Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff to enter Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

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The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 3 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 17. 

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of propane and gas BBQs (including those with an on-off switch) is prohibited in City parks, open spaces, and private campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs (including those with an on-off switch) are allowed at private residences EXCEPT during a Red Flag Warning.
Public access to sections of the Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) that provide an entrance into any closed area of the Coconino National Forest is prohibited.
In the event of a complete closure of the Coconino National Forest, public entry/use of Observatory Mesa and Picture Canyon City Open Space lands is prohibited.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Education Forward Arizona — AZ Voters Prioritize Education Over Politics

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Education Forward Arizona conducted a poll of Arizona voters to better understand voters’ priorities for education. The survey complements and is intended to go deeper on the findings in the Arizona Voters’ Agenda, in coordination with the Center for the Future of Arizona. The survey was conducted May 10-17, 2022 by HighGround Public Affairs on behalf of Education Forward Arizona, a statewide nonprofit and nonpartisan organization. 

What we found is that Arizonans deeply care most about the issues that will support good teaching and learning, not the political hot button issues that often get the most attention. Voters want to see candidates discussing key education issues, many of which are aligned with meeting the Arizona Education Progress Meter and Achieve60AZ attainment goals.

Here’s what we heard from Arizona voters:

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Business, Cultural, educacíon, Education, Familia, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, Locales, News, Public Safety

Bilingual report — Coconino County Museum Flood Risk Advisory June 2022

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There remains a very strong likelihood of hazardous flash flooding as a result of the Museum Fire. The hydrology consultant for the Coconino County Flood Control District (District) recently conducted a post-fire flood risk analysis that validated the original model used to gauge flood risk in the Museum Flood Area and determined that the area remains at high risk for hazardous flash flooding. It must be noted that floodwaters can create unpredictable changes, which can create new flood paths, which cannot be predicted.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Pipeline Fire at 22,888 acres, 31% containment | Haywire Fire at 5,065 acres, 0% containment

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The Type 1 Great Basin Incident Management Team (IMT) 2 has arrived at the Pipeline and Haywire fires, and is shadowing the Type 2 California Interagency IMT 15. The Type 1 team will assume command of the incident 6 a.m. Thursday.

The Pipeline Fire is currently 22,888 acres with 31% containment and the Haywire Fire is estimated at 5,065 acres with no containment.

While critical fire weather continues due to dry conditions and high temperatures, lower wind speeds allowed aerial operations to resume and continue throughout the day.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system testing and protocol Siren testing scheduled for Friday, June 17 from noon to 2 p.m.

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The Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system has been installed in the Grandview Homes and Sunnyside neighborhoods and full-volume testing has been scheduled for Friday, June 17 from 12 – 2 p.m. During the full-volume testing period, residents in the area will hear an alarm sound, followed by a voice message repeated three times in both English and Spanish, concluding with a wind down siren sound signifying the end of that message. This process may repeat several times during the testing period. Testing may be postponed in the event of rain or impacts from nearby wildfires.

It is important to note that the wind down siren sound does not signify the end of the threat of a flood event. To hear the siren sounds that will be used or to read more about the Museum Fire flood area siren alerting system, please visit https://www.museumfloodprojects.com/sirensystem.

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — Once Again, Our Community Is Burning

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For the past 12 years, the names have accumulated like a litany of destruction: Schultz. Slide. Tinder. Museum. Tunnel.

Now, less than two months after the last major wildfire left our mountains glowing red at night and our skies dark with smoke during the day, we have two more names to add to this sad list – Pipeline and Haywire.

The situation northeast of Flagstaff is still very fluid. The latest statistics from InciWeb (the US Forest Service site that tracks wildfires nationwide) indicate that 20,000 acres have burned in the Pipeline Fire with another 4,000 charred by Haywire.

Evacuation statuses have shifted back and forth as officials receive more information, but even those who were allowed to return to their homes Tuesday were warned to be ready to leave again at a moment’s notice. At this point, we know two structures have burned since Sunday.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Technology, Youth

The NAU Review — Meet NAU’s 2022 Flinn Scholars, celebrate Juneteenth and learn about astronomical diversity

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NAU welcoming two new Flinn Scholars

Emily Delabarra and Kaya Dickson will join the other Flinn Scholars on campus, giving NAU a record six scholars. This prestigious scholarship, which has an acceptance rate of less than 2 percent, offers funding for four years of school as well as mentoring and study abroad opportunities.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Pipeline and Haywire Fires Update and Declaration of Emergency

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The Pipeline Fire, located 6 miles north of Flagstaff, started Sunday, June 12, and has spread to over 5,000 acres due to extremely high winds.

Additionally, the Haywire Fire, located 8 miles northeast of Flagstaff, ignