“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett
Discover the joy of working with clay at Sedona Arts Center!
Our ceramics program welcomes all levels to explore, experiment, and create in a supportive community. With guidance from studio manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, plus visiting guest artists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Join us for a class or workshop and see where your creativity takes you!
FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and FANN Contracting are proud to announce the completion of the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout Project. With the project finished, the roundabout is now open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic! Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists and pedestrians get used to the new roundabout, and follow the marked signage and striping to get to your destination. Please remain alert as crews install final fencing and perform clean-up operations over the next few weeks.
Building bikes for local children, a fun-filled block party and casino night and a record-making football game that included a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half—Lumberjacks know how to do Family Weekend right! NAU Social was out over the weekend to capture all the fun.
Our 2025 Virtual Auction to benefit the Museum of Northern Arizona is now open! This year’s auction includes exclusive experiences with MNA experts and beautiful, authentic jewelry and accessories.
View the auction online here! All bidding for this auction will take place online. If you are in need help or have any questions, please contact us at development@musnaz.org or call 928-774-5211 x 285. This auction will be open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm.
WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
at SAC
✨ Spark your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
• NAU Office of Inclusion announces September calendar of events on Sept. 16, 19, 24, 26
• More details to come — NAU Hispanic Heritage Month Football game to feature halftime performance by NAU’s Mariachi Los Madereros on Sept. 26
• NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party to be held at Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4
• Coconino Community College to present course on ‘Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community’ with Eva Barraza on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30
Each year, the Festival features 10-days of engaging events and programs, all free, for the community to enjoy and celebrate the wonders of science! This year’s theme is “Harvesting Knowledge”! Various Times.
Learn More
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.
FLAGSTAFF — The City Council of Flagstaff voted unanimously on Sept. 16, 2025 to authorize the City Attorney to take all actions necessary to ensure that the City’s regional water resource at Red Gap Ranch is not impaired by helium exploration operations, including if necessary the filing of a new suit. The City is unaware of active helium exploration near Red Gap Ranch at this time and the City will continue to protect its vital resources if needed.
At Theatrikos Theatre Company, we believe theatre is more than performance; it’s a catalyst for creativity, confidence, and community. And now, we’re one step away from building something extraordinary for Flagstaff.
This year, we launched a $30,000 capital campaign to transform a commercial building into a state-of-the-art rehearsal and education studio; a vibrant, dedicated space for year-round theatre education. We’ve raised $22,000 so far, and now we have thrilling news:
An anonymous donor has stepped forward to MATCH every dollar donated; up to our final $8,000!
NAU is celebrating Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month through Oct. 15 with games, discussions, a dance party and more, and all Lumberjacks are welcome! Browse a full calendar of events created by the Office of Inclusion.
park your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.
FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.
Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.
Pickin’ in the Pines
Pepsi Amphitheater
Join us for 3 days of music, jamming, camping, workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and more in the cool pines of Flagstaff, AZ. 9 a.m.
The underlying belief embodied by the supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona is that strong communities are built when we come together to learn, share, and act.
We had a chance to do just that recently at the kickoff breakfast for our Annual Campaign to raise $1.2 million.
Donations to the Annual Campaign will help ensure all who live in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties can thrive.
Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.
Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.
FLAGSTAFF — On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $18.35 for all workers. There will no longer be a lower minimum wage for tipped employees.
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.
The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.
Latest news updates for September 2025
Gallego, Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Extend Public Comment Period for Roadless Rule Repeal …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Striking Workers …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego Statement on Charlie Kirk’s Passing …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego: “Ashli Babbitt was a traitor …
Gallego, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Wrongful Targeting of Dreamers in Illegal Immigration Scheme …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
ICYMI: Gallego Questions Trump Nominees on Energy Costs, Reliability …
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …
Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …
Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …
Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials
Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
MORE…
The science behind every bite
The 36th Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to be a tasty treat. This year’s theme is Harvesting Knowledge, with talks, workshops, tours and other experiences uncovering traditional food science and its relevance to the environment, community health and culture. Here’s a list of some of the events at NAU.
There’s still time to be part of the Coconino Center for the Arts’ Theater Seating Fundraiser! Each seat sponsorship includes a personalized plaque on the seat of your choice — a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or show your love for the arts in Flagstaff.
Your gift goes further right now: thanks to a generous matching donation from a former Creative Flagstaff board member and their spouse, every contribution is doubled to help us reach our goal!
Special thank you to All Awards, Flagstaff’s local awards shop, for generously donating the plaques in-kind.
FREDONIA — Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the public will have access to another 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District as the Forest Service further reduces the White Sage & Dragon Bravo Fires Temporary Closure. Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire continue to make significant progress on suppression repair work, enabling the Forest Service to reopen more areas without compromising public safety or fire operations. Approximately 82% of the North Kaibab Ranger District will be open to the public.
Chromatic colors in bubbles create a mesmerizing effect when light interacts with the thin film of soap, producing a spectrum of colors due to light interference and diffraction and splitting into its individual colors. As the bubble moves or changes shape, the iridescent spectrum of colors shift and transform due to the changing thickness of the soapy film, creating a dynamic and spell-binding result. As in the case of this image, a simple bubble against the blue sky can be used to create visually striking art and design pieces.
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.
Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend
The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
COCONINO COUNTY — The Superior Court in Coconino County has recently received several calls from concerned residents regarding a phone scam.
