Category: Health

Grand Canyon Community Update – Oct. 16, 2026

South Rim Water Treatment Plant Begins Testing with Bright Angel Creek Water

Big progress is happening on the South Rim. On October 15, we began bringing water from the Bright Angel Creek intake into the South Rim Water Treatment Plant for the first time. This is a major step toward a more reliable water supply for our community. 

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) including — ‘On SiriusXM, Gallego Discusses His Economic Policy Plan to Save America’s Middle Class, Rips President Trump’s Russian Oil Deal’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘ Attorney General Mayes Leads Coalition of Attorneys General Urging Congress to Pass Epstein Files Transparency Act II’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — The Work is Personal: Ten Years with the Coalition

By Virginia Watahomigie • Executive Director,

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth​​​​​​​

COCONINO COUNTY —  I have been trying to find a way to explain and honor this work since I celebrated my 10-year anniversary with CCC&Y in September. But I write, erase, re-write and let it sit….let me explain how all of this amazing work is also tied to my own lived experience. This is a story of both celebration and sorrow. It is a story about my why.

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First, I want to celebrate all the amazing successes and work we have done together, from conferences, symposiums, early childhood fairs, workshops, prevention strategies, lot’s of writing and reports and so much more. I am honored to have been invited to speak and listen in so many amazing spaces

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) Kicks Off Fundraising Campaign – Join Us on Oct. 29th!

I’m excited to share that United Way of Northern Arizona’s 2026-2027 Annual Campaign is officially underway.

This year, we’re working to raise $1.2 million to fund programs that increase youth opportunity, promote healthy communities, foster financial security, and strengthen community resiliency across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Our theme this year is Give Where You Live. United at Its Peak. It celebrates the power of local giving and what we can accomplish in northern Arizona when we come together.

Guest commentary — When life feels like too much: Finding mental health support in Northern Arizona

Daily stress doesn’t always look like a mental health crisis. It can look like lying awake thinking about bills, losing patience with the people you love after a long day or feeling tired no matter how much you sleep.

Maybe you’re juggling work and family responsibilities. Maybe groceries and gas cost more than you expected again this week. Maybe someone you care about is struggling, and you have quietly taken on the responsibility of helping them, too.

Over time, those pressures add up.

On Oct. 10, World Mental Health Day reminds us to check in with ourselves and the people around us when life starts to feel a little too heavy. But how can you tell when it may be time for more support?

Flagstaff adopts 2024 Building and Fire Codes, advancing public health, resilience and safety

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council formally adopted the 2024 Suite of Building and Fire Codes during the Council Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6. This adoption updates the City’s construction regulations to align with the latest industry standards and includes local amendments that address Flagstaff’s unique conditions and priorities. These codes primarily apply to new buildings and are designed to benefit residents, builders, and the broader community. 

Grand Canyon Community Update – Oct. 9, 2026

A Message to Our Grand Canyon Community: Every Drop Counts 

This community has met every challenge the canyon has thrown at it with grit and generosity. These past weeks have tested us, and you have answered with patience, cooperation, and care for one another. Thank you. 

As the park scales back the temporary resident water services starting Friday, Oct. 9, we want to acknowledge what you’ve already accomplished. You have adapted your routines, supported your neighbors and worked together to conserve water during Stage 4 restrictions.  

Pile burns planned next week on Flagstaff, Mogollon Rim ranger districts

The Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct pile burns next week as conditions allow. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire. Certified prescribed fire specialists will use these upcoming pile burns to help reduce unwanted fuels – notably by cleaning up debris left over from area timber sales. More information about the importance of prescribed fire is available on the Coconino National Forest website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/coconino/fire/management

Public Involvement Period Opens on Long-Term North Rim Recovery and Redevelopment Concepts at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — The National Park Service invites the public to help shape the long-term recovery and future of the North Rim at Grand Canyon National Park by participating in a 30-day public involvement period beginning Oct. 6, 2026. 

