Category: Government

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar participates in national food insecurity call

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar joined Illinois State Treasurer Mike Frerichs and Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO Ethan Amos to discuss the impacts of the federal government shutdown on SNAP recipients in Coconino County.

“In Coconino County, where 18 percent of residents live in poverty, SNAP-authorized stores redeem more than $500,000 in benefits annually, making the stakes significant for local economies and small businesses,” said Treasurer Benatar.

Flagstaff Family Food Center Food Bank and Kitchen CEO, Ethan Amos, expressed that the situation is unprecedented. Food banks are already stretched and cannot fill the gap left by SNAP’s suspension.

Cedar Avenue to close on Tuesday, Nov. 11, for roadway striping

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Cedar Avenue will close to all traffic between West Street and Fourth Street on Tuesday, November 11, to allow crews to safely perform roadway striping along the new asphalt pavement. With colder temperatures and potential moisture in the forecast, this closure allows us to expedite roadway striping to ensure the road is safe, open and clearly striped for the upcoming winter. Detour routes will be in place along Dortha Avenue and Linda Vista Drive. Access to businesses and Monte Vista Drive will be provided via the many north/south roadways between Dortha Avenue and Cedar Avenue. Please follow the marked signage and travel safely.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Food resource weblinks available for Arizona families

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — At the recent Grow Together Fredonia meeting, participants provided the following links to families who may be affected by the ongoing government shutdown.

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) families in Coconino County will continue to receive benefits without interruption through December 31, 2025, due to the approval of emergency funding by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. …

Food Resources:

DES updates on SNAP benefits https://des.az.gov/na

Additional DES food resources https://des.az.gov/food-assistance

DES emergency food boxes https://des.az.gov/emergency-food

Double up Food Bucks location finder for Farmer’s Markets https://doubleupaz.org/locations/

Food banks https://azfoodbanks.org/get-food/#find

Also see other local food resources here

Joanne Keene named Flagstaff City Manager

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Mayor and City Council have named Joanne Keene as the new City Manager. Keene will begin in the role effective Nov. 4 and was selected after participating in an open and competitive recruitment process.

Mayor Becky Daggett said “Joanne is a proven leader with deep roots in Flagstaff. The City Council was unanimous and enthusiastic in our belief that she is the right person to lead our City. Her selection from a pool of 34 qualified candidates speaks to her track record, skills, and new ideas about the future direction of our City. Please join me in welcoming Joanne to this new role”.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Creative Flagstaff has been awarded the National Endowment for the Arts’ Our Town Grant

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

We’re delighted to announce that Creative Flagstaff has been awarded the competitiveNational Endowment for the Arts’OurTown Grant to support urban and rural engagement in multidisciplinary arts programming throughout Coconino County, Arizona, which will provide arts access to diverse communities through creative placemaking. This partnership between Coconino Center for the Arts and Coconino County will provide leadership to broaden arts and cultural programming to reach urban and rural communities county-wide, through:

City of Flagstaff hosts food drive for community members in need

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting a food drive at City facilities around town to help provide food and other essential items to community members in need this holiday season. Demand is especially high this year due to the federal government shutdown and disruption of federal food and nutrition benefits.

To participate, drop off non-perishable items from now until Dec. 31 at one of the following locations:

Coconino County food drive supports families in need

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Due to the shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will end for more than 8,000 Coconino County families on Nov. 1, 2025. The loss of these benefits will result in families losing access to critical monthly food assistance, leaving food banks and nonprofits to fill the gap.

With household budgets stretched thin, food pantries and community programs are anticipating continued increased demand. To help address these needs, Coconino County is mobilizing resources to sponsor a community food drive. Those with the ability to help are asked to donate.

Criminal Justice Coordination Council (CJCC) Citizen’s Academy now accepting applications

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Criminal Justice Coordination Council (CJCC) Citizen’s Academy offers a unique chance to delve into the people, processes and programs that shape justice in our community. Engage with judges, the Clerk of the Courts, adult probation officers and Flagstaff City officials to gain insight into the intricacies of the criminal justice system.

