Category: Public Safety

Roadwork to begin on Butler Ave and Lone Tree Road as part of Lonetree Overpass Project

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Ames Construction, will begin the next phase of the Lone Tree Overpass project on Monday, March 2. The project area is Butler Ave. between O’Leary St. and Lumber St. and Lone Tree Rd. between Butler Ave. and Sawmill Rd. The work entails roadway reconstruction, installation of water line, sanitary sewer, and storm drains, improvements to concrete curb and gutters, sidewalks, and driveways, and re-alignment to add bike lanes and multi-use travel paths. The work is expected to be completed in December 2026.

Get the latest news updates from U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) including ‘Kelly, Durbin, Padilla Blast DHS for Wrongfully Targeting and Removing DACA Recipients’

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office of U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly

Get the latest news updates from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes including ‘Attorney General Mayes Defends Birthright Citizenship’

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2026 • Comments Off

Click below for the latest news updates from the:

Office Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes

City of Flagstaff — Flock Safety cameras removed

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City received confirmation on Feb. 19 that all Flock Safety cameras covered under the City’s contract have been physically removed.

The Flagstaff City Council voted in December 2025 to terminate the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology. Following that decision, all cameras covered under the contract were immediately turned off and stopped collecting data.

Coconino National Forest — Pile burns planned (Feb. 16) and this week

by Community Contributor • February 17, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest is planning pile burns today and this week, pending all required approvals and favorable weather conditions. Pile burns are a type of prescribed fire used to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Pile burns planned for the area include:

Coconino County Unidentified Remains Task Force announces successful identification

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Unidentified Remains Task Force has confirmed the identity of a previously unidentified decedent located in Navajo County in 2023.

The case was referred to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for identification. We are happy to announce that in conjunction with Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (DR# 2309-0332) and the Navajo County Medical Examiner’s Office this individual has been identified and returned to his family. Out of respect for the decedent and his family, his identity is not being released.

The NAU Review — Puppy love + a new drone that can help rescue POWs

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2026 • Comments Off

BARKING NEWS: At CHS, the dogtor is in

Do you need a moment to decompress? Is life getting a little ruff? We have an important pupdate: High Country Humane and Health Promotion have once again pawrtnered to bring puppies to campus for a little cuddle time. Come to the Health and Learning Center every other Wednesday, where you can sit, stay and play. (And won’t somebody boop that snout already?) It’s a paws-itively perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett shares statement on AZDPS helicopter crash. See related news

by Community Contributor • February 5, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz — Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “I am so proud of the men and women of the Flagstaff Police Department for their heroic actions last night. Their work to protect our community and detain an active shooter saved many lives.

City of Flagstaff provides update on removal of Flock Safety cameras

by Community Contributor • January 30, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council voted in December 2025 to terminate the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology. Following that decision, all cameras covered under the contract were immediately turned off and have not collected any data since.

Grand Canyon National Park plans adaptive reopening of North Rim in summer 2026

by Community Contributor • January 28, 2026 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is preparing an adaptive approach for the seasonal reopening of the North Rim, evaluating potential impacts from winter weather to park infrastructure after the Dragon Bravo Fire. The park aims to open popular points of interest, including the North Kaibab Trail, on May 15, weather and conditions permitting.

Park officials emphasize that the guiding principle for the upcoming season is: “We will open what we can, where we can, when we can.” This approach prioritizes visitor safety, resource protection, and operational readiness. Park officials are aware of the challenges of local communities, businesses and our visitors in planning for the 2026 season and are committed to providing specific details about the 2026 North Rim season no later than April 1, 2026.

New County roadway safety action plan survey

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is launching a new Roadway Safety Action Plan and inviting residents, workers, businesses and visitors to help improve safety on County roads by sharing their experiences and concerns through a brief online survey

“Improving roadway safety is a shared priority for County leadership, our residents and everyone who travels our roads,” said Christopher Tressler, Coconino County Public Works Director. “The Roadway Safety Action Plan gives us a clearer, data-driven way to identify, evaluate and prioritize needed improvements—bringing us closer to our goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities on Coconino County roads. Public input is essential, and we encourage everyone to participate in the online survey.”

City of Flagstaff announces Flock Safety/ Automated License Plate Recognition Technology update

by Community Contributor • January 26, 2026 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council voted to cancel the City’s contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology in December 2025. The cameras included in the City of Flagstaff’s contract were deactivated at that time.

As of January 2026, City staff and Flock Safety representatives are working to facilitate the physical removal of the cameras as soon as possible.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 12-16, 2026

by Community Contributor • January 16, 2026 • Comments Off

Waterline Repairs Continue After Multiple Failures in the Inner Canyon

This week, a series of three pipeline breaks along the North Kaibab Trail has temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two of the breaks occurred within 50 feet of each other just north of the Box, with a third near the Xanterra mule corral at Phantom Ranch.

