Category: Government

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Updates to Wildfire Defense Ordinance

“After receiving valuable community feedback regarding the 2022 ordinance, we brought together our public safety partners and the Coconino County Attorney’s Office to take a critical look at ways to improve the ordinance. Together, we proposed changes that place emphasis on preparedness, such as creating defensible space, while maintaining the requirements needed to help reduce the likelihood of wildfires,” said Tim Carter, Deputy Director of Coconino County Emergency Management. 

Construction across Milton Road to begin for the Beulah/University Realignment Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are working to finish Phase 1 of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. The final portion of Phase 1 includes crossing Milton Road with new water and sewer utility infrastructure, which is scheduled to begin in early April 2024. In order to safely install new utilities across Milton Road, lane closures will be required.

Construction to begin on Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements at US Hwy 180

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Banicki Construction, will start construction on the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements at US Hwy 180 in April. The project will include the installation of a new concrete box culvert under US Hwy 180 and is scheduled to be substantially complete by July 1 to help mitigate flooding before the 2024 monsoon season. Final project activities such as repaving of the highway and re-establishing nearby landscaping will be completed by Aug. 1.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Tell Coucil Not to Amend Our Carbon Neutrality Plan

A local group, Flagstaff First (FF), has petitioned Council to amend the Flagstaff’s Carbon Neutrality Plan (CNP) to prioritize fire, flood and drought. Many community members told the Council in December and January to not amend the Plan. We need to speak again this Tuesday because FF’s petition is scheduled to be formally considered by City Council this Tuesday, March 26. Council will be deciding whether to or not to amend the CNP.

The community needs to respond to this threat by sending emails to City Council and/or speaking at the Council meeting this Tuesday and asking council members to reject the action requested in the FF petition.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Approves Resolution Recognizing Portion of Lake Mary Road as a recreational corridor

“The safety of everyone who uses Lake Mary Road remains a top priority for County leadership and for our community,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “We would like to thank all of the stakeholders who participated in the process that helped make this resolution a reality.” 

City of Flagstaff begins work on Landfill Access Road Improvement Project

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is set to begin work on the Cinder Lake Landfill Access Road Improvement Project. The project will reconstruct Landfill Road to improve safety, optimize travel conditions and provide stormwater enhancements and is scheduled to be complete by September 2024.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles listing of Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

A variety of virtual health and welfare resource networking meetings are held each month in Coconino County. The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety of governmental and non-profit organizations the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings.

Coconino County testifies on wildfire, post-wildfire flooding

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Deputy Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani testified to the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs on the federal response to the threat of wildfire and post-wildfire flooding. …

“I can tell you firsthand: The scale of these crises rapidly overwhelms the capacity of local governments,” Andreani said during her opening remarks. “While there are opportunities for federal support, much must be done to improve the accessibility, immediacy, and effectiveness of the federal response to the wildfire crisis.”

Arizona Senators Kelly, Sinema, secure $2 million in Congressionally Directed Spending for Coconino

“Since 2022, post-wildfire flooding impacts from the Pipeline Fire have severely impacted the interstate travel corridor of Highway 89, the Navajo Nation road system, and surrounding communities. It is imperative that we continue to construct flood mitigation infrastructure in this area to reduce the threats to our community and regional economy” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board and Supervisor for District 2. “Thanks to the Congressionally Directed Spending funds recently secured by Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema, we now have more resources to make this much needed infrastructure a reality.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s Position on Proposed Zoning Code Amendment

On Tuesday, March 19th, the Flagstaff City Council will consider a proposed zoning code amendment to allow residential dwellings on lands zoned as “Public Facility.”

We would like to share with you the letter that F3 sent last week to city council members and staff regarding our concerns with the proposed amendment and our support for the addition of a Conditional Use Permit requirement.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman — February/March Newsletter 2024

