Check Out These Great Fall
Community Programs & Events
Category: Government
KNAU, other media report individual who grew up in Flagstaff dies in ICE custody. Family seeking funds for funeral expenses
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
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
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
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
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.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — The Time Is Now – Final Week. Get your tickets for CCC&Y’s 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
COCONINO COUNTY — Students and their parents had the opportunity to learn about the variety of programs available, and had a chance to have some fun at the W.F. Killip Elementary School Open House held on Aug. 27 in Flagstaff.
Besides CCC&Y, some of the organizations attending the event included Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Chicanos Por La CAUSA, Child & Family Support Services in Flagstaff, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Desert Financial Credit Union, Flagstaff Dentistry 4 Kids, Flagstaff Public Library Youth Services, The Literacy Center, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and North Country HealthCare.
READ MORE
Envision 2045 — The Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing draft is available!
The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.
To view the public hearing draft and the 60-day review comments
Visit the project website https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045.
Visit the Community Development office to review a print copy.
For questions contact Melissa Shaw at mshaw@coconino.az.gov
City of Flagstaff to lift fire restrictions Thursday, Sept. 4
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. … Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should be extinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoal should be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Fires should never be left unattended as sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.
Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions Thursday
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will lift fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, due to recent widespread precipitation across the forest.
While forest-wide restrictions will be lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will continue to remain in effect.
Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices when building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. It is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.
Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4
WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.
Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Sept. 3, 2025 — 80 percent contained
Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.
Indivisible Northern AZ — Next big event ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ on Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall
Also see:
• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?
FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.
About this event
This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.
This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.
Labor Day Holiday — Coconino County, City of Flagstaff offices closed Sept. 1
COCONINO COUNTY — In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, Coconino County Business Offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025. The Business Offices will reopen on their normal schedule Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Your friends at Coconino County, Arizona wish you a nice day.
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025
Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28
The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.
With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.
Single lane closures scheduled on San Francisco St in early September
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, single lane closures are scheduled on N San Francisco St from Sept. 2 – 8 for street paving and pavement marking. The work may also necessitate short term closures of intersections along N San Francisco St between W Cherry Ave and W Columbus Ave. Motorists are asked to follow marked signage, be cautious of work crews, and expect delays when traveling through the project area.
Coconino County Fair (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment to include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Aug. 31
Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…
COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31
Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here
Snowbowl Road to temporarily close Sept. 6
FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 6 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.
Electronic road signs will be posted to remind motorists of the temporary closure.
While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.
Dragon Bravo Fire Incident update for Aug. 29, 2025 — Highway 67 is now open to Kaibab Lodge
Current Situation: With favorable weather, an infrared flight was completed which showed minimal heat and no growth of the perimeter. This new intelligence coupled with several days of precipitation and evaluation by firefighters has allowed an increase in containment for the Dragon Bravo Fire. With the successful completion of suppression repair work and hazard mitigation within the forest, Highway 67 has been reopened to Kaibab Lodge. In addition, more public lands are now accessible – please see the updated forest closure order for details.
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025
Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego
Latest news updates for August 2025
Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Federal Credit Union on Overdraft Fees
Gallego Backs Bill to Reverse GOP Energy Tax Hike and Cut Americans’ Electricity Costs
Gallego Backs Legislation to Cap the Cost of Prescription Medication
MORE …
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for August 2025
Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly
Latest news updates for August 2025
Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack
Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges
Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for August 2025
Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes
Latest news updates for August 2025
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
Attorney General Mayes Announces Two Convictions for ESA Program Fraud
Attorney General Mayes Sues Hefty® Parent Company for Misleading Arizona Consumers
Attorney General Mayes Secures Full Relief for Arizona Schools in Lawsuit Challenging Withholding of Education Funding
Attorney General Mayes Joins 44 States in Demanding Tech Companies End Predatory AI Interactions with Kids
Attorney General Mayes Sues Operators of Real Estate Scam Targeting Elderly Arizonans
MORE …
Coconino County Health and Human Services receives award from Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff for Community Care Kits
FLAGSTAFF — Congratulations to Coconino County Health and Human Services who received $7,900 at the Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff awards ceremony to provide Community Care Kits.
The kits are backpacks filled with essential person hygiene items that help reduce stress by meeting personal care needs and provide an opportunity for HHS to connect individuals with community resources.
Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Aug. 27, 2025
Acres: 145,504 Containment: 64% Personnel: 646
Start Date: July 4, 2025 Cause: Lightning Location: Grand Canyon North Rim
Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.
Areas of County around Coconino National Forest adjust fire restrictions. Moving to Stage 1 on Aug. 27
COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.
