Category: Local

Flagstaff Commuiversity — September programs Are About to Begin!

Banners and flags play an important role in the visual culture of social movements. Learn techniques for constructing a banner and create banners for our community parade repository. Under the guidance of two fabric artists, participants will learn to design and create beautiful parade banners.  

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — New Classes Start Next Week at Theatrikos!

Final Call: Youth Theatre Classes Start Next Week!
The countdown is on! For the first time in our history, Theatrikos is offering year-round theatre classes and they begin one week from today!

In just one week, our studios will be filled with young artists learning to bring characters to life with stage makeup, mastering iconic choreography, and discovering the joy of improv. From our youngest movers to our most advanced students, this season is packed with opportunities for learning and growth. Sign up today and let the creativity begin!

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Don’t Delay: Reserve Your Spots for Festival Events!

Reservation links for all events with limited engagement are open now! Numerous guided hikes, specialized workshops, and behind-the-scenes activities are all free but require advance reservations. Visit the links on our website or on the app. Remember, these programs do fill up, so don’t delay! Additionally, if your plans change, please notify the event host so that we can open spots for additional guests.

The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Lecture with Mariah Gladstone also has tickets now available. This talk, held on Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Ardrey Auditorium will cover the themes of land sustainability, community health and traditional food systems.

Community holds dance celebration at unofficial Latino Entertainment Day at 2025 Coconino County Fair

COCONINO COUNTY — From the colorful swirling traditional costumes of female performers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, to the energizing Latino tropical beat of headliner Tropicalisimo Apache, fairgoers had plenty of entertainment to choose from at the 2025 Coconino County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff.

The fair will conclude today, Sept 1. See today’s schedule here.

Holiday didn’t deter crowd from ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ at Flagstaff City Hall

A new protest, “We Say No Kings,” is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2025, officials from the national Indivisible Project reported in a media release.

FLAGSTAFF — Despite the long holiday weekend, a crowd estimated at more than 400 turned out for the “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” in front of the Flagstaff City Hall.

Organized locally by Indivisible Northern AZ, the event was part of a nationwide protest against “the billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents,” the organization stated in a media release.

A sizable number of protesters carried signs calling for better wages for works, tax the 1 percent and support union workers during the afternoon rally.

AZ Culture Connection on Sept. 5 presenting ‘From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History’

Opening night of From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History is here!A curated showcase of live performances, visual art, and the fascinating history of the feminine divine, taking place tonight from

6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Historic Ice House Downtown.

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

Also see: 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend

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

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

Coconino County Superior Court warns of phone scam

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

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

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

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

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

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

The NAU Review — Creating an oasis in a memory care desert + renowned author speaking at NAU

Dementia is a growing public health concern throughout the United States, yet rural and underserved communities—particularly Native American populations—face unique barriers to early detection and care. A study headed by a psychology professor is building bridges to close the gap in the memory care desert that is northern Arizona.

The Ceramics Department at Sedona Arts Center

Explore the vast potential of ceramics in this six-week course, ideal for students looking to develop, strengthen, and advance their pottery skills in a playful environment. Working with the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, texture tools, and more students will experiment with functional and decorative techniques, turning their creative ideas into tangible works of art.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — The Time Is Now – Final Week. Get your tickets for CCC&Y’s 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Students and their parents had the opportunity to learn about the variety of programs available, and had a chance to have some fun at the W.F. Killip Elementary School Open House held on Aug. 27 in Flagstaff.

Besides CCC&Y, some of the organizations attending the event included Big Brothers Big Sisters of Flagstaff, Chicanos Por La CAUSA, Child & Family Support Services in Flagstaff, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Desert Financial Credit Union, Flagstaff Dentistry 4 Kids, Flagstaff Public Library Youth Services, The Literacy Center,  Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) and North Country HealthCare.

