Category: Health

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Time to gather details on your hopes, goals, resolutions for 2026

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — With 2026 rapidly approaching, we want to find out what hopes, dreams, goals or (if you are willing to share) resolutions you may have for the coming year.

Maybe it’s setting a personal physical or mental health goal? Maybe it’s achieving a family or professional goal? Maybe more vacation travel, carving out more personal time or spending more time with friends and loved ones?

Imagining a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community starts with all of us and your dreams and goals feed back into the collective.

We want to know so we can include your thoughts when our newsletter returns on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026, following our two-week newsletter break starting Dec. 17. And please let us know if you want us to share your comments anonymously with all our newsletter subscribers.

Maybe it’s too early to think about setting goals for the coming year. Instead, you can tell us what you are most proud of that you have done in 2025, be it a personal or professional accomplishment. For the Coalition, one of the things we are most proud of is our collaboration with our community partners on a variety of resource events throughout the year. (See photos).

Grand Canyon National Park to reopen South Rim hotels Dec. 17 ahead of holiday season

by Community Contributor • December 15, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 and will begin easing some water restrictions.

Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will continue to operate under enhanced water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Meet the People Driving This Year’s Campaign

by Community Contributor • December 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.

These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.

From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Your membership supports variety of community efforts

by Community Contributor • December 10, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — In 2025, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, a local non-profit in service for more than 50 years, was able to be a founding supporter to the Voices Unheard movement because of the support we receive. (Please see elev8voices.info for details.)

We were able to respond when approached by the community for urgent needs when many others were not able. As a membership organization, our members are the first line of support that we receive, and it is crucial for this vital work that we do.

If you were able to attend Voices Unheard, you know how powerful, emotional, healing, educational and impactful that it was- how important it was to honor our community and their stories. And our members really helped us to be a part of this important work.

If you are interested in supporting our work to ignite collective action that creates better lives for children and families- Your membership is more than a dollar amount- it lends your name to a mission and a movement.

NAU Review — How one Lumberjack travels the world for work

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Making medicine better for all

As an undergraduate at NAU, Ashley Martinez took a chance and reached out to a faculty member who looked like her. A few years later, she’s thriving as a graduate researcher whose work could contribute to more effective and sustainable drugs, better vaccines and more. Martinez’s work continues thanks to the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program, one of the most prestigious awards in the nation.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: December 1-5, 2025

by Community Contributor • December 5, 2025 • Comments Off

South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025

Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.

This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.

Listening sessions for small businesses, community stakeholders and residents impacted by summer fires to be held Dec. through 12

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Small businesses, community stakeholders and residents impacted by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires are invited to help shape recovery priorities through a series of nine community recovery listening sessions during the week of Dec. 8.

Coconino County contracted AC Disaster Consulting to develop a Long-Term Recovery Plan to address the impacts of the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires. This plan will include economic/tourism, health/social and natural/cultural resource recovery initiatives for the county, local jurisdictions, Tribal Nations and Grand Canyon communities.

Volunteers needed for 2026 Point in Time Count

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The 2026 Point-in-Time Count is almost upon us, and my amazing team of fellow organizers and community partners wanted to pass along a little bit of information regarding what we know so far and what to expect going forward!

If you are unfamiliar with the Point-in-Time Count, it is a survey conducted across the nation that aims to survey people experiencing homelessness and ask them where they were staying on one particular night during the week of the survey (whether that be a shelter, Safe Haven, in a place not meant for habitation, etc.).

Grand Canyon National Park to temporarily close overnight hotel accommodations beginning Dec. 6

by Community Contributor • December 4, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement additional water restrictions on the South Rim starting Saturday, December 6, due to a series of significant breaks in the 12½ mile-long Transcanyon Waterline that supplies water from the canyon for use in the park. Since mid-November, the park has faced challenges with water supply, and currently, no water is being pumped to the South Rim.