Coconino National Forest, Flagstaff Ranger District prescribed fire continuing through Nov. 6

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations through Nov. 6, pending all required approvals. Coconino National Forest estimates this work to begin Tuesday and continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow. Coconino National Forest uses prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation Newsletter November 2025

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers, staff and community who make our parks thrive. Your time, energy and passion help create spaces where people can connect, play and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are especially grateful for each of you and the difference you make.

City of Page Happenings — November 2025

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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Discover Flagstaff — Trick or Treat Trail Downtown Flagstaff on Oct. 31, more events

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

Join us in Downtown Flagstaff for a FREE, fun, and safe way to spend Halloween for the entire family! 4 p.m. Free.

Recommended deadline to return early ballots by mail has passed

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The recommended deadline to mail your voted early ballot has passed, but there is still time to return it in person.

Voted early ballots may be dropped off at any ballot drop box or at one of the early voting sites located throughout the county. For a list of early voting sites and ballot drop box locations visit coconino.az.gov/elections.

On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, voters may drop off their early ballots in the return envelope at any Coconino County polling location between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m.

Grand Canyon National Park announces increased water and fire restrictions during Infrastructure Work

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project.

A temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment. This work is part of a multi-year effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system, expected to be completed in 2027.

Coconino National Forest — Prescribed fire planned next week

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations next week, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to begin next Tuesday and continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed fires near Tusayan and Williams

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations on the Tusayan Ranger District beginning Friday, October 24, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the weekend and may begin operations on the Williams Ranger District next week as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Showcasing Arizona at SEMICON West and ICSC

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Recently, ECoNA and our regional partners took Northern Arizona’s story of opportunity and innovation to two major industry event – SEMICON West and ICSC@Western – reaching decision makers who can help shape our region’s economic future.

This was the first year the SEMICON West was hosted in Phoenix, underscoring Arizona’s growing leadership in the semiconductor and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 10/27/25

by Community Contributor • October 27, 2025 • Comments Off

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UPDATED PHOTOS, Links: Protesters pack downtown Flagstaff on Oct. 18 for nationwide ‘No Kings Day of Action’

by AmigosNAZ.com • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — With a crowd easily exceeding the 3,000 protesters on the previous No Kings Day protest in June, northern Arizona residents and visitors loudly shared their emotions about the state of the nation’s Democracy during the “No Kings Day of Action” rally on Oct. 18 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.

Organized locally by Indivisible Northern Arizona and supported by a variety of local groups, opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from Wheeler Park and Humphreys Street along Route 66 around the curve to Milton Road, filling the grassy area up to the Flagstaff City Hall sign.

CCC&Y Spotlight — Families gather information at Flagstaff Mall’s 2025 Health and Wellness Fair

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — With more than two dozen community health providers, children and family services and other nonprofits signed up to attend, the Flagstaff Mall provided families with a variety of information during its annual Health and Wellness Fair on Oct. 18, 2025 held on the westside of the mall.

A variety of organizations arrived early to set up information tables at the mall, before parents and children arrived for the opening at 10 a.m.

Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library — Book distributor closure likely to cause delays

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2025 • Comments Off

We would like to keep you informed about a recent development impacting the Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library. Baker & Taylor, a U.S. – based company that supplies books to schools, libraries, and bookstores – including the Flagstaff Public Libraries – has gone unexpectedly out of business after a failed merger. Baker & Taylor plans to fully cease operations by January 2026.

City of Flagstaff — Cedar Avenue and West Street to be repaved

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Asphalt paving operations along sections of Cedar Avenue and West Street (as shown in the map) are set to take place the week of October 27. Work will occur along half of the roadway at a time, with the other half used to maintain one lane of traffic in each direction. Access to side streets and driveways may be temporarily restricted during asphalt paving operations; however, our crews will work diligently to restore access as soon as the new asphalt has been placed and conditions allow. Following asphalt paving operations, crews will return to perform utility valve and manhole adjustments and striping operations. This work is highly weather dependent and subject to change.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Weekly Happenings 10/20/25

by Community Contributor • October 20, 2025 • Comments Off

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Flagstaff, other Northern Arizona cities to participate in nationwide ‘No Kings Day of Action’ on Oct. 18

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — On Oct. 18, Flagstaff AZ area residents will come together with millions of Americans across the country in a nationwide day of peaceful protest at the second No Kings Day of Action. There are currently more than 2500 events nationwide. We expect 4,000 people at the Flagstaff protest.