This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, will apply to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest.
City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Aug. 27
FLAGSTAFF — Due to recent moisture across the region, the City of Flagstaff will lower fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
City seeking input on Engineering Design Standards related to micro-trenching
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking input from the public and relevant stakeholders on proposed updates to the Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure. The proposed updates to the design standards will allow fiber providers who have a franchise or license agreement that allows them to place facilities within city right-of-way to utilize a new technology known as micro-trenching as a method to install fiber.
Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.
Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.
Judge Roberta McVickers appointed to Superior Court Division 6
Judge McVickers has devoted the vast majority of her professional career to serving the people of Coconino County in a variety of roles, including as prosecutor, public defender, private attorney and on-call judge pro tempore. Her wide-ranging experience includes work in civil, criminal, juvenile and family law matters, both locally and across the country.
Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams complete Soil Burn Severity map for Dragon Bravo Fire
BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website. NWS Flagstaff, AZ
Last minute ‘Rapid Response: Fight the Trump Takeover’ event brings 300 to 400 protesters to Flagstaff City Hall
FLAGSTAFF — Even though it was on short notice, a crowd of 500 or so protesters gathered at the Flagstaff City Hall on Aug. 16, 2025 as part of the “Rapid Response: Fight the Trump Takeover” to protest the potential moves by the Trump Administration and its allies in Texas change the voting map to keep Republican in power in Congress.
The protest in Flagstaff included members of Indivisible Northern AZ and other organizations.
“Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple,” Indivisible Northern AZ officials stated before the event.
Coconino County — In-person Small Business Administration mobile services available in fire impacted communities
COCONINO COUNTY — Businesses impacted by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires can meet with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn about the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program and receive assistance with competing applications.
The SBA declared an economic disaster on Monday, August 18 and Coconino County Emergency Management and Economic Development teams along with Coconino County Supervisors have been on the ground since, finding dates, times and locations to host two SBA mobile service teams.
Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 22, 2025
Highlights: On the northernmost portion of the fire, suppression repair work is nearly complete. Equipment operators are progressing toward the south to continue their work. Chipping groups are working across the west side, and hazard tree removal progressed on the southern portions of the fire. The Kaibab National Forest reduced the size of the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District on August 19, 2025. Western portions of the district are now open to public access and the closure boundary is comprised of a series of forest roads between the Jacob Lake area and Timp Point.
DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team begins to assess post-fire impacts at Grand Canyon National Park
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – A multi-agency Department of the Interior (DOI) Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is beginning work this week to assess the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire on National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This process involves identifying the values at risk, determining any post-fire impacts to those values, and prescribing treatments to mitigate impacts.
Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response team assessing fire severity from the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Kaibab National Forest
FREDONIA — A U S Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Eric Schroder, has begun making burned area surveys of the Kaibab National Forest. BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape to determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow to values on National Forest System lands. If unacceptable risks are found the team recommends appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce the risks to national forest lands and values. BAER emergency stabilization efforts are focused on the protection of human life and safety, property, and critical cultural and natural resources.
Grand Canyon National Park eases water restrictions
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.
Operational changes include:
Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Despite these changes, water restrictions remain in place on the South Rim. Visitors and residents are urged to reduce water consumption by following these practices: flush toilets selectively, take shorter showers, wash clothes and dishes only with full loads and in eco-mode if available, and turn off the sink while brushing teeth, soaping hands, or shaving.
Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Update Fall 2025 Newsletter
The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall. Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings. To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.
The 60-day review comments and the public hearing draft will be available on September 1, 2025. To view these documents:
City of Flagstaff seeks community input for Spruce Wash Wedge artwork
“If you live on the Eastside or have a strong connection to this area, the artist team wants to hear from you,” said Jana Weldon, program manager for Beautification, Arts & Sciences. “This is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.”
An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your Invitation to Hope, Healing & Infinite Potential (Seats Filling Now)
This gathering is more than a conference—it’s a call into hope, connection, and limitless potential.
Our keynotes were crafted specifically for this event and setting—Lowell Observatory, a place that symbolizes the infinite universe and infinite possibility. In a time when spirit, science, and connection are needed most, our speakers will guide us into transformation on both a personal and community level.
Here’s what you’ll experience (see details in the images below):
A keynote weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word, and systems change to ignite transformation in individuals and communities.
A keynote exploring the power of the heart’s energy as a catalyst for healing, coherence, and system-wide change—giving you actionable tools for leadership, communication, and personal empowerment.