READ MORE

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As the Museum of Northern Arizona marks its 97th year this month, I’m thrilled to announce Twilight Thursdays, our latest initiative to enable more people to visit. The Museum will stay open late every Thursday until 7 p.m. Admission is pay-what-you-wish starting at 4 p.m. Guests are welcome to pay any amount—a few dollars, the regular admission price, or more if they’d like to support the Museum.

Whether you’re looking for an inspiring after-work outing, a family-friendly evening, or a peaceful way to wind down your day surrounded by art, culture, and science, Twilight Thursdays offer an exceptional opportunity for more people to enjoy the Museum galleries, exhibits, and Gift Shop.

The NAU Review — Want to experience Hat Ranch? Find out how!

Just 70 miles south of the Grand Canyon sits NAU Hat Ranch, a property rooted in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Once a working ranch, the property serves as a base for research, learning and retreat space for NAU students, faculty and staff. Hat Ranch is open to the public for overnight stays and events. The university is working to expand its offerings and honoring the past while building a future centered on education, community and hands-on learning.

Envision 2045 — The Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing draft is available!

The County has updated the Plan and will hold public hearings this fall.  Opportunities for public comment will be available during the public hearings.  To submit written comments in advance email: mshaw@coconino.az.gov.

To view the public hearing draft and the 60-day review comments

Visit the project website https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045. 
Visit the Community Development office to review a print copy.
For questions contact Melissa Shaw at mshaw@coconino.az.gov 

Coconino Center for the Arts — Apply Now: Creative Flagstaff’s 2026 Arts & Science Project Grants!

Creative Flagstaff is pleased to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 Arts & Science Project Grant Program. With $125,000 available for funding, these grants are designed to empower and expand the creative, scientific, and cultural landscape of the Flagstaff community!

Arts & Science Project Grants are available to non-profit ORGANIZATIONS or INDIVIDUALS with a non-profit fiscal agent for INNOVATION:

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

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will lift current fire restrictions and return to Stage 0 fire restrictions on Thursday, Sept. 4 at 8 a.m. … Residents and visitors should not throw cigarettes or matches out of a moving vehicle. They may ignite dry grass on the side of the road and become a wildfire. All outdoor fires should be extinguished properly by drowning fires with plenty of water and stirring to make sure everything is cold to the touch. Charcoal should be dunked in water until cold. Do not throw live charcoal on the ground and leave it. Fires should never be left unattended as sparks or embers can blow into leaves or grass, ignite a fire, and quickly spread.

Coconino National Forest to lift fire restrictions Thursday

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will lift fire restrictions at 8 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 4, due to recent widespread precipitation across the forest.

While forest-wide restrictions will be lifted, several areas of the Coconino National Forest are subject to permanent year-round fire restrictions, which will continue to remain in effect.

Forest visitors are asked to adhere to best practices when building a campfire. Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans or mound fires, and keep fires small. It is always illegal to leave a campfire unattended.

Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4

WILLIAMS — Due to an increase in rainfall over the last several days, the Kaibab National Forest will lift all fire restrictions at 8:00 a.m. Thursday, September 4, 2025.
Fire managers continually evaluate conditions across the forest to help determine when to implement and rescind fire restrictions. The forest has received enough widespread rain to increase fuel moisture and decrease the risk of severe fire.
To help prevent human-caused fires, forest visitors should always be vigilant while visiting the forest, regardless of restriction levels.

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

Current Situation: Firefighters continue to make steady progress in the suppression repair efforts for the Dragon Bravo Fire. Each new shift, crews complete more crucial repair tasks that align with the suppression repair standards agreed upon by the resource advisors and the agencies. The goal of this phase is to eliminate safety hazards and return the land to as much of a pre-fire status as possible. Over the past several weeks, 37 miles of dozer line have been repaired, 2 miles of hand line rehabilitated, and 48 miles of road systems have been thoroughly inspected and completed to support recovery efforts.