WHEN: October 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
WHERE: Flagstaff City Hall, 121 W. Aspen, Flagstaff AZ
PROGRAM:

2:00 PM: Lady Liberty (giant puppet) promenade, drum circle, flag waving
2:15 PM: The Resistance Choir
2:45 PM: (Giant) Flag Unfurling; singing of the National Anthem and America the Beautiful
3:15 PM: Local Stories – How Flagstaff has been affected by the Trump regime
3:35 PM: Music Program – music by Stephen Babcock and Rod Robinson
4:00 PM Event Ends

City hosts ‘Voices Unheard: Breaking the Silence’ event on Oct. 22

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is hosting an event entitled “Voices Unheard: Breaking the Silence – a Community Gathering for Prevention, Strength, and Healing” on Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Coconino Center for the Arts (2300 N Fort Valley Rd). This event seeks to educate Northern Arizona residents on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives crisis and raise awareness of the possible precursors of violence, stalking and harassment.

Discover Flagstaff — It’s Spooky Season! – Flagstaff Happenings

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Autumn Elevated Eats & Music Series

Arizona Snowbowl

Autumn Elevated Eats & Music Series brings golden aspens, mountain dining, and live country music to Arizona Snowbowl this fall. 3:30 p.m.

Learn More

City of Flagstaff to begin demolition of former Montalvo Fire Station in preparation for new STEM education community center

by AmigosNAZ.com • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin demolition of the former Montalvo Fire Station Two, located at 2230 E. Spruce Avenue, on Oct. 27, 2025, with work scheduled for completion by Nov. 11, 2025. The demolition, performed by Loven Contracting, Inc., marks the first major step toward construction of the Montalvo Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education Community Center.

County fills gap in WIC from federal government shutdown

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — WIC recipients that rely on the Arizona Department of Health Services WIC (Women, Infants and Children) program will not go hungry in Coconino County due to the federal government shutdown.

“Good nutrition in the first years of life provides the foundation for a lifetime of health and learning,” said Patrice Hortsman, District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair. “The WIC program is vital for our most vulnerable residents and I’m proud that Coconino County can offer this temporary assistance.”

WIC is a federal program that provides healthy food for low-income pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children. About 1,900 children in Coconino County count on WIC for daily nutrition.

Early voting has started for Nov 4 Jurisdictional Election

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County’s Nov. 4 Jurisdictional Election has begun.

Early voters that are on the Active Early Voting List (AEVL) and have not received their ballots by Wednesday, Oct. 15 should call the Recorder’s Office at 928-679-7860 or 800-793-6181 to check their voter registration status and mailing address.

Flagstaff City Council Adopts Regional Plan

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

On Thursday, October 9, the Flagstaff City Council voted to adopt the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 with a list of Conditions of Approval and an Errata document.

The Conditions of Approval and Errata direct staff to make several edits to the plan. City Council discussed and modified the recommendations by the Planning & Zoning Commission, which first reviewed and refined these lists. Click the links below to access these documents.

Forest Service announces fire positions for 2026

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2025 • Comments Off

The Kaibab National Forest of the USDA Forest Service is hiring! We are looking for dedicated individuals to support fire operations. These positions are vital to wildfire preparedness and disaster response across federal and state agencies.

Jobs include dispatchers, equipment operators, fire engine operators, fire prevention specialists, forestry aids and technicians, handcrew members, helitack crew members, hotshot crew members, prescribed fire and fuels specialists, smokejumpers, and more.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — City Council rejects harmful last minute changes to Flagstaff’s Final Regional Plan

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2025 • Comments Off

F3 is happy to report that on October 9 City Council unanimously chose to reject two Conditions of Approval that would have had negative impacts on the Core Priorities of the Regional Plan and render the Plan out of compliance with Flagstaff’s 2021 Carbon Neutrality Plan.

Your action in response to F3’s October 5th Action Alert resulted in the City receiving 80 letters of concern from the public about these two issues! Many thanks to NAZCCA and Dara Marks Marino for sending alerts to their contacts as well.

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar warns of fraudulent payment sites

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — With the arrival of 2025 Tax Notices, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office is warning residents about the potential for fraudulent websites that falsely claim to accept property tax payments.

Residents should be on the alert for sites that don’t end in .gov, require unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers or that charge additional processing fees.

