Category: Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 26-30, 2026

Phantom Ranch has reopened following the successful repair of multiple breaks along the Transcanyon Waterline, and water service has now been restored to Phantom Ranch, Bright Angel Campground, Boat Beach, and the Delta restrooms. Park water utilities crews completed repairs near Manzanita Rest Area and the mule corral near Phantom Ranch, allowing the system to be repressurized and inner canyon operations to resume.

On the South Rim, water tanks are slowly refilling as the system stabilizes. Grand Canyon National Park remains under Stage 2 water restrictions, and residents are encouraged to continue reducing water use wherever possible to support system recovery. Utilities staff will continue monitoring the waterline and system pressures as operations return to normal.

Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) issues statement o water system standards

The Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) water system violated drinking water standards over the past year. Even though these were not emergencies, as our customers, you have a right to know what happened and what we did to correct these situations.

GRCA is required to monitor our drinking water for specific contaminants on a regular basis. Results of regular monitoring are an indicator of whether our drinking water meets health standards. During August 2024 and the 2nd quarter of 2025 GRCA did not complete all monitoring or testing for Total Coliform, Chlorine, and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), and therefore cannot be sure of the quality of our drinking water during that time.

Volunteers sought for 2026 Coconino County Point-in-time Count

COCONINO COUNTY — Volunteers are needed for the 2026 Coconino County Point-in-time Count.

Click here to apply.

Point-in-time counts are important because they establish the dimensions of the problem of homelessness and help policymakers and program administrators track progress toward the goal of ending homelessness. The first of these counts was conducted in January 2005. Meaning that we have data for every Continuum of Care for the last twenty years.

High school students in Flagstaff take to streets to protest ICE crackdown in America

Also see: 

• AZ Daily Sun — Gallery: Students walk out of Flagstaff High School and Coconino High School in protest of ICE actions
• Great Circle Media — Flagstaff students organize walkout to protest ICE

FLAGSTAFF — More than 150 Flagstaff High School students took to the streets and protested in front of the Flagstaff City Hall as part of a citywide-protest by youth against the nationwide ICE crackdown during protests on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026.

Protests were also reported by students at Coconino High School and Mount Eldon Middle School.

Protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) intensified during the past few weeks following the shooting deaths of ICE watchers Renee Nicole Good on Jan. 7 and Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on Feb. 5 to share your story

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Our meetings provide our coalition partners with the opportunity to share the latest news about their projects that support children, youth and their families in Northern Arizona.

The Council meets the first Thursday of the month.

Want to be a guest speaker at our next meeting? Send an email to CCC&Y Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie at coalition coalition@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Coconino County Elections Department recognizes Help America Vote Day to inspire civic engagement

COCONINO COUNTY — As the 2026 election season is underway, the Coconino County Elections Department is recognizing Help America Vote Day on Jan. 27. Help America Vote Day aims to inspire greater civic engagement and volunteerism, and help ensure safe,…

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

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. 

Art Classes and Workshops at Sedona Arts Center …and Online!

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.

CCC Community Education — New classes open for registration!

Winter Outdoor Survival Skills

Friday, Jan. 30 | 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. and

Saturday, Jan. 31 | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Are you prepared to spend a freezing night out in the woods? Come learn the five survival priorities when faced with an emergency.

Survival – Learn more and register!

The NAU Review — Support for women in farming and International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Cultivating wellness for women farmers

Hidden underneath the tough exterior of women in agriculture lies a growing mental health crisis shaped by isolation, financial pressure and relentless farm stress. Gayle Gratop, a doctoral student at NAU and a farmer herself, is finding ways to offer support, filling in the gaps where existing systems fall short.

Sedona Arts Center — Calls to Artists & Creative Opportunities — 2026

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

Culture Connection AZ welcomes you to 2026. Call to Artists open now for ‘Resilience Revisited’

CALL TO ARTISTS — Culture Connection AZ is hosting an exhibition during the month of March in honor of Women’s History Month. Titled Resilience Revisited: The Women Continuing the Legacy, the exhibition will honor both the experiences of women in Northern Arizona, and specific women who have carried on the legacy of the groundbreaking women honored in the original Resilience exhibition. 

Coconino Center for the Arts announces upcoming events — Guitar Lovers Rejoice!