IN THIS ISSUE

• HELLO FROM SUPERVISOR HORSTMAN
• WILDFIRE CRISIS REPORT: PRIORITIZING THE
UPPER RIO
• BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESOLUTION
REAFFIRMS OPPOSITION TO URANIUM MINING
NEAR THE GRAND CANYON
• PARKWAY SEDIMENT BASIN/MUSEUM FIRE
• FLOOD MITIGATION COMPLETED!
• PRIMARY DATE MOVES TO JULY 30th
• ELECTIONS WAREHOUSE RIBBON-CUTTING
• URGING VOTER APPROVAL OF THE
EXPENDITURE LIMIT INCREASE FOR
COCONINO COUNTY
• SUPERVISORS ATTEND NACo LEGISLATIVE
CONFERENCE IN D.C. AND ADVOCATE FOR
COCONINO COUNTY FEDERAL PRIORITIES
• SUPERVISOR HORSTMAN ATTENDS FIRST
MEETING OF 2024 BLM/RAC
• GRAND CANYON FOOD PANTRY: HELPING
COMMUNITY, WITH ONE BAG OF GROCERIES
AT A TIME
• COCONINO COUNTY BEGINS CONSTRUCTION
ON YOUTH BEHAVIORAL RESOURCE CENTER
• PUBLIC MEMORIALS IN COUNTY PARKS
• TUSAYAN AWARDED SMART GRANT FROM
ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Upcoming Linda Vista Road Closure and Grandview Roadway Construction

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the Spruce Wash Improvements Projects, a full road closure will be required on E Linda Vista Drive between N Paradise Road and N Adrianne Way for the Linda Vista Crossing Project. Access will be maintained through the closure for emergency vehicles, bikes, pedestrians. This closure will be in effect from March 2024 into spring 2025 and will allow for crews to remove and replace the existing culverts that cross E Linda Vista Drive. The City will also be removing and replacing sections of water and sewer mains and installing new storm drains within the roadway.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to present 6th annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast on Friday, March 22, 2024

FLAGSTAFF — The public is invited to attend the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council’s (CHAC) sixth annual César E. Chávez Community Breakfast from 7 to 9 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024 at American Legion Post 3, 204 W. Birch Ave., Flagstaff. Doors open at 6:45 a.m.

Cesar L. Chavez, grandson of the civil rights and farm labor leader and son of Anthony Chavez, Cesar’s youngest son, Cesar was born and grew up in the farm worker movement. He accompanied his grandfather to picket lines and demonstrations in the Central Valley plus cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego. They went on hikes together in the mountains surrounding UFW headquarters at La Paz.
Cesar presently oversees network functions such as musical and educational programming, and traffic (commercials and public service announcements) for the Cesar Chavez Foundation’s extensive English- and Spanish-language communications network.

“We look forward to this opportunity to gather with the community after our long hiatus,’” said CHAC Chair Patricia Garcia. “At this year’s breakfast, we will kick off a year-long project to collect and preserve information about the experiences and contributions of the Hispanic community of Coconino County during the pandemic.”

Coconino County announces Emergency Early Voting Sites for March 19 Presidential Preference Election

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County voters that will be unable to go to their polling location on Election Day, March 19 may vote at an emergency early voting location on Saturday, March 16; Sunday, March 17; or Monday, March 18.

Voters taking advantage of emergency early voting will be required to complete a form stating that they have an emergency and need to vote an emergency early ballot.  They do not need to disclose the specifics of their emergency.

Voters with non-health related emergencies, such as having to be out of town on Election Day, may also cast an emergency early ballot.

The emergency early voting locations are: 

• Coconino County Recorder’s office, 110 E Cherry Ave, Flagstaff
• Coconino County Voter Services office, Flagstaff Mall, Between JCPenney & Planet Fitness, 4650 N US Highway 89, Flagstaff
• Alta Edison Native American Outreach Center, 78 Main Street, Tuba City

Terminal Maintenance Begins at Flagstaff Pulliam Airport

“We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experience for all visitors to FLG. This project has been carefully planned to minimize inconvenience to travelers. By scheduling the bulk of the work at night, we aim to ensure smooth operations without impacting departures or arrivals. Moreover, the terminal sprinkler project underscores our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all passengers for years to come. Additionally, travelers can anticipate a refreshed terminal interior with newly painted walls, updated wayfinding signage, new lighting and more,” stated Airport Director Brian Gall.

Stoneman Lake Road closed as of noon March 14 due to snowstorms

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Public Works Department, in conjunction with Yavapai County, closed Stoneman Lake Road between I-17 and Lake Mary Road on noon, March 14 due to a multi-day winter storm that is forecast to impact the region starting tonight.

This closure is necessary for public safety due to the possibility of whiteout conditions from drifting heavy snow. When drifting occurs, visibility becomes limited and there is an increased difficulty for County snowplow operators to keep the road clear of snow. Stoneman Lake Road will remain closed until weather conditions allow for the County to safely reopen it.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 11-15, 2024

Latest ‘Behind the Scenery’ Podcast available

On Sunday, the latest episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast aired on Apple podcasts and the park’s website.