Grand Canyon National Park reopens portions of South Rim Corridor Trails
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park has reopened sections of key corridor trails on the South Rim that were closed July 13, 2025, due to safety concerns following the Dragon Bravo Fire.
Effective immediately:
South Kaibab Trail is open from the South Kaibab Trailhead to Tipoff.
Tonto Trail is open from Tipoff to Havasupai Gardens.
Bright Angel Trail is open from the Bright Angel Trailhead to Pipe Creek Resthouse.
Open house invitation for Community Wildfire Protection Plan for Rural Fire Districts and Tribal Com
OCONINO COUNTY — Please join the Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP), Coconino County and your local fire departments/districts at five distinct community meetings in support of the development of a countywide Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP).
The dates and locations of each unique community meeting are listed below.
Coconino County — SBA activates loan program for northern Arizona and southern Utah businesses
“As fire crews were on the ground, Coconino County was also thinking about economic recovery assistance for businesses who rely on tourism both on the North Rim and South Rim of the Grand Canyon,” said County Manager Andy Bertelsen. “The loss of the infrastructure at the North Rim and the fires impact on tourism have definitely affected the economy of northern Arizona. Coconino County took proactive steps to begin a process for federal resources to be made available to businesses throughout our county and surrounding counties.”
Kaibab National Forest to enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions, reduce North Kaibab closure area
FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. Fire behavior on Dragon Bravo has decreased, containment has increased, and fire crews have shifted focus to suppression repair, allowing large areas of the National Forest to be reopened without compromising fire operations or public safety.
Volunteers still needed for Coconino County Summer Point In Time (PIT) Count on Aug. 27-29
COCONINO COUNTY — Volunteers are still needed. We are very excited to be conducting a Summer 2025 PIT Count here next week! See the flyer and QR code attached or the link to view the sign-up sheet! Please note that shifts vary in both location and length of time. More details for each specific location are to come.
Dragon Bravo Fire update for Aug. 19, 2025
Highlights: The Kaibab National Forest is reducing the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger Districts. Beginning Tuesday, August 19, western portions of the district will reopen to public access. The new closure boundary connects a series of National Forest System Roads (NFSR) between the Jacob Lake area and Timp Point. The boundary line was designed to maximize public access while providing for the safety of forest visitors and wildfire personnel.
The NAU Review — How an NAU professor is helping safeguard Grand Canyon’s water from fire
Protecting the Grand Canyon’s water from fire
The Dragon Bravo Fire could threaten the drinking water supply for millions of visitors and thousands of workers at the Grand Canyon, but not if Abraham Springer has anything to say about it. With rapid-response funding from the National Science Foundation, the NAU researcher is working with Grand Canyon National Park, the U.S. Geological Survey and other colleagues to protect Roaring Springs, the park’s sole water source.
Audrey O’Connell speaks to the camera
Fit it in a Minute
with Audrey O’Connell
Have you heard about the Training Development and Technology Adoption services? O’Connell, the lead technical training analyst, explains how the TDTA team creates training materials that support the NAU community. Can she fit it in a minute?
City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Community input sought for Spruce Wash Wedge Artwork
We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff seeks community input for a landmark three-dimensional artwork to be installed at the promontory at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project. If you live on the Eastside, or have a strong connection to this area, this is your chance to share what makes this part of Flagstaff special.
An online survey, open now through September 9, invites participants to answer a series of experiential questions designed to spark factual, imaginative, and community-rooted responses. Insights gathered will help the artist team develop a site-specific, one-of-a-kind artwork that reflects the spirit of the Eastside.
Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed Aug. 15 in honor of former County Manager Steve Peru
FLAGSTAFF — April 15, 2025 marks Steven Bonilla Peru Day! The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Aug. 12 proclaimed this day in honor of former County Manager Steve Peru. Over 35 years at the County, he served twice as the County Manager and held a variety of leadership roles including Finance Director, Elections Director, Clerk of the Board and Deputy County Manager.
Peru was also awarded the inaugural Medal of Merit, an award recognizing outstanding and meritorious contributions to the people of Coconino County.
Indivisible Northern AZ announces ‘Rapid Response: Fight The Trump Takover’ from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 16 at Flagstaff City Hall
Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple.
Texas is a test case and just the beginning. Trump and his enablers are deliberately working to steal the 2026 election (and beyond) by rigging the electoral maps in their favor well into the future.
This is disenfranchisement for the 21st century.
Woods Fire (east of Oak Creek) at 50 percent containment
SEDONA — Firefighters working on the Woods Fire have been successful in suppressing and securing the perimeter around the wildfire, achieving 50% containment and will transition to a local Type 4 organization tomorrow morning.
