful water use at all times. Water conservation tips for visitors and residents include turning off the water while brushing teeth or shaving, washing only full loads of dishes or laundry, and reporting leaks and wasteful water use to appropriate staff. Residents are also reminded to use reclaimed water for plants, lawns, and washing vehicles and to not fill large-capacity water tanks in the park.

Buffalo Park closure scheduled for Sept. 27 – Sept. 28

A full closure of Buffalo Park will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 27 and Wednesday, Sept. 28 to allow for construction activities related to the Arizona State Parks Grant for the Buffalo Park Trail Accessibility project. The full closure will include the closure of the parking lot, ramada, restrooms and all other areas within Buffalo Park.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Have you read the Festival Insights Blog?

In celebration of this year’s festival, enjoy the Festival Insights Blog on our website! The blog features posts from a variety of event hosts from this year’s festival discussing their work and their programs! The blogs include articles from disease ecologist Jeff Foster, artist Erika Tsouras and many more!

Learn about the amazing science and innovation taking place in Flagstaff and get ready for some incredible events that will be held this upcoming week!

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 19-23, 2022

National Public Lands Day this Saturday, September 24

This Saturday, September 24th marks Public Lands Day and a Fee Free Day on all NPS lands.

The public is invited to celebrate National Public Lands Day at 1 p.m. (Mountain Daylight Time) September 24 by observing the release of captive-bred California condors into the wild at Vermilion Cliffs National Monument.

The event also will be live streamed via The Peregrine Fund’s YouTube channel beginning at 12:30 p.m. (MDT). Viewers can set a reminder to join the release, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. (MDT) noon local time in northern Arizona (Mountain Standard Time) but ultimately depends on when the birds choose to leave their release pen. There will be a picture-in-picture set up with a camera trained on the release pen; videos and interviews with condor biologists and conservationists who work with these massive birds will be included. Viewers also will be able to have their questions answered live by the team.

The historical California Condor population declined to just 22 individuals in the 1980s when the greater California Condor Recovery Program was initiated to save the species from extinction. As of May 2022, there were 113 condors in the rugged, canyon country of northern Arizona and southern Utah. The total world population of endangered California condors numbers more than 550 individuals, with more than half of them winging across the skies of Arizona, Utah, California and Mexico.

United Way of Northern Arizona Annual Campaign Begins Today (Sept. 22)!

Step Up for Our Community and be part of the movement that is continuing to make positive, lasting changes in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties by donating today to the United Way of Northern Arizona.

Together we can:

Improve early childhood development through education initiatives like KinderCamp™ and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Encourage positive youth development to ensure strong and resilient teens.
Help our neighbors in times of emergency by providing basic needs for safety and security.

Finalists selected for next CCC President

The Coconino Community College District Governing Board is pleased to announce that they have selected three finalists for the presidency of the College. Public forums with each of the finalists are scheduled for the week of Oct., 3, 2022.

“We would like to thank all of the communities served by the College for your continued interest and support in the process to identify our next President,” said Dr. Nathaniel White, Board Chair. “I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all members of the Board Presidential Search Committee for their exceptional work and effort.”

Coconino County Parks & Recreation September Update

Thank you! 

Thanks to all the workers, volunteers, superintendents, sponsors, partners, vendors, entertainers, exhibitors, contractors, and attendees of the 2022 Coconino County Fair.

More than 42,000 people visited over Labor Day weekend.

If you were inspired by this year’s event, please start thinking about a project you might want to enter next year. From gardening to collecting, there are many opportunities to be part of the Fair. See you at the County Fair next year!

Grand Canyon National Park Will Ease Water Restrictions

Water delivery to Grand Canyon National Park’s South and North rims has been restored and the park is beginning a phased approach to easing water restrictions. The amount of water in reservoir tanks is increasing daily and once sustainable levels are reached the park will continue to ease water restrictions.

The following operational changes will be in effect beginning on Tuesday, September 20:

United Way of Northern Arizona — Strategic Plan for Northeast AZ Underway

United Way of Northern Arizona is in the process of developing a plan to bolster our work in northeastern Arizona and support our nonprofit partners in Navajo and Apache counties. 

The strategic plan being developed is similar to a process we went through several years ago in the greater Flagstaff region, which allowed us to refocus our efforts on the most critical needs in Coconino County.

A special Task Force has been assembled for this project and is being led by Eric Scott, Human Resource and Risk Manager for Navajo County and a member of the UWNA Board.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 12-16, 2022

Hispanic Heritage Month begins Thursday, September 15

September 15 marks the month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month when we recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Hispanic Americans in the United States.

Hispanic, Latino, Latina, and Latinx Americans have helped to shape the National Park Service since its beginning in 1916. The tradition continues today with Hispanic and Latino Americans working as employees, volunteers, interns, and partners in many career fields of the National Park Service, including natural and cultural resource management, law enforcement, interpretation, administration, and much more.

Please join me in recognizing and celebrating the rich cultural heritage and ongoing contributions of Hispanic Americans here at the Grand Canyon National Park and throughout the country.