Category: Government

CCHHS Issues Warning on Unlicensed Food Vendors

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services Environmental Health has noted an increase in unlicensed food vendors throughout the County. These vendors pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness due to unsanitary conditions and should be avoided.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 28-Nov. 1, 2024

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.

City of Flagstaff conducting inventory of water service lines; Customers with service lines with unknown material to receive notice

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.  

The Recommended Deadline to Return Your Early Ballot by Mail Has Passed – Drop it Off

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 Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y celebrates successful System Change Symposium

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.

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“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.”

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City of Flagstaff awarded $5M federal grant for Amtrak Station Accessibility Project

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.

Forest Service and Yavapai-Apache Nation finalize land exchange in north central Arizona

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.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Democracy Defense Front is Looking for Volunteers. Training on Oct. 29

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

Fire managers considering managing lightning-caused fire south of Flagstaff

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 City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 10/28/24

View this email in your browser October 28th, 2024 Connect with your community Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability, please call 928-213-2331…

Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 — 60-Day Public Review now open

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.   

United Way of Northern Arizona — Nestle Purina and Joy Cone Lead the Way for United Way

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 21-25, 2024

Honoring Heritage: Reflections on the Healing Power of Land and Community at Indigenous Peoples’ Day

“Remember these places that we are enjoying; now that they are more than just tourist destinations, more than recreational playgrounds, more than places where mining companies or helicopter companies are out there to make a buck. When you’re out on that trail and maybe take a moment think about this place as medicine and how it’s probably providing you some healing. When you look at that breathtaking view that is medicine right there…the reason why that the land can do that for us, is because that power is real, and that is all what a scared place is, recognizing that the land has power.” -David Martínez

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Families gather information at Flagstaff Mall’s 2024 Health and Wellness Fair

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — This is the last chance to register for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23.

More than 125 individuals signed up for the Oct. 22 event.

The symposium provides details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

“The speakers today had very relevant information. I appreciated the focus on intergenerational trauma and how systemic systems contribute to people’s trauma – this feels so relevant to Northern Arizona living on and near tribal lands and being a border state where children have been separated from parents for an extended length of time,” said Dylan Wilder of TransIntimate Online Courses. “Learning more about Vitalyst Spark Grants and the different pillars of systemic change was a critical and helpful lens for me.”

The symposium also provides information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

“…The Symposium provided information which was helpful – on a macro level to educate the audience about the broad concepts surrounding Systems Change as well as on a personal level as we learned more about how we as humans experience and react to the world around us affects the way we function,” said Sandra Diehl of the Coconino County Public Defender’s Office.

The event is hosted by CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie, who will speak about the Coalition’s Reimagine Community Project — A Trauma-Informed System Change program the Coalition is partnering with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. CCC&Y was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant

The event is free for those who live or work in Coconino County, $20 full day for all others. Register HERE for the Oct. 23 event.

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City of Flagstaff — Winter parking restrictions begin Nov. 1

FLAGSTAFF — Winter parking restrictions in the City of Flagstaff will begin on Nov. 1 and will remain in effect until April 1. During this time, parking on city streets and alleyways is prohibited from midnight to 7 a.m.

Winter parking restrictions allow the City to thoroughly plow the streets during snow events and remains in effect even if it is not snowing to aid in street sweeping. This ordinance is enforced by the Flagstaff Police Department. Cars that are parked in violation of the ordinance when it is not snowing will receive a ticket and those parked in violation during inclement weather will receive a ticket and could be towed.

Coconino County Winter Parking Ordinance Begins Friday Nov. 1

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Winter Parking Ordinance Begins Friday Nov. 1. The ordinance, which will remain in effect through Tuesday, April 1, 2025, prohibits vehicles, trailers, and storage containers from being parked in County-maintained rights-of-way at all times during snow season.

Between Nov. 1 – April 1 of each year, vehicles, trailers, and storage containers must be kept clear of County-maintained rights-of-way both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous “snow play”-related traffic congestion and parking issues along County rights-of-way. Any vehicle parked in prohibited areas is subject to be cited and may be towed at the owner’s expense due to the possibility of threatening the health or welfare of County residents. 