In this episode, Canyon Interpretation staff interview Gerald Lomaventema, an award-winning silversmith, a mentor to young Hopi artists, and a runner. He’s also the great grandson of Olympic medalist Louis Tewanima. Louis won silver in the 10,000 meters in the 1912 Olympics and set an American record that stood for decades. He was also a spiritual leader in his community.

In this episode of the Behind the Scenery podcast, Gerald talks about his art, his cultural connections to Grand Canyon, and running and Louis’s legacy in the Hopi community. This episode is available on Apple podcasts and the park website.

Intermittent traffic impacts to Southside and West Flagstaff anticipated for installation of fiber-optic line

FLAGSTAFF — Altice USA and Networx Cabling Systems will be working in the Southside neighborhood and West Flagstaff to install new fiber-optic line. The work is scheduled to begin on Monday, March 18 and is expected to be completed by Sunday, March 31.

Measles Cases Reported in Coconino County

One confirmed and one probable case of measles has been reported in Coconino County. Coconino County Health and Human Services is actively conducting disease surveillance and identified five public locations where people may have been exposed to measles.

Individuals who were at the following locations at the listed dates and times may have been exposed and should monitor for measles symptoms and contact their healthcare provider if they develop symptoms:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Outreach Coordinator plays vital role in promoting collective action to benefit children and families

Editor’s note: Part of a continuing series of profiles of board members and staff of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth.

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As per Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Mission statement, “We ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families.”

For CCC&Y, it takes a variety of individuals to build that inclusive movement of people dedicated to transforming and healing our communities — volunteer board members, organizational and individual members, supporters and partners, and staff members.

To promote the work of CCC&Y, the Coalition has been assisted for nearly a decade by Outreach Coordinator Frank X. Moraga. Frank has worked at the Coalition since December 2014, staffing a variety of outreach events and community resource meetings from Flagstaff to Leupp, Williams, Tusayan, the Grand Canyon, Tuba City, Page and Fredonia. He currently facilitates the monthly Tuba City Community Resource meeting. He also produces the Coalition’s weekly e-newsletter.

Coconino County celebrates 20 years of the Sustainable Building Program

Community members are invited to celebrate 20 years of the Sustainable Building Program. The community inspired program, which began in 2003, came out of a desire from county residents for an easier path to building sustainably.

They also saw a need for more community education and awareness about sustainable building practices, methods, technology, and innovations. The program evolved into a free certification program allowing homeowners and builders to participate in a third-party certification based on points achieved for building sustainably. The benefits of participating include: 

Coconino County Elections Department Awarded Grant and Announces, “I Voted” Sticker Challenge

This $10,000 grant is designed to enhance civic participation and engagement on college campuses by encouraging students to serve as elections board workers. The grant will support poll worker recruitment efforts through activities like National Poll Worker Recruitment Day and Help America Vote Day.

Do Not Return Your Early Ballot By Mail After Tuesday, March 12

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s Office wants to remind early voters that voted early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, March 19.  Early voters should put their voted early ballot in the mail no later than Tuesday, March 12 to ensure that the ballot is received in time to be counted.

Voted early ballots may be dropped off in one of the ballot drop boxes located throughout the county or at an early voting site.  For a list of ballot drop boxes and early voting sites go to:  www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select Ballot Drop Box Locations or Early Voting Sites.

City Update on ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Funding

FLAGSTAFF — On the third anniversary of the passage of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the City of Flagstaff continues work on allocating ARPA funding to support a variety of local causes and initiatives.

Allocations of ARPA funds to date include $2.4M to congregate care, housing assistance, job training, mental health, and substance abuse services, $3M to education assistance and early learning programs, and $1.4M to local non-profits and small businesses. The information below provides a small sampling of some of the ARPA funding that was allocated by the City to its community partners.

Coconino County Attorney Recognized as 2024 Distinguished Prosecutor

COCONINO COUNTY — The National District Attorney’s Association (NDAA) recently recognized Coconino County Attorney Bill Ring as the recipient of the 2024 Distinguished Prosecutor of the Year Award.