Sedona Arts Center — SAC Art Classes: Unleash Your Creativity

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Annoucing Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season

It is with immense excitement and pride that I invite you to join us for Theatrikos Theatre Company’s 2026 Season, our most vibrant, daring, and heartfelt season yet.

From the first laugh of a lightning-fast mystery in Clue to the final, haunting chords of A Christmas Carol, this season is a celebration of everything that makes theatre magical: joy, depth, humanity, and connection. Whether you’re a lover of musicals that stir the soul, comedies that leave your cheeks sore from laughing, or dramas that spark meaningful reflection, this season was made for you.

Each production in our 2026 lineup has been chosen with care to speak to the broad, beautiful spectrum of human experience. You’ll find yourself swept up in nostalgic harmonies, provocative questions, moving love stories, and more than a few surprises. We’re not just putting on plays, we’re building a season of shared moments and unforgettable nights at the theatre.

And there’s never been a better time to subscribe.

Indivisible Northern AZ — Next big event ‘Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!’ on Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall

Also see:

• USA Today — Workers Over Billionaires’ protests- Where will they be?

FLAGSTAFF — Indivisible Northern AZ has announced the next big event “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.. Flagstaff.

About this event

This is a pivotal moment. The billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents.

This Labor Day won’t just be a barbecue. Across the country, unions and community organizations are deepening our coalitions, growing our capacity, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder to fight back. Workers are confronting attacks on public schools, civil rights, and democracy, while supporting each other’s local fights against workplace abuse.

Labor Day Holiday — Coconino County, City of Flagstaff offices closed Sept. 1

COCONINO COUNTY — In observance of the Labor Day Holiday, Coconino County Business Offices will be closed Monday, September 1, 2025. The Business Offices will reopen on their normal schedule Tuesday, September 2, 2025.

Your friends at Coconino County, Arizona wish you a nice day.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Aug. 25-29, 2025

Dragon Bravo Fire Update – Aug. 28

The Dragon Bravo Fire remains at 145,504 acres and 64% containment, with 654 personnel assigned. Crews continue to make progress removing hazard trees along Hwy. 67 and other roads, with an average of 15 truckloads hauled out each day. Suppression repair, mop-up, and patrols are ongoing, and no additional fire growth is expected.

With the fire stabilized, attention is turning to post-fire impacts. The DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is now on-site in the park, while the U.S. Forest Service BAER Team is working on the Kaibab National Forest.

Single lane closures scheduled on San Francisco St in early September

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, single lane closures are scheduled on N San Francisco St from Sept. 2 – 8 for street paving and pavement marking. The work may also necessitate short term closures of intersections along N San Francisco St between W Cherry Ave and W Columbus Ave. Motorists are asked to follow marked signage, be cautious of work crews, and expect delays when traveling through the project area.

Coconino County Fair (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment to include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Aug. 31

Members of the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to staff Coconino County booth Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31. Come by for a visit. SEE MORE COCONINO COUNTY FAIR INFORMATION BELOW…

COCONINO COUNTY — In what is becoming an unofficial Latino entertainment day, the Coconino County Fair’s (Aug. 29 through Sept. 1) entertainment will include Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, Rhythm Edition — Latin Set, Grupo Conceptos on Sunday, Aug. 31

Our entertainment schedule is now posted. You can now view the schedule for each day of the Fair. Check out the lineup here

Snowbowl Road to temporarily close Sept. 6

FLAGSTAFF — Snowbowl Road (Forest Road [FR] 516) will close from 6 a.m. to noon Saturday Sept. 6 to accommodate the annual Climb to Conquer Cancer event.

Electronic road signs will be posted to remind motorists of the temporary closure.

While Snowbowl Road will remain open before and after the closure window, drivers are asked to remain alert and cautious. Event coordinators and sponsors will be using the road to initiate event setup in the days leading up to the event.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Bioscience Roadmap’s Next Chapter

We hope we’ll see you at High Country Conference Center as the next chapter of our state’s Bioscience Roadmap – a long-term strategic plan to advance the state’s bioscience sector – is launched.