While the park remains open to visitors, the following measures will be enacted for the foreseeable future:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Dec. 4 to share your story

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 4. 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.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools announces $500,000 SVPP grant to strengthen school safety

by Community Contributor • November 26, 2025 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Accommodation District has been awarded a $500,000 School Violence Prevention Program (SVPP) federal grant to enhance safety at Ponderosa High School in Flagstaff and Tse’ Yaato’ High School in Page.

The award is part of a $682,471 safety project, supported by a $182,471 district match, that will deliver modern, integrated security improvements. The project, “Safer Coconino County Accommodation Schools,” advances federal SVPP goals by addressing critical safety needs through evidence-based technologies and practices.

The NAU Review — Reading the tea leaves on climate change + the critical shortage facing the Rio Grande basin

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Predicting the fate of tropical forests via (rainforest) tea leaves

Researchers at Northern Arizona University and the Smithsonian went to the top of a Panamanian rainforest to simulate heat death in leaves and measure the effects on surrounding leaves. The results were encouraging: Tropical forests may be less sensitive to climate change than originally feared.

Coconino County offices and services closed for Thanksgiving holiday

by Community Contributor • November 25, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County’s Administrative Center, County Manager’s Office, County Attorney’s Office and County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will be closed. The CCHHS Animal Management office will be closed Thanksgiving Day but will have an officer working normal hours on Friday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of upcoming Health and Welfare Resource Meetings

by Community Contributor • November 19, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

With a variety of program service changes affecting nonprofit and governmental agencies, it is vital that organizations maintain communications and partner with each other to better serve families and youth at this time of uncertain funding support.

To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of virtual and in-person health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

Kaibab National Forest prepares for pile burns on Williams and Tusayan ranger districts

by Community Contributor • November 19, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire pile burns on up to approximately 9,000 acres on the Williams and Tusayan ranger districts, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the winter as weather conditions allow.

Pile burning is meant to treat slash, like branches, piled by thinning crews in hand piles and after the completion of timber projects, with the aim of reducing flammable fuels. The decision to proceed with each pile burn will depend on multiple factors, including snowpack, air quality, ventilation, forecast weather and wind, and resource availability. We use prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

City of Flagstaff launches short term rental map with emergency contact information

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has launched aninteractive map showing the location of short-term rentals throughout the City and the emergency contact information for each rental. This information allows members of the public to easily locate contact information for the owners of a short-term rental property in the event of a concern or emergency. The map and other information about the regulation of short-term rentals in Flagstaff can be viewed at Flagstaff.az.gov/STR.

City of Flagstaff launches Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative Free home assessments now available to help residents reduce wildfire risk

by Community Contributor • November 14, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is proud to announce the launch of the Wildfire Resilient Homes Initiative (WRHI), a collaboration between the Flagstaff Fire Department and the Flagstaff Sustainability Office aimed at helping residents protect their homes and neighborhoods from the threat of wildfire.

Through WRHI, homeowners, renters, and property managers can take simple, effective steps to reduce wildfire risk with support from three program offerings:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition board member examines role employers play in promoting employees’ mental health

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

Food Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

City of Flagstaff Regional Plan 2025 now available

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2025 • Comments Off

The updated Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045 is now available! Read the plan at www.flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.

Hard copies of the Regional Plan will be available shortly. Reference copies will be available for review at the City Hall Community Development counter, the Downtown Library Information Desk, and the East Flagstaff Library Information Desk. To request a take-home hard copy of the plan, please email Elsa Erling at elsa.erling@flagstaffaz.gov.

The Regional Plan was adopted by the Flagstaff City Council on Thursday, October 9th. Council directed staff to revise the draft based on Conditions of Approval and an Errata document. The plan has now been updated to incorporate these revisions. Find more information about the public hearings and adoption at the project website linked above.

