Category: News

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves more than $2.5 million for local schools

“Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Coconino County has made strategic decisions over the last two years to leverage additional federal resources for education while continuing to advocate at both the state and federal levels for the funding our schools need. Increasing funding to schools and establishing the Special Needs Allocation Program will help protect educational opportunities for our children and communities.”

CCC Community Education — Now open for registration: Professional Development Series, Foraging, Stained Glass, Comet Talk

Elevate: Leadership, Teams, and Professional Growth

Wednesday, Sept. 16, 30, Oct. 14, 28

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Develop skills and gain knowledge to support your organizations, advance in your career, and make connections. Sign up for all four, or choose individual sessions.

Elevate – Learn more and register!

United Way of Northern Arizona — This August, take 20 minutes for your family’s future

At United Way of Northern Arizona, we spend every day thinking about how to build a stronger, heathier, and more financially secure future for everyone in our region. But today I want to take a moment to talk about planning for you and your family’s future.

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and I have to admit that I was a little surprised to learn that, according to a survey done last year by Caring.com, only 24% of American adults have a will. Even more concerning? The “sandwich generation” – those middle-aged adults who are caring for both their growing children and their aging parents – are the largest cohort without an estate plan.

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.

City of Flagstaff Beautification – Arts &; Sciences — We want to hear from you!

We want to hear from you! The City of Flagstaff invites community input on a landmark three-dimensional artwork for installation at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street, as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project.  

An online survey, open now through September 3, is available to provide feedback on the preliminary design. Through a series of questions, participants can share how well the sculpture connects to the site, whether it serves as a welcoming feature for the area, and offer any additional thoughts regarding materials, color or design.

Community input will guide the artist team. If you live or work on the Eastside, or have a meaningful connection to this area, your input is especially valuable.
Image: Courtesy of City of Flagstaff

Applications now open for City of Flagstaff’s Beautification in Action Grants

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, through its Beautification, Arts & Sciences (BAS) program, is accepting applications for Beautification in Action (BIA) grants now through September 15, 2026, at 5 p.m. Grants of up to $8,000 are available for publicly visible and accessible projects that enhance and enliven the urban environment. Artists, community members and groups, schools and local businesses are encouraged to apply.

Discover Parks and Recreation Summer Adventures with Our August 2026 Newsletter

The 77th Annual Coconino County Fair is Coming September 4-7!
Get Your Kicks and Fair Fix at Fort Tuthill County Park this Labor Day weekend! A clear bag policy is new this year, and volunteer sign-ups are open now.

New clear bag policy in effect for 2026; see details below
Get your tickets online at coconinocountyfair.com and skip the line on fair day!
Early bird carnival wristbands are still available. Get yours today!

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Downtown Keynote Recordings & JW Powell Blvd Public Meeting

I’m pleased to let you know that video recordings of the three keynote presentations from the July “Downtown Matters” Conference are now available on YouTube.

Many thanks to Hunter Hebert and the Downtown Business Alliance for making these available to the Flagstaff community!

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentencing of Former Border Patrol Agent and Fiancée for Defrauding SNAP, WIC Programs’

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

Get the latest news updates from the Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs including ‘State of Arizona, Hopi Tribe, and Navajo Nation Sign MOU to Create Economic Opportunity in Four Corners Region’

Click below for the latest news updates from the: Office of the Governor Katie Hobbs

Neither bright sunshine nor pouring rain deterred community from celebrating 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Aug. 1. See new photos from Arizona Daily Sun

FLAGSTAFF — Typical Flagstaff Summer weather — bright and hot sunshine mixed with sudden downpours of Monsoon rains — failed to deter a large crowd of local residents and visitors from attending the 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” presented on Aug. 1 by Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces.

The annual event, designed to celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, drew over 400 people to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary.

The event kicked off with the music of Ruben Hernandez, followed by a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the all-female Mariachi Rubor. The ever-popular New Destiny closed out the event with a spirited performance that had the crowd dancing until dusk.