The free event, being co-hosted by the Flinn Foundation, SRI International, and Genterra Enterprises, will be from 12 – 1:30 pm on Tuesday, September 9. Doors open at 11:30 am and lunch will be provided, but space is limited. You can register HERE.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident update for Aug. 29, 2025 — Highway 67 is now open to Kaibab Lodge

Current Situation: With favorable weather, an infrared flight was completed which showed minimal heat and no growth of the perimeter. This new intelligence coupled with several days of precipitation and evaluation by firefighters has allowed an increase in containment for the Dragon Bravo Fire. With the successful completion of suppression repair work and hazard mitigation within the forest, Highway 67 has been reopened to Kaibab Lodge. In addition, more public lands are now accessible – please see the updated forest closure order for details.

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

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

Latest news updates for August 2025

Gallego Leads Colleagues in Demanding Answers from Navy Federal Credit Union on Overdraft Fees

Gallego Backs Bill to Reverse GOP Energy Tax Hike and Cut Americans’ Electricity Costs

Gallego Backs Legislation to Cap the Cost of Prescription Medication

MORE …

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

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Latest news updates for August 2025

Kelly, Gallego Demand Answers on Trump Administration’s Weakening of U.S. Cyber Agency Following Arizona Election Cyberattack

Kelly Calls Out Trump Administration for Funding Cuts Threatening Community Colleges

Kelly, Arizona Lawmakers Demand Full and Immediate Disbursement of Solar for All Funds

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for August 2025

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Latest news updates for August 2025

Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs

Attorney General Mayes Announces Two Convictions for ESA Program Fraud

Attorney General Mayes Sues Hefty® Parent Company for Misleading Arizona Consumers

Attorney General Mayes Secures Full Relief for Arizona Schools in Lawsuit Challenging Withholding of Education Funding

Attorney General Mayes Joins 44 States in Demanding Tech Companies End Predatory AI Interactions with Kids

Attorney General Mayes Sues Operators of Real Estate Scam Targeting Elderly Arizonans

MORE …

The NAU Review — Can academics use AI with integrity?

The gray area of AI in academics

Artificial intelligence has quickly become part of the fabric of academic life, causing scholars to ask: When does innovation come at the expense of integrity? Two NAU faculty members and one Lumberjack alumna are part of a research team that’s examining the ethical gray area of AI usage in academic publishing.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Get your tickets now to hear two powerful speakers at CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory

Less than two weeks remain to get your tickets to attend the return of our popular and educational  CCC&Y Conference with this year’s  theme of “Coherence Rising: Inner Alignment as the Catalyst for Systematic Change.” The 2025 conference will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff.

Join us in a beautiful setting that reminds us the universe is infinite and so is our potential.

We are joined by not one, but two amazing and powerful keynote presenters who share their expertise, gift for inspiration and profound insights.

In her morning presentation “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” guest speaker Iya Affo will weave together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to spark transformation within organizations and communities. Affo, a Culturalist and Trauma Specialist, will draw 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.

… During her afternoon presentation, Dr. Sandra Solano will talk about “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.” Solano, M.D., M.S. is a results-driven healthcare executive, will explore the science and practical applications of how your heart’s powerful energy works and influences your entire environment. You’ll discover that true, lasting change begins not “out there,” but within you.

READ MORE

Coconino County Health and Human Services receives award from Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff for Community Care Kits

FLAGSTAFF — Congratulations to Coconino County Health and Human Services who received $7,900 at the Arizona Community Foundation/Flagstaff awards ceremony to provide Community Care Kits.

The kits are backpacks filled with essential person hygiene items that help reduce stress by meeting personal care needs and provide an opportunity for HHS to connect individuals with community resources.