Saturday, Jan 31, 7:30 pm

Jake Allen has toured globally, is endorsed by Takamine Guitars, and has shared stages with guitar legends such as Andy McKee and Mike Dawes. As a solo artist, Allen utilizes impeccably timed live looping to create a captivating one-man show, with his hypnotic command of the guitar bringing every inch of the instrument to life.

Online Learning at Sedona Arts Center

Online Learning at Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s online classes and workshops bring the depth, creativity, and expertise of our School of the Arts directly to you — wherever you are. Designed for students who can’t travel but still want a rich, hands-on learning experience, these courses offer expert instruction across a range of visual art disciplines. Learn from working artists, build real skills, and stay connected to a vibrant creative community — all from home.

Office of Indian Education (OIE) Biweekly Highlights

Policy & Program Updates Webinar – You’re Invited!

Monday, January 26 – Learn about AZ Tribal Consultation and Exceptional Student Services.

Monday, February 23 – Hear updates about state and national policies affecting Native American education.

From 10-11am MST. Visit website for information and register for the Zoom event!

New Name: After January, the P&P webinar will be renamed to OIE Connect!

Northern Arizona anti-ICE organizers announce variety of protest in response to latest shooting in Minnesota

By MosaicNAZ.org

NORTHERN ARIZONA — Anti-ICE organizers have announced a series of protests and actions in response to the shooting death of a Minneapolis, Minn. man on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026 by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal law enforcement agencies.

Protests will be held at:

Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s ‘Symphonic Sci-Fi’ at NAU on Jan. 24, ‘She Kills Monsters’ through Jan. 25 at Theatrikos Theatre, more events

She Kills Monsters — Theatrikos Theatre

In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. Fr.-Sat. 7 p.m. Sun. 2 p.m.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 19-23, 2026

Over the last week, Grand Canyon National Park water utilities crews successfully repaired multiple pipeline failures along the North Kaibab Trail that temporarily disrupted water service in the inner canyon. Two pipeline breaks near Manzanita Rest Area were fully excavated and repaired, followed by successful excavation and repair at the Xanterra mule corral site near Phantom Ranch. With all damaged sections addressed, the Transcanyon Waterline is now being repressurized.

The NAU Review — Digging deep into a deadly earthquake + good news on the climate front

Why was Japan’s 2011 earthquake so deadly? 

A new seafloor study coauthored by an NAU faculty member revealed one reason for this unusually devastating earthquake and tsunami. Learn what happened on the seafloor off Japan and how this study could help scientists understand and respond to other intense earthquakes and tsunamis. 

CCC&Y Spotlight — Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — We imagine a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community.

The purpose of CCC&Y is bold and we couldn’t do it without the support of our Funding Partners, our Sponsors and our Organization and Group members.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth (CCC&Y) is pleased to receive support from both local and state partners. This support ensures the success of activities and increases the capacity of CCC&Y to have the greatest impact on children and youth at the earliest stages possible.

Our Funding Partners include:
The City of Flagstaff
Coconino County
Vitalyst Health Foundation

Our 2025 Sponsors included:
APS
Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona Health
Richard and Julianne Hartzell

READ MORE​​​​​​​

Check out these art classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center

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.

Indivisible Northern Arizona announces ‘Ice Out For Good’ rapid response protest on Jan. 23 at Flagstaff City Hall. See national reports

FLAGSTAFF — On Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.

A broad coalition of groups across the country is calling for coordinated Ice Out For Good actions on Friday, January 23rd in solidarity with Minnesota, and to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.

Click here for a link to details about the event.

NAU — 2026 MLK Day Celebration to be held on Jan. 19

FLAGSTAFF — Join the Office of Inclusion along with the Black Student Union (BSU), the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, the Center for Service and Volunteerism at NAU, The Southside Community Association , and the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project for an event honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black History Month on Monday, January 19, 2026.

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

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 Sustainability Office announces 2025 Sustainability Grant recipients

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:

United Way of Northern Arizona — What Happens When We Listen to Youth

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.

The NAU Review — Gearing Lumberjacks up for life after college

A day in the life

After a long pause, HRM’s Job Shadow Program is back, immersing students in the nonstop rhythm of hotel and restaurant operations. During the winter break, students stepped into industrial kitchens, executive offices and behind front desks to witness how hospitality comes to life.