“We want to ensure that taxpayers know the only safe and secure way to pay their property taxes is directly through the County’s official channels,” said, Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “Using these channels can prevent financial loss and identity theft.”

City of Flagstaff celebrates 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Becky Daggett proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Flagstaff. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities, integral to Flagstaff’s past, present, and future.

Grand Canyon National Park announces partial reopening of North Rim on Oct. 1 Following Dragon Bravo Fire

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2025 • Comments Off

The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Canada-Arizona Relations: Opportunities despite tensions

by Community Contributor • September 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Earlier this month, R. Glenn Williamson, founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC), spoke to the ECoNA Advisory Council about the unique relationship between Arizona and Canada and the pressures it is currently facing.

For northern Arizona, the relationship is significant. Canadian companies employ more than 300 people in Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, with another 2,600 jobs impacted by exports to Canada.

Statewide, Canada remains Arizona’s largest foreign direct investor. Additionally, an estimated 1 million Canadians visit the state each year, while about 100,000 Canadian “snowbirds” live in Arizona for part of the year. Combined, they contribute $2.4 billion to the local economy.

That impact is impressive – but not without pressure

Coalition joins partners at 2025 Science in the Park. More events to come

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — From geology to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2025 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 20 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

More than 50 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from.

Some of them ranged from Arizona Science Center, Arizona State Parks and Trails, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Flagstaff Model Railroad Club, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett issues statement addressing fatal collision

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett

City of Flagstaff — Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project complete!

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and FANN Contracting are proud to announce the completion of the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout Project. With the project finished, the roundabout is now open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic! Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists and pedestrians get used to the new roundabout, and follow the marked signage and striping to get to your destination. Please remain alert as crews install final fencing and perform clean-up operations over the next few weeks.

Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library Happenings 9/22/25

by Community Contributor • September 22, 2025 • Comments Off

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Sunnyside Neighborhood Association celebrates 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at Flagstaff Mall. See celebrations nationwide

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — From the festive performances of folklorico dancers to the moving traditional El Grito de Dolores read by the Mexican Consul from Phoenix, Flagstaff joined cities across the nation in celebrating Mexican Independence Day when the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association presented its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at a new venue, the Flagstaff Mall on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.

Officials attending the event included Jorge Mendoza Yescas, Cónsul General de Mexico, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, and Coral Evans representing the office U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Other officials in attended included Flagstaff City Councilmember Anthony Garcia.

Serving as presenters and organizers were Alejandra Esparza Marin and Kimberly Robinson.

Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff presented their always inspiring dance performance.

The event also featured, about a dozen arts and crafts and informational vendors, concluding with the traditional smashing of the candy-filled of the piñata for children.

Also see, celebration of Mexican Independence Day nationwide

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 15-19, 2025

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2025 • Comments Off

On Friday, September 12, Grand Canyon National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony at Mather Amphitheater, where 29 individuals from 13 countries officially became U.S. citizens. New citizens hailed from Brazil, Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University, the National Anthem performed by Audrey Stone, and music by the A-Train Sound. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided, with U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison administering the Oath of Allegiance.

Lane closures scheduled on N Highway 89 in Flagstaff, additional road maintenance work continues throughout town

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — A heavenly setting sparks a successful 2025 CCC&Y Conference

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — With a setting that gazed toward the stars, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth successfully presented its 2025 CCC&Y Conference on Sept. 9, 2025 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Guest speaker Iyo Affo launched the conference with a morning presentation with her discussion on “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” combining storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.

Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, draws on personal experiences, neuroscience and the power of collective healing to talk about how self-healing communities and systems change can be the foundation for lasting transformation.

Attendees had powerful responses to the speakers and the event.

“I loved Iya’s ability to tell stories, share data, and engage with the audience. I appreciate her sharing things about her personal journey and how she connected with the audience. She was inspiring!” said one attendee.

Flagstaff City Council continues to protect water resources

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City Council of Flagstaff voted unanimously on Sept. 16, 2025 to authorize the City Attorney to take all actions necessary to ensure that the City’s regional water resource at Red Gap Ranch is not impaired by helium exploration operations, including if necessary the filing of a new suit. The City is unaware of active helium exploration near Red Gap Ranch at this time and the City will continue to protect its vital resources if needed.