City of Flagstaff seeks community input on proposed Spruce Wash Wedge artwork

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff invites community input on a landmark three-dimensional artwork for installation at East Cedar Avenue and North West Street, as part of the Spruce Wash Wedge Detention Project.  The proposed 13-foot sculpture features a tassel-eared Abert squirrel, an icon of Flagstaff, and a species and subspecies native to Flagstaff and the region.

An online survey, open now through September 3, is available to provide feedback on the preliminary design. Through a series of questions, participants can share how well the sculpture connects to the site, whether it serves as a welcoming feature for the area and offer any additional thoughts regarding materials, color or design. The artist team of Haddad|Drugan, in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences program, will review all survey submissions, identifying possible refinements and address any community concerns.

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.

READ MORE

Coconino County celebrated National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on Aug. 11

“Poll workers are the foundation of elections,” District 1 Supervisor and Board Chair Patrice Horstman said. “Every election relies on dedicated neighbors stepping up to ensure ballot integrity, assist voters and keep polling locations running smoothly. This proclamation honors their commitment while inviting new voices to join us serving the voters in our county.”

City of Flagstaff — Pedestrian improvements to begin along Fort Valley Road

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Starting Monday, August 17, the City of Flagstaff (City) in partnership with Mountain Line and their contractor, Kinney Construction Services, will begin pedestrian crossing improvements in multiple locations along Fort Valley Road. Pedestrian crossing installation at the Fort Valley Road and Anderson Road/Whiting Road intersection and the Fort Valley Road and Meade Lane intersection will be complete in 2026. Work at the Fort Valley Road and Forest Avenue intersection will be completed at a later time.

Coconino County Attorney’s Office and Navajo Nation launch historic Peacemaking Diversion Program

The Peacemaking Diversion Program offers eligible individuals an opportunity to resolve criminal cases through a restorative process that brings together participants, victims, family members and community members to repair harm, promote accountability and strengthen relationships. Successful completion of the program may result in eligible charges being dismissed while providing victims with a meaningful voice in the justice process.

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.

Find Your Next Creative Adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Don’t Miss Out! Experience Once, Old Man Lightning, and Finding Nemo, Jr. at Theatrikos

Step into a world where music isn’t just heard – it’s felt in every heartbeat. Opening this weekend and running through September 6, Once transforms the theatre into an enchanting, living Irish pub that draws you directly into its soul.

From the quietest whisper of an acoustic guitar to the thunderous, floor-shaking ensemble jams, this production is like no other. The mesmerizing set and breathtaking lighting wrap you in an atmospheric glow, creating a magical space where the boundary between stage and audience completely vanishes.

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.

Creative Flagstaff — First Friday is Here! August ArtWalk Details

Flagstaff’s First Friday ArtWalk is a monthly celebration of creativity that brings downtown to life. Local galleries stay open late with special artist receptions and entertainment, so check out the gallery map to visit them all!

Join us for First Friday tomorrow, August 7, starting at 5pm, with a Dark Skies theme to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Flagstaff’s designation as the first international dark skies city. Constellation art activities, telescopes, and more!

The 2026 ArtWalk season is generously underwritten by Dapper Dre, supporting Car-Free First Fridays with traffic closures on Aspen St. for art and performance activations.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: August 3-7, 2026

Transcanyon Waterline Repair Continues; Water Restrictions Remain in Effect

Water utility crews continue making progress on repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline break located approximately one mile below Cottonwood Campground along the North Kaibab Trail. As of today, crews are back on site fitting replacement pipe as work advances toward restoring water service.

Coconino County earns six national recognitions for excellence in public service

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has received national recognition for its commitment to innovation, technology and excellence in public service, earning six prestigious awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Center for Digital Government. 

The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative county government programs that strengthen services, improve operations and enhance residents’ quality of life. Coconino County received recognition in five different areas including: Pipeline Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation, Dragon Bravo-White Sage Fires Long-Term Recovery Plan, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Justice Bus, Citizens Academy and Children of Incarcerated Parents Activity Book. 

