
Connect with your community

The 2024 Fall Astronomy Volunteers. This team put on dark skies programs 4-5 nights per week through the fall season, connecting tens of thousands of visitors to the stars. Thank you for your stellar service to your national parks and to Grand Canyon’s dark skies! Left to right: Bernie Sanden, Robyn Tan, Steve Dimse, Lian Tan, Tyler Cherry, Rader Lane, CC Cogswell, Joey Green.

Today we conclude the radio programming for 2024 We hope to continue in 2025 and, above all, continue to count on your tune. We wish to have served you as you deserve. THANK YOU!
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Hoy concluimos la programación radial de 2024. Esperamos continuar en 2025 y, sobre todo, seguir contando con su sintonía. Deseamos haberle servido como usted se merece. ¡GRACIAS!

On behalf of the leadership of the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona, I want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the communities we proudly serve.
We are deeply thankful for the unwavering support of our partners – local businesses, government entities, and countless individuals – who have been instrumental in shaping and strengthening our regional economy.
As we celebrate this holiday weekend with family and friends, let us reflect on the many blessings we share here in northern Arizona, from our abundant natural resources to the incredible talent and dedication of those committed to our region’s prosperity.

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved changes to Chapters 1 and 2 of the Coconino County Unified Health Code and the adoption of the Ordinance for the Regulation and Prohibition of Unlicensed Establishments within Coconino County …
… at the November 25, 2024, meeting. These changes, requested by Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health, will assist in the regulation of unlicensed food vendors in Coconino County.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program announces the completion of Aspen Niche. The project, a partnership between the City and Qwest Corporation, began in 2021. Located on Aspen Avenue between Century Link and Pay ‘N Take, Aspen Niche features bicycle parking and beautification elements including new fencing, vehicle and pedestrian gates and asphalt replacement—enhancing the pedestrian experience by transforming the banality of chain link and asphalt into a vibrant focal point.
“Aspen Niche is a bright and inviting aesthetic for the downtown experience,” said Jana Weldon, Program Manager for the City’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences program. “With the bike hub, this project adds value that is both artistic and functional, creating a more welcoming atmosphere by encouraging visitors to engage with their surroundings.”

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is implementing mandatory water conservation measures for the South Rim, effective immediately. These measures are in response to a pipeline break along the North Kaibab Trail, which has impacted the park’s water supply.
To help conserve water, all residents, visitors, and park operations are urged to reduce water usage wherever possible, including in homes, hotel rooms, and campgrounds. These efforts are critical to maintaining water availability while still ensuring public health and safety.
Mandatory water conservation measures include:

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for an appointment for the Williams Unified School District governing board that will expire December 31, 2026.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district. A first review of applications will commence 30 days following the posting on December 26, 2024. Please turn in your applications by the end of the business day. Applications can be downloaded at this address: https://coconino.az.gov/2855/Governing-Board

PHOENIX — Valle del Sol Community Health’s Hispanic Leadership Institute in Phoenix, and a local official, congratulated HLI Alumni who are now elected officials for the State of Arizona.
Ruth Eaton, former chair and current member of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) extended her congratulations to the HLI Alumni on their accomplishments this fall.
“Being one of the first HLI graduates many years ago, I am very proud of HLI’s achievements and statewide expansion in Arizona,” Eaton said. “HLI opens the path for Hispanic Leadership.”
HLI stated on its Facebook page:
“These alumni are true examples of leadership and have actively stepped up to serve their communities. ¡Felicidades!,”
They include:

COCONINO COUNTY — Lena Fowler, Coconino County Supervisor, District 5 has been named to a newly formed National Association of Counties (NACo) Intergovernmental Disaster Reform Task Force.
This presidentially appointed group of 28 county leaders is tasked with modernizing federal disaster policies, strengthening intergovernmental partnerships geared towards disaster resiliency and enhancing local disaster mitigation, response and recovery capacities.
“As the Coconino County Supervisor for District 5, I offer extensive expertise in disaster management, particularly in response to wildfires and floods in Northern Arizona,” said Fowler. “My leadership during significant events, including the Schultz Fire, has been instrumental in orchestrating complex recovery efforts in collaboration with local, tribal, state, and federal agencies while advocating for the development of resilient infrastructure. My in-depth understanding of the region’s unique geography, combined with my commitment to the welfare of our diverse communities, ensures a proactive and inclusive strategy for disaster preparedness and response.”