2026 STEMMY Award nominations are now open!

Do you know someone who is making a meaningful impact on STEM education in our community? Now is your chance to recognize and celebrate them!

STEM City is now accepting nominations for the STEMMY Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who help STEM thrive in Flagstaff.From innovative classrooms and inspiring students to dedicated teachers, businesses, and community partners, the STEMMY Awards shine a spotlight on the people who make STEM possible in Flagstaff. Help us celebrate the changemakers who spark curiosity, creativity, and connection through STEM—submit a nomination today!

We are accepting nominations in the following four categories:

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition celebrates busy but productive 2025

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

COCONINO COUNTY — As we prepare for another wonderful year ahead serving children and youth throughout Northern Arizona, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth would like to recognize a very busy but productive year for the organization.

READ MORE​​​​​​​

The NAU Review — Be part of the change

Change starts with you

You don’t need special skills to make a difference; all you need is the willingness to help. The volunteers at the Flagstaff Family Food Center have been helping change people’s lives for 34 years, distributing more than 7.4 million pounds of food to the northern Arizona community last year alone. In this month’s volunteer video highlight, see how you can be part of the change.

Sedona Arts Center — Check out these art classes and workshops at SAC!

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.

Hundreds turn out in frigid weather to protest ICE at Flagstaff City Hall

• 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.

Film at Theatrikos, Introducing Classes for Adults, and TheatriKids: She Kills Monsters!

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. 

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Jan. 10, 2026

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: January 5-9, 2026

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.

Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Meet the cast of Route 66 to the Grand Canyon!

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.

Sedona Arts Center — Calls to Artists & Creative Opportunities — 2026

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.

Museum of Northern Arizona — Valentine’s Day Jewelry Auction

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.

The NAU Review — When snowflakes go metal

For NAU physicists, it’s snowflake season

When water molecules solidify and stick together in cold air, they form complex hexagonal formations known as snowflakes. As it turns out, fabricated gold, copper and iron nanocrystals do the same thing during lightning-fast chemical reactions. This new discovery by NAU researchers could give scientists better control over the nanomaterials they fabricate, leading to unprecedented breakthroughs.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition provides listing of 2026 Health and Welfare Resource Meetings in region

COCONINO COUNTY —  As we kick off a new year, this is a good time to provide an update on the variety of monthly in-person and virtual community resource meetings available to nonprofit and governmental agencies who serve children and families throughout Northern Arizona.

To aid in that effort, the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth maintains this listing of health and welfare resource networking meetings held each month in Coconino County and Northern Arizona.

The meetings offer health professionals and representatives from a variety groups the opportunity to share information on upcoming programs and events that benefit the educational, health and welfare needs of children, youth and families throughout the region.

The following is a listing of some of those meetings. Please check with individual meeting group coordinators for updated times, dates and meeting links. Please send any updates to frank@coconinokids.org

READ MORE

January at the Museum of Northern Arizona

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.

The NAU Review — Happy new year! What’s new in science, hospitality & health

Meet Earth’s biggest sodium seekers

While it’s easy for us humans to get plenty of sodium in our diets, some of the world’s largest land animals have access to a pinch too little. A new study from NAU researchers showed that elephants, rhinos, giraffes and other large plant-eaters can only get enough salt in a few specific areas of the world, limiting their population growth.

Sedona Arts Center — New Year. New YOU. Learn something new!

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — You’re Invited! Bijou Grand Opening January 9th

We are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Bijou Teen Center in Holbrook on January 9th. More than two years in the making, this center is a shining example of what our community can achieve through collaboration.

The seeds for the teen center were planted back in 2023, when a youth-led mental health survey of northeast Arizona teens revealed a strong desire for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own. Multiple partners then worked together to transform that dream into a reality.

Downtown Flagstaff — Start Your New Year Right – Flagstaff Happenings

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

A Valentine’s Weekend Concert, Reimagined with Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra on Feb. 13

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.

United Way of Northern Arizona — Join Us & Have Your Giving Go Further in NAZ

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.

The Literacy Center — Thank You for Being Part of Our Story This Year

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.