Category: Government

Commander Cathy Allen announces retirement from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announces the retirement of Commander Cathy Allen, effective June 25, 2025, following a distinguished 39-year career in public service and administrative leadership.

Commander Allen began her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office in 1987 as a Financial Management Analyst and steadily advanced to become the Commander of Administrative Services. In this role, she provided oversight to civilian teams in Support Services and Administrative divisions and led major initiatives including grant administration, intergovernmental agreements, contract law enforcement in outlying communities, and budget development. Her leadership contributed to a nearly 200% increase in the civilian workforce, significantly enhancing the department’s operational support functions.

Kaibab National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to begin Friday, June 27 on the North Kaibab and Tusayan Ranger Districts

WILLIAMS — Due to increasing fire danger, Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will go into effect beginning 8:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, on the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the building, maintaining, attending, or using fire, campfire, or stove fire including charcoal and briquettes outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites is prohibited. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Mountain Line Is on the Move

With the opening of its Downtown Connection Center (DCC) earlier this month and major service enhancements scheduled to start on July 27, Mountain Line, Flagstaff’s public transit system, is entering a new era.

The two-story, 21,000-square-foot DCC, located on Phoenix Avenue, is now the home of the transit systems’ customer service, administrative, and operations support teams, and streamlines transfers across Mountain Line’s nine fixed routes. Its previous headquarters on Kaspar Drive will continue to handle bus maintenance and storage.

City of Flagstaff — Beulah Boulevard Roundabout to close for striping operations

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin striping operations along Milton Road, University Drive, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard starting Monday, June 30. On Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard will be fully closed to all traffic to allow crews to perform striping operations. The roundabout will reopen by Friday, July 4.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s Online Auction Closes This Saturday!

Help us raise $8,000 from our 30th Anniversary Online Auction. Place your bid online  before the auction closes!

Starting bids are set at 50% of the Value of the Item. There are some great deals here!

This auction contains diverse,and unique items including: special experiences such as  music concerts, guided tours, and interior design consultation; gift baskets for gardening and more; and gift certificates for personal training and doggy day care. Also jewelry, food, and wine.

Find all auction items at: bit.ly/F3Auction4mSJD7c

CCC&Y Spotlight — Coalition participates in Tuba City Family Fun Day

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Temperatures approaching the ’90s didn’t keep families away during the annual Tuba City Family Fun Day resource fair held on June 18, 2025 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.

Presented by Coconino County Health and Human Services — (AZ Health Zone), the event featured a number of information booths for parents, activities for children and plenty of healthy food alternatives for everyone who attended the annual event.

Some of the organizations taking part in the event included
Arizona Complete Health, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) — (AZ Health Zone), (CCHHS) Health Start, (CCHHS) Tobacco Use Prevention, (CCHHS) Opioid Overdose Prevention, Navajo Nation Behavioral & Mental Health Services, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Health Department, Tuba City Navajo Nation Health Education Program, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Pandemic Public Health and Patient Benefit Cooperative programs, and the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP)

City of Flagstaff flood control project receives national and statewide recognition

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff received three awards last month from national and Arizona state organizations for the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180. The project, which was completed in Fall 2024, saw the installment of a box culvert under US Hwy 180 and was the last piece of post-wildfire mitigation in the Schultz Creek corridor, an area that received over seven floods in 2022 after the Pipeline Fire. The full suite of projects has completely mitigated the post-wildfire flash flood threats in the impacted watershed, protecting over 200 homes, an elementary school, and critical facilities.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Removing Chemical Contaminants from Wastewater with Biochar

The Flagstaff Water Group (FWG), composed of five local scientists deeply concerned about removing hazardous contaminants from Flagstaff’s reclaimed wastewater, is presenting information about how biochar can be used to remove chemical contaminants.

This presentation and discussion will take place this Wednesday June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. 4th Street). This event is free and open to the public.

Coconino County, City of Flagstaff recognize Juneteenth

COCONINO COUNTY — At their meeting on June 10, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially recognized Juneteenth with a proclamation.

It reads, in part: “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors joins residents and local governments across the country in celebrating June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth, a day of empowerment and resilience of Black Americans who have endured generations of oppression in the journey toward equal rights and opportunities in America … “

Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

Editor’s note — Story / photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

See more photos at www.MosaicNAZ.org:

• Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

• ‘No Kings Day’ — Signs of the Time

FLAGSTAFF — With some local media reporting a crowd topping 3,000, Flagstaff residents and Northern Arizona visitors alike turned out in mass for one of the largest rallies in the city in recent memory during the “No Kings Day” mass protest held Saturday, June 14 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.

