Category: Public Safety

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s 30th Anniversary Auction: Items ready to view

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Celebrate F3’s 30th Anniversary by bidding on our online auction!

Help us continue our work by bidding on our exciting, diverse, and unique items including special experiences (from guided tours to personal luxuries), gift baskets (from personal care to gardening) and gift certificates (from design services to doggy day care). Bid on food, wine, jewelry, and more.

Everything is donated by local shops, businesses, restaurants, and individuals who generously contributed to this auction.

Help us kick-off of our next 30 years of community work in Flagstaff!

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe

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

by Community Contributor • June 6, 2025 • Comments Off

Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Strengthen U.S. Competitiveness in Space ••• Kelly and Cotton’s Bill to Study Cancer Among Military Aviators Passes Senate ••• ICYMI: In Phoenix, Kelly Visits Nursing Facility to Hear from Patients, Providers About Medicaid Cuts

FCD Director Lucinda Andreani earns award from American Society of Civil Engineer

by Community Contributor • June 4, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Flood Control District Director Lucinda Andreani will be presented with the Centennial Celebration Impact Award in Public Safety from the Northern Arizona Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on Saturday, Jun. 7 at Lowell Observatory.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to have worked with civil engineers on so many public safety projects for our communities,” Andreani said. “We have a remarkable team, and the success of our post-wildfire flood mitigation projects and our Forest Restoration Initiative is in great part due to the expertise and commitment of our civil engineers.”

Areas of Coconino County to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, May 30

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.

Restrictions will go into effect this Friday, May 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday.

… During Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 26, 2025

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Gallego Pushes Department of the Interior to Evaluate Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation *** Gallego Supports Legislation to Increase Homeownership for Arizona’s Veterans and Public Servants *** Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Economic Development *** More

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

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***

Understanding the Costs of Living in the Woods: The Wildfire/Insurance Issue – A Growing Crisis work session on June 3

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.

The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference.

The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week.

Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren testing scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m.

by Community Contributor • May 29, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Full-volume testing of the Museum Fire/ Spruce Wash flood area siren alerting system is scheduled for Thursday, June 5 at 10 a.m. The testing will confirm the proper functioning of the sirens ahead of monsoon season. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or smoke in the area.

During the testing, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in English, Spanish and Navajo, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message.

Crews responding to small wildfire east of Mormon Lake

by Community Contributor • May 27, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are responding to the Corral Fire, a 20-acre wildfire located roughly 2.5 miles east of Mormon Lake, 24 miles southeast of Flagstaff.

Resources assigned to the fire include one Hotshot crew, four engines and a water tender.

Crews plan to conduct several hours of firing operations today to contain the fire to a small footprint using forest roads as holding features.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: May 19-23, 2025

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

Memorial Day 21-gun salute at Pioneer Cemetery

On Monday, May 27, American Legion, John Ivens Post 42, will hold its annual Memorial Day 21-gun salute ceremony at the Pioneer Cemetery, located to the west of the Shrine of the Ages. This special event is open to the public to honor Veterans buried in the cemetery.

The event will begin around 11 a.m. and residents here in the park can expect to hear blank rounds being fired on or around this time.

Coconino County seeks public input for Hazard Mitigation Plan Update

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — The frequency and severity of disasters continue to rise across the country. To prepare for, and reduce these risks, Coconino County is updating our Multi-Jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan (MJHMP).

The purpose of this plan is to evaluate the risk posed to the community by natural and man-made hazards and to identify actions that can reduce or eliminate those risks. This update is a joint project between Coconino County, the cities and towns of Flagstaff, Fredonia, Williams, Tusayan, and Page, as well as Northern Arizona University.

City of Flagstaff — Posted on: May 22, 2025 US Highway 89 lane closures scheduled May 27 – 30

by Community Contributor • May 23, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr from Tuesday, May 27 – Friday, May 30. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for concrete work to be completed next to the roadway.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan 60-day review open through July 18, 2025

by Community Contributor • May 21, 2025 • Comments Off

As the City and County have been working together on the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045, the County has also been engaged in a parallel process of updating the Coconino County Comprehensive Plan.

A draft of the Coconino County Comprehensive Plan is available for review from May 19 to July 18, 2025.
Visit the project website to view and comment on the plan: https://coconinocounty.konveio.com/envision2045

City of Flagstaff announces US Highway 89 lane closures scheduled on May 19 & 20

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, lane closures are scheduled on US Highway 89 between N Cummings St and the City limit/ near N Snowflake Dr and E Trails End Dr on May 19 and May 20. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction during the work hours of 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The lane closures will allow for crack sealing work to be performed on the roadway.

Prescribed Burns planned on Coconino National Forest next week

by Community Contributor • May 16, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of important active forest management, fire managers are planning a number of prescribed burn projects next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels in strategic areas of the national forest to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires to many northern Arizona communities.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. The burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled. If that occurs, the updates will be posted on our Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available. The following projects are listed in chronological order.

Dates announced for additional neighborhoods for pine needle pickup initiative

by Community Contributor • May 13, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff has announced dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in additional neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The schedule is listed below.

• Rock Ridge Estates, Ridge Crest, and Anasazi Ridge – Friday, May 16 – Friday, May 23
• Lynwood and Cheshire – Monday, June 2 – Monday, June 9
• Country Club Estates – Friday, June 16 – Friday, June 23
• Boulder Point – Monday, June 30 – Monday, July 7

National Park Service — 2025 South Rim Firewise Cleanup Begins!

by Community Contributor • May 12, 2025 • Comments Off

We need your help in preventing wildfire severity! The 2025 Firewise Residential
Cleanup Weekend will occur now through May 25.
Please pile all pine needles and woody debris along your residential road in an
area accessible to vehicles for the crew to pick up. Park staff will be moving and
hauling debris the week of May 26.

Closures scheduled for portions of Riordan Rd & Riordan Ranch St; Parked vehicles must be moved

by Community Contributor • May 9, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, May 12, closures will be implemented on portions of Riordan Rd and Riordan Ranch St to facilitate the installation of a new water meter and underground utilities. Vehicles parked along the impacted portion of Riordan Ranch St must be moved or may be towed. Work is anticipated to be complete by the end of August 2025.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of April 28

by Community Contributor • May 2, 2025 • Comments Off

Office of U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego

News updates for week of April 28

Gallego Visits Northern Arizona, Phoenix, to Address Medicaid Cuts, Tariffs, VA Layoffs, and More

City of Flagstaff announces road repair and street safety project begins May 1

by Community Contributor • April 30, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will begin the 2025 Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) Project Phase 1 on Thursday, May 1. The project will address numerous roads around the City and will include crack sealing, chip sealing, curb, gutter, and sidewalk repairs and pavement marking. The goal of the project is to update infrastructure for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Coconino County Emergency Management to deploy Advanced Mobile Incident Command Unit

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) is pleased to announce the debut of the County’s new mobile incident command unit designed to enhance disaster response, emergency coordination, and reliable communications in remote areas.

This mobile command center will serve as a self-sufficient operational hub, providing the first responders from multiple agencies within the County with real-time situational awareness and improved decision-making capabilities.

City of Flagstaff — Updated dates for pine needle pickup initiative

by Community Contributor • April 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Due to unforeseen logistical complications, the City of Flagstaff is updating the dates during which roll-off dumpsters will be placed in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. Dumpsters will be placed in the University Heights neighborhood from April 25 – May 2 and the schedule for placement of dumpsters in other neighborhoods will be published when available.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: April 21-25, 2025

by Community Contributor • April 24, 2025 • Comments Off

Elk Calving Season is Here!

It’s elk calving season, a time when adorable elk calves are born between late April and June. These little ones may only weigh around 35 pounds at birth, but they come with some very large bodyguards. Cow elk are devoted mothers and, understandably, don’t take kindly to anyone getting too close to their newborns. Even if you can’t see a calf nearby, mom might still be watching you.

Pregnant elk often seek out quiet, hidden spots to give birth—sometimes in places you’d least expect, like near your office, behind your porch, or along your favorite trail. So, whether you’re taking out the trash or heading out for a jog, keep your eyes open and give wildlife plenty of space.

Prescribed burn planned later this week west of Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • April 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District plan on continuing portions of the Horseshoe Maxwell Springs prescribed burn project located 9.5 miles northwest of Flagstaff, just north of Bellemont.

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Fire managers planning prescribed burns across Coconino National Forest next week as a weather window of opportunity opens for safe implementation

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Up to four prescribed burn projects are planned across Coconino National Forest next week to reduce hazardous forest fuels and reduce the risk of wildfires to many northern Arizona communities (listed below in chronological order).

