Snook’s Science in the Park
Wheeler Park
The headlining event for the Flagstaff Festival of Science, Snook’s Science in the Park offers hands on science events, activities, and workshops for all ages! If you are interested in a career or knowledge in a STEM field, this is the event for you.
Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions! 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE!
You don’t want to miss this! F-cube’s helpful City Council Candidate Forum. This Monday, 6:00 PM at the Lonetree Campus of CCC. This forum is free and is open to the entire community.
Co-sponsors include Indivisible Northern Arizona, Flagstaff for Affordable Housing, Habitat for Humanity of Northern Arizona, and Northern Arizona Climate Change Alliance (NAZCCA). Find more details about the forum organization below.
Click below for the latest news updates from the:
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
WILLIAMS — With early forecasts signaling a potentially severe winter across northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest is encouraging visitors to obtain their personal‑use fuelwood permits and gather their wood as soon as possible.
Snow and winter storms can arrive quickly, and once conditions deteriorate, many wood‑gathering areas become difficult or impossible to access. Planning ahead now helps ensure both safe access and plenty of time to gather wood before winter weather sets in.
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.
The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.
When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.
READ MORE
COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County court system, with funding support from the State Justice Institute and strategic facilitation by Dr. Nancy Wonders and Dr. Fred Solop, convened an all-day strategic planning forum on Sept. 17 at the High Country Conference Center. Stakeholders provided input and assistance in determining the types of services the courts should provide by the year 2045.
COCONINO COUNTY — In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk factors within Coconino County. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their input, we’ve extended the deadline to take the survey to Saturday, Oct. 31.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — On Tuesday, Sept. 15, the United States Supreme Court ruled against an executive order instructing the United State Post Office (USPS) to only deliver ballots to voters on the approved mail-in ballot list.
This decision ensures that the vote-by-mail process will remain unchanged for the Nov. 3 General Election. Coconino County early ballots will be mailed on Oct. 7 to voters who are on the Active Early Voting List or have requested a ballot be mailed to them.
Free community showers
Free shower facilities are available to Grand Canyon residents until further notice. Residents are strongly encouraged to use these facilities whenever possible to reduce household water use and help conserve the park’s limited water supply. This week ADA showers were also placed at four locations throughout the park.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park today announced tentative dates for the restoration of water services to the South Rim residences and concessionaires within the park.
Based upon construction timetables, the National Park Service Incident Management Team projects the park will be able to start pumping water by Nov. 16 from the Bright Angel Creek intake to the new water treatment plan. The National Park Service estimates distribution from the new treatment plant to residents will begin by Thanksgiving, allowing concessionaires to begin a phased approach to providing services to overnight guests at that time. These dates are tentative and residents and concessionaires will be notified as construction is completed.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff has begun replacing the City Hall roof. As part of the project, the contractor will place plywood on areas of the City Hall lawn for vehicular access, which is required before driving on park grounds, athletic fields and civic grass spaces. The plywood will be in place for approximately four weeks and will likely cause the grass beneath to die. The City expects to be able to install new sod in late May and early June of 2027, when turf becomes available in our region.
FLAGSTAFF — On the same evening the Coconino County Board of Supervisors was recognizing Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month, it seemed only fitting that the county also recognized and honored a local community leader who has worked hard to ensure that the contributions of the local Hispanic community are also remembered.
The Board of Supervisors honored Ruth Eaton, former chair and member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) during a ceremony held at the board’s meeting room on Sept. 15.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County recognized Sept. 15, 2026 as National Voter Registration Day during a ceremony held at the county’s First Floor Board Room. Coconino County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger read the official proclamation.
The remarks can be seen on the county’s YouTube site at the 42.25 minute mark
On Sept. 14, the county posted the following announcement.
Every fall, parents ask themselves the same question: what can I really do to help my child succeed in school this year? The good news is that research points to a handful of everyday habits that make a real difference.
As a nonprofit with a focus on youth opportunity, here’s what we know works and where you can turn if your family needs extra support.
Get them to school – every day. It sounds obvious, but it matters more than people realize.