Three Sisters and Pine Flat Rx Fire Projects Scheduled For Final Treatments This Week

WILLIAMS — Fire Managers are preparing to wrap up the 2024 fall prescribed burning season on the south zone of the Kaibab National Forest this week beginning with the 3055 acre Pine Flat Prescribed Fire Project located approximately 15 miles south of Williams, followed by the 1467 acre Fireball Unit on the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project located 5 miles northwest of Williams on the south side of FR 124.

Prescribed burn southwest of Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods planned for Oct. 23

FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department southwest of the Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods on Wednesday, Oct. 23. The burn will target approximately 36 acres within the Jesse Gregg RX Units. Resources on scene will include the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management Module and representatives from the NAU School of Forestry.

Prescribed burns planned on Coconino National Forest this week

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to conduct two prescribed burn projects this week, beginning tomorrow.

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Register NOW! for CCC&Y’s System Change Symposium, a virtual community experience on Oct. 22 or 23

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — With less than a week to go, the time to register is NOW! for the Coconino Coalition of Children & Youth’s “System Change Symposium” Zoom presentation. Participants can choose Oct. 22 or Oct. 23 to attend the Virtual Community Experience.

The event will provide details on What is System Change? Why Do We Need It? How Do We Make It Happen?

It will also provide information on How do we come together for true change? How do we address root cause issues and create positive outcomes, health and thriving for all?

The System Change Symposium includes such presenters as:

• Kevin Campbell, an American Child Protection, Health Care Innovator and co-founder of Pale Blue with Elizabeth Wendel, MSW, LSW, will help viewers understand the human toll and outcomes of current systems and give us practical ideas for making change now.

• David Martinez III of Vitalist Health Foundation, who will talk about “What is Systems Change and Why They Fund It”

• Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historical Trauma, who will provide examples of policy, systems and inequity

• Andrea Meronuck of Northland Family Health Center and Pearl Santillan of First Things First, who will provide information on mindfulness, self compassion and/or mental health models

• Dr. Sandra Solano, founder of Integro, who will talk about HeartMath, trauma and use for systems change work

• and a message from Flagstaff Mayor, Becky Daggett

READ MORE​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 14-18, 2024

Grand Canyon Hosts Successful Indigenous People’s Day Events
On Indigenous People’s Day hundreds of people watched dance performances at two locations. On the canyon rim, in front of Hopi house Crown Dancers from the White Mountain Apache, danced as the clouds cast mood lighting on them. Participants watched as the boys performed dances intended for blessing and healing. Their crowns represented four mountains that are sacred to the Apache and each dancer called “angelic beings”, spirits who lived on the mountains, to come into the crowd.

City of Flagstaff — 60-Day Public Review – Regional Plan 2045

The 60-Day Public Review for the DRAFT Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan is here, and we need your help! Your feedback on the proposed content is crucial to bringing our community’s vision to life. Your comments will directly shape the final plan and what appears on next year’s ballot. All comments from the public review period are due on Thursday, December 19, 2024, at 5 pm. 

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.

City of Flagstaff — Full closure of portion of Zuni Drive scheduled for reconstruction project

FLAGSTAFF — A full closure of Zuni Drive between Leupp Drive and Lone Tree Road will begin on Wednesday, Oct 23 for two to three weeks as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program. While it was previously communicated that this project would reduce Zuni Drive to a single lane with flagging operations, it has since been updated to a full closure. During this time, motorists will need to detour around the area utilizing Lone Tree Road, JW Powell Boulevard and Lake Mary Road. Pedestrians and cyclists will need to detour through the work zone utilizing a portion of the Bow and Arrow Trail.

Coconino National Forest seeking additional public input for Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II

SEDONA — After input from the public, community leaders, and user groups, the Red Rock Ranger District is releasing the Red Rock Trails Access Plan Phase II for additional public comments, from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14.

