Category: Government

Highway 89A businesses open from Bitter Springs to Cliff Dwellers

COCONINO COUNTY — The White Sage Fire has closed portions of 89A in the Vermillion Cliffs area. The portion of the road from Bitter Springs to Cliff Dwellers remains open and the businesses in that corridor are open as well.

Presently, there is a message board on northbound Hwy 89A at milepost 524 that says the road closure is 24 miles ahead. A second message board at Marble Canyon says the closure is 10 miles ahead.

If travelling, please be aware of message boards and recognize that situations can change rapidly.  

For road closure updates visit az511.com

Tusayan Stands Ready To Assist North Rim As Fire Destroys Grand Canyon Lodge And Cabins South Rim of Grand Canyon Is Not Impacted By Fire

TUSAYAN — Tusayan Mayor Clarinda Vail says Tusayan stands ready to assist the North Rim communities as they continue to deal with the devastation of the Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. The fire has destroyed 50 to 80 structures including the Grand Canyon Lodge.

The fire, which has burned more than 5,700 acres on the North Rim, does not impact the South Rim or its hotels or other services.

“We want our North Rim neighbors to know that we stand ready to help and assist as needed. The devastation is heartbreaking. Our hearts go out to all impacted by the fire and all that love the North Rim. We pray for the safety of the firefighters still battling the flames. Due to some media confusion we want to remind visitors with plans to visit the South Rim they can do so safely and that we welcome those North Rim visitors forced to change their plans to come to the South Rim and Tusayan.”

Coconino County extends support to Grand Canyon National Park

COCONINO COUNTY — Grand Canyon National Park is a natural wonder of the world, geological storyteller, sacred cultural site and economic driver for Coconino County communities.

The loss of infrastructure at the North Rim from the Dragon Bravo Fire, including the lodge and visitors center, has a profound impact on residents and visitors alike and breaks our communities’ hearts. 

In addition to the Dragon Bravo Fire, the White Sage Fire burning near Jacobs Lake has also led to evacuations and impacts on local communities who rely on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management have assisted with emergency efforts including road closures, evacuations and operations. The fires grew exponentially due to high winds and dry conditions on the ground. 

White Sage Fire Daily Update – July 14, 2025

Highlights

Yesterday, numerous aerial firefighting resources, including Very Large Air Tankers (VLATs) and Single Engine Airtankers (SEATs), dropped 179,597 gallons of retardant along the southern and northern perimeter. These efforts provided critical support to firefighters on the ground, by slowing fire spread. On the west side of the fire, near the point of origin, the line is holding well, and crews are actively mopping up and securing the perimeter. Multiple hand crews on the southern flank worked late into the night to continue building and reinforcing containment line.

Thousands of visitors filled the streets of downtown Flagstaff for 2025 Fourth of July Parade

COCONINO COUNTY — Despite scattered rains the night before, thousands of visitors crowded into downtown Flagstaff on a beautiful morning to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

The events began with a Guardian Air Transport helicopter flying overhead leading a parade featuring more than 100 entries. The Arizona Daily Sun reported between 15,000 to 20,000 people attended the annual event.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) joined the Coconino County parade entry which featured public safety vehicles, the Majestics Car Club of Flagstaff, marching bands and other entries.

Northern Arizona groups planning to join ‘Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action on July 17

By Indivisible 

In one week, on July 17, people all across the country will gather together in honor of the late Rep. John Lewis to participate in the Good Trouble Lives On National Day of Action.

With MAGA Republicans continuing their ghoulish campaigns to terrorize communities, crush dissent, and tear families apart, it’s more important than ever that we stand up, speak out, and make some good trouble. 

What’s good trouble?

Coined by civil rights leader Congressman John Lewis, “good trouble” means coming together to take non-violent action to challenge injustice and create meaningful change. That could look like a candlelight vigil, a community event, a rally, or any other creative way you can think of to stand up and remind the world that we will continue to fight back against this authoritarian regime.

State awards City of Flagstaff $4M for regional wildland fire training facility

FLAGSTAFF — The state of Arizona has allocated $4M to the City of Flagstaff in its FY2026 budget for the construction of a regional wildland fire training facility. Local fire departments across northern Arizona are the front line of defense against wildfire and the construction of this facility will increase firefighter safety and improve wildfire response.

The construction of a permanent wildland fire training facility in Flagstaff will serve as the operational base for the Flagstaff Fire Department’s Wildfire Management Division, providing year-round high-quality and scenario-based training opportunities for local and regional fire personnel. The facility will also enhance coordination among municipal, state, and federal firefighting agencies. The City of Flagstaff has dedicated $650K for the design of the facility and the $4M provided by the state will be used for construction.

Grand Canyon National Park temporarily closes North Rim due to White Sage Fire

GRAND CANYON — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park has temporarily closed the North Rim until further notice due to the White Sage Fire near Jacob Lake, Ariz. The White Sage Fire is located on BLM lands and is not currently burning within Grand Canyon National Park.

Due to the fire’s progression toward Jacob Lake, which is now under evacuation orders, all visitors on the North Rim are required to evacuate immediately. State Route 89A to Fredonia is closed. State Route 89A east toward Lees Ferry and Page remains open to traffic towards Lees Ferry. North Rim day use is also closed until further notice.

2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2025–2026 Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) for Coconino County is now available for review and highlights the ongoing efforts of the CHIP Action Teams focused on Transportation, Housing, Behavioral Health, and Food and Nutritional Security.

The updated plan is attached and available online at https://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/68572

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 7-11, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire on the North Rim

The Dragon Bravo Fire, located on the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park, continues to show moderate fire activity as it burns in a remote area south of the Basin near the W1 Road. Sparked by lightning on July 4, the fire has grown steadily over the past few days and is currently estimated at approximately 120 acres.

LULAC hails Federal Court Victory preserving Birthright Citizenship in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) (July 10) celebrates a landmark decision by U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante of New Hampshire, who issued a ruling blocking the Trump administration’s executive order seeking to strip automatic birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. This decision marks a crucial victory for members of LULAC, the first organization to file a lawsuit challenging the administration’s attempt to undermine one of the most fundamental rights enshrined in the U.S. Constitution.

“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the rights granted under the 14th Amendment are not up for debate or political manipulation,” said Roman Palomares, LULAC National President and Chairman of the Board. “From the very beginning, LULAC has been the voice standing between injustice and the rights of those born on American soil. We will never allow the constitutional promise of citizenship to be erased or rewritten.”

Pew Research Center — Race & Ethnicity — Birthright citizenship, deportation worries and Trump’s 2024 voter coalition

Half of U.S. adults say people born in the United States to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. By contrast, nearly all say people born in the country to U.S.-born parents (95%) or to parents who immigrated legally (94%) should be citizens.

Related: Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship draws more disapproval than approval

Plague death confirmed in Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials received confirmatory test results today, July 11, 2025, and have confirmed that a Coconino County resident has died from pneumonic plague, a severe lung infection caused by the Yersinia pestis bacterium.

The death is not related to a recent report of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff. This is the first recorded death from Pneumonic plague in Coconino County since 2007 when an individual had an interaction with a dead animal infected with the disease. 

“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. “We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time. Out of respect for the family, no additional information about the death will be released.”

Beulah/University Realignment Project substantially complete. All roadways to open on Tuesday, July 15!

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff, their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), have reached substantial completion of the Beulah/University Realignment Project. With this work complete, all roads and the pedestrian underpass will be open and accessible to all users by the end of Tuesday, July 15. Remain alert as crews complete final clean-up operations throughout the coming weeks. Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists get used to the new roadway configuration and follow the marked signage to get to your destination.

Crews responding to small wildfire near A1 Mountain west of Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to a small wildfire located near A1 Mountain roughly 6 miles west of Flagstaff.

Resources assigned to the Soggy Bottom Fire include six engines, a water tender and two hand crews.

The fire is between 5 and 7 acres with a moderate rate of spread through grass and timber.

It was first reported at about 2:30 p.m. (Wednesday, July 9) and its cause is under investigation.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y seeks to connect families with variety of food security programs countywide

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From school districts to nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies, a variety of food assistances programs are available this summer for families throughout Coconino County.

The following is a listing compiled by CCC&Y of some of those programs. Contact individual organizations for more information on times, dates and locations.

​​​​​​​

If your program would like to be added to this listing, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

Prairie Dog Die-Off reported in the Townsend Winona area

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) received a report today of a prairie dog die-off in the Townsend Winona area, northeast of Flagstaff.

A sudden die-off of prairie dogs and rodents can be an indicator of plague, an infectious disease that can affect humans and animals. The bacterium that causes plague, Yersinia pestis, is transmitted from the bite of infected fleas or by coming into contact with infected animals. Individuals can also become infected through exposure to sick pets.  

2024 Grand Canyon Drinking Water Quality Report now available

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

Coconino County response to EMS service disruption in Fredonia

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County officials are taking swift action following the recent disruption of ground ambulance services in Fredonia and the surrounding communities in the County’s northwest and north-central regions.

The disruption occurred after the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) determined that Kane County, Utah EMS units are not certified or legally authorized to operate within Arizona. 

Concrete removal and pavement patching scheduled on roadways in early July

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance projects continue around Flagstaff as part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program. Concrete removal work is scheduled to occur during the week of July 7 on Beulah Blvd, Lucky Ln, and the east side of Switzer Canyon Dr. During the week of July 14, pavement patching work is scheduled on William Rd, Switzer Canyon Dr, Kaspar Dr and San Francisco St.

This work will impact select areas of the roadway and will result in temporary lane shifts, lane closures and/ or shoulder closures. The City and its contractor are taking all possible measures to minimize the impact of this work on local residents and businesses.

City of Flagstaff announces Lee Williams as Water Services Director

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that Lee Williams has been selected as the City’s Water Services Director.

Lee has served for 13 years with the City of Flagstaff in Water Services and was the previous Water Operations Section Director. Prior to this role, he served as an Operations Supervisor and Plant Operator in the public sector, worked as an educator for six years, and worked for four years in private industry.  He has a bachelor’s degree in chemistry & mathematics and is a certified operator in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and wastewater collection. 

Variety of 4th of July events to be held in Flagstaff, Fredonia, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

Events also planned for Fredonia, Page, Tuba City, Tusayan and Williams

COCONINO COUNTY — Thousands of visitors are expected to crowd into downtown Flagstaff to celebrate the 2025 Annual Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce/Nackard Pepsi 4th of July Parade on Friday, July 4, 2024.

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC), see 2024 photos below, are expected to join the Coconino County parade entry as part of the 100-plus float event.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 30-July 4, 2025

Town of Tusayan Hosts July 4th Events on Friday

Employees, friends, and families are invited to join the Town of Tusayan for an Independence Day celebration on Friday, July 4, from 4–10:30 p.m. This free community event, themed “A Community of Unity,” kicks off with a parade at 4 p.m. and highlights Tusayan’s partnerships with Grand Canyon National Park and other local agencies.

Enjoy an evening filled with food, drinks, bike decorating, kids’ games, live music, a cornhole tournament, a Native dance performance, and great auction items. The night will close with a pet-friendly drone light show at dusk.

More information can be found in the attached flyer here.

Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton announces retirement; City to launch nationwide recruitment

FLAGSTAFF — This week, Flagstaff City Manager Greg Clifton announced to the City Council his intention to retire. To guide the transition, the City has engaged Duffy Group to conduct a nationwide, competitive search with opportunities for community input to help identify a city manager aligned with Flagstaff’s values.

Mr. Clifton joined the City of Flagstaff in August 2019 with more than 20 years of executive municipal experience. From the outset, he adopted a community-centered leadership style that emphasized collaboration across City divisions. Under his leadership, the City made significant strides in key areas including public safety, core services, climate resilience, public infrastructure, and economic vitality.

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

Latest news updates for June 2025

• Republicans Block Gallego Amendment to Stop Budget Bill from Gutting Substance Use Disorder Treatment

• Gallego Statement on War Powers Vote

• Gallego Fights for Tax Equality for Married Couples

• ICYMI: Senators Gallego and Kelly Facilitate the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Gallego Introduces Legislation to Cut Red Tape in Border Agent Hiring Process

• Senators Gallego and Kelly Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Amid Rising Antisemitic Attacks in the U.S., Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Hate and Strengthen Holocaust Education

• What They Are Saying: Congressional Republicans Plan to Make it Harder to Put Food on the Table

• On Dobbs 3rd Anniversary, Gallego Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Reproductive Freedom

• Gallego Backs Bipartisan Bill to Help Homeowners Conserve Water, Save Money

• Gallego, Scott Introduce Checkpoint Act to Strengthen Border Patrol Operations and Combat Fentanyl Trafficking

• Gallego Releases Statement on Bombing of Iranian Nuclear Sites

• MORE…

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

Latest news updates for June 2025

• WATCH: On Senate Floor, Kelly Opposes Republican Budget to Cut Medicaid and Food Assistance to Fund Billionaire Tax Breaks

• Kelly Statement on Supporting War Powers Resolution to Prevent Unauthorized War with Iran

• Kelly, Shaheen, Collins Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Expand Development of Sustainable Wood Products and Support Forest Products Industry

• Por si te lo perdiste: En “Despierta América”, Kelly destaca cómo las decisiones de Trump en el conflicto en Irán están poniendo al país en peligro

• ICYMI: On ‘Despierta América,’ Kelly Spotlights How Trump’s Decision-Making on Iran is Making Americans Less Safe

• Kelly Leads Resolution Recognizing June 30 as National Asteroid Day

• Kelly, Gallego Announce the Safe Arrival of Arizona Teens Stranded in Israel Amidst Conflict in the Middle East

• Kelly, Hawley, Hassan Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Rural Hospital Cybersecurity

• Kelly, Stanton: Arizona Teachers, Firefighters, Police Officers & Other Middle-Class Workers Will See Higher Costs Under Trump’s Tax and Tariff Plans

• Kelly Backs Legislation to Protect Children on Social Media, Hold Tech Companies Accountable

• Kelly Statement on US Strikes on Iranian Nuclear Sites

• ICYMI: In Tucson, Kelly Visits Rincon High School to Highlight How Republican SNAP Cuts Would Harm Arizona Kids and Families

• More …

Coconino County health officials recommend taking preventative measures to prevent measles

COCONINO COUNTY — Measles is a highly contagious viral illness spread through the air by respiratory droplets produced from coughing or sneezing. The illness has seen a resurgence in the United States.

As of June 24, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 1,227 confirmed measles cases in 37 jurisdictions, including Arizona, where four confirmed cases of measles were identified in Navajo County last month.

There are currently no confirmed cases of measles in Coconino County, however suspect cases have been identified and have been ruled out through further laboratory testing. Most recently, a suspect case was identified in the Page area. The individual has returned to their place of residence and local health officials continue to monitor the case.   

City of Flagstaff announces Fourth of July closures

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Friday, July 4 in honor of the Fourth of July holiday. City Hall offices will reopen Monday, July 7 from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on the Fourth of July include:

Michelle McNulty selected as City of Flagstaff’s Planning and Development Services Director

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is excited to announce that it has selected Michelle McNulty as the City’s new Planning and Development Services Director.

Michelle is a Certified Planner with nearly 20 years of public and private sector experience in land use, transportation planning and community development. She joined the City of Flagstaff in 2022 as the Planning Director and has served as the Interim Community Development Director since March 2025. Prior to coming to Flagstaff, Michelle served as the Planning Director for the Municipality of Anchorage. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Ohio State University and a Master of Arts in Rural Geography from Northern Arizona University.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves budget for Fiscal Year 2026

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a budget of $443,009,427 for FY26, which runs from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.

The budget process with the Board of Supervisors began on May 5, with a budget development presentation, followed by department presentations, public input, board discussions, and tentative adoption, culminating on June 24, with the official vote and adoption of a balanced budget.   

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts & Sciences — Call to Artists: 2026/27 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition, more news

The City of Flagstaff seeks proposals for large-scale, three-dimensional (3D) artworks for the 2026/2027 Multicultural County Park Sculpture Exhibition. The exhibition features five sculptures, existing or newly created, that reflect diverse cultural expressions including Indigenous, Black, and Latinx art. Selected artworks can advance essential perspectives and narratives and will invite interaction, conversation, and appreciation.

Application Deadline: August 1, 2025, 5 pm (Arizona Time)

Image: Artist Isaac Caruso pictured with his sculpture Wings of Ancestors. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Coconino County announces Eric Peterson as new Deputy County Manager

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Manager Andy Bertelsen has appointed Eric Peterson as deputy county manager. This appointment follows Kim Musselman’s retirement announcement. Musselman will retire on Aug. 1 after nearly thirty years at Coconino County.

Peterson will start on July 1. 

“I am excited to introduce our new deputy county manager, Eric Peterson,” Bertelsen said. “Eric is a professional, dedicated public servant. His skills and experience bring balance, breadth and depth to the leadership team and I am confident he will strengthen the organization in this role. It is with great excitement that I announce his return to the Coconino County team.”

Hutton Ranch Road – Rio de Flag Crossing Project completed

COCONINO COUNTY — A  project to build a new and improved Rio de Flag crossing culvert at Hutton Ranch Road has been completed.

The $548,000 Hutton Ranch Road – Rio De Flag Culvert Crossing Project will improve transportation in and out of the Hutton Ranch neighborhood when the Rio de Flag is flowing. The project, which broke ground in late March, features a 3×20-foot cast-in-place concrete arch culvert under Hutton Ranch Road at the Rio de Flag crossing along with new fencing, guardrails, water inlet & outlet protection, and a paved surface over the culvert.

Firefighters to begin work on fuelbreak project to help protect community in Oak Creek Canyon

SEDONA  — Firefighters will begin a hand thinning fuelbreak project tomorrow around the community of Indian Gardens in Oak Creek Canyon which will complement previous fuels treatments in the area and increase defensible space around public and private land.

This shaded fuelbreak project will help fire managers establish control lines for future fire management decisions and expand the areas between homes and vegetation. In turn, this will help reduce the threat of a wildfire damaging or destroying homes and allow firefighters to safely defend the Indian Gardens community.

Commander Cathy Allen announces retirement from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announces the retirement of Commander Cathy Allen, effective June 25, 2025, following a distinguished 39-year career in public service and administrative leadership.

Commander Allen began her tenure with the Sheriff’s Office in 1987 as a Financial Management Analyst and steadily advanced to become the Commander of Administrative Services. In this role, she provided oversight to civilian teams in Support Services and Administrative divisions and led major initiatives including grant administration, intergovernmental agreements, contract law enforcement in outlying communities, and budget development. Her leadership contributed to a nearly 200% increase in the civilian workforce, significantly enhancing the department’s operational support functions.

Kaibab National Forest Stage 1 Fire Restrictions to begin Friday, June 27 on the North Kaibab and Tusayan Ranger Districts

WILLIAMS — Due to increasing fire danger, Stage 1 Fire and Smoking Restrictions will go into effect beginning 8:00 a.m. Friday, June 27, 2025, on the North Kaibab and Tusayan ranger districts.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, the building, maintaining, attending, or using fire, campfire, or stove fire including charcoal and briquettes outside of a permanent metal or concrete fire pit or grate that the Forest Service has installed and maintained at its developed recreation sites is prohibited. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, at a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Mountain Line Is on the Move

With the opening of its Downtown Connection Center (DCC) earlier this month and major service enhancements scheduled to start on July 27, Mountain Line, Flagstaff’s public transit system, is entering a new era.

The two-story, 21,000-square-foot DCC, located on Phoenix Avenue, is now the home of the transit systems’ customer service, administrative, and operations support teams, and streamlines transfers across Mountain Line’s nine fixed routes. Its previous headquarters on Kaspar Drive will continue to handle bus maintenance and storage.

City of Flagstaff — Beulah Boulevard Roundabout to close for striping operations

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and their contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to begin striping operations along Milton Road, University Drive, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) and the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard starting Monday, June 30. On Wednesday, July 2, and Thursday, July 3, the new roundabout along Beulah Boulevard will be fully closed to all traffic to allow crews to perform striping operations. The roundabout will reopen by Friday, July 4.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — F3’s Online Auction Closes This Saturday!

Help us raise $8,000 from our 30th Anniversary Online Auction. Place your bid online  before the auction closes!

Starting bids are set at 50% of the Value of the Item. There are some great deals here!

This auction contains diverse,and unique items including: special experiences such as  music concerts, guided tours, and interior design consultation; gift baskets for gardening and more; and gift certificates for personal training and doggy day care. Also jewelry, food, and wine.

Find all auction items at: bit.ly/F3Auction4mSJD7c

CCC&Y Spotlight — Coalition participates in Tuba City Family Fun Day

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Temperatures approaching the ’90s didn’t keep families away during the annual Tuba City Family Fun Day resource fair held on June 18, 2025 at Louise Yellowman County Park, Tuba City.

Presented by Coconino County Health and Human Services — (AZ Health Zone), the event featured a number of information booths for parents, activities for children and plenty of healthy food alternatives for everyone who attended the annual event.

Some of the organizations taking part in the event included
Arizona Complete Health, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) — (AZ Health Zone), (CCHHS) Health Start, (CCHHS) Tobacco Use Prevention, (CCHHS) Opioid Overdose Prevention, Navajo Nation Behavioral & Mental Health Services, San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Health Department, Tuba City Navajo Nation Health Education Program, Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Pandemic Public Health and Patient Benefit Cooperative programs, and the Tuba City Regional Health Care Corp.’s Radiation Exposure Screening and Education Program (RESEP)

City of Flagstaff flood control project receives national and statewide recognition

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff received three awards last month from national and Arizona state organizations for the Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180. The project, which was completed in Fall 2024, saw the installment of a box culvert under US Hwy 180 and was the last piece of post-wildfire mitigation in the Schultz Creek corridor, an area that received over seven floods in 2022 after the Pipeline Fire. The full suite of projects has completely mitigated the post-wildfire flash flood threats in the impacted watershed, protecting over 200 homes, an elementary school, and critical facilities.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Removing Chemical Contaminants from Wastewater with Biochar

The Flagstaff Water Group (FWG), composed of five local scientists deeply concerned about removing hazardous contaminants from Flagstaff’s reclaimed wastewater, is presenting information about how biochar can be used to remove chemical contaminants.

This presentation and discussion will take place this Wednesday June 25, at 7:00 pm at the Market of Dreams (2136 N. 4th Street). This event is free and open to the public.

Coconino County, City of Flagstaff recognize Juneteenth

COCONINO COUNTY — At their meeting on June 10, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially recognized Juneteenth with a proclamation.

It reads, in part: “The Coconino County Board of Supervisors joins residents and local governments across the country in celebrating June 19, 2025 as Juneteenth, a day of empowerment and resilience of Black Americans who have endured generations of oppression in the journey toward equal rights and opportunities in America … “

Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

Editor’s note — Story / photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

See more photos at www.MosaicNAZ.org:

• Protesters crowd downtown Flagstaff as part of nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ rally

• ‘No Kings Day’ — Signs of the Time

FLAGSTAFF — With some local media reporting a crowd topping 3,000, Flagstaff residents and Northern Arizona visitors alike turned out in mass for one of the largest rallies in the city in recent memory during the “No Kings Day” mass protest held Saturday, June 14 in front of Flagstaff City Hall.

The large crowd came in spite of near mid-summer temperatures approaching 90 degrees, and added personal safety vigilance as a result of deadly political violence earlier in the day in Minnesota. The protest nationwide was organized by the 50501 movement with the local effort hosted by Indivisible Northern AZ.

Opponents of the Trump administration crowded the sidewalks from starting at 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. A sizable crowd of protestors also filled the opposite side of the street up to the Flagstaff Train Depot. When they were’t waiving signs, soliciting supportive horns from passing vehicles, the protesters joined in drum performances, chants and listened to speeches from local political leaders.

“No Kings Day is one of the largest days of protest in American history,” Indivisible Project national leaders stated in a media release. “From deep red small towns to our largest cities, millions of people turned out to make clear that the American people will not bow to fascism. 

County & City Seek properties for assessment and revitalization

… In 2024, Coconino County and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) was awarded a $1,500,000 grant through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Program to benefit the counties of Coconino, Mohave, Navajo, and Yavapai as well as all their cities and towns including Flagstaff, Prescott, Camp Verde, Kingman, Show Low, and Winslow. The grant’s primary purpose is to aid the transformation of local properties from liabilities into community assets. 

City hosts meet and greet event for Planning and Development Services Director candidates on June 26

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Thursday, June 26 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of Planning and Development Services Director. The City received 23 applications, conducted 4 screening interviews, and has invited 2 candidates to participate in interviews and the meet and greet to follow.

The candidate names and a brief biography of those who accepted the City’s invitation to participate are included below:

Bill Williams Mountain watershed (closed as of June 18)

WILLIAMS — Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Kaibab National Forest has implemented a temporary area closure on Bill Williams Mountain watershed, located just south of the City of Williams. (The closure began on June 18) and is due to the area’s susceptibility to uncharacteristically severe wildfire and the post-wildfire flooding that would potentially result.

In general, the perimeter of the Bill Williams Mountain watershed temporary closure area includes Forest Road 122 to the south, Forest Road 108 to the west, County Road 73 (aka “South Road”) to the east, and Interstate 40 to the north. Details, including a map of the closure area, will be available on the Kaibab NF website at www.fs.usda.gov/r03/kaibab

Coconino County — Supplemental Information about Truth in Taxation Notices

COCONINO COUNTY — In accordance with State statute, Coconino County has published Truth in Taxation Notices that will appear in the Arizona Daily Sun on June 10 and June 17.

Each year, during the budget process, both primary and secondary property tax rates are proposed for the coming fiscal year.    

To meet the needs of our communities, address emergencies, and provide basic services including public safety, emergency response, criminal justice, and County parks, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors is required to balance these crucial operations while maintaining our low primary and secondary property taxes, which are some of the lowest in the state. 

Coconino County to Enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions Wednesday

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 2 fire restrictions on Friday.

County fire restriction stages are:

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions start at 6 p.m. June 18

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 6 pm. on Wednesday, June 18. 

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.