“FLG is excited to be a recipient of the SCASDP grant and eager to provide more connectivity to the northern Arizona region. More flight options create easier opportunities for travelers and stimulate economic growth throughout our community,” said Claire Harper, Airport Communications Manager. “The Small Community Air Service Development Program is unique in that it empowers communities to design solutions that reflect their specific air service needs and circumstances. FLG is ready to address northern Arizona’s air service challenges.”
At the recent annual conference of the League of Arizona Cities & Towns, APS President and CEO Ted Geisler reaffirmed the utility’s commitment to protecting reliability and rates for current APS customers while serving new companies and industries investing in the state.
The APS Pledge for Responsible Energy Growth comes at a time of increasing demand for centers that service cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and other data-driven “extra-large customers.”
The pledge is built on three principals, Geisler said.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park crews are assessing damage after an additional flash flood moved through Bright Angel Canyon Wednesday afternoon, damaging temporary water infrastructure being constructed as part of the park’s ongoing recovery from the Aug. 29 flood.
There were no reported injuries. With severe weather approaching and flash flood warnings in effect, the National Park Service had reduced the number of personnel working in the canyon. Crews remaining in the area were able to reach safety before the flood moved through. The affected area remains closed to public access.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Renee Hatch to fill the current vacancy on the Willaims Unified District Governing Board.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.
“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.
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.
Efforts to restore the park’s water supply are advancing at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also brought to Phantom Ranch to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service.
On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as testing and the process to return the plant to service move forward.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest firewood permits are now available online via the Forest Service’s new e-permit system at https://epermits.fs2c.usda.gov/
Permittees must possess a printed physical permit while harvesting and transporting products. The permit does not need to be attached to the load or displayed on a vehicle dashboard.
Load tags will not be issued with online permits. Collection is limited to dead and down materials only, and permits are only valid for the specific forest they are purchased for.
SEDONA — The temporary closure of Oak Creek that has been ongoing since July will be lifted on Thursday (Sep. 17, 2026), allowing for the public to access the creek and nearly all recreation sites along Oak Creek.
Under a new forest order, the West Fork watershed, its trail, and Call of the Canyon will remain closed until Oct. 1, 2026, since that specific watershed had a higher percentage of fire damage and still poses a higher flooding risk.
Oak Creek has been closed to the public since the start of the Pocket Fire in June and remained closed after the fire danger was gone, out of an abundance of caution prior to monsoon so that if any flash flooding occurred no one would be injured or caught in it.
South Rim Water Update — September 11, 2026
The August 29 flash flood caused extensive damage to water infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon, including portions of the Transcanyon Waterline and the Bright Angel Creek intake. The South Rim remains under Stage 4 water restrictions and is relying on stored water while crews conduct repairs and advance temporary water-supply solutions. We know this has required significant adjustments in homes, workplaces and park operations, and we are deeply grateful to every resident, employee, business, partner and visitor who has helped conserve water during this difficult time.
WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest and the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) are partnering to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health on nearly 14,000 acres of National Forest lands in northern Arizona. Through a new Good Neighbor Agreement (GNA), DFFM will administer forest restoration activities that help protect communities, strengthen water security for millions of Arizonans, conserve natural resources, and support the state’s forest products industry and rural economies.
FLAGSTAFF — THe City of Flagstaff Housing Division’s recruitment for 5 seats on the Housing Commission, including 3 community resident seats. Applications can be found at this link and are due September 23.
Want to help shape housing in Flagstaff?
The Housing Commission advises City Council on housing policies, needs, and programs in our community. The City of Flagstaff Housing Division is seeking Flagstaff residents (within City limits) with experience in building, real estate, development, or community issues.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials celebrated another successful County Fair with the local Hispanic community turning out for a variety of Latino-themed performances on Sept. 6 at the 77th annual Coconino County Fair.
“Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend!” County officials stated. “Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!”
Entertainment on Sunday at the Main Stage included the morning dance performances by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the afternoon performance by Banda La Excepcional and the evening concert by Grupo La Kana.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff commemorated the 25th anniversary of 9/11 with a ceremony during the early morning hours of Friday, Sept. 11, 2026.