National Park Service — Drinking water advisory for Phantom Ranch and Bright Angel Campground

by Community Contributor • January 13, 2026 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Effective immediately, the National Park Service (NPS) is issuing a drinking water advisory for all water in the vicinity of Bright Angel Campground and Phantom Ranch of Grand Canyon National Park. This includes the Phantom Ranch Canteen, Bright Angel Campground, Phantom Delta Restroom, and Phantom Boat Beach.

All drinking water in these areas should be treated or boiled. These processes should be applied to water for any consumptive use including drinking, making ice, preparing food, brushing teeth, and washing dishes. All other park drinking water is safe for consumption.

Flagstaff City Council votes to cancel Flock camera contract

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff City Council voted to cancel the City’s current contract with Flock Safety for automated license plate recognition technology during the Dec. 16 Council Meeting.

Coconino County and City of Flagstaff announce Violent Offender Program

by Community Contributor • December 17, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — County Attorney’s Office (CCAO), County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and Flagstaff Police Department (FPD) announce the launch of a Violent Offender Program, an initiative to identify, track and respond to individuals who repeatedly engage in violent conduct.

The Violent Offender Program establishes a unified, countywide strategy to ensure violent offenders are recognized early and prosecuted with heightened oversight to prevent further harm.

“Violence in our community requires a proactive, collaborative response,” Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker said. “The Violent Offender Program strengthens the partnership between our offices and ensures that people who demonstrate a pattern of violence are identified quickly and handled with the seriousness they warrant. Our goal is straightforward, protect the public and prevent future victims.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Council vote on the renewal of controversial Flock camera contract on Dec. 16

by Community Contributor • December 11, 2025 • Comments Off

F3 believes that there are too many concerns and questions at this time for the City Council, in good faith, to approve an amended contract with Flock. There is ample evidence around the country of misuse of the data and extremely lax security measures to protect people’s privacy. We will be urging the City Council, as we did prior to the Flock discussion in October, to stand against this type of surveillance, cancel the contract with Flock and remove all cameras leased by the city. Please read our summary of the issue below and consider writing or speaking to the council in opposition.

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:

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 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.

Criminal Justice Coordination Council (CJCC) Citizen’s Academy now accepting applications

by Community Contributor • November 5, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The Criminal Justice Coordination Council (CJCC) Citizen’s Academy offers a unique chance to delve into the people, processes and programs that shape justice in our community. Engage with judges, the Clerk of the Courts, adult probation officers and Flagstaff City officials to gain insight into the intricacies of the criminal justice system.

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.

Grand Canyon National Park announces increased water and fire restrictions during Infrastructure Work

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

GRAND CANYON, Ariz. – Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 3 Water Restrictions and Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Oct. 31, 2025, in response to limited water availability and construction activities associated with the ongoing Transcanyon Waterline Replacement Project.

A temporary interruption in water pumping is scheduled for Nov. 4 through approximately Nov. 18 to allow crews to replace and test a critical pipeline segment. This work is part of a multi-year effort to modernize the park’s aging water delivery system, expected to be completed in 2027.

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:

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed fires near Tusayan and Williams

by Community Contributor • October 31, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations on the Tusayan Ranger District beginning Friday, October 24, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the weekend and may begin operations on the Williams Ranger District next 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:

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed fires near Tusayan and Williams

by Community Contributor • October 22, 2025 • Comments Off

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

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.

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.

Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar warns of fraudulent payment sites

by Community Contributor • September 26, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — With the arrival of 2025 Tax Notices, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office is warning residents about the potential for fraudulent websites that falsely claim to accept property tax payments.

Residents should be on the alert for sites that don’t end in .gov, require unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers or that charge additional processing fees.

“We want to ensure that taxpayers know the only safe and secure way to pay their property taxes is directly through the County’s official channels,” said, Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “Using these channels can prevent financial loss and identity theft.”

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett issues statement addressing fatal collision

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed fires

by Community Contributor • September 24, 2025 • Comments Off

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this October, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the fall season 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:

Blue Stem Project-Tusayan RD- 7,030 acres of broadcast burning.
Kendrick Project- Williams RD- 6,653 acres of broadcast burning.
Marteen Project- Williams RD- 504 acres of broadcast burning.
Pine Flat Project- Williams RD- 4,302 acres of broadcast burning.
Moonset Pit-Williams RD- 1 acre- Parks area natural debris pit pile burn.

Lane closures scheduled on N Highway 89 in Flagstaff, additional road maintenance work continues throughout town

by Community Contributor • September 19, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.

BNSF to close Angell Road railroad crossing for maintenance

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.

The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.

The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.

During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes news updates for September 2025

by Community Contributor • September 12, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

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/

Coconino County Superior Court warns of phone scam

by Community Contributor • September 5, 2025 • Comments Off

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.

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

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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

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.

Kaibab National Forest to lift fire restrictions Sept. 4

by Community Contributor • September 3, 2025 • Comments Off

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.