Dragon Bravo Fire Incident Update for Aug. 27, 2025

Acres: 145,504                          Containment: 64%                   Personnel: 646                  

Start Date: July 4, 2025            Cause: Lightning                     Location: Grand Canyon North Rim

Current Situation: With fire activity minimized due to several days of precipitation, crews are focused primarily on the large task of removing hazards and rehabilitating the Kaibab National Forest and Grand Canyon National Park lands to as much of a pre-fire condition as possible while reducing further impacts in the future.

Sedona Arts Center Special Update: New tax benefits for arts donations

Make Your Gift Count for Art,
Community, and Learning

Your support of Sedona Arts Center empowers creativity, community, and lifelong learning. Recent changes in tax law may provide new ways to maximize the impact of your giving—helping us continue our mission to inspire, educate, and connect artists and audiences across the Verde Valley.

Areas of County around Coconino National Forest adjust fire restrictions. Moving to Stage 1 on Aug. 27

COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest will move to Stage 1 fire restrictions effective Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 8 a.m.

This decision, according to Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance, will apply to all private property within, and adjacent to, the boundaries of the Coconino National Forest. 

CCC Community Education — October schedule … Check it Out!

Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community

Thursday, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30
3:30 to 5 p.m.

Dive into the rich and diverse stories of the Latino communities that have shaped Flagstaff. This course offers a discussion of the people, traditions, and industries that have played a vital role in the city’s development.

Latino – Learn more and register!

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Aug. 27

FLAGSTAFF — Due to recent moisture across the region, the City of Flagstaff will lower fire restrictions from Stage 2 to Stage 1 at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025.

Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,

Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.

Coconino County Superintendent requests nominations for Teacher of the Year

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget requests nominations for the 13th Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year, 8th Annual Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year and 5th Annual Coconino County Lifetime Achievement Award.

The awards are a distinguished countywide event created to celebrate, honor and recognize full-time teachers from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade. Even the simple act of nominating a teacher can mean the world to them. Nominating a teacher recognizes them for their hard-work and efforts throughout the academic year. 

The NAU Review — We are SO back

Welcome back, Jacks!

It’s been a big week for new Lumberjacks. When they weren’t toting luggage around campus and saying goodbye to loved ones, they were enjoying a Welcome Week full of music, games, meet-and-greets and more. Flip through a few photo highlights and watch this Welcome Week video.

City seeking input on Engineering Design Standards related to micro-trenching

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is seeking input from the public and relevant stakeholders on proposed updates to the Engineering Design Standards and Specifications for New Infrastructure. The proposed updates to the design standards will allow fiber providers who have a franchise or license agreement that allows them to place facilities within city right-of-way to utilize a new technology known as micro-trenching as a method to install fiber. 

Coconino National Forest reducing fire restrictions

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will move from Stage 2 to Stage 1 fire restrictions, effective 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 27,due to widespread precipitation across all three districts of the forest.

Motorized closures around specific areas of the San Francisco Peaks, Marshall Lake area and Pumphouse Wash area will be lifted, and campers at developed recreation sites are allowed to burn campfires following proper campfire guidance.

Judge Roberta McVickers appointed to Superior Court Division 6

Judge McVickers has devoted the vast majority of her professional career to serving the people of Coconino County in a variety of roles, including as prosecutor, public defender, private attorney and on-call judge pro tempore. Her wide-ranging experience includes work in civil, criminal, juvenile and family law matters, both locally and across the country. 

Art Workshops and Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.

Interagency Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams complete Soil Burn Severity map for Dragon Bravo Fire

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service website. NWS Flagstaff, AZ

CCC celebrates grand opening of New Kaibab Campus and Automotive Training Facility

Also see: Arizona Daily Sun — Coconino Community College celebrates Kaibab Campus grand opening

FLAGSTAFF — Dozens of college, community and business supporters gathered on Aug. 16, 2025 at the new Coconino Community College Kaibab Campus for the grand opening for a facility that will provide hand-on instruction in automotive technology and serve as the home for the college’s growing trades training program, including a potential welding program.