Prescribed burns are always dependent upon multiple conditions, including personnel availability, fuel conditions, weather and approval from the Arizona Department of Environment Quality. Prescribed burns may be changed or canceled last-minute if burn conditions do not meet criteria outlined in advance.

Should wind and weather conditions become unfavorable, ignitions will be halted, and project plans will be postponed, changed or canceled.

For the latest information at any time of the day, details and updates about all prescribed burn projects can be found on the Coconino NF Prescribed Burn Projects InciWeb page, which is updated any time new information is available.

City of Flagstaff — Cedar Avenue Crossing Project to begin on April 21

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2025 • Comments Off

Lane shifts along Cedar Avenue will be in place during this work to maintain eastbound and westbound traffic along Cedar Avenue. Pedestrian and bicyclist access will be maintained through the area during construction. Motorists are asked to follow the marked signage/detour to get to their destination.

City of Flagstaff — Prevent waste by participating in Drop-Off Day and the Fix-It Clinic!

by Community Contributor • April 14, 2025 • Comments Off

The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office, Flagstaff Police Department, and Coconino County invite the community to attend Drop-Off Day on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coconino County Health and Human Services building (2625 N King St) to properly dispose of batteries, lightbulbs, expired medications and more. More information is available at flagstaff.az.gov/3379/Drop-Off-Day

Exchange Club of Flagstaff recognizes April as Child Abuse Prevention Month with its Field of Hope ceremony on April 4

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — As part of an annual tradition, volunteers with the Exchanged Club of Flagstaff placed dozens of white flags in the Coconino County Courthouse lawn during its “Field of Hope” event recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month.

“The Field is a memorial to the 116 children that died in the past year in Arizona from abuse or neglect,” the club reported on its Facebook page. “Even in the snow & cold, we were there along with some wonderful helpers. Thank you Sierra for joining us with your children. You all were a big help.”

The club will hold a dedication ceremony at 5:15p.m. Friday, April 4.

“Please join us prior to enjoying Art Walk Friday,” the club reported. “Please stop by and remember these innocent lives lost.”

Hundreds of local residents expected to take part in national ‘HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back!’ protest at Flagstaff City Hall on April 5

by Community Contributor • April 4, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Hundreds of Flagstaff residents are expected to pack the lawn and street in front of the Flagstaff City Hall at noon Saturday, April 5 as part of a national HANDS OFF! Flagstaff AZ Fights Back! protest.

Other HANDS OFF! events are planned for that same day in Sedona, Prescott, Payson, Show Low, Kingman and elsewhere in Arizona and nationwide.

A growing number of protests to Trump administration policies have taken place at Flagstaff City Hall including a protest against Rep. Eli Crane, R-Arizona on March 24; a Presidents’ Day protest on Feb. 24; an an immigrants rights protest on Feb. 7. Crowds have ranged from a 200 to 500.

Indivisible Northern Arizona touts the event as HANDS OFF! — Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, Our Jobs, Our Wallets, Our Books, Fair Elections, Personal Data, Public Lands, Veteran Services, Cancer Research, NATO, Consumer Protections, Clean Air, Schools, Libraries, Free Speech, LGBTQ+ Rights, Immigrants, Courts, More

Pine needle pickup kicking off March 31 in University Heights, additional neighborhoods to follow

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Fire Department and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division are facilitating the placement of rollout dumpsters in neighborhoods around the City to allow residents to dispose of pine needles near their homes. The Flagstaff Fire Department recommends that residents remove excess pine needles from their yards and areas near their homes to lower the risk of wildfire danger.

AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection — Seguro Social: CAMBIOS RECIENTES

by Community Contributor • March 28, 2025 • Comments Off

En este programa dialogamos sobre la propuesta de usar otros fondos para En este programa explicaremos los recientes cambios aplicados por la Administración del Seguro Social y qué implicaciones tienen para beneficiarios del programa.

Beulah/University Realignment Project – Closure of the University Avenue and Milton Road intersection extending

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Due to the recent winter weather, University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) will be closed between Milton Road and Yale Street, 24 hours a day, until the week of April 7, 2025. Thru traffic along Milton Road will not be impacted.

Linda Vista Drive reopening prior to Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road intersection closure

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff (City) and the Spruce Wash Flood Mitigation Team is hard at work constructing flood mitigation measures along Linda Vista Drive. We are currently on track to permanently open Linda Vista Drive, unimpeded, to all traffic on or before May 23, 2025 (the start of FUSD Summer break).