Upcoming Community Meeting on Aug. 18 for the JW Powell Extension Project

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — The City of Flagstaff, Peak Engineering and Banicki Construction invite you to attend a Community Meeting for the upcoming JW Powell Extension Project. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, between 5 and 6:30 p.m., at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N Fourth Street). This meeting will allow community members to learn more about the project, including the plan for the area and how it fits into the City’s transportation system. This meeting is an open house format with no formal presentation; join us anytime throughout the meeting. Project team members and City staff will be available to discuss the project and answer questions. Meeting displays and information will be available on our Project Webpage after the meeting for those who cannot attend.

Coconino County completes July Primary Election canvassing

COCONINO COUNTY — The final election results for the July 21, 2026, Primary Election are available. These results were made official after the Board of Supervisors canvassed the election on Friday July 31, 2026, at 11 a.m. Board meetings can be viewed online.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to PUSD

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Bob Jensen to fill the current vacancy on the Page Unified School District Governing Board.

The vacancy was created following the resignation of a Governing Board member effective June 17, 2026. The appointment would fill the remainder of the current term, which expires on Dec. 31, 2026.

Coconino County School Superintendent seeks public input on potential appointment to CAVIAT Fredonia

FREDONIA — Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking public input regarding the potential appointment of Corrine Olson to fill the current vacancy on the Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia District Governing Board.

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.

READ MORE

The NAU Review — Expanding your worldview in Puerto Rico + bad news for water in the West

¡Saludos desde Puerto Rico!

At NAU, a journey beyond the continental United States is more than a class; it’s a life-changing adventure. This summer, through the Global Citizens Project Scholars program, Lumberjacks explored cultures, met new people and experienced the world through fresh perspectives, all while discovering that understanding others is the first step toward understanding their own place in the world. ¡Vámonos!

City of Flagstaff Beautification, Arts & Sciences — Apply for a Beautification in Action Grant

The City of Flagstaff invites artists, community members and groups, schools, and local businesses to apply for a Beautification in Action grant to enliven our community’s public spaces. Projects can take the form of community gardens, neighborhood paths, benches, sculptures, murals, and more. Priority will be given to community-initiated projects that provide a lasting impact—fostering cultural connections, strengthening neighborhood awareness and identity, and deepening how residents and visitors interact with the built environment. All projects must be publicly and visually accessible.

Up to $8,000 is available per project.

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Fun Way to Roll into Kindergarten

Now in its 21st year, KinderCamp™ has just wrapped up another successful session. You can see the impact it had in the happy faces of the kiddos who participated. (Scroll down to see what I mean).

But it’s what parents, caregivers, and teachers are telling us that really captures how this month-long program is changing the way these children step into school.

KinderCamp is open to 4- or 5-year-olds with limited preschool experience, giving kids who might otherwise begin kindergarten feeling behind a real head start – academically, socially, and emotionally. It is provided at no cost to families.

Coconino Center for the Arts — Arts & Science Grants announcement

We are proud to announce that, this year, Creative Flagstaff has awarded General Operating Support grants to 43 Flagstaff nonprofit organizations totaling $505,000, and Project Grants to 16 organizations and individuals totaling $125,000.

Project Grants are designed to build capacity or expand a program, whereas General Operating Support Grants help sustain organizations. Both grants are intended to engage and enrich the Flagstaff community through arts, science, and culture. Additional BBB funding was allocated to ARTx 2026 Art + Ideas Experience for 23 projects totaling $125,000

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Join “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Director on Aug. 5

Join the monthly “Coffee Conversations” with F3’s Executive Director thisWednesday, August 5th from 9:00-10:00 am at Mayan Winds
(2144 N. 4th St.). We had a great conversation last month!

Learn what F3 is working on, share your thoughts about Flagstaff issues, get updates on ongoing issues, and meet other citizens and members who are or want to be engaged with issues in Flagstaff.

Find your next creative adventure at Sedona Arts Center

Whether you’re exploring a new passion or building on years of experience, Sedona Arts Center offers inspiring classes and workshops for every skill level. Learn from working artists in a welcoming, hands-on environment while exploring painting, ceramics, jewelry, stained glass, photography, mixed media, and more.