“Today, we remember and honor the heroes of September 11, 2001, who showed incredible bravery and sacrifice. Flagstaff stands united in reflection, paying tribute to the lives lost and the resilience of our nation,” the city stated on its Facebook page.
The event included the presentation of the Colors and the display of hundreds of flags. The 9/11 Flag Memorial Field honors the 2,977 people who lost their lives on 9/11/2001.
PHOENIX – Secretary of State Adrian Fontes (on July 2, 2026) has launched a statewide PSA campaign reminding Arizona that voters in all 15 counties have the ability to sign up for BallotTrax, the real-time ballot status update system. In tandem, the Secretary has also launched a redesigned Arizona.Vote website, providing voters with an updated, user-friendly destination for official election information and voter services.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — On January 1, 2027, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase from $18.35 to $19.00 per hour for all workers.
On November 8, 2016 the voters of Flagstaff wrote and passed The Minimum Wage Act as a citizen’s initiative (Proposition 414). Accordingly, the City’s minimum wage is adjusted annually by the change in the cost of living.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Sustainable Building Program invites the community to explore innovative, resilient living at the 22nd Annual Sustainable Building Tour on Saturday, October 3.
Presented as part of the Flagstaff Festival of Science, this year’s free event features a dual-track tour showcasing practical, inspiring strategies for building and living sustainably across northern Arizona. Attendees can choose between two distinct experiences, or explore both:
WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this month, beginning with Moonset Pit as soon as September 20, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through October as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
There are numerous project areas across the forest in which crews may be working, including some in the Red Lake and Spring Valley areas, southeast of the Town of Tusayan, and the Jacob Lake and Demotte areas. Visit InciWeb for details and maps of planned burn areas.
The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair was a great success!
Thousands turned out to Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! Thank you to our incredible community, local businesses, and everyone who came together to make the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair one to remember. We hope to see you again next year!
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce the launch of its newly redesigned municipal website. The updated site features an improved design, enhanced navigation, and a more accessible experience for all community members.
The City encourages the community to visit and explore the refreshed site. While some information may look different or be located in updated menus, all previously available content is still available. Several new features, such as a calendar for City-sponsored events, have also been added.
COCONINO COUNTY — Students from dozens of local schools countywide participated in the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair held Sept. 4-7, 2026 at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff.
Public elementary, middle and high school; charter school and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which filled the entire Schools exhibit building.
“We loved seeing student artwork from schools across FUSD on display at the Coconino County Fair this weekend!,” FUSD stated on its Facebook page. “A big shoutout to our talented student artists and the teachers who encourage their creativity every day. We’re so proud to see our students’ amazing work out in the community!”
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Public Works Department invites members of the public to participate in the 2026 Public Works Academy. The Academy is an immersive, eight-week educational experience designed to give residents a behind‑the‑scenes look at the essential services that keep our community running. Applications are due by Sept. 16, 2026.
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the Road Repair and Street Safety Project, the City’s contractor, C & E Paving & Grading, will be repaving the transitions from asphalt to concrete on Highway 89 between Country Club Drive and Cummings Street in both directions on Wednesday Sept. 9 and Thursday Sept. 10.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and eligible nonprofit organizations operating within the City of Flagstaff are invited to apply for the Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) Incentive, a competitive grant program designed to support the growth, stability, and resilience of existing local businesses.
The City of Flagstaff has allocated $45,000 for the BR&E Incentive in FY27, with individual awards ranging from $2,500 to $30,000. Up to $15,000 of the total allocation may be awarded to eligible nonprofit organizations with a focus on economic development activities. The program also requires a 1-to-1 cash match; the amount requested must be matched by the applicant.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the significant August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search operations remain active, while crews continue infrastructure assessments, stabilization work and efforts to restore a reliable water supply to the South Rim.
The park now has a path forward to restore water service and, based on current progress, expects that work to take weeks, not months.
Crews are moving forward with construction of a temporary water intake at Bright Angel Creek to replace the intake destroyed by the flood. Engineers are in the canyon designing the temporary intake, the existing Transcanyon Waterline contract has been modified to support the work, and construction activities are beginning this week.