The Distinguished Prosecutor of the Year Award is presented annually by the NDAA, which is the oldest and largest professional organization representing criminal prosecutors across the country. Ring was selected from 22 other nominees from prosecution agencies nationwide. This honor is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, integrity, and excellence in the field of prosecution.

City of Flagstaff seeks community input in search for new police chief

FLAGSTAFF — The community is invited to participate in the selection of the Flagstaff Police Department’s next police chief at an upcoming meet and greet. The public meet and greet is scheduled for Wednesday, March 20 at 5 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers at 211 West Aspen Avenue or via Microsoft Teams.

The meet and greet will begin with each of the five candidates for Police Chief providing an introduction about themselves, including their previous education and experience, and how it relates to the police chief position. After all introductions have been completed, there will be a few questions answered by each candidate prior to an opportunity for participants to mingle with the candidates. Information about each candidate is listed below.

2024 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year Finalists Announced

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, extends her heartfelt congratulations to the outstanding educators selected as finalists for the prestigious Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year awards.

The winner in each category will be revealed at the 11th annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards event on Thursday, April 25, 2024, commencing at 5 p.m. at the High Country Conference Center.

Coconino County Community Health Needs Assessment Published

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) published the 2024 Coconino County Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) on March 5, 2024.

The chna is a comprehensive evaluation, conducted every three years, to gain a deep understanding of the health status, risk factors, causes and concerns of poverty in our communities and available resources within Coconino County. The main goals of this assessment are to understand community health; identify health disparities; create a path for improvement; and reduce barriers.

District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez — February 2024 Newsletter

In this edition…
• Supervisors Oppose the Pinon Plain Uranium Mine
• County Awarded $7.7 million NRCS Grant to Protect Residents from Flood Damage
• Supervisor Vasquez Testifies on Transportation at Arizona Capitol Board Members Travel to Washington, DC to Advocate for Coconino County
• District 2 Events and Activities
Upcoming Events And More!

Coconino County Flood Control District, Coconino National Forest to collaborate on forest restoration plan for Upper Rio De Flag Watershed

FLAGSTAFF  — The Coconino County Flood Control District (The District) and the Coconino National Forest have announced a new Upper Rio De Flag Watershed restoration plan to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and post-fire flooding.

“It’s been proven that forest restoration — including mechanical thinning and prescribed fire — is an effective tool to reduce wildfire spread and severity,” said Coconino County Forest Restoration Director Jay Smith. “The completion of forest restoration in Upper Rio De Flag Watershed will provide a multi-generational benefit to our region.”

Phase Two of the Lake Mary Road Mill & Fill Project Starts March 4

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County’s contractor is preparing to break ground on the second phase of a project to improve travel lanes and shoulders along Lake Mary Road.

The $1.7 million Lake Mary Road Mill & Fill Project: Phase 2 includes the milling of existing pavement and the subsequent installation of 1.5” Polymer Modified Asphalt Concrete along the travel lanes and road shoulders of two sections of Lake Mary Road totaling approximately 3.6 miles. 

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Flagstaff’s Regional Plan 2045

The City of Flagstaff’s Regional Plan is a vision for the future of our community. It is a policy guide and serves as the general plan for the city as mandated by state law. The Regional Plan addresses a range of topics and outlines current conditions, the community’s vision for the future, and a series of goals and policies that will bring us to realization of this future vision.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 26-March 1, 2024

2023 Park Profile and statistics now available

Last week the NPS released its 2023 visitation statistics. Service-wide, the NPS welcomed 325.5 million visitors in 2023, an increase of 13 million or 4% over 2022.

Grand Canyon National Park experienced its eighth busiest year ever in 2023 with 4,733,705 visits. Last year’s visitation was only 1,600 more than the previous year with a less than 1% increase from 2022. Grand Canyon once again ranked as the second most visited National Park in the National Park Service system behind Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitation to Grand Canyon reached its highest level in 2018 with approximately 6.4 million visitors.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Will We See You at Our Annual Celebration?

Plan on joining us as we celebrate our collective community impact and share some exciting news that will further our efforts to step up for our youth in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Our Annual Campaign & Community Impact Luncheon will start at 11:30 am on Wednesday, March 27 at Little America Hotel.

Tickets are $50 / $375 for a table of 8.