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: March 17-21, 2025

by Community Contributor • March 21, 2025 • Comments Off

U.S. District Court and Grand Canyon National Park Implement New Fine Structure to Enhance Public Safety

The U.S. District Court of Arizona and Grand Canyon National Park are taking proactive steps to improve public safety for residents and visitors alike. As part of this initiative, the U.S. District Court and the park are implementing a new fine structure for certain violations, including fire safety and speeding in school zones.

To reduce the risk of wildfires, fines for having fires in undesignated areas have been significantly increased. During Stage 1 restrictions, individuals will face a $300 fine, while Stage 2 restrictions will result in a $500 fine. These increased penalties aim to deter unsafe fire practices and protect our park and community.

Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group meeting on March 20

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Comprehensive Plan Advisory Group (CPAG) is meeting monthly. This temporary group, invited by the Board of Supervisors, represents the diversity of the County. The role of the CPAG is to provide recommendations on the updated goals, policies, maps, and implementation strategies of the Comprehensive Plan Update, Envision 2045 to the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and staff.

Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project – Preliminary construction activities to begin March 31

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff, and Fann Contracting are set to begin a project to construct a new roundabout that will replace the signalized intersection at Fourth Street and Cedar Avenue/Lockett Road to improve the safety and function of the intersection. This new roundabout will be designed with flashing pedestrian crossing beacons and will slow speeds, help avoid angle collisions and add a crosswalk at the fourth leg of the intersection. Additional work includes the installation of water, sewer and storm drain infrastructure.

County Delegation has a Productive Trip to Washington D.C.

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2025 • Comments Off

Coconino County elected officials and leadership visited Washington D.C. to attend the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Legislative Conference, as well as visit with key members of Arizona’s Congressional delegation and Federal partners. The goals of the visits to…

Community invited to share memories for Southside sculpture at Cleo Murdoch Park in Flagstaff

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites Southside residents, past and present, as well as those with strong ties to the neighborhood to contribute their memories and reflections for an upcoming public art installation. The sculpture, titled “Rustle,” will be placed at the newly named Cleo Murdoch Park, adjacent to the Murdoch Community Center at 203 E. Brannen Avenue.

The 8-foot-high weathering steel sculpture, designed by artist Beth Nybeck, will incorporate words and phrases contributed by the community into its leaf-like form. Symbolizing both nature and the interconnected stories that define the area, the piece will celebrate the Southside, its history and its people.

Flagstaff City Council passes resolution urging state legislature to give cities ability to regulate short term rentals

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

In 2016, the state legislature passed legislation that required local governments to allow short-term rentals in all residential zones. While additional legislation has since been passed that gives local governments limited ability to regulate STRs through requiring contact information for owners or requiring a license, local governments are still prohibited from regulating the number or location of short term rentals in their communities.

Coconino County provides Court and Health Services in Tuba City on March 21

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

The Superior Court in Coconino County will provide walk-in services and conduct hearings starting at 10 a.m. The Court will be able to assist with quashing outstanding warrants, applying for marriage licenses or passports, filing documents, reviewing court records and paying any outstanding Superior Court fines or fees. Please note, any payments would need to be made with cash, a money order, or a cashier’s check.

The Coconino County Attorney’s office will have applications available for marijuana conviction expungement.

Coconino National Forest — Pile burns expected to be conducted this week

by Community Contributor • March 7, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest fire managers with the Flagstaff Ranger District were expected to conduct pile burns in several areas around the forest to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.

The piles are leftover slash from previous thinning projects and are ignited using drip torches and carefully monitored. Burning these piles help remove forest fuels and reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire.

Flagstaff Regional Plan 2045 — Thank you for participating in the 60-day public review!, upcoming meetings

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2025 • Comments Off

Over 2,000 comments were submitted during the 60-day public review, which occurred from October 20, 2024 to December 19, 2024. It was wonderful to see how many people dedicated their time to reading the plan and providing feedback. We have read every comment and we are working on revisions to the draft.

Areas of Coconino County within Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday

by Community Contributor • February 28, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — After consultation with Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM), Forest Lakes Fire District, and the United States Forest Service (USFS), areas of Coconino County within the boundaries of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025.

Wildfire danger prompts early opening (March 7) of Willard Springs Green Waste site

by Community Contributor • February 27, 2025 • Comments Off

The site, which usually opens the first Friday in April, will open next Friday, March 7 to provide free green waste-only disposal to all County residents.