Following the 2025 Dragon Bravo Fire and significant recovery work over the past year, recent flash floods have underscored the importance of resilient infrastructure, reliable utilities, public safety, emergency preparedness, and thoughtful long-term planning in this remote and dynamic environment.

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

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
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COCONINO COUNTY — Whether it’s connecting families to food and shelter resources, to helping foster care families learn about potential scholarship programs for their youth, resource guides provide a valuable assistance to residents throughout Coconino County and Northern Arizona.
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To spread the word about these valuable information resources, CCC&Y has compiled a listing and links to a variety of additional resource guides throughout the region including CCC&Y’s own recently updated Fall/Winter 2026 Page/Fredonia and Tuba City/Navajo Nation resource guides.

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Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners at 2026 Science in the Park

FLAGSTAFF — From astronomy to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2026 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 26, 2026 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

More than 60 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from. Unofficially, more than 3,500 people attended the event, according to event organizers.

Some of the exhibitors ranged from The Arboretum, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Lowell Observatory, Meteor Crater Education Alliance, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Riordan Mansion, Slide Rock State Park, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.

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Respiratory disease vaccinations offered at Coconino County Health and Human Services

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is offering vaccinations against flu, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and pneumonia at our Walk-in Vaccination Clinics. These clinics are held at the CCHHS Health and Wellness Clinic, located at 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, every Tuesday and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Sept. 22 through Nov. 4. Appointments are not needed to receive your vaccination at these clinics.

Modified Fall operations begin at Grand Canyon’s North Rim on Oct. 15

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will begin modified fall operations at the North Rim on Oct. 15.

As part of this transition Cape Royal Road and Point Imperial Road will be temporarily closed from sunset Oct. 15 through sunrise Nov. 3, 2026, to accommodate critical road repair and rehabilitation work in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration. The closure is necessary to maintain a safe work environment for crews while they complete these critical repairs.

The NAU Review — From Douglas to Las Vegas

A trail to healthier communities

A trail that will connect Arizona from the border town of Douglas to Bullhead City will open the door to outdoor recreation, better health, stronger communities and potentially higher property values. With the help of NAU faculty and both undergraduate and graduate students, the Sun Corridor Trail is closer to becoming a reality. 

Grand Canyon Community Update – Sept. 28, 2026

Community Potable Water Tank Update

The Bright Angel Flash Flood Incident Management Team has updated the size and, in some cases, location, of potable water storage tanks throughout Grand Canyon Village in order to serve residents who have relied on the tanks during the current water emergency.

The potable water tank placement plan was developed with input from park leadership and based off usage reports. There are a total of 16 tanks at various locations, for a total of approximately 15,000 gallons. Although the total amount of water has been reduced, it still exceeds the average daily use of approximately 6,000 gallons per day.

Anthony Garcia resigns from Flagstaff City Council

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Anthony Garcia has notified the City of his resignation from the Flagstaff City Council, effective immediately. Mr. Garcia is stepping down to focus on his health and well-being.

The City thanks Mr. Garcia for his service to the Flagstaff community and for the time and commitment he dedicated to serving on the City Council.

Mr. Garcia shared “It has been a true honor to serve the Flagstaff community. I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back to a city I care deeply about and to the residents who took the time to share their hopes, concerns, and ideas for Flagstaff. At this point in my life, I need to step back and make my well-being a priority.

Kaibab National Forest urges early planning for fuelwood gathering as winter approaches

WILLIAMS — With early forecasts signaling a potentially severe winter across northern Arizona, the Kaibab National Forest is encouraging visitors to obtain their personal‑use fuelwood permits and gather their wood as soon as possible.

Snow and winter storms can arrive quickly, and once conditions deteriorate, many wood‑gathering areas become difficult or impossible to access. Planning ahead now helps ensure both safe access and plenty of time to gather wood before winter weather sets in.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership, donations support the work of CCC&Y

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

​​​​​​​COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and your help is needed.

When you become a member of CCC&Y, your financial contribution helps cultivate and strengthen well-informed communities by providing education and resources, bringing stakeholders together, building new systems of communication and more.

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Coconino County Health and Human Services seeks community input to inform programs and services

COCONINO COUNTY — In April, Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) launched the Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey to help identify the health priorities, community needs, strengths and risk factors within Coconino County. To ensure that everyone has an opportunity to share their input, we’ve extended the deadline to take the survey to Saturday, Oct. 31.

The NAU Review — Robotics on the Navajo Nation + can we forecast the next pandemic?

Igniting a love of STEM in Tuba City

They say success is nothing without someone to share it with. That’s certainly true in Tuba City, a small community on the Navajo Nation: Whenever any of its citizens score a big win, the town always shows up to celebrate. That’s why, armed with $50,000 from the National Science Foundation, researchers at NAU’s Center for STEM Teaching and Learning aren’t just partnering with Tuba City educators to improve STEM learning opportunities. They’re also working with town leaders to brainstorm ways to celebrate the kids’ success, from public robotics challenges to parades.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coconino County announces voter registration deadline is Oct. 5 for General Election

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2026.

“Registering to vote and participating in elections is an important civic right that ensures your voice is heard. Now is the time to check that your registration is up to date and that you are ready for the upcoming General Election,” County Recorder Aubrey Sonderegger said.

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

Grand Canyon Community Update – Sep. 15, 2026

Efforts to restore the park’s water supply are advancing at the delta, where contractors used excavators to establish the footprint for the new water intake project. A wastewater treatment operator was also brought to Phantom Ranch to test the wastewater treatment plant as crews prepare to return the system to limited service. 

On the South Rim, the water treatment plant contractor is preparing to begin startup and testing once the new delta intake is able to provide raw water to the plant. The contractor is coordinating closely with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality as testing and the process to return the plant to service move forward. 

The NAU review — Level up in 2026-27: get care on campus, become a Teams power user + more

ew year, healthier you

Campus Health Services isn’t just for students—it’s also for faculty and staff! Now is a great time to establish care at CHS, whether you’re looking to schedule annual physicals and immunizations, renew your prescriptions, explore preventive health resources or even access urgent care.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 7-11, 2026

South Rim Water Update — September 11, 2026 

The August 29 flash flood caused extensive damage to water infrastructure in Bright Angel Canyon, including portions of the Transcanyon Waterline and the Bright Angel Creek intake. The South Rim remains under Stage 4 water restrictions and is relying on stored water while crews conduct repairs and advance temporary water-supply solutions. We know this has required significant adjustments in homes, workplaces and park operations, and we are deeply grateful to every resident, employee, business, partner and visitor who has helped conserve water during this difficult time. 

Kaibab National Forest to begin fall prescribed fires

WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this month, beginning with Moonset Pit as soon as September 20, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through October as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

There are numerous project areas across the forest in which crews may be working, including some in the Red Lake and Spring Valley areas, southeast of the Town of Tusayan, and the Jacob Lake and Demotte areas. Visit InciWeb for details and maps of planned burn areas.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Youth artistic talent on display at 2026 Coconino County Fair

COCONINO COUNTY — Students from dozens of local schools countywide participated in the 77th Annual Coconino County Fair held Sept. 4-7, 2026 at the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff.

Public elementary, middle and high school; charter school and home-school students submitted a variety of entries, which filled the entire Schools exhibit building.

​​​​​​​“We loved seeing student artwork from schools across FUSD on display at the Coconino County Fair this weekend!,” FUSD stated on its Facebook page. “A big shoutout to our talented student artists and the teachers who encourage their creativity every day. We’re so proud to see our students’ amazing work out in the community!”

Grand Canyon National Park announces recovery and repair plan following flash flood

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the significant August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search operations remain active, while crews continue infrastructure assessments, stabilization work and efforts to restore a reliable water supply to the South Rim. 

The park now has a path forward to restore water service and, based on current progress, expects that work to take weeks, not months. 

Crews are moving forward with construction of a temporary water intake at Bright Angel Creek to replace the intake destroyed by the flood. Engineers are in the canyon designing the temporary intake, the existing Transcanyon Waterline contract has been modified to support the work, and construction activities are beginning this week. 

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 31 – Sept. 4, 2026

Bright Angel Flash Flood Response and South Rim Water Conservation

Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery efforts following the August 29 flash flood in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area. Search, accountability, infrastructure assessment, and recovery work are ongoing under a Type II Incident Management Team.

Flash Flood Response and Search Efforts

At this time, 82 people have been rescued, two people have been recovered deceased, and one person remains missing. Search efforts for the missing hiker continue with park staff and partner agencies.

The flood caused extensive damage to trails, bridges, utilities, and other infrastructure in the inner canyon. Early assessments indicate that approximately 40% of the Transcanyon Waterline and five to seven miles of the North Kaibab Trail have been severely damaged. Four bridges in the Box were severely damaged or washed away. Assessments are continuing, and these estimates may change as crews learn more about the extent of the damage.

Grand Canyon National Park expands inner canyon closures following Aug. 29 flash flood

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park continues response and recovery operations following the destructive August 29 flash flood that caused significant damage in Bright Angel Canyon and the Phantom Ranch area.

Park staff and partner agencies are conducting damage assessments and beginning repair and stabilization work in areas where trails, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure were damaged or destroyed. Maintaining safe access for response personnel and keeping visitors out of hazardous areas is critical as this work continues.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Sept. 3 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Guest speakers this month include Austin Laster of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff and Sandra Quintanilla of Coconino County Juvenile Court, who will speak about “Children of Incarcerated Parents Day at the Park,” Flagstaff.

Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

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Grand Canyon National Park — Two deceased hikers recovered and identified following flash flood. All community meeting at Shrine of Ages Auditorium on Sept. 2

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – The National Park Service has recovered the bodies of two hikers who were caught in a destructive flash flood Aug. 29 in Bright Angel Canyon. The hikers have been identified as John Guisti, 46, and Brent Rosenkranz, 42, both of Granbury, Texas. 

One member of the hiking group remains missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams continuing efforts to locate the missing hiker and account for anyone else who may have been in the affected area at the time of the flood.

Grand Canyon National Park — Public assistance requested to account for individuals following Grand Canyon flash flood. See related news here

Grand Canyon National Park, in northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on the ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world—unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors on the rim. Grand Canyon National Park is a World Heritage Site. The National Park Service cares for the special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

Grand Canyon National Park to close overnight hotel accommodations beginning Aug. 31

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 4 water restrictions on the South Rim beginning at noon on August 31 in response to the significant flash flooding that occurred along Bright Angel Canyon on August 29.  

The flooding caused extensive damage to infrastructure in the inner canyon, including the Transcanyon Waterline, which supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. The waterline is currently not operational, leaving the park with limited water reserves and requiring significant water conservation measures to ensure available supplies can be maintained. 

Guest contribution — Overdose prevention starts with awareness, support and access

On Aug. 31, communities around the world recognize International Overdose Awareness Day, remembering those lost to overdose and drawing attention to the importance of prevention. This year marks 25 years since the day was first observed in 2001, a reminder of the ongoing work to reduce overdose deaths, break down stigma and connect people with support.

For many people, the impact of substance use goes beyond their health. It also affects those around them, including family, co-workers and their communities. And when we see someone struggling, it is not always easy to know what to say or where to turn.

That is why prevention often starts with something simple: paying attention, talking openly and making sure people know that help is available.

Unregulated food vendors can pose health threat

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Environmental Health is reminding community members that eating at an unlicensed food vendor location can pose a high risk of serious foodborne illness. Consuming food from an unlicensed food vendor…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Fall events for families right around the corner. See remaining back-to-school events here

COCONINO COUNTY — Back-to-School events in Coconino County — including fall enrollment, freshman orientations for parents and students, meet the teacher events, school supply distributions and youth sports physicals — will soon conclude, but local organizations are already planning for a variety of youth events this upcoming Fall.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you.

South Rim Services Expand as Water conservation measures continue at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is continuing to ease water conservation measures as water supply levels improve.

Water spigots in Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been turned on. Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public on Friday, August 21.

Fire restrictions at Mather and Desert View Campgrounds have been lifted; however, campfires are only permitted in established campfire rings. Visitors and residents are reminded to use caution and practice responsible fire use at all times.

City of Flagstaff opens applications for sustainability grants

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office and Sustainability Commission announce the opening of applications for the Flagstaff Sustainability Grants Program. The annual funding opportunity, will accept applications from Aug. 15 through Sept. 30, 2026. 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 reduction.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 10-14, 2026

The Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail has been fully repaired. Water utility crews successfully began pumping water to the South Rim late August 11, and South Rim tanks are now slowly filling.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Are you a member of a nonprofit or governmental agency seeking to share information with other service providers to help improve the lives and well-being of children and youth in Northern Arizona?

The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains a listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona, including the upcoming Tuba City Community Resource Zoom meeting on Aug. 12 and the Page Community Resource Meeting on Aug. 13.

These meetings offer monthly in-person and virtual community resource opportunities to share information between a variety of nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.

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Action Alert: Provide Input on Parks Master Plan

F3 encourages you to provide specific FEEDBACK and input on your PRIORITIES for Parks and Open Space, add to an interactive MAP, and complete the SURVEY as the City of Flagstaff starts the process of completing the PROSE Master Plan (Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events).

The PROSE Master Plan is a long-range plan (10+ years) that will provide a roadmap and guide the City’s project priorities and funding. This Plan will create a vision for the future and will include both short-term and long-term goals for achievement.

Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation System receives statewide award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Schultz/Pipeline Flood Mitigation System received the Project of Year Award from the Arizona Chapter of the American Public Works Association at its annual conference last week in Tucson. The award was in the category of Disaster or Emergency Construction/Repair over $75 million. The award selection committee noted the significant engineering and construction that was completed in just over two years, which mitigates much of the flood threat to lives, homes, businesses and public infrastructure near Flagstaff.

denova collaborative health — August Newsletter | New Interventional Psychiatry Services

Whether you’re a referring provider, a case manager, or part of a community organization, we’re here to work alongside you in building healthier communities across Arizona. New Psychiatry Services Bring Hope to Treatment-resistant Patients At Denova, we want to provide…

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins partners at grand opening of Peaks Youth Center in Flagstaff

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — It was a packed meeting room when local non-profit leaders, elected officials, youth and other community supporters joined officials from the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) for welcoming remarks video clip 1, 2, 3,) and the official ribbon cutting ceremony of the CCHHS Peaks Youth Center on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

The Peaks Youth Center, at 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, is part of the renovation of the remodeled CCHHS Southern Region Office. Visitors to the front lobby will see a creative children’s play space featuring a hand-painted mural celebrating the unique diversity of Coconino County.

The Center is the result of work that began more than 6 years ago as pandemic-related disruptions and anxieties, social media pressures and increasing stressors for young people showed the need for essential support services, county officials stated in a media release.

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Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 27-31, 2026

Inner Canyon Waterline Repairs Complete 

Water has been fully restored to Manzanita Rest Area, Cottonwood Campground, and Phantom Ranch following the successful repair of a break in the Transcanyon Waterline. The pipeline was repressurized, water quality samples were cleared, and the water is once again safe to drink. Pumps at Havasupai Gardens are also operating and delivering water to the South Rim.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition compiles growing listing of back to school events

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — From Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon to Leupp, Page, Tuba City and other locations, school officials throughout Coconino County continue to prepare for a variety of back to school events in the region.

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County. …

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

Coconino County responds to call for assistance after flooding in Moenkopi Wash

COCONINO COUNTY — On July 22, Emergency Declarations were issued by Hopi Tribal Leaders for the Moenkopi Wash area following a monsoon storm. The heavy rains and flooding damaged homes, schools, businesses, roads, fields and washes. Several homes were evacuated.