City of Flagstaff community garden plot applications opening soon for the 2024 growing season

FLAGSTAFF — Members of the public are invited to submit applications for community garden plots starting on Friday, March 1. Returning gardeners will have priority until April 1 to secure their plots from the previous season. The remaining available plots will be offered to new gardeners on a first-come, first-served basis. New gardeners who do not have access to growing space at home or those who qualify for SNAP benefits will be given priority for remaining available plots through the application process.

Pre-Wildfire Studies Reveal Significant Threat in Watershed Above Flagstaff

COCONINO COUNTY — Two recent pre-wildfire studies from the Coconino County FCD confirm there is a significant wildfire and post-wildfire flood threat in the Upper Rio De Flag Watershed above Flagstaff, with potential to cause substantial economic impacts to the region.

The NAU Review — Studying endometriosis in underrepresented populations, a finance professor explains her affinity for extreme sports and President Cruz Rivera updates us on his latest meetings on higher education

As an All of Us scholar, NAU junior Cecilia Perez pursued a research project on the understudied topic of endometriosis in women of color. The disease that causes severe pelvic pain and menstrual bleeding is widely believed to affect mostly white women—but Perez’s research shows it touches the lives of racial and ethnic minorities at similar rates.
Read the story

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Feb. 19-23, 2024

The Train Depot Bridge project is nearing completion and will officially reopen to the public on Friday, February 23. This project was a collaborative effort between the Grand Canyon National Park Special Projects Crew and the Trail Crew. Both crews worked together as a team, successfully rehabilitating this old bridge in the historic district of the South Rim Village. This bridge will serve visitors in accessing greenways, bus stops, and the train depot for many years to come.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Supporting Youth Mental Health

When school started last year, the EdWeek Research Center (part of the publication Education Week) conducted a survey, asking high school students the following question: In the past year, what, if anything, has had a negative impact on your mental health?

Here was the statistic that pulled me up short: only 16% of the respondents said “Nothing.”

That means 84% had experienced enough stress and anxiety – about everything from school to the future of our planet – that it had a detrimental effect on their mental health.

Board of Supervisors Reaffirms Opposition to the Pinyon Plain Uranium Mine Through Resolution

“The creation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument forever protects almost a million acres of land around Grand Canyon from future uranium mining. However, existing mining permits remain in effect,” District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman said. “The Pinyon Plain mine is extracting ore and threatens the very existence of the Havasupai people and their homeland.”  

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar Wins 2023 Controller of the Year Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2023 Controller of the Year Awards recently recognized Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar as the winner of Controller of the Year for the Government Category.

Benatar has served as Treasurer of Coconino County since being appointed in 2014, winning reelection in 2016 and 2020, and was the youngest County Treasurer in Arizona. She serves the County as an officer of the Arizona County Treasurer’s Association and as past President of the Arizona Association of Counties (AACo). She is a voice for rural communities, advocating for her constituents by serving on the board and as Treasurer of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and as president of the National Association of Hispanic County Elected Officials (NAHCO).

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect community with help through variety of resource guides

COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families with local representatives from the Coconino County Health & Human Services’ Women’s, Infants and Children (WIC) program, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

To spread the word about these valuable information options, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and link to a variety of resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s created Page/Fredonia and Tuba City resource guides and the recently updated Williams Area Community Resource Guide.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Why Everyone Loves KinderCamp™

We all agree that children are our future, and we need to invest in their development.

KinderCamp™, a signature program of United Way of Northern Arizona, is part of our efforts to Step Up for Our Youth. For almost two decades, it’s gotten positive reviews from teachers, parents, and most importantly, the four- and five-year-olds who participate each summer.

Learn more about how we are gearing up for KinderCamp 2024, and how you can play a role in helping the next generation get ready to take on the world.

City of Flagstaff seeking Beautification in Action grant applications by March 15

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking Beautification in Action grant applications for streetscape art and beautification projects that provide a lasting benefit! Grants of up to $4,500 are available. Made by the community for the community, projects can take…

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — Feb. 12-16, 2024

Friday, February 16: Intermittent road closures on Center and South Entrance Roads

On Friday, Feb. 16, there will be intermittent closures of South Entrance and Center Roads. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of two large transformers and a crane being delivered for the APS Substation Project west of Clinic Road.
Friday, February 16 Details:

7 a.m.- 12 p.m.: A single lane closure will be in effect ¼ mile south of the South Entrance station along Hwy. 64. Traffic flaggers will be present and traffic delays are expected in this area.

9 a.m.-12 p.m.: Three separate closures will be in effect for up to 30 minutes each. The closure area will be both lanes from the South Entrance Station to the Clinic/Center Road junction. No vehicles will be able to enter/exit the park via the South Entrance during the closure periods (this includes the employee bypass lane).

4:30-6:30 p.m.: Three separate closures will be in effect for up to 30 minutes each. The closure area will be both lanes from the South Entrance Station to the Clinic/Center Road junction. No vehicles will be able to enter/exit the park via the South Entrance during the closure periods (this includes the employee bypass lane).

Voter Registration Deadline for Presidential Preference Election (PPE) is Feb. 20

FLAGSTAFF — If you have not registered to vote and are interested in voting in the upcoming March 19, 2024 Presidential Preference Election (PPE), you have until midnight on Tuesday, February 20 to register to vote.

The PPE is not a primary election. This means Arizona’s open primary law does not apply to the PPE. Therefore, only voters of a participating party may vote on that party’s ballot. Since the Democratic and Republican Parties are the only parties participating in the PPE, only registered Democrats and Republicans can vote in the PPE.

Flagstaff STEM City — STEMMY Nominations Close This Friday These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Plus winning student and teacher also receive $500!!

Nominate Your Favorite NOW

STEMMY Nominations Close This Friday

These annual awards are given to students, teachers, and organizations who are STEM Leaders in our community. Plus winning student and teacher also receive $500!!

City of Flagstaff announces Presidents’ Day closures

FLAGSTAFF — City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. City Hall offices will reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 20.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are closed on Presidents’ Day include:

County Recorder’s 2024 Elections & Voter Guide

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Recorder’s office has mailed a 2024 Voter Guide to all registered voters in the county.  The guide contains important voting information about the upcoming elections that will be held this year. 

2024 is going to be a very busy election year with three countywide elections.  The guide describes the differences between the March 19 Presidential Preference, July 30 Primary and November 5 General Elections.

Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council Debuts Interactive Dashboard

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) is pleased to release its Justice Statistics dashboard. The dashboard is designed to provide Coconino County residents with a high-level overview of criminal justice system activity.

It was created through a collaborative effort between multiple Coconino County and City of Flagstaff agencies and will provide residents with important information on community safety, diversion programming, and the overall operation of their criminal justice system. Residents will be able to view current data as well as long term trends in areas such as arrests, diversion program completion, Superior Court caseload, and successful probation completions, among others. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — February 5-9, 2024

Mark your calendars!
February 14: Intermittent road closures on Center and South Entrance Roads

On Wednesday, February 14, there will be intermittent closures of South Entrance and Center Roads. These closures are necessary to facilitate the transport of two large transformers and a crane being delivered for the APS Substation Project west of Clinic Road.

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on the Grand Canyon Railway wooden ballast bridge

GRAND CANYON — The National Park Service (NPS) is beginning a public review of a programmatic agreement to remove and replace the Grand Canyon Railway wooden ballast bridge at the South Rim in Grand Canyon National Park. Public comments will be accepted from Feb. 7 until midnight, March 7, 2024. 

The wooden ballast bridge, constructed in 1925-26, is in poor condition resulting in safety concerns. The bridge crosses over Bright Angel Wash, north of the historic Powerhouse building and Village Loop Bypass Road, in Grand Canyon Village. Trains cross daily over this bridge as they travel between Williams, Arizona, and Grand Canyon Village, providing the only train access into a United States national park. 

CCC&Y provides variety of free online training including ‘Thriving Families’

he Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth provides a variety of free online training programs for parents, caregivers and all community members.

Our free Thriving Families webinar is a great starting place for parents, caregivers and community members brand new to the topics such as brain development, adverse childhood experiences, resilience and mindfulness.  It is a great jumping off place to go deeper in knowledge and support through the rest of our library of webinars.

With thousands of views across our various topics, we are sure there is something for all community members and professionals.  Whether you are seeking the best info for your family, your community or a program you work for, get a taste for our research supported prevention and community work.

Lockett-Fourth Street Roundabout project delayed

FLAGSTAFF — The Lockett-Fourth Street Roundabout project construction schedule has been delayed and construction is now expected to be completed in 2025. The full intersection closure of Lockett Road, Cedar Avenue and Fourth Street required to construct the project will now take place during the summer of 2025. The delay was caused by complexities related to utility relocations, right-of-way acquisitions, finalizing the project design, and amendments to the Intergovernmental Agreement.