This Tuesday, September 8th, during their work session, City Council will discuss and provide direction to staff regarding their willingness to adopt the updated 2024 “Suite of Building & Fire Codes,” including a stronger Energy Code, at a date in the near future (see proposed dates below). International Energy Codes are released every three years, and the city adopts them every six years. The City of Flagstaff is currently using the 2018 Energy Code. Use of updated codes support safer, more durable and resilient communities.
Editor’s note: Given the constantly churning news cycle with stories on court cases possibly impacting mail-in ballots or reduction of polling places nationwide and other political issues, AmigosNAZ is launching this new weekly feature to help readers gather accurate information from local and state elections officials on the upcoming election. Future stories will include details on how to track your ballot, ballot drop off locations in Coconino County and other information. Please see links below for local and Arizona election resources.
Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation
Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.
Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts
At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.
The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Coconino County Superior Court, Flagstaff Justice Court and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) office and clinic will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Flagstaff’s City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7 in observance of Labor Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Sept. 8.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Labor Day include:
Cinder Lake Landfill and Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)
Citizens Cemetery (1300 S San Francisco St.)
Downtown Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N Izabel St)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)
Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) (1800 E Butler Ave.)
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.
Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.
COCONINO COUNTY — Property owners are encouraged to apply for a free environmental assessment through the Northern Arizona Property Revitalization Program.
More than three dozen free environmental assessments have been completed in Coconino, Mohave, Navajo and Yavapai counties as part of the Northern Arizona Property Revitalization Program.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management Director Tim Carter was named the Emergency Management Professional of the Year by the Arizona Association of Emergency Managers (AAEM).
“Coconino County has faced an extraordinary series of emergencies over the last year, from the White Sage Fire and Dragon Bravo Fire to the Pocket Fire and the Grand Canyon flash flood,” District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Throughout each event, Tim demonstrated steady leadership, clear communication and an unwavering commitment to protecting our communities. This award is deeply deserved, and we are grateful for his service.”
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.
Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.
Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.
READ MORE
FLAGSTAFF — Property owners, business owners, developers, and community members are invited to nominate previously developed or used commercial and industrial properties and buildings for a free environmental assessment under the Route 66 Brownfield Coalition Assessment Grant. Eligible properties may include those that are underutilized, vacant or abandoned, and are sometimes called “brownfields.”
COCONINO COUNTY — This Labor Day weekend, northern Arizona’s biggest annual celebration returns with more than ever. The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is September 4-7 at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff, marking a convergence of milestones – Route 66 at 100, Coconino County at 135, Flagstaff’s Dark Sky designation at 25 and America at 250.
With more than 35,000 attendees expected across four days of rides, live music, livestock shows, fine arts food and family fun, the Coconino County Fair is northern Arizona’s largest Labor Day weekend event and one of its best community traditions.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service has recovered the bodies of two hikers who were caught in a destructive flash flood Aug. 29 in Bright Angel Canyon. The hikers have been identified as John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas.
One member of the hiking group remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood.
Community Council Candidate Forums
September 3rd: Historic Preservation Forum with City Council Candidates: 5:30 to 7:00 pm at LCM Canterbury Chapel at 319 S San Francisco St. Includes educational information and Q&A with candidates.
September 10th: Southside Community City Council Forum: 5 to 7 pm at the Murdoch Community Center. More information here.
September 17th: Northern Arizona Interfaith Council Candidate Accountability Session: 6:00-7:45 pm at Trinity Heights United Methodist Church. More information here.
*September 28th – Friends of Flagstaff’s Future Forum: 6 pm at Coconino Community College Lonetree Campus. More information here.
This year’s theme, “A Library Card Hits All the Right Notes,” celebrates the many ways a library card can connect with multiple resources, experiences, programs, events, materials, and more. Having a library card allows you to access so much more than just physical materials, and the city hopes to connect patrons with their community this month by encouraging visits to participating businesses.
FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County received a Declaration of Economic Injury from the Small Business Administration (SBA) which opens the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to businesses impacted by the Pocket Fire.
The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate as low as four percent. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The program is available to all businesses in Coconino County and Yavapai County, as well as neighboring Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.
Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