The large crowd came in spite of near mid-summer temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and added personal safety vigilance as a result of deadly political violence earlier in the day in Minnesota. The protest nationwide was organized by the 50501 movement with the local effort hosted by Indivisible Northern AZ.

Opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from starting at Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign. A sizable crowd of protestors also filled the opposite side of the street up to the Flagstaff Train Depot. When they were’t waiving signs, soliciting supportive horns from passing vehicles, the protesters joined in drum performances, chants and listened to speeches from local political leaders.

“No Kings Day is one of the largest days of protest in American history,” Indivisible Project national leaders stated in a media release. “From deep red small towns to our largest cities, millions of people turned out to make clear that the American people will not bow to fascism. 

County & City Seek properties for assessment and revitalization

… In 2024, Coconino County and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) was awarded a $1,500,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program to benefit the counties of Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai as well as all their cities and towns including Flagstaff, Prescott, Camp Verde, Kingman, Show Low, and Winslow. The grant’s primary purpose is to aid the transformation of local properties from liabilities into community assets. 

City hosts meet and greet event for Planning and Development Services Director candidates on June 26

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Thursday, June 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of Planning and Development Services Director. The City received 23 applications, conducted 4 screening interviews, and has invited 2 candidates to participate in interviews and the meet and greet to follow.

The candidate names and a brief biography of those who accepted the City’s invitation to participate are included below:

Bill Williams Mountain watershed (closed as of June 18)

WILLIAMS — Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest has implemented a temporary area closure on Bill Williams Mountain watershed, located just south of the City of Williams. (The closure began on June 18) and is due to the area’s susceptibility to uncharacteristically severe wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding that would potentially result.

In general, the perimeter of the Bill Williams Mountain watershed temporary closure area includes Forest Road 122 to the south, Forest Road 108 to the west, County Road 73 (aka “South Road”) to the east, and Interstate 40 to the north. Details, including a map of the closure area, will be available on the Kaibab NF website at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab

Coconino County — Supplemental Information about Truth in Taxation Notices

COCONINO COUNTY — In accordance with State statute, Coconino County has published Truth in Taxation Notices that will appear in the Arizona Daily Sun on June 10 and June 17.

Each year, during the budget process, both primary and secondary property tax rates are proposed for the coming fiscal year.    

To meet the needs of our communities, address emergencies, and provide basic services including public safety, emergency response, criminal justice, and County parks, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors is required to balance these crucial operations while maintaining our low primary and secondary property taxes, which are some of the lowest in the state. 

Coconino County to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Wednesday

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday.

County fire restriction stages are:

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions start at 6 p.m. June 18

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 6 pm. on Wednesday, June 18. 

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Wednesday evening on Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 18 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Under Stage 2 fire restrictions, the following are prohibited at all times forest-wide:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material).
Blasting, welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
Within specific areas of the Flagstaff Ranger District motorized vehicles will be prohibited on forest roads of the San Francisco Peaks area, Pumphouse Wash area and Marshall Lake area.

Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez Quarterly Update

Greetings from District 2! These past few months
have been uncertain and difficult for the County and
District 2. As we are approaching the end of FY2025,
I have been working alongside my fellow colleagues
from the Board of Supervisors to advance key
initiatives, support our communities, and ensure a
strong foundation for the year ahead. The Board of
Supervisors and I are looking forward to the start of
the next FY as we will continue to act upon our
community’s best interests. Thank you for reading
this new edition of the Official District 2 Newsletter
and for allowing me to serve as your District
Supervisor!
Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez

City of Flagstaff to begin repaving Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) trails in late June

FLAGSTAFF — The City will be repaving and repairing asphalt-surfaced segments of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) from late June through September. The work will require the impacted FUTS trails to be fully closed while crews complete the work. Specific dates for the closures of individual trails will be shared once the information is available.

Impacted FUTS trails:

Update – Nighttime road closure at Riordan Dr. & Riordan Ranch St. scheduled for June 16 – 19

FLAGSTAFF — The intersection of Riordan Dr and Riordan Ranch St will be closed overnight from June 16 – June 19, between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Roads will remain open during the day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with no daytime construction. Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the project.