The plan proposes trail enhancements, including adding approximately 31 miles of new non-motorized trails and re-routing and naturalizing other trails, within the Turkey Creek area of the Coconino National Forest. This area is located in the Village of Oak Creek in Yavapai County.

Members of the public can view the recent Scoping Letter and associated maps on the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/RedRockAccessPhaseII.

Coconino National Forest accepting applicants for Women in Wildland Fire program

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is now accepting applicants for next April’s Women in Wildland Fire training camp.

Women in Wildland Fire camp participants will gain a greater understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of wildland firefighting in a supportive and educational environment.

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive the beginning qualifications needed to start a career in wildfire, whether it be as a firefighter or a supporting role.

The program consists of a combination of online and field training. During online training modules, participants will learn about topics such as wildland fire behavior, firefighting strategy and safety, and the wildland fire job application process.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Bidding Begins Today for F3’s Native American Art Auction

F3’s Native American Art Auction begins online today! This is an important fundraiser for F3. Now is the time to bid on the many beautiful Native American rugs, baskets, pottery, jewelry, and paintings donated to F3 by Martha Blue and Oliver (Ollie) W. Johnson. Access the auction here: https://onlinefundraiser.events/F3NativeAmericanArtAuction.

F3 would appreciate if you would forward this email to your friends and neighbors. Thank you!

Voting Early? Be Sure to Understand Prop. 482

COCONINO COUNTY — Early voting in Coconino County began Oct. 9 and early ballots have been mailed.

Since there are many elected offices and propositions to vote on this year, remember to vote on both sides of the ballot, and find your local propositions toward the bottom of the ballot. Local ballot initiatives have the most direct impact on communities because counties, cities, and towns provide essential services like law enforcement, road maintenance, healthcare, and disaster response to residents. 

Coconino County — Early Voting Has Started for Nov. 5 General Election

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed over 64,800 early ballots to registered voters for the upcoming November 5 General Election.  Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Wednesday, October 16 should call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to make sure there is not a problem with their voter registration status or mailing address.

Registered voters that are not on the AEVL may request an early ballot be mailed to them by calling the Recorder’s Office, sending a written request to Coconino County Recorder’s Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001, or submitting an on-line request.  The deadline to request an early ballot to be mailed to a voter is October 25. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Oct. 7-11, 2024

Fire managers from the National Park Service and U.S. Forest Service, who are part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, have delayed the previously planned prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The timing of these operations will now depend on favorable weather conditions, resource availability, and the status of the National Preparedness Level, which is currently at Level 5.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of Workforce Visualization

How can a community better plan for its workforce needs?

Given the increasing complexity of our economy and the difficulty of obtaining reliable data, it can be challenging for policymakers, businesses, and educators to plan for future growth.

That challenge is being addressed by the Arizona Education and Workforce Visualization Project, part of the Arizona State University / Helios Decision Center for Educational Excellence.

The director of the Decision Center, Dr. Joe O’Reilly, will be presenting on the tools from the visualization project at an upcoming meeting of ECoNA’s Advisory Council.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Important Voting Information and F3’s Guide

F3 believes strongly in civic engagement and we hold the vision that community members should participate fully at every level of decision-making. F3’s strives to provide voters with information to assist in making decisions regarding our local elections by providing our Candidate Questionnaires for City Council and, new this year, the Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) School Board.

F3 has also produced our election year “Voter’s Guide to State and Local Propositions 2024.” This Guide will assist voters in understanding the three city and county propositions on the ballot, as well as the 13 state propositions.

City of Flagstaff hosts Indigenous Peoples Day celebration event on Oct. 14

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will host an Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. The event, titled “Reflecting | Honoring | Resilience: Voices for Land and Community”, will take place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. and will feature presentations and cultural shares through songs and dances. Lunch will be served to attendees. The event will be held at the Elks Lodge (2101 N San Francisco St.) A schedule of the event will be posted on the City’s website.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — FBN publishes ‘Promoting a Healthy Community through Trauma-Informed Systems Change’

Editor’s note — The Flagstaff Business News published the following guest contribution on Oct. 4, 2024 by Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett written with support of CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie.