The caller identifies themselves as the Jury Commissioner and attempts to confirm personal information (addresses, phone number, date of birth and email addresses). This person uses threatening language and informs residents that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff plans to replace select sections of sidewalk and curb and repave a portion of Cedar Avenue and West Street in the coming weeks. There are sections of deteriorated and cracked sidewalk and curb, and the asphalt roadway has numerous cracks and patches that need to be fixed. Asphalt repair includes taking off a thin layer of the existing surface and then repaving with new asphalt. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, with plans to finish by early December (weather permitting). Work will occur along West Street/Linda Vista Drive, from the slip lane to Cedar Avenue, and along Cedar Avenue from West Street to the west side of the new Fourth-Lockett roundabout.
In 2023, Coconino County was awarded an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remediate hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos at the old Coconino County jail located at 211 North W.C. Riles, Flagstaff. The presentation will provide the community with updates regarding the clean-up grant award and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on completed and proposed actions associated with the grant.
Explore the vast potential of ceramics in this six-week course, ideal for students looking to develop, strengthen, and advance their pottery skills in a playful environment. Working with the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, texture tools, and more students will experiment with functional and decorative techniques, turning their creative ideas into tangible works of art.
Dear Museum Friends,
As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.
Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.
Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon sits NAU Hat Ranch, a property rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Once a working ranch, the property serves as a base for research, learning and retreat space for NAU students, faculty and staff. Hat Ranch is open to the public for overnight stays and events. The university is working to expand its offerings and honoring the past while building a future centered on education, community and hands-on learning.
The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.
To view the public hearing draft and the 60-day review comments
Visit the project website https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
Visit the Community Development office to review a print copy.
For questions contact Melissa Shaw at mshaw@coconino.az.gov
Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!
Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. … Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should be extinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoal should be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Fires should never be left unattended as sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will lift fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, due to recent widespread precipitation across the forest.
While forest-wide restrictions will be lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will continue to remain in effect.
Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices when building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. It is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.
WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.
Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.
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.
Also see:
• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?
FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.
About this event
This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.
This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.
COCONINO COUNTY — In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, Coconino County Business Offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025. The Business Offices will reopen on their normal schedule Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Your friends at Coconino County, Arizona wish you a nice day.
Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28
The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.
With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, single lane closures are scheduled on N San Francisco St from Sept. 2 – 8 for street paving and pavement marking. The work may also necessitate short term closures of intersections along N San Francisco St between W Cherry Ave and W Columbus Ave. Motorists are asked to follow marked signage, be cautious of work crews, and expect delays when traveling through the project area.
Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…
COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31
Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here
FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 6 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.
Electronic road signs will be posted to remind motorists of the temporary closure.
While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.
We hope we’ll see you at High Country Conference Center as the next chapter of our state’s Bioscience Roadmap – a long-term strategic plan to advance the state’s bioscience sector – is launched.
The free event, being co-hosted by the Flinn Foundation, SRI International, and Genterra Enterprises, will be from 12 – 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 9. Doors open at 11:30 am and lunch will be provided, but space is limited. You can register HERE.
Current Situation: With favorable weather, an infrared flight was completed which showed minimal heat and no growth of the perimeter. This new intelligence coupled with several days of precipitation and evaluation by firefighters has allowed an increase in containment for the Dragon Bravo Fire. With the successful completion of suppression repair work and hazard mitigation within the forest, Highway 67 has been reopened to Kaibab Lodge. In addition, more public lands are now accessible – please see the updated forest closure order for details.
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
Latest news updates for August 2025
Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Federal Credit Union on Overdraft Fees
Gallego Backs Bill to Reverse GOP Energy Tax Hike and Cut Americans’ Electricity Costs
Gallego Backs Legislation to Cap the Cost of Prescription Medication
MORE …
Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly
Latest news updates for August 2025
Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack
Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges
Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Latest news updates for August 2025
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
Attorney General Mayes Announces Two Convictions for ESA Program Fraud
Attorney General Mayes Sues Hefty® Parent Company for Misleading Arizona Consumers
Attorney General Mayes Secures Full Relief for Arizona Schools in Lawsuit Challenging Withholding of Education Funding
Attorney General Mayes Joins 44 States in Demanding Tech Companies End Predatory AI Interactions with Kids
Attorney General Mayes Sues Operators of Real Estate Scam Targeting Elderly Arizonans
MORE …
The gray area of AI in academics
Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.
FLAGSTAFF — Congratulations to Coconino County Health and Human Services who received $7,900 at the Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff awards ceremony to provide Community Care Kits.
The kits are backpacks filled with essential person hygiene items that help reduce stress by meeting personal care needs and provide an opportunity for HHS to connect individuals with community resources.
Acres: 145,504 Containment: 64% Personnel: 646
Start Date: July 4, 2025 Cause: Lightning Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.
Make Your Gift Count for Art,
Community, and Learning
Your support of Sedona Arts Center empowers creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Recent changes in tax law may provide new ways to maximize the impact of your giving—helping us continue our mission to inspire, educate, and connect artists and audiences across the Verde Valley.
COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.
This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, will apply to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.
FLAGSTAFF — Due to recent moisture across the region, the City of Flagstaff will lower fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget requests nominations for the 13th Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year, 8th Annual Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year and 5th Annual Coconino County Lifetime Achievement Award.
The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year.