Coconino County Parks and Recreation Pine & Peaks Post for June 12, 2025 — Fire Safety, Free Fun & Fresh Programs. See What’s New!

Welcome to your go-to source for everything Parks & Recreation!
From exciting events to seasonal programs, we’ll keep you in the loop.


Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in Effect: Parks & Recreation has specific guidelines outlining what is allowed and prohibited during this time. Click here to review the details before your next visit.
Spots still open for Week 3 of Summer Camp! Fun at the Fort is blasting off with a Space Explorers theme next week, and we have room for new recruits. Sign up here to join the adventure.
New Programs Launching Soon! Archery clinics, culinary classes, Festival of Science activities, and more are coming your way. Stay tuned – our updated catalog will be live soon on our website.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

If your organization would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

Measles confirmed in Arizona, no reported cases in Coconino County

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) and Navajo County Public Health Services District (NCPHSD) identified four confirmed cases of measles in Navajo County.

These individuals are unvaccinated and linked to the same exposure associated with international travel. NCPHSD is working to identify and notify anyone who may have been exposed. There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County.

City of Flagstaff — Lake Mary Road water leak update

FLAGSTAFF — At around 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, the City began receiving reports of water bubbling up out of Lake Mary Road in an area near Heckethorn Rd and the Sandy Canyon trailhead. There are two underground pipelines in the area; water from Upper Lake Mary and water from the Lake Mary well field. The City is working to determine the exact source and location of the leak. 

Coconino County National Forest —Firefighters continue ignitions on Basin Fire north of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters completed roughly 4,000 acres of ignitions today on the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, that is being actively managed to improve forest health.

A closure order for the area surrounding the Basin Fire has been issued for public and firefighter safety.

City of Flagstaff announces public art opportunity for Switzer Canyon Roundabout

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites artists to submit Statements of Qualifications (SOQs) to work within a design team to create a landmark three-dimensional artwork within a roundabout at the intersection of North Switzer Canyon Drive and North Turquoise Drive. The deadline to apply is July 1, 2025, at 3 p.m.

The Switzer Canyon Roundabout 3D Artwork will be part of the single-lane roundabout completed by the City of Flagstaff in 2019. The artwork will serve as a distinctive icon that enriches the cultural and aesthetic landscape of the neighborhood and Flagstaff. The site-specific public art installation will exist within a reconfiguration of the hardscape at the center of the roundabout that maintains traffic safety signage and sightlines.

Management of lightning-caused Basin Fire north of Flagstaff (on June 9)

FLAGSTAFF — Active management of the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, will begin (on June 9).

Fire managers with both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have spent the last several days preparing for firing operations (Monday) and Tuesday in order to restore ecological processes for about 9,000 acres of forest land through treatment.

Coconino County to provide court, health, and other services in Page on Thursday, June 19

This event gives Page residents and nearby areas access to services without needing to travel to Flagstaff. 

The Coconino County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Elections Department, Recorder’s Office, and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) along with The Guidance Center (TGC), Encompass, DNA-People’s Legal Services, and Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona (VWS) are participating. 

Intersection of Riordan Drive and Riordan Ranch Street in Flagstaff closed starting June 23

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, June 23, the intersection of Riordan Dr and Riordan Ranch St will be closed for one month. The closure is necessary as part of a larger project in the area that will install a new water meter and underground utilities.

Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the project. Project work will take place on Monday – Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Heavy equipment may be present in the area and there may be noise during work hours.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025

Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of a Thriving University

My heart sank as I read the article in the Wall Street Journal.

My alma mater, the Macomb campus of Western Illinois University, was featured as an example of America’s new “rust belt” – once-booming college towns now struggling because of dwindling enrollment rates. In the past 15 years, enrollment has dropped by 47 percent, and the bustling community I remember from my college days is quickly becoming a ghost town.