By Becky Daggett • Guest contribution to the Flagstaff Business News

During the post-wildfire flooding of 2021, I witnessed interactions between people who were worried, tired and angry. Residents, volunteers and staff were all scrambling to protect homes, find solutions and bring relief to those impacted. We were all doing our best during a time when nobody’s best seemed good enough. As my time as a city councilmember and then mayor has progressed, I’ve gotten to know many city staff and I see how difficult and stressful their jobs often are.

Most would agree that people seem to be experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. This stress can sometimes result in negative – and at times, angry – interactions between people. What some of us don’t realize is that there are past situations and circumstances that can lead us into these negative interactions.

The Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) has been supporting child well-being for more than 50 years in our community. Through child abuse prevention efforts, including education about Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), CCC&Y has galvanized support, education and awareness to support our community  … Since 2016, CCC&Y has tried to get this information into the hands of greater numbers of our community because the effects of childhood trauma are experienced not only individually, but also by the community. We all have a role to play in the healing. Further, the effects are not limited to childhood. …
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Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie approached me about a three-year change grant they were about to apply for through Vitalyst Health Foundation and we discussed getting the city involved in their project. Believing that the project had the potential to make lives better for people across our community, I enthusiastically agreed to discuss the opportunity with our city manager. He agreed, as did leadership from Coconino County. …

Read the entire guest contribution here in the Flagstaff Business News​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

City of Flagstaff offices closed on Indigenous Peoples Day

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Monday, Oct. 14 in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day. City Hall offices will reopen Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Indigenous Peoples Day 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.)
Hazardous Products Center (6770 E Landfill Rd.)

Prescribed burns planned on Coconino National Forest week of Oct. 7

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest plans to continue work on several prescribed burn projects this week that will help restore healthier conditions to the fire-adapted ponderosa pine forests of northern Arizona.

Prescribed burns will be canceled if weather conditions – such as temperature, wind or humidity – do not meet the criteria outlined in the burn plans.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library — Happening at Your Library Week of 10/7/24

View this email in your browser October 7th, 2024 Connect with your community Upcoming Library Closures Adult & All-Ages Events Book Clubs Youth Events Friends of the Library Technology Help To request a reasonable accommodation for any type of disability,…

City of Flagstaff — Inner Basin Waterline repair project complete after wildfire damage

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District are proud to announce the substantial completion of the Inner Basin Waterline repair project. The project repaired an important water pipeline that delivers two to four million gallons of water per day to Flagstaff that was damaged by post-wildfire flooding from the 2022 Pipeline Fire.

Blue Stem Prescribed Fire Complete, Rx Burns Continuing on Williams Ranger District This Week

WILLIAMS — Fire managers have successfully treated 6904 acres on Tusayan Ranger District last week completing the Blue Stem Rx Fire Project and are moving back to the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, south of forest road 124, between Airport Road and the west side of Highway 64. 

Improving weather conditions have re-opened the opportunity for crews to return working in the local areas near Williams and Spring Valley. Plans are in place to begin ignitions on approximately 1500 acres of the Pronghorn and Cataract units of Three Sisters project on Tuesday October 8, and then move to the 4200 acre Marteen East Rx Fire Project later this same week. This project is located north of Spring Valley, west of forest road 144, and east of Laws Spring.

Coconino County Voter Registration Deadline Is Oct. 7 for General Election

FLAGSTAFF — The voter registration deadline for the November 5, 2024 General Election is Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. 

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

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

Voter registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 7th

COCONINO COUNTY — The voter registration deadline for the General Election is Monday, Oct. 7th. That is the last day to register to vote or update your voter registration! Register to vote online at servicearizona.com

Also, visit the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC)’s 2024 Elections Available for the Community webpage for information in English and español.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 30-Oct. 4, 2024

Beginning October 8, fire managers from the National Park Service and US Forest Service will initiate prescribed burns on the North Kaibab Ranger District and the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. These operations, part of the North Zone Interagency Fire Management Program, will continue into December, depending on weather and fuel conditions.

