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.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Office is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2025 Flagstaff Sustainability Grant cycle. The Flagstaff Sustainability Grant is a competitive grant program that funds up to $7,500 for community projects related to food, community health and climate resilience, energy, transportation, and waste.
“We can’t wait to see these community-led projects come to life each year! We want to applaud these awardees for their vision for a more sustainable Flagstaff,” said Mayor Becky Daggett.
The 2025 grant recipients and their projects are as follows:
When we listen to youth, powerful things happen.
That’s why one of the core commitments of your United Way of Northern Arizona is bringing our community together around programs and projects that provide local youth with the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
I’m excited to share two items that will make a difference to teens this winter. The first is the grand opening of The Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook, a project for youth by youth that has been several years in the making.
At Sedona Arts Center, creativity is meant to be experienced. Our classes and workshops — from iPhoneography and oil painting to sculpting, stained glass, ceramics, and pottery for teens and beginners — are designed to be welcoming, hands-on, and inspiring. Whether you’re exploring something new or building on existing skills, you’ll learn from working artists in a supportive environment that values curiosity, craft, and creative joy — all in the heart of Sedona.
• Next IndivisibleNAZ Community Gathering, Planning meeting to be held Jan. 21, 2026 in Flagstaff
More than 350 local residents and visitors protested on the street in front of the Flagstaff City Hall against recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions on Jan. 10, 2026.
The protest was part of a national day of action against ICE following the shooting death of on Jan. 7 of Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, Minn. A number of videos show a confusing scene when protesters blocked ICE vehicles on a city street, not far from the murder George Floyd by police officers. Good was shot when she attempted to drive around other vehicles after an ICE agent walked in front of her vehicle.
More than 1,000 protests were held in Boston, El Paso, Las Angeles, Minneapolis, New York and other cities nationwide. They follow a number of smaller protests earlier this week including one in Flagstaff.
For several years, Theatrikos has welcomed film into our space as part of our artistic offerings. Beginning in 2026, that work deepens into a lasting commitment. Film at Theatrikos places cinema at the heart of our programming, embracing film as a powerful storytelling medium alongside live theatre. Through carefully curated documentaries, independent films, festival partnerships, and community centered screenings, we are expanding how stories are shared and experienced at Theatrikos. This new focus reinforces our mission to connect, inspire, and engage our community through exceptional storytelling, on stage and on screen. Stay tuned as we share more details in the months ahead.
With the latest winter storm bringing much needed moisture to Northern Arizona, you may be wondering, what are some snowplay options in the region?
❄️Check out Flagstaff Snow Park located at Fort Tuthill County Park. Flagstaff Snow Park offers visitors a variety of tubing hills including a kiddie hill and long, fast runs.
📌The 2025-26 Flagstaff Winter Recreation Map will tell you where to go and what winter recreation activities there are throughout Flagstaff.
🌬️Located west of Flagstaff and along the iconic Route 66, the city of Williams Experience Williams offers a multitude of winter recreation activities, including snow tubing at Canyon Coaster Adventure Park.
Saturday-Sunday,
January 10-11
USASA Grand Canyon State Series Rail Jam Weekend
Arizona Snowbowl
Two days of USASA rail jam competitions for skiers and snowboarders. 8 a.m.
Learn More
Winter Emergency Notification Reminder
As of this writing, Desert View Drive and Hermit Road have CLOSED due to hazardous road conditions. Road closure information is always available by calling the park’s Road Line at 928-638-7496 (please, do not call Dispatch). As winter weather returns, residents are also encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications.
Grand Canyon NPS Everbridge alerts are a great way to receive real-time updates about power outages, road closures, weather-related events, and other emergency situations.
You can decide how you would like to receive notifications, whether this is through text, email, or by phone call. Sign up now by following this link.
The road stretches wide.
The laughter is warming up.
And the full company of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon has officially taken shape.
Commissioned to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66, this world premiere production is a fast paced, family friendly comedy that brings the Mother Road to life through zany humor, audience interaction, and heartfelt storytelling. It is infused with the legendary spirit of Northern Arizona.