We’re excited to share a great opportunity for community members to get involved with Flagstaff’s public art scene! The City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences program is looking for passionate individuals to serve as panelists for upcoming public art projects. We’d really appreciate it if you could help spread the word to your constituents, staff, volunteers, or anyone in your community who might be interested in participating.
We’re looking for people from all backgrounds—art experience isn’t required! Panelists will evaluate artists, artist proposals, or engage in discussions about projects. The time commitment varies, depending on the project, but participation is virtual making it easy to take part from anywhere.

FLAGSTAFF— Per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requirements, the City has been conducting an inventory of the location and material type of all city water service lines. City customers with service lines of unknown material received a mailed notice this week from the City of Flagstaff with steps to help determine the material in the water service line. A map hosted by ADEQ detailing the material of known service lines is now also available to view on 120wateraudit.com

PAGE — The Superior Court in Coconino County and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) are hosting an event at the Page Justice Facility, 547 Vista Ave., in Page, Arizona on Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event provides residents of Page and neighboring areas with the opportunity to receive important services without traveling to Flagstaff. Registration is not required.

As we celebrate Women’s Entrepreneurship Day today, we are reminded of the incredible strides women have made in business and entrepreneurship – and of the significant challenges that remain.
According to Wells Fargo’s inaugural Impact of Women-Owned Businesses, which was released earlier this year, women own more than 14 million businesses in the United States (about 39% of all companies), employing more than 12.2 million people and generating $2.7 trillion in annual revenue. In non-employer businesses, Arizona has a higher share of women-owned businesses than the United States as a whole.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff’s Solid Waste Section is excited to announce the launch of a new customer notification platform aimed at enhancing service transparency and ensuring residents have timely email updates on trash and recycle collection services. Through this user-friendly platform, residents can expect improved communication regarding service delays, collection schedules, holiday pickup changes, and holiday closures.
Residents interested in receiving these email updates are encouraged to subscribe to receive the most up-to-date information directly to their inbox, ensuring uninterrupted service throughout the year. Visit www.bit.ly/trashandrecycling to sign up.

The federal government currently lacks the resources to fulfill Trump’s pledge of mass deportations in the first months of his presidency, but ICE?can and will act?quickly to target immigrants for arrests. However, before that begins, President Biden has two months left in office to take decisive action to protect people at risk under Trump’s indiscriminate immigration enforcement plans.

COCONINO COUNTY — The City of Flagstaff, Coconino County, and Mountain Line are once again partnering for a Stuff the Bus event on Sunday, November 17 to benefit the Flagstaff Family Food Center (FFFC).
This year’s event will be at the Safeway store located at 1201 S. Plaza Way in Flagstaff from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public is invited to bring non-perishable food donations for a Thanksgiving meal, and FFFC staff and volunteers will be on-hand to accept monetary donations. Additionally, the partners set a goal to stuff the bus with 300 turkeys to help our neighbors in need.

Winter Preparedness: Best Practices for Power Outages
Winter in Grand Canyon Village brings its own set of challenges, including the possibility of power outages due to inclement weather. It’s important to be prepared for a variety of winter-related situations to ensure the safety and well-being of you, your family, and your neighbors.
What to Do During a Power Outage

A portion of east-bound Butler Ave will be closed and motorists in the area should expect short delays. Two Mountain Line bus stops near Butler Ave and San Francsico St will be temporarily relocated one block east near Butler Ave and WC Riles St. Signage in the area will direct transit riders to the temporary stop locations as well as pedestrian access. Construction activities will remove landscaping and furnishings on the north and south side of Butler Ave between Leroux St and San Francisco St.

Coconino County Deputy Manager Lucinda Andreani, a long-time member of the Summit Society of United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA), embodies the spirit of giving and community involvement.
Born in California, she has been active in community affairs throughout her life, whether it was helping launch a local chapter of the National Organization for Women or participating in environmental cleanups.
Her journey with United Way began when she was working for the California utility company PG&E, which promoted workplace giving to their local United Ways and provided matching grants for donations. Lucinda was always in the top tier of donors.

COCONINO COUNTY — The Final Unofficial election results for November 5, 2024, are available. Coconino County voters cast 70,993 ballots. The voter turnout is 78.29%, which is on track to be higher than the state average.
The results will be final after the Board of Supervisors canvass the election on Tuesday November 19, 2024 at 1:15 p.m.

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for frontcountry camping fees. This increase would begin April 1, 2025.
Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) collects campground fees from visitors for overnight stays. GRCA is seeking public comment on proposed fee increases for standard tent and RV sites at Mather, Desert View and North Rim campgrounds. The current camping fees have remained unchanged for the past 20 years.

As the oldest Latino civil rights organization in the nation, LULAC stands firmly committed to uplifting and empowering the Latino community across America—working to strengthen economic and educational opportunities and to protect our civil rights.
For nearly a century, LULAC has been here, side by side with the communities we serve, tirelessly working toward a future that fulfills the dreams of our families and honors the sacrifices of those who came before us. Now, as we look to the horizon, we welcome the opportunity to work with President Donald J. Trump, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, all of last night’s elected officials, and the incoming Administration. Together, we are called to build a future that holds space for all our stories, our voices, and our dreams.

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veterans Day. City Hall will reopen on Nov. 12.
City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Nov. 11 include:
East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

Monday, November 11: Free Admission to National Parks
In honor of Veterans Day, Grand Canyon National Park and all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone on Monday, November 11. Please note that this fee-free designation does not apply to camping, reservations, tours, or lodging.
Thanks to all our veterans in the park and in our community for your service to the nation!

Last year, United Way of Northern Arizona was a partner in a project to help teens in Navajo County survey their peers about current mental health issues facing youth in northeast Arizona.
One of the items to emerge from that survey was that teens in the area were eager for a space to call their own – a teen center.
Now Grow Arizona Workforce Network is pursuing a plan that would establish a facility to not only provide a safe and supportive environment for teens, but to develop the region’s future workforce.

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest plan to burn piles of slash along Snowbowl Road tomorrow to reduce hazardous forest fuels.
For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects Inciweb page, which is updated any time new information is available

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, Nov. 7. 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 guest speaker for this week is Jason D. Gillette, CEO of the Guild Health Group
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.
READ MORE

On Friday, Nov. 8, the existing traffic control along Milton Road will be removed and north and southbound lanes will be re-opened until spring 2025. Additionally, eastbound access onto University Drive via Milton Road will be re-opened. Please keep in mind that traffic control along Milton Road, University Avenue and University Drive will return in spring 2025 so crews can perform asphalt paving and concrete installation operations to finish out the remainder of the project.

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Elections Department shares the Election Results release schedule so voters can understand what the tabulation process entails for the General Election on November 5, 2024.
All elections results are preliminary and not official until they are canvased by the County Board of Supervisors in mid-November.

COCONINO COUNTY — Let’s prepare for Election Day! The Coconino County Elections Department encourages all voters to make a plan and vote at the General Election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
Remember – this is a historically large ballot with high voter turnout expected. Plan ahead and bring your Sample Ballot to help speed up the voting process. Ballot information can be found at this site.

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of Christmas tree permits online starting Nov. 14 at 8 a.m., and permit owners will be allowed to begin cutting Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.
A total of 1,300 permits will be available for purchase on the Coconino NF Christmas tree permit site online through Recreation.gov, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and types of trees that may be cut.

FLAGSTAFF — With predicted moisture in the next couple of days, fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are planning on conducting pile burns 4 miles west of Flagstaff, south of Interstate 40 along Naval Observatory Road.
Smoke will be visible to those in Flagstaff and motorists along I-40 and may impact areas of Flagstaff Ranch.

The Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan is an important policy guide for the Flagstaff Region: this region includes the City of Flagstaff and nearby county communities including Kachina, Mountainaire, Doney Park, and Bellemont. The Draft Regional Plan envisions the year 2045 and outlines the community vision for growth, housing, transportation, the economy, climate action, natural resources, open space, parks, water management, energy, and infrastructure.

IN THIS ISSUE
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Community Meetings on Post Wildfire Flood Risks and Upper Rio Forest Restoration
Department of Agriculture Undersecretary Homer Wilkes Returns to Discuss Forest Restoration and Celebrate RFOR’s Sawmill
Governor and Attorney General Join the County in Calling For Review of EIS For Pinyon Plain Mine
Capitol Hill Hears From Coconino County
NRCS Chief and Senior Advisor Tom O’Halleran Tour Flood Mitigation Projects Funded by NRCS
Happy First Anniversary to Baaj Nwaavjo I’Tah Kukveni Ancestral Footprints of The Grand Canyon National Monument
Honoring Former Supervisor Ryan with Matt Ryan County Natural Area
Wildland Fire Leadership Council Meet in Flagstaff
Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Ribbon Cutting Celebration
Mike Scott Retires and Flagstaff Family Food Center Acquires Grand Canyon Food Pantry
Supervisor Horstman Sworn In at the Governor’s Office for the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority Board
Regent Liz Archuleta Honored
Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition Star Party Delivers!
Camp Colton Breaks Ground on New Lodge
In Remembrance of Dr. Miguel Vasquez
Fall Events
Community Resources

Voting on November 5th
The 2024 Arizona elections will take place on Tuesday, November 5, coinciding with the nationwide general election. As we’ve seen in previous elections, every vote matters, and we strongly encourage all employees and community members to exercise their right to vote.
For those working in the park, you can cast your ballot at the Shrine of the Ages, precinct #59, on Election Day. Voters registered in Coconino County have the option to vote at their designated precinct polling place or at any Vote Center available on Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, and if you are in line at 7 p.m., you will still be allowed to vote.
For up-to-date information on polling locations and additional details, please visit the Coconino County Elections website at www.coconino.az.gov/elections or call 928-679-7860.

FLAGSTAFF — Per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) requirements, the City has been conducting an inventory of the location and material type of all city water service lines. City customers with service lines of unknown material will receive a notice from the City of Flagstaff in early November 2024. There is a possibility that water service lines of unknown material could be made of lead or galvanized pipe that was previously connected to lead.

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office reminds early voters that their voted ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, November 5. The recommended deadline to mail your voted early ballot has passed. Instead, early voters should drop their ballots off in person.
As of Monday, October 28, half the early ballots issued for the General Election have not been received by the Recorder’s Office. There is still time to get turn in your early ballot.

COCONINO COUNTY — With more than 200 virtual attendees, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth celebrated its inaugural “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation on Oct. 22 and 23.
“This type of work overwhelmingly moves people to action. It inspires them toward love and care of others as we pause to view differing perspectives and to understand issues in multi-dimensional ways,” said Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of CCC&Y.
CCC&Y curated an array of speakers and topics to help our community understand what system change is, why we need it and some tools and support to improve how things are done. See information on speakers below.
“It has been such a joy to see the positive interaction with the speakers and the material. Occasionally, it can kick up some feelings that express themselves in a wide variety of ways and some push back can be seen,” Watahomigie said. “We are committed to continuing this work and moving these initiatives forward. At the risk of sounding like a soundbite, and paraphrasing, I remember that Maya Angelou encouraged us to do better when we know better. The trick can sometimes be the willingness to know better.”
READ MORE

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has been awarded a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration for $4,989,600 for the Amtrak Station Accessibility Project. The project includes reconstruction of the existing north platform and the addition of a new south platform, which will improve passenger accessibility, rail efficiency, and safety. Matching funds in the amount of $1.2M will be provided through a partnership between the City and BNSF Railway. This project will be integrated into City’s Downtown Mile Safety and Connectivity suite of projects to provide a wholistic approach to improvements along the rail corridor.

PRESCOTT — On October 18, 2024, the Prescott National Forest Supervisor, Sarah Clawson, signed the Decision Notice authorizing the equal value exchange of lands currently owned by the Yavapai Apache Nation for parcels on National Forest lands.
In celebration of this historic occasion, the Yavapai-Apache Nation will host a signing ceremony on November 4 beginning at 10:00 am at the Nation’s Tunlii Community Center, located at 1520 E. Cherry Creek Rd., Camp Verde, Arizona.

I’ve recently learned of the efforts of the Democracy Defense Front (DDF) and am passing this information on to you in case you’re interesting in assisting the group. The DDF is looking for volunteers to ensure every eligible voter can exercise their rights peacefully and successfully on election day.
Training takes place in Flagstaff on Tuesday October 29, 1:00-4:00 pm at the NAU University Union, in Havasupai C. For more information, and to register (please do so prior to Tuesday), go to this location. Food will be provided during the training.
After training, you will be paid $25/hour to work a full-day shift on election day. I’ve been told that trained volunteers from the Flagstaff area will be placed at polling locations in or near Flagstaff.
Michele James
Executive Director

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Coconino National Forest are currently monitoring a lightning-caused wildfire that was reported the morning of October 25 approximately 11 miles south of Flagstaff on the west side of Interstate 17 near the Newman Park exit.
The Smith Fire is currently 55 acres within the burn scar of the Scott Fire of 2023 and moving at a low rate of spread with no structures threatened.
Fire managers are considering this wildfire as a candidate to manage for forest health but waiting to see what the next couple of days brings in precipitation.

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite the community to participate in the 60-day public review of the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 by reading the draft, submitting comments, and attending events from now until Thursday, Dec. 19. Visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/regionalplan2045 to read the draft, as well as information about the Plan and upcoming events.

Co-coordinators Robin Ayers, HR Manager, and Michelle Brown, Senior HR Coordinator, led Nestle Purina’s campaign this year with a mission of engaging employees and inspiring community support.
“When we can step up and make a difference, it is recognizable to others, which can encourage other agencies and individuals to do the same,” said Michelle. “We’re proud of our employees who are involved in community outreach.”
Nestle Purina introduced their workplace campaign during quarterly business meetings, combining informational presentations on the work of UWNA with opportunities to donate. Raffles were held for anyone completing a pledge form with additional prize opportunities for staff members who met specified donation goals.