The event included speeches by CCC President Dr. Eric Heiser and other college and community officials, the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, music, food and tours of the new facility, which previously served as the unused Flagstaff Chevrolet automotive repair center.

The event underscores CCC’s commitment to expanding career training pathways and preparing students for in-demand, high-wage jobs across northern Arizona, the college stated in a media release.

Last minute ‘Rapid Response: Fight the Trump Takeover’ event brings 300 to 400 protesters to Flagstaff City Hall

FLAGSTAFF — Even though it was on short notice, a crowd of 500 or so protesters gathered at the Flagstaff City Hall on Aug. 16, 2025 as part of the “Rapid Response: Fight the Trump Takeover” to protest the potential moves by the Trump Administration and its allies in Texas change the voting map to keep Republican in power in Congress.

The protest in Flagstaff included members of Indivisible Northern AZ and other organizations.

“Trump told Texas Republicans to gerrymander the state to add congressional seats to the map. It’s a power grab pure and simple,” Indivisible Northern AZ officials stated before the event.

Discover Flagstaff — 14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival at Flagstaff Mall on Aug. 23-24 and more events

14th Annual Hopi Arts and Cultural Festival
Flagstaff Mall


Experience the incredible talent of Hopi artists through diverse artwork and captivating social dance performances. Sat. 10 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m. Free.

Coconino County — In-person Small Business Administration mobile services available in fire impacted communities

COCONINO COUNTY — Businesses impacted by the Dragon Bravo and White Sage Fires can meet with representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration to learn about the Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) program and receive assistance with competing applications.

The SBA declared an economic disaster on Monday, August 18 and Coconino County Emergency Management and Economic Development teams along with Coconino County Supervisors have been on the ground since, finding dates, times and locations to host two SBA mobile service teams. 

2025 Festival of Science schedule of events Now Live!

or 36 years, the Flagstaff Festival of Science has been bringing free, cutting-edge STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) programming to Northern Arizona. In September, our community gathers to celebrate curiosity, innovation, and discovery during what has become fondly known as the 10 Best Days of the Year.

Dragon Bravo Fire Update for Aug. 22, 2025

Highlights: On the northernmost portion of the fire, suppression repair work is nearly complete. Equipment operators are progressing toward the south to continue their work. Chipping groups are working across the west side, and hazard tree removal progressed on the southern portions of the fire. The Kaibab National Forest reduced the size of the temporary forest closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District on August 19, 2025. Western portions of the district are now open to public access and the closure boundary is comprised of a series of forest roads between the Jacob Lake area and Timp Point.

DOI Burned Area Emergency Response Team begins to assess post-fire impacts at Grand Canyon National Park

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – A multi-agency Department of the Interior (DOI) Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team is beginning work this week to assess the impacts of the Dragon Bravo Fire on National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management lands. This process involves identifying the values at risk, determining any post-fire impacts to those values, and prescribing treatments to mitigate impacts.   

Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response team assessing fire severity from the Dragon Bravo Fire on the Kaibab National Forest

FREDONIA — A U S Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team, led by Eric Schroder, has begun making burned area surveys of the Kaibab National Forest. BAER team assessments are rapid evaluations of post-fire conditions of the burned landscape to determine the level of risk from potential flooding and debris flow to values on National Forest System lands. If unacceptable risks are found the team recommends appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce the risks to national forest lands and values. BAER emergency stabilization efforts are focused on the protection of human life and safety, property, and critical cultural and natural resources.

Grand Canyon National Park eases water restrictions

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Despite these changes, water restrictions remain in place on the South Rim. Visitors and residents are urged to reduce water consumption by following these practices: flush toilets selectively, take shorter showers, wash clothes and dishes only with full loads and in eco-mode if available, and turn off the sink while brushing teeth, soaping hands, or shaving.