Coconino National Forest — Prescribed burns planned for Nov. 12-14

by Community Contributor • November 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning to conduct several prescribed burns next week, pending all required approvals.
Work is to continue throughout the week as weather conditions allow. Prescribed burns are used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
Prescribed burns planned for the area include:

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed burning north of Williams

by Community Contributor • November 10, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations north of the City of Williams starting Wednesday, November 12, pending favorable conditions and all required approvals. We anticipate ignitions to take one to two days. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar participates in national food insecurity call

by Community Contributor • November 6, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Food Resources:

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

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

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

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

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

Also see other local food resources here

City of Flagstaff hosts food drive for community members in need

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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

The NAU Review — Celebrating National STEM Day at NAU

by Community Contributor • November 4, 2025 • Comments Off

For National STEM Day on Nov. 8, hear from four students in each of the four areas—science, technology, math and engineering—about what drew them to their majors and what they hope to do once they enter the workforce.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation Newsletter November 2025

by Community Contributor • November 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Coconino National Forest — Prescribed fire planned next week

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

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

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

The NAU Review — A week of Homecoming happiness

by Community Contributor • October 28, 2025 • Comments Off

Every year, the fall festivities of Homecoming unite NAU students, alumni, faculty, staff and the local community. Get ready for a week of celebrating everything that makes Lumberjack life unforgettable, from a bonfire and pep rally to an exciting football game and more.

The NAU Review — Meet the Benjamin Button of academia

by Community Contributor • October 23, 2025 • Comments Off

In 1976, Lumberjack William Alger was two classes away from graduating from NAU when an acceptance to pharmacy school whisked him away to California. The retired health executive, who first earned his doctorate then master’s, always vowed to return and finish his bachelor’s degree. Fifty-two years later, he’s finally ready to cross that commencement stage with the Lumberjack Class of 2025.

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

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

County fills gap in WIC from federal government shutdown

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

Flagstaff City Council Adopts Regional Plan

by Community Contributor • October 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • October 15, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

American Red Cross celebrates launch of its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign with event on Sept. 18 at NAU

by AmigosNAZ.com • September 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — While nearly 60 percent of Hispanics have blood type O, the most needed blood type for emergencies and transfusions, less than 1% currently donate in Arizona, according to officials from the American Red Cross. To improve that percentage, and save lives, the organization brought its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign to Northern Arizona.

A ceremony celebrating the event was held on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the International Pavilion at Northern Arizona, featuring a variety of community leaders touting the need to increase blood donations by local Hispanics.

The event was held just outside a room where more than 75 NAU student, faculty and staff had signed up for the campus-wide blood drive. An additional 76 were scheduled to donate blood on Friday.

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

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

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

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

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

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Councilmember Aslan makes a call for NAH to build in place

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

When voters in Flagstaff resoundingly rejected Proposition 480, they did more than simply block a development plan. They issued a clear, community-wide statement: we want our hospital to stay where it is. The Northern Arizona Healthcare(NAH) proposal to abandon the long-established Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus and build an entirely new facility on the outskirts of town was not what this community wanted. And it still isn’t.

The NAU Review — Pics from the pros

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2025 • Comments Off

Faculty behind the lens

What do NAU’s photography faculty do when they’re not teaching? Make art, of course! The new exhibit “Here, Together” showcases these Lumberjacks’ visual storytelling skills, with a wide array of captivating photojournalism, portraiture, landscapes and adventure shots. The exhibit is open to the public through Sept. 30.

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

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

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

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

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

Attendees had powerful responses to the speakers and the event.

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

Flagstaff City Council continues to protect water resources

by Community Contributor • September 17, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for September 2025

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • September 11, 2025 • Comments Off

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

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

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

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

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

Forest Service reopens more lands near Dragon Bravo Fire

by Community Contributor • September 10, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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

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

Also see:

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

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

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

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

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

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

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend

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

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

City of Flagstaff to lift fire restrictions Thursday, Sept. 4

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Sept. 3, 2025 — 80 percent contained

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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.