Join us in the heart of Sedona and discover where creativity can take you.

Community prepares to celebrate 11th annual Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026

FLAGSTAFF — To celebrate and recognize Flagstaff’s Hispanic roots, Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces invites the public to attend its 11th annual “Flagstaff Summertime Tardeada — Mariachi and Folklórico Festival” from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, 224 S. Kendrick St., Flagstaff.

The event is FREE, open to the public and has drawn upwards of 400 visitors in past years. 

Entertainment for this year includes a dance performance by Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff, the return of the popular all-female Mariachi Rubor, with closing dance music by New Destiny.

Downtown Flagstaff — 11th Annual Summertime Tardeada (Aug. 1), 2026 Flagstaff International Film Festival (Aug. 1-2), Flagstaff Chili Festival Thorpe Park (Aug. 1-2), more events

Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. “Flag Happs” is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights of the week.

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 County earns six national recognitions for excellence in public service

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County has received national recognition for its commitment to innovation, technology and excellence in public service, earning six prestigious awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) and the Center for Digital Government. 

The NACo Achievement Awards honor innovative county government programs that strengthen services, improve operations and enhance residents’ quality of life. Coconino County received recognition in five different areas including: Pipeline Post-Wildfire Flood Mitigation, Dragon Bravo-White Sage Fires Long-Term Recovery Plan, Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s Justice Bus, Citizens Academy and Children of Incarcerated Parents Activity Book.

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

The NAU Review — An out-of-this-world family portrait + science in the great outdoors

Two camera systems designed and built by faculty and students at NAU on board NASA’s Mars-bound ESCAPADE captured unique photos of Earth and the Moon in visible and thermal infrared light. Learn more about this mission and what the camera will capture once it reaches the red planet.

Discover Your Creative Potential at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center offers year-round classes and workshops designed to inspire artists of all experience levels. From painting, ceramics, jewelry making, stained glass, photography to mixed media and more, our programs are welcoming, hands-on, and taught by working artists in a supportive creative environment.

Theatrikos Theater Co. — Double Your Impact: Keep the Curtain Rising

For more than 53 years, Theatrikos Theatre Company has brought our community together through the power of live theatre.

Every performance, every student taking the stage for the first time, every volunteer giving their time, every standing ovation, none of it happens without people like you.

Today, we’re inviting you to make twice the impact.

Thanks to the generosity of a matching donor, every gift made during our Double Your Impact Campaign will be matched dollar for dollar.

Treasurer Sarah Benatar elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar was elected 2nd Vice President of the National Association of Counties (NACo), marking a historic moment in the organization’s 90-year history. Benatar is the first Latina and the first Treasurer to serve in this leadership role.

“I am honored to be elected 2nd Vice President of NACo. Thank you to county leaders from across the nation for your support and your belief in our vision that when counties decide, communities thrive,” Benatar said. “I look forward to working alongside each of you to strengthen our counties and champion local leadership because it’s time to return decision-making to the people who know their communities best.”

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: July 20-24, 2026

Community Library celebrates Summer Reading Challenge and looks to future
-Caroline Grass, Scientist in Park Intern

As the Grand Canyon Community Library continues to serve residents and visitors and as engagement in their programs increases, plans to better utilize their space in the Old Chase Bank building are underway.

Coconino County Justice Bus receives national Enhancing Justice Award

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Justice Bus has been selected to receive the 2026 Enhancing Justice Award from the National Association for Court Management (NACM), recognizing the program’s innovative approach to expanding access to justice and improving outcomes for residents throughout Coconino County. The award was announced in a letter from NACM President Kelly Hutton and was formally presented during the NACM Annual Conference on July 16, 2026.

The Enhancing Justice Award honors courts and justice-related organizations that demonstrate exemplary accomplishments and innovative projects that strengthen the administration of justice. The Coconino County Justice Bus was recognized for bringing court services and critical community resources directly to rural and underserved communities, reducing barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing the justice system.