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honors District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces honored District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez for his long support of local Hispanic community during a ceremony held on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025 at Mayan Winds Coffee Emporium.

Vasquez was presented with an award signifying all the “Barrios de Flagstaff.” The award was created by long-time Nuestras Raíces Armando Gonzales.

High Country Humane urgent plea — Please consider adopting your next pet, becoming a pet foster, volunteering at the shelter or making a donation to help support local pets looking for a home

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — This year, our animal welfare partner High Country Humane has seen three times the number of cruelty and neglect cases at their shelter compared to all of last year. These animals arrive broken, hungry, traumatized and in need.

City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2026

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $18.35 for all workers. There will no longer be a lower minimum wage for tipped employees.

BNSF to close Angell Road railroad crossing for maintenance

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.

The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.

The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.

During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for September 2025

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for September 2025

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition celebrates successful 2025 Conference. More details to come

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — An amazing setting complemented two fantastic speakers when the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth presented its CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory.

Guest speaker Iyo Affo kicked off the morning presentation with her talk “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” skillfully weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.

She was followed with an afternoon presentation by Dr. Sandra Solano, who combined science with human emotions and taking care of oneself during her presentation “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.”

This is just a preview of the photos and the information on the conference that will be posted next week on our website and newsletter. Until then, thank you to all our speakers, our sponsors and all those who planned for, presented and attended our CCC&Y 2025 Conference. Very much appreciated.

Forest Service reopens more lands near Dragon Bravo Fire

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

FREDONIA — Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the public will have access to another 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District as the Forest Service further reduces the White Sage & Dragon Bravo Fires Temporary Closure. Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire continue to make significant progress on suppression repair work, enabling the Forest Service to reopen more areas without compromising public safety or fire operations. Approximately 82% of the North Kaibab Ranger District will be open to the public.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Upcoming Fall Community Events of Interest

by Community Contributor • September 8, 2025 • Comments Off

Check Out These Great Fall
Community Programs & Events

KNAU, other media report individual who grew up in Flagstaff dies in ICE custody. Family seeking funds for funeral expenses

by AmigosNAZ.com • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Also see:

The Latin Times — Mexican Man Reportedly Dies In Arizona Facility, ICE Yet To Disclose Cause Of Death
KNAU — Flagstaff man dies in ICE custody
Tucson Sentinel — Mexican man dies in immigration detention in Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — KNAU is reporting an individual who grew up in Flagstaff has died in ICE custody and the family has started a Go Fund Me account to raise money for his funeral expenses and repatriation of his body to Mexico.

As stated on the family’s fundraising page, “With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas known to family and friends as “Lenchito”, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who passed away far too soon at the age of 32 while in ICE custody in Florence, Arizona.”

KNAU reports that Batrez Vargas, a Mexican nation who has been held at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, died on Aug. 31 at the Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.

While ICE officials said his cause of death is under investigation, the family alleges he died after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention,” KNAU reported.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 1-5, 2025

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend

The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.

All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/

Coconino County Superior Court warns of phone scam

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Superior Court in Coconino County has recently received several calls from concerned residents regarding a phone scam.

The caller identifies themselves as the Jury Commissioner and attempts to confirm personal information (addresses, phone number, date of birth and email addresses). This person uses threatening language and informs residents that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.

City of Flagstaff — Cedar Avenue and West Street to be repaved

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff plans to replace select sections of sidewalk and curb and repave a portion of Cedar Avenue and West Street in the coming weeks. There are sections of deteriorated and cracked sidewalk and curb, and the asphalt roadway has numerous cracks and patches that need to be fixed. Asphalt repair includes taking off a thin layer of the existing surface and then repaving with new asphalt. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, with plans to finish by early December (weather permitting). Work will occur along West Street/Linda Vista Drive, from the slip lane to Cedar Avenue, and along Cedar Avenue from West Street to the west side of the new Fourth-Lockett roundabout.

Informational meeting about EPA Brownfield Grant and old Coconino County jail to be held Sept. 17

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

In 2023, Coconino County was awarded an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remediate hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos at the old Coconino County jail located at 211 North W.C. Riles, Flagstaff. The presentation will provide the community with updates regarding the clean-up grant award and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on completed and proposed actions associated with the grant.

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