“After one of the driest winters on record we recognize the importance of preparing now for wildfire season,” said Christopher Tressler, Director of Coconino County Public Works. “We’re opening Willard Springs a month early to give our residents more time to clean up pine needles and other green waste in order to create defensible spaces on their properties and around their homes, which can slow the spread of wildfire.”

Coconino County Attorney’s Office Announces Formation of New Cold Case Unit

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2025 • Comments Off

“We are determined to ensure that every case, regardless of how long ago it happened, deserves justice,” said Coconino County Attorney Ammon Barker. “Our Cold Case Unit reflects our unwavering commitment to work as a team with partners at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, the Flagstaff Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies to solve cases and bring violent criminals to justice. Our law enforcement partners at the Sheriff’s Office and Police Department are using modern forensic techniques to solve cold cases, and when that happens, it is time for my office to bring charges and prosecute the case in court. Through our collaborative efforts, we are confident that we can deliver justice for victims and their families who have sought accountability for so long.”

Flagstaff Fire Department discusses wildfire preparedness

by Community Contributor • February 21, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — During the Feb. 18 Council Meeting, the Flagstaff Fire Department gave a presentation to the City Council on Community Fire Preparedness efforts.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 17-21, 2025

by Community Contributor • February 20, 2025 • Comments Off

Expect Longer Wait Times at Entrance Stations: Spring Operational Changes Take Effect March 1

As spring break approaches, visitors and park residents should be prepared for long lines and full parking lots. Traffic congestion is expected at all entrance stations, with the heaviest delays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Parking lots near the Grand Canyon Visitor Center will begin to fill by noon. The South Entrance webcam (updated every five minutes) is a great way to monitor park traffic. To help reduce congestion, we encourage visitors to purchase entrance passes in advance, use lane 1 at the South Entrance, explore alternative transportation options, and arrive early or visit later in the day.

We want to express our heartfelt appreciation to all the entrance station staff for their continued hard work and dedication. We recognize long lines and heavy traffic can be challenging and your professionalism and commitment make an incredible difference in providing visitors with a positive experience. Thank you!

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — This Week in Immigration

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

LATEST ANALYSIS Sending Migrants to Guantánamo Bay Is a Costly, Optics-Driven Shift in Immigration DetentionPresident Trump ordered the Secretary of Homeland Security to expand immigration detention at Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba to house up to 30,000 people. Since then, U.S. Immigration & and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has transferred at least two flights of migrants from the United States to its detention facility there. Breaking Down Trump’s Attempt to End Birthright CitizenshipOn his first day in office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for babies of undocumented immigrants and for people with temporary status in the U.S. Executive Order 14156: Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship departs from over 125 years of precedent as it sought to abolish the United States’ longstanding policy of unrestricted birthplace-based citizenship. FACTS YOU SHOULD KNOW Last week, people in states across the country held protests in support of immigrants. From California to Georgia and Illinois to Texas, thousands rallied to fight back against mass deportation, ICE arrests, and the use of Guantanamo Bay as a detention center.

Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) to hold next meeting on March 5. Seeking new members

by Community Contributor • February 14, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March. 5 at the Coconino County Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff, Ponderosa Conference Room.

The meeting can be attended in person or via Zoom Link Below:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85359174121

Meeting ID: 853 5917 4121 Phone: + 1(408) 638-0968

… CHAC, which is current seeking new members, serves as an official liaison and communications link between the Hispanic community and the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, so please bring any concerns you may have about equal education opportunities, fair employment, juvenile justice, political representation and other issues.

Coconino County approves $19.5 million grant from USDOT for flood mitigation improvements to HWY89

by Community Contributor • February 13, 2025 • Comments Off

“Closures to Highway 89 are not just an inconvenience,” Judy Begay, Coconino County District 4 Supervisor and Chair of the Board said. “They create a barrier to employment, health and safety, by forcing people to drive extra hours around the Grand Canyon or Hopi lands to get to work and appointments, which has resulted in a loss of employment for some residents.”

Beulah/University Realignment Project – Intersection of Milton Road and University Avenue to close

by Community Contributor • February 12, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — Tthe intersection of Milton Road and University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) has been closed to all traffic. This closure is required to allow crews to install new storm drain and utility infrastructure, and is expected to last one month. Access to properties along University Avenue (future Fresquez Avenue) will be provided via Yale Street and the new Beulah Boulevard extension. Thru traffic along Milton Road will not be impacted. Please follow the marked signage and drive safely.

The NAU Review — Make some V-Day plans, Humans of NAU: Lenin Salcedo

by Community Contributor • February 11, 2025 • Comments Off

Honors College student Lenin Salcedo has an unusual capstone project planned. Inspired by his childhood in the Caribbean and his love of physics, the project will take the form of a performance that explores how sounds tether us to each other and to the universe. Salcedo promises you won’t need to know anything about physics or music theory to understand and enjoy it. Read on to find out more about the project, Salcedo’s upbringing and his dreams for the future.

What brought you to NAU?
I was initially attracted to NAU’s strong physics department, but I fell in love with the intimate learning environment and vibrant community. Especially in Honors, the classroom has felt like a dynamic place where I can creatively think and connect with diverse people. Flagstaff has also become a second home, bringing me out of my comfort zone and forcing me to explore.

Immigration rights supporters take to the streets of Flagstaff on Feb. 7

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — More than 200 immigration rights supporters took to the streets to protest against the Trump Administration’s mass deportation effort as part of a growing nationwide resistance movement.

Shouting “USA” and carrying American and Mexican flags along with a variety of protest signs, the march began after a short rally at a Fourth Street shopping center, moving west along Route 66 before gathering at the Flagstaff City Hall.

City of Flagstaff announces ‘The Wedge’ slip lane closure to begin Wednesday, Feb. 12

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

This closure is necessary for crews to install new concrete and drainage improvements. As part of the Spruce Wash suite of projects, a new section of sidewalk will be added that will connect the existing sidewalk on Cedar Avenue to the Linda Vista Drive crossing via the slip lane. This closure will be in effect 24 hours a day for approximately one month. Motorists can still make turning movements onto Cedar Avenue via the signaled intersection. Please follow the marked signage/detour to get to your destination.

Lone Tree Corridor improvements construction starting Feb. 18

by Community Contributor • February 10, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The Lone Tree Corridor Project will begin construction on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Work will include:

Removal and replacement of roadway, sidewalk, curb/gutter, medians, and Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) facilities.
Widening of Lone Tree Road.
Installation of fully protected traffic intersections that provide safety and separation between bicycle use, pedestrian use, and vehicles.
Relocations and upgrade of utilities and traffic signals.
Work will occur on Butler Avenue between O’Leary Street and Lumber Street and on Lone Tree Road between Butler Avenue and O’Leary Street.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Feb. 3-7, 2025

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Early Fire Season Outlook for Grand Canyon National Park Employees and Partners

The National Weather Service has issued early fire season outlooks due to an especially dry winter season. The combination of a below-average monsoon season in 2024 and a historically dry winter has led to worsening drought conditions across northern Arizona, including at Grand Canyon National Park.

So far, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.

Looking ahead, the temperature and precipitation forecasts for February through April predict drier and warmer than normal conditions across Arizona, extending into the spring and fire season (April-June). If these dry conditions persist, we can expect an extended and potentially significant wildfire season in northern Arizona.

For more details on the current outlook, please see the attached presentation from the National Weather Service Flagstaff Office.

Guest contribution — American Immigration Council — What happens to U.S. citizen children when an undocumented parent must leave?

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

Across the country, deportation is often discussed as an absolute end. What seems to be missing in the conversation is that for the deported people and their families, it’s the beginning of a new set of legal obstacles that often require advocates on both sides of the border to resolve. It is also the beginning of a new and often hard life chapter.

City of Flagstaff — Beulah/University Realignment Project – Traffic Signal Installation to Begin

by Community Contributor • February 7, 2025 • Comments Off

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Eagle Mountain Construction, along with the Arizona Department of Transportation, are set to install new traffic signal poles at the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive on Tuesday, February 11, and Wednesday, February 12. To safely install these poles, the intersection of Milton Road and University Drive will be closed periodically with police officers present to assist.

The NAU Review — NAU receives $150K grant from Direct Relief

by Community Contributor • February 4, 2025 • Comments Off

Northern Arizona University has received a grant from Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity to confront the critical nursing shortage in rural, underserved areas of Arizona by supporting Native American nursing students in their academic journeys.

The Fund for Health Equity mobilizes financial resources for organizations focused on non-clinical interventions that affect a person’s health. Commonly known as the social determinants of health, these factors include an individual’s physical, social, political, cultural and economic environment.

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