The declaration for Upper Moenkopi Village asked for assistance from several local, state and federal agencies, including Coconino County. The County deployed assistance from Emergency Management, Public Works and the Flood Control District to clear roads and provide 5,000 sandbags to residents.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition joins other partners at Flagstaff back to school event. Also see our listing for other back to school, Summer reading, food security and other programs

COCONINO COUNTY — The Commons area of Sinagua Middle School came alive with more than 200 children and their parents going from table to table to gather information at the Flagstaff Unified School District’s Native American Education Support Program’s annual School Supply Distribution & Expo Fair held on July 14 in Flagstaff. …

The following is a listing compiled by the Coalition of some of the back-to-school activities that have been announced in Coconino County.

The NAU Review — Dispatches from Tonto National Forest, an Etruscan scholar

Going underground to measure fire risk

This summer, NAU associate professor Salli Dymond is working with the Salt River Project and the startup company Growvera to install moisture sensors on plants and dead fuel on the forest floor and underground in parts of Tonto National Forest. Over the course of a year, she and her colleagues will monitor the sensors and analyze the data they generate. Dymond said if the sensors provide accurate enough moisture data, they could be a gamechanger in how Arizona officials communicate about and prepare for wildfire season.

Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) — July – August 2026 E-Newsletter

NACA accepts & provides services to all ethnic groups and all ages while focusing on whole-family health care. We pride ourselves in focusing on Native American health care, with the whole person in mind. Specialty care referrals are available for all patients. Referrals are also available to Native American patients through the Indian Health Services facilities in Flagstaff and in surrounding areas.

Grand Canyon National Park eases South Rim fire restrictions

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. —  Effective Sunday, July 19, Stage 2 fire restrictions (were) lifted on the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Increased monsoonal activity across northern Arizona over the past week has significantly reduced fire danger in the area.

The South Rim will remain in Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require that all campfires be contained in a designated fire ring within a maintained campground. Campfires and other open fires are never allowed below the rim. Inner canyon users may continue to use gas cook stoves. River users should follow the conditions of their permit regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Visitors are urged to take the following precautions:

Denova Collaborative Health in Flagstaff announces new counselor, enhanced care access

Please join us in welcoming Brian Daniels, LAC, to our Flagstaff team. Brian earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from NAU and provides individual, group, and family counseling for all ages. His addition strengthens our ability to meet the growing needs of the communities we serve.

City of Flagstaff lifts fire restrictions effective July 20

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz – The City of Flagstaff has lifted current fire restrictions and returned to Stage 0 fire restrictions, effective 6 a.m. on Monday, July 20.

Under Stage 0 fire restrictions,

Smoking and use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City Parks, Open Spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.

Coconino County seeks federal Economic Injury Disaster Loans for businesses affected by Pocket Fire

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has submitted an application for the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program to the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) for review after the Pocket Fire caused economic injury to local businesses.

The EIDL program provides 30-year loans with an interest rate capped at four percent to affected businesses. Principal and interest payments are not required in the first year of the loan to help businesses survive the loss of tourism. The EIDL program, if awarded, would be available to all businesses in Coconino County, as well as neighboring Yavapai, Mohave, Gila and Navajo counties, San Juan and Kane counties in Utah and Tribal Nations.

Measles virus detected in wastewater from the Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant

COCONINO COUNTY — Yavapai County Community Health Services (YCCHS) and Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials announced that wastewater samples from the City of Sedona Wastewater Treatment Plant taken on July 7 and July 9, 2026, have tested positive for measles virus.

Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) monitors wastewater to provide early detection of infectious diseases. The positive wastewater test, conducted by Arizona State Public Health Laboratory (ASPHL), indicates that one or more people with a recent measles infection have been in the area.

People infected with the measles virus may shed the virus in their urine before a rash appears and for several weeks afterward. Wastewater test results can show when the measles virus is in the wastewater, but the results do not indicate how many people in the area are shedding the virus and cannot be traced back to individuals.