Targeted areas for burning include Highway 67 near Jacob Lake, the Telephone Hills area, Demotte, and portions southwest of Forest Road 22 on the North Kaibab Ranger District, as well as areas near the North Rim Developed area and Cape Royal in the park.

Residents and visitors may notice smoke during ignition operations, especially along Highways 89A and 67. The Cape Royal Road will be closed from sunset on Oct. 13 through Oct. 18 while the road to Point Imperial will remain open.

A total of 25,371 acres on the North Kaibab Ranger District and 4,347 acres on the North Rim will be treated to reduce hazardous fuels and maintain the ecosystem’s natural fire processes. Fire managers will coordinate with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to mitigate potential smoke impacts.

Coconino National Forest — Resources responding to small wildfire in Schultz Pass area north of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Resources are responding to the Hollow Fire, a roughly 1.5-acre wildfire located in the Schultz Pass area 5 miles north of Flagstaff.

Resources responding to the incident include two engines.

Firefighters are currently working to suppress the fire using adjacent trail systems as holding features.

Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim to Begin Day-Use Operations on Oct. 16, 2024

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park’s North Rim will begin day-use operations on October 16, 2024. Grand Canyon Lodge will close, and no overnight accommodations, including camping, will be available to visitors. Those exploring the North Rim on or after October 16 should plan to be self-sufficient, bringing enough food and water for the day.

Available services will include a self-serve gas station that accepts only credit and debit cards for as long as State Route 67 remains open. After October 31, water will be available only at the North Rim Administration Building. The entrance gate on State Route 67 will close at sunset on November 30, 2024, or after the first major snowstorm, whichever comes first.

New Leadership Announced in the Coconino County Attorney’s Office

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Attorney’s Office has initiated a succession plan that includes the resignation and reassignment of County Attorney Bill Ring.

At the Board of Supervisors meeting today, Ring’s resignation was accepted, and he was appointed Chief Civil Deputy Attorney, while Chief Deputy County Attorney Ammon Barker was sworn in as interim County Attorney, and Senior Criminal Attorney Michael Tunink was appointed Chief Deputy County Attorney. All actions were approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Coconino National Forest Fall 2024 Partnership Newsletter

… In my short time on the Coconino National Forest, the extreme diversity of what our forest has to offer has been amazing to experience. From low deserts and our world-renowned Red Rock Country to the remnants of an ancient volcano that stands as Arizona’s tallest peak to the Mogollon Rim that runs for hundreds of miles across central Arizona, the Coconino is an amazingly diverse forest unlike any that I have worked on.

Community invited to comment on draft Stormwater Management Design Manual

The Stormwater Management Design Manual has been developed to assist in the design and evaluation of public and private stormwater management facilities within the boundaries of the City of Flagstaff. The manual establishes stormwater management policies, design procedures, and design criteria for conducting hydrologic and hydraulic studies, designs, and evaluations. Revisions include updating outdated terms and conditions from the existing 2009 Stormwater Management Design Manual. 

Community invited to share guiding ideas for new Flagstaff City logo

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites the community to take a short survey to share ideas for a new City logo. The survey will ask respondents about broad concepts that will serve as inspiration for the design of a new logo, as it is crucial to the City that the logo design represents the history, culture, and values of the Flagstaff community as a whole. This survey is the first of several opportunities for the community to provide direct feedback on the logo project. To access the survey, visit flagstaf.az.gov/logo. The deadline to complete the survey is Oct. 25, 2024.

2023 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

Grand Canyon National Park is required to annually distribute a consumer confidence report for the park’s drinking water. The purpose is to allow consumers to make educated decisions regarding any potential health risks pertaining to the quality, treatment, and management of drinking water.

To view the entire report, click on the button below. If you have any questions or comments about this report or your public water supply, please contact the GRCA Water Utility team at 928-638-7898.

Temporary closure of parking lot and FUTS near Visitor Center for Snowmelt System Installation Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin construction on the Flagstaff Visitor Center Snowmelt System Installation Project on Oct. 7, 2024. This project will enhance safety and accessibility for all visitors to the Visitor Center by installing a heated walkway to aid with snowmelt during the winter season. To facilitate the completion of the project, the Visitor Center west parking lot, including the ChargePoint charging stations, will be closed to vehicles and pedestrian traffic from Oct. 7 – Nov. 4. The Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) path that runs along Route 66 and the Visitor Center north entrance will also be fully closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic during this time.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 23-27, 2024

Naturalization Ceremony at the Grand Canyon

On September 20, the Grand Canyon served as a breathtaking backdrop for the naturalization of 30 new American citizens from 11 diverse countries, including Brazil, Canada, Germany, India, Mexico, New Zealand, the Philippines, Turkey, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam. This ceremony, the first since 2019, celebrated unity and hope as it brought together individuals and families embarking on their new journeys as U.S. citizens. Held at Mather Amphitheater, the event was part of US Citizenship and Immigration Services annual celebration of Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in American democracy.

The ceremony featured a welcome from Havasupai spiritual leader James Uqualla, grounding the event in cultural heritage and respect for the land. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided over the proceedings, which included the Oath of Allegiance administered by U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison. New citizens were reminded of the principles of freedom and diversity as they took their oaths. Adding to the solemnity of the occasion, Audrey Stone of the band, Juniper Hill, beautifully performed the National Anthem.

The event also included a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University and a musical performance by the A-Train Sound. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of citizenship certificates, emotional cheers from friends and family, and a Pledge of Allegiance led by Supervisory Immigration Services Officer Ramon Melocarela. This meaningful celebration not only recognized a significant milestone for the new citizens but also underscored the lasting spirit of diversity that enhances American society.

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Festival of Science, Various Locations Sept. 26 through 29

Flagstaff Festival of Science, Various Locations.

The Flagstaff Festival of Science is a free, 10-day event celebrating science in Northern Arizona, established in 1990 and known as the longest continuously running, free science festival in the world. Various Times.

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City of Flagstaff announces completion of Landfill Road Reconstruction Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to announce the completion of the Landfill Road Reconstruction Project, which re-paved and improved the road from US Hwy 89 to the Cinder Lake Landfill northeast of Flagstaff. The completed project provides reliable and easy access to the Landfill for customers, as well as increased stormwater capacity along the road, which was necessary due to wildfires and post-wildfire flooding in the area.

Coconino County — Open House on Oct. 2 to provide voter education for Propositions on 2024 Ballot

COCONINO COUNTY — A Health and Human Services Open House will be held on from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. Proposition 482, Proposition 487, and Proposition 488 will be on the ballot this year.

“There are many important propositions on the ballot this year,” said Coconino County Elections Director Eslir Musta. “And for some voters, it will be a rather lengthy ballot, so it is imperative that voters take advantage of education opportunities so that they can know their vote before they go to the polls.”

Coconino National Forest managing lightning-caused Brigade Fire west of Fort Tuthill

Managing this fire to allow it to consume hazardous forest fuels such as pine needles, cones, and dead wood, which will help create a buffer in an area that is typically susceptible to the direction of catastrophic wildfires during traditional southwest winds. In the long run, the treatment this fire provides will help protect residents, the surrounding community, powerlines, and the airport.

Publicity Pamphlet for Proposition 482 Mailed to Coconino County Residents This Week

This pamphlet, presented in both English and Spanish, contains the official language of Proposition 482 as well as the language of a YES vote and a NO vote as they will appear on ballots in November.   

Also included in the pamphlet are the detailed description of Arizona’s Constitutional Amendment setting the County’s base expenditure in 1980, Frequently Asked Questions, and statements from community members regarding their thoughts about Proposition 482.

Visitor surveys to be conducted on Coconino National Forest

FLAGSTAFF — Beginning October 2, the public will encounter contract employees working on the Coconino National Forest in developed and dispersed recreation sites and along forest service roads as they conduct surveys to help inform future forest management.

The National Visitor Use Monitoring survey is conducted every five years on national forests, which provides forest managers with an estimate of how many people recreate on the national forest, what activities they engage in while there, and how satisfied people were with their visit.