CALL TO ARTISTS
Juried Friends Show & Sale —
The Face of Friendship
Exhibit Dates: March 6 – April 15, 2026
Opening Reception: March 6, 2026 | 4:00–6:00 PM
Location: Sedona Arts Center, 15 Art Barn Road, Sedona, AZ
Deadline to Apply: February 1, 2026
Notification: February 6, 2026
Now in its 45th year, this juried exhibition is open to all current Friend Level Donors ($60+). This year’s theme — The Face of Friendship — invites artists to explore connection, collaboration, and the emotional resonance of companionship through visual art. Submissions may be individual or collaborative, literal or abstract, celebrating the creative community that supports the Arts Center’s mission.
Looking for the perfect Valentine’s Day gift? Look no further than MNA’s virtual auction, featuring 20 stunning jewelry pieces! What’s more, all auction proceeds will benefit MNA’s educational mission, so you can give a lovely gift and support the museum at once.
This auction is now open and will close on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 12:00 pm to allow us time to ship any items and ensure that they will arrive before February 14th.
Next Steps in Stained Glass Techniques: Copper Foil Overlay
with Sonja London-Hall
January 24–25, 2026
Happy New Year! We begin 2026 with two exhibitions designed to spark curiosity and engage the senses.
Starting January 10, we invite you to explore Katsintithu—Katsina Dolls. This newly expanded installation takes a deeper look at the tradition, meaning, and artistry of these uniquely Hopi dolls. The installation of dolls will rotate every six months, drawing from MNA’s extensive collection.
Later in the month, we hope you’ll return for Call of the Colorado Plateau, an immersive exhibition that explores the powerful relationship between nature and the human spirit. Featuring artists and adventurers inspired by the region’s dramatic landscapes, the exhibition goes beyond the visual with multisensory experiences that evoke the feeling of being in the wilds. We’re very proud to present this exhibition as the regional museum of the Colorado Plateau.
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
Saturday, January 3
Science Saturday: Winter Wonderland
Willow Bend Environmental Education Center
Through games, crafts, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, curious minds of all ages can learn about the science of the season. We’ll study how animals adapt to the cold, how water changes to snow and ice, and so much more! 9:30 a.m
Learn More
This Valentine’s weekend, experience a concert that offers both grandeur and intimacy—each from a fresh perspective. Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra presents Indulge: Symphonic Flavors on Friday, February 13, an evening of rich sound and unexpected delights, ideal for a romantic date night or a meaningful night out.
As we approach the end of the year, we wanted to share a snapshot of what’s been happening at United Way of Northern Arizona — and invite you to be part of what comes next.
In 2025, our community came together in powerful ways to support children, families, and individuals across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties. Through collaboration with nonprofit partners, educators, service providers, and caring neighbors, we made meaningful progress on some of the challenges facing northern Arizona.
FLAGSTAFF — Thank you for supporting the Literacy Center this year. We wanted to let you know that as the year comes to a close, your support helps makes a lasting difference. Your generosity ensures that adults and children in our community have access to tutoring, classes, and immigration legal services that open doors to learning, belonging, and opportunity. Every day, we see lives transformed–parents gaining confidence in English, children discovering the joy of reading, and families finding stability and hope. These successes are possible because people like you choose to invest in our learners.
As the only privately funded adult education center in Northern Arizona, The Literacy Center relies on charitable giving to provide one-on-one tutoring, ESL and GED classes, youth reading programs, and immigration legal services at little to no cost.
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Attorney’s Office announces transition of Northern Arizona Care And Services after Assault (NACASA) from North Country Healthcare to a shared leadership model between Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) and Victim Witness Services (VWS).
Wednesday, December 31
Noon Year’s Eve
Downtown Flagstaff
Heritage Square will be buzzing from 10:00am–1:00pm with crafts, games, face painting, axe throwing, pinecone decorating, a live DJ, a photobooth, and more family-friendly fun, all leading up to a magical Noon Pinecone Drop with a sparkling apple cider toast to welcome 2026. 10 a.m. Free.