A more accurate mapping of the wildfire located 2 miles east of the Village of Oak Creek puts it at 59 acres. It has been determined to be a lightning-caused fire.
High humidity provided favorable conditions for firefighters, allowing use of natural landscape and human-made barriers to keep the fire within its existing footprint.
Discover Flagstaff — Mother Road Classic Car Show on Aug. 16 in Flagstaff, more events
Saturday, August 16
Mother Road Classic Car Show
Flagstaff City Hall Parking Lot
America’s Mother Road, US Route 66, celebrates its centennial in 2026, and Flagstaff fuels the party in 2025 with The Mother Road Classic. 8 a.m. Free
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 11-15, 2025
Brighty prepares for his journey to the South Rim, where he will be stored in the park’s Museum Collections until a decision is made on his future. Whether he will be restored to his former appearance or replaced entirely is still under consideration. (NPS Photo)
Dragon Bravo Fire Aug. 15th Update
Highlights: Yesterday, containment of the Dragon Bravo Fire increased to 56%. More containment was gained on the Wahalla Plateau, Point Imperial and on the most northern tip of the fire. The National Weather Service Office in Flagstaff has issued a flash flood watch in the fire area between 10am and 8pm today. With safety being the top priority, crews will be ready to adjust to potentially dangerous weather conditions that may develop. To receive flash flood warnings on your cell phone or satellite device via the Grand Canyon River Alerts system. Text GCRIVERALERTS to 928-707-7842.
City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences News & Opportunities
Apply for a Beautification in Action Grant
Artists, local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community groups—this is your chance to transform Flagstaff’s shared spaces. The City of Flagstaff, through the Beautification and Public Art Commission, is accepting Beautification in Action (BIA) grants of up to $8,000 for creative projects that add character and beauty to our community. Eligible projects must be in publicly accessible locations and can include murals, sculptures, community or pollinator gardens, decorative benches, neighborhood pathways, and more.
The NAU Review — Gov. Hobbs visited NAU. Find out why.
Gov. Katie Hobbs, an NAU social work graduate, met with NAU leaders to discuss how the university is confronting the state’s healthcare worker shortage through academic programs, research projects and infrastructure improvements.
Coconino County Center for the Arts — Announcing CCA’s Fall Concert Season!
We are thrilled to launch our fall concert season with an diverse array of local favorites and acclaimed touring artists, offering something for every music lover.
Listed below are the first concerts of the season, and we’ll be announcing even more performances and dates in the weeks ahead. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Coconino Center for the Arts for another season of unforgettable live music!
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — NAH releases new strategic plan
The public learned this week that Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) discussed their five-year priorities during a meeting held last Thursday with city and county leaders in Flagstaff. There, NAH announced the completion of a 2030 strategic plan.
Many thanks to KNAU Arizona Public Radio and the Arizona Daily Sun for covering the meeting and publishing online stories yesterday and today to inform the public of this recent information. The Arizona Daily Sun article can be viewed in PDF form here and here.
Both news stories indicate that NAH continues to evaluate five sites for a new hospital location, including an expansion of their current building on Beaver Street. NAH indicates they do not plan to build a “medical village” at the selected site as was their previous plan.
Additionally, NAH stated that Flagstaff Medical Center is not a community hospital any longer, but rather is considered by NAH and others as a regional referral center.
City of Flagstaff opens applications for Sustainability Grants
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, formally know as the Neighborhood Sustainability Grant Program, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2025. The competitive grant program provides funding up to $7,500 for sustainability projects that strengthen community partnerships and environmental stewardship within Flagstaff city limits. Eligible applicants include community groups, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses with projects that address key sustainability priorities. Priority focus areas include energy, community health and climate resilience, food, transportation, and waste.
Public input requested on candidates for Superior Court Division 6 Judge Pro Tempore
COCONINO COUNTY — The public is invited to comment on three candidates for the Division 6 Judge Pro Tempore vacancy on the Superior Court in Coconino County.
The candidates are Jonathon Kircher, Roberta McVickers and Bryan Shea.
Coconino County Treasurer’s Office moves downtown
COCONINO COUNTY — Starting Monday, Aug. 18, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office will be back in downtown Flagstaff for in-person services at 110 E. Cherry Ave. from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The current location at Flagstaff Mall, 4650 N. N. US Hwy 89, will be open until Aug. 18.
“Having one office downtown with in-person services helps streamline our processes and will make doing business with the Treasurer’s Office simple and convenient for residents,” Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar said. “We will now have a one-stop-shop for employees, meetings, partner agencies and residents.”