Macomb is hardly unique, and its story serves as a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are in northern Arizona, where one of the biggest drivers of our regional economy is Northern Arizona University.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025

Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim

The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Communications Issue #39: Flagstaff’s Important Code Analysis Project

The city is hosting a Community Conversation (on June 13) about the Code Analysis Project (CAP). This will be an in-depth conversation and an opportunity to provide input to city staff and discuss concerns related to how the community will address our housing and climate needs. The city is looking for the community’s input and concerns as they consider how to move forward with the CAP and the revision of development codes in a manner that reflects our community’s values.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on June 5 to share your story

​​​​​​​By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — 

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5. 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.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

READ MORE

FCD Director Lucinda Andreani earns award from American Society of Civil Engineer

COCONINO COUNTY — Flood Control District Director Lucinda Andreani will be presented with the Centennial Celebration Impact Award in Public Safety from the Northern Arizona Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on Saturday, Jun. 7 at Lowell Observatory.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have worked with civil engineers on so many public safety projects for our communities,” Andreani said. “We have a remarkable team, and the success of our post-wildfire flood mitigation projects and our Forest Restoration Initiative is in great part due to the expertise and commitment of our civil engineers.”

City of Flagstaff — Select roads in Presidio and Crestview neighborhoods fully closed on June 10

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City of Flagstaff’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, C & E Paving and Grading will be working to maintain and improve select roads in the Presidio and Crestview neighborhoods. The roads listed below will be fully closed during the morning or afternoon of Tuesday, June 10. Residents who need to travel during the closure timeframes need to park their vehicles outside of the streets being worked on. 

City of Flagstaff to host meet and greet event for Human Resources and Risk Management Director candidates on June 11

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Wednesday, June 11 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of Human Resources and Risk Management Director. The City received 59 applications, conducted 10 screening interviews, and invited 4 candidates to participate in the meet and greet following preliminary interviews.

The candidate names and a brief biography of those who accepted the invitation to participate are included below:

Grand Canyon National Park provides update on North Rim power outage and lodge services

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) has identified the cause of a recent power outage affecting the North Rim as an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power has been out at the Grand Canyon Lodge since approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.

Overnight reservations were cancelled starting the evening of June 2 due to the outage. The National Park Service appreciates visitors’ patience and understanding as we continue working closely with the concessioner to restore lodging and food services to full operations.

Grand Canyon National Park hosts 35th annual Grand Canyon Star Party—June 21-28

The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim). Amateur astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!

Areas of Coconino County to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, May 30

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Friday, May 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday.

… During Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited.

Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 30

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 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.
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

The City cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions. Please help the City keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions.

For more information on City fire restriction stages, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 26, 2025

Gallego Pushes Department of the Interior to Evaluate Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation *** Gallego Supports Legislation to Increase Homeownership for Arizona’s Veterans and Public Servants *** Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Economic Development *** More

U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

Understanding the Costs of Living in the Woods: The Wildfire/Insurance Issue – A Growing Crisis work session on June 3

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.

The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference. 

The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 26-30, 2025

Native Artisans Vendor Market Opens on North Rim

This past weekend, Grand Canyon National Park supported the Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Native Artisans Market on the North Rim which included 15 different Indigenous vendors over the course of four days. This was the first time the market was open on the North Rim.

Fire restrictions begin Friday on Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 1 fire and smoking restrictions 8 a.m., Friday, May 30, to help prevent human-caused fires and to limit the potential for catastrophic wildfires during periods of dangerous fire weather conditions.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves and smudge pots are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum, propane or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.

Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren testing scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m.

FLAGSTAFF — Full-volume testing of the Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren alerting system is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. The testing will confirm the proper functioning of the sirens ahead of monsoon season. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or smoke in the area.

During the testing, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in English, Spanish and Navajo, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message.

Coconino County road status information now available on AZ511 Website

COCONINO COUNTY — Motorists can now get real-time data about conditions affecting travel on Coconino County roads on AZ511.gov, the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) Arizona Traveler Information website.

Coconino County can upload real-time data regarding construction work, weather-related closures, special events, and emergency situations to the website using Travel-IQ, which is the Advanced Traveler Information System (ATIS) that also powers AZ511. The City of Flagstaff also uses Travel-IQ to publish information on AZ511 about city road construction and closures.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joins county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined county representatives at Fiesta de Mayo Celebration at the Flagstaff Mall on May 18.

Presented by the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association , the mall celebration was one of two events held last weekend, which included its “2025 Fiesta de Mayo Dance Party” at its newly-opened Sunnyside Market of Dreams, 2136 N. Fourth St., Flagstaff.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 19, 2025

• Gallego, Kelly, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families

• Gallego Urges Commerce Department to Reconsider Tomato Trade Decision That Threatens Jobs and Raises Prices for Arizonans

• Gallego Pushes for More Federal Resources to Combat Fentanyl Crisis in Arizona

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