Learn More
As we prepare to welcome a new year, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra wishes to express our deep gratitude for the moments we shared in 2025. Together, we experienced uplifting and artistic performances, impactful collaborations, and collective enthusiasm that inspired us every step of the way.
Whether you attended a concert, supported one of our outreach programs, or simply shared your love of live orchestral music with others, you helped make this year one of connection and joy.
Dear Friends,
There’s still time for a year-end donation to ensure arts engagement for youth at Coconino Center for the Arts.
Creative Flagstaff has been awarded a $15k grant from the Robert Lehman Foundation toward our $30k initiative to expand educational programs and build permanent infrastructure for youth access to the visual arts at CCA, which includes:
Check out our 2026 Catalog of Workshops and Classes now online…
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
All of us at United Way of Northern Arizona wish you and your loved ones a joyful and peaceful holiday season. May this time be filled with meaningful moments, safe travels, and time spent with the people who matter most.
We are deeply grateful for your continued support and partnership. Together, we will keep strengthening our communities and creating opportunities for youth, families, and neighbors across Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties in 2026 and beyond.
Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Liz Archuleta and the UWNA Team
This holiday season, I wanted to take a moment to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our community. Your partnership, collaborative spirit, and generosity are what make northern Arizona so special and why we make this region our home.
I’d also like to invite you to consider a gift to United Way of Northern Arizona that will not only help support our youth and families but also give you a break on your taxes.
There are many ways to give and each has its benefits.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park is announcing Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction closure-related work for 2026.
Rockfalls occurred along a section of the River Trail in August, causing a 50-foot section of the trail to collapse and triggered the need for additional assessments and work to rebuild the trail.
GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Grand Canyon National Park will reopen hotels on the park’s South Rim beginning Wednesday, Dec. 17 and will begin easing some water restrictions.
Park water utility crews successfully completed complex repairs to the Transcanyon Waterline last week and resumed pumping water without identifying any new breaks. The park will continue to operate under enhanced water restrictions until the water storage tanks have adequate capacity to return to routine water conservation practices.
Comet Talk – Finding Santiago: Indians, Immigrants, and the Meaning of Birthright Citizenship
Monday, Jan. 26 | 6 to 7 p.m. | Free
Hear the story of the origins and development of the legal doctrine known as birthright citizenship from the perspective of three unique individuals.
Santiago – Learn more and register!
Workplace fundraising is truly the beating heart of our Annual Campaigns, and they simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible dedication of Workplace Campaign Coordinators.
These champions inspire their colleagues, organize creative events, and help share the message of what it means to Live United.
From the government and education sector to businesses of all sizes, their leadership ensures that our community continues to come together to support youth opportunity, healthy communities, and meeting the basic needs of our neighbors in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
Good news—Phantom Ranch (reopened Dec. 11)! Crews repaired the damaged section of the Transcanyon Waterline and began pumping water again on December 8. South Rim water tanks are slowly refilling, and if that progress continues, we expect to reopen South Rim lodges in the near future.
All existing water and fire restrictions remain in effect. This includes:
• No overnight lodging inside the park
• Dry camping only (no spigot access at Mather Campground)
• No outdoor wood or charcoal fires
• Continued conservation measures for residents and employees
Give the Gift of CCA This Holiday Season
This year, share the joy of creativity, connection, and community. Whether you’re celebrating a loved one or treating yourself, gifts from Coconino Center for the Arts last far beyond the season. Because the gift of celebrating the arts gives all year long.
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.
As 2025 comes to a close, we reflect with deep gratitude on the extraordinary community that keeps Theatrikos Theatre Company thriving. This year, your support fueled bold productions, empowered local artists, and ignited creativity in students across Flagstaff. Your generosity has been the heartbeat of our success, fueling our passion and determination. As we prepare for another incredible year, we invite you to join us in shaping a vibrant future for our community.
More than 2,600 students graduate in two ceremonies at the Skydome on Friday. Read on for everything you need to know, including parking and traffic patterns and how to get up-to-the-minute updates.
Two unforgettable creative journeys
— Ireland and Maine await.
There’s something transformative about leaving home and creating art in a place that speaks to you. Our Field Expeditions are built around that experience — pairing extraordinary instructors with landscapes that shape the work itself.
Each journey is fully curated, intentionally timed, and deeply immersive. With expert instruction, supportive staff, and local partners who know their region intimately, these trips aren’t tours — they’re creative retreats rooted in place, meaning, and discovery.
Many of you have already given to MNA’s year-end matching campaign – thank you! Your support is critical to sustaining MNA’s mission, and for that we are very grateful.
If you haven’t yet made a year-end gift to MNA, there’s never been a better time. Your donation before December 31 will be doubled through a matching fund created by a group of generous anonymous donors.
A gift to MNA is an investment in learning and discovery. Your generosity supports our many programs and exhibitions for visitors of all ages, connecting them to the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau region.
Discover hands-on workshops in painting, ceramics, photography, jewelry, and more. Whether you’re just beginning or expanding your skills, Sedona Arts Center offers a welcoming place to grow creatively.
South Rim Water Update – December 2, 2025
Grand Canyon National Park continues to address the significant breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL). As announced, additional water restrictions and a temporary suspension of overnight guest lodging on the South Rim will begin Saturday, December 6.
This short-term measure will help conserve limited water supplies while repairs continue. The park remains open for day use, and overnight lodging in Tusayan and other gateway communities is unaffected.
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:
Join Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and NAU’s Community Dance Academy this weekend, December 5 and 6, for The Nutcracker Ballet—a beloved holiday tradition filled with color, wonder, and joy.
With three performances to choose from, there’s a perfect time for every family and every holiday schedule. Let Tchaikovsky’s shimmering score and Clara’s enchanted journey bring delight your weekend.
We’d love to celebrate the season with you. Reserve your seats today.
Yes, I’ll be there!
During this season of togetherness and reflection, we are grateful for you—our friends, members, donors, and visitors who make the Museum of Northern Arizona such a special place. This year brought inspiring moments—from unveiling Collecting in a Changing World and exploring the stories behind Wagon Road to Mother Road, to welcoming curious hands at our Touch Tables and gathering for Twilight Thursdays and our Heritage programs. Your support helps us celebrate the stories, art, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau every day.
We’re excited to launch The Connected Communities Monthly Challenge! This special campaign invites our supporters to build $400 per month in steady, sustaining gifts. And here’s the exciting part: when we reach this goal, an anonymous donor will contribute an additional $5,000 to amplify your impact.
Single Tickets are now available for our 2026 Season! This is your opportunity to select the performances you are most looking forward to and secure the seats you love.
Our upcoming season features a dynamic lineup of productions that celebrate storytelling at its best. From heartfelt dramas to uplifting comedies, each show offers something unique, and we’re thrilled to share these experiences with you.
We look forward to welcoming you into the theatre for another season of memorable moments, inspiring performances, and the shared joy of live arts.
This week, we’re getting out votes for a massive special election in Tennessee and calling on you to put the pressure on three of Trump’s biggest corporate collaborators. Before we jump into your to-dos, here’s Ezra to explain why We Ain’t Buying It this weekend (Nov. 27 through Dec. 1)!
Friday, December 5th, 7:00 PM
Saturday, December 6th, 7:00 PM
Sunday, December 7th, 2:30 PM
The Stargazer Winter Cabaret is a joyous blend of showtunes, dancing, live music, and acting to celebrate the holidays and help us reflect on the true meaning of the season, spreading love. This fully produced family friendly show is perfect for all ages and will feature songs from Wicked, Hamilton, Anastasia, White Christmas, Moana, and more!
Every ten years, Coconino County embarks on an update of the Comprehensive Plan, which is the official policy document that guides development in the unincorporated areas of the County.
After a nearly three-year process that included input from County residents engaged through dozens of public meetings, public hearings and event appearances, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted Envision 2045 at their meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
The plan’s core priorities reflect the values, vision, needs and topics identified during public outreach which include:
BECOME A MEMBER Exhibitions Concerts & Events Workshops Just a Reminder We’re taking some time to make things shine! The gallery will be CLOSED through Dec 2 for facility improvements, including new wall-to-wall carpeting and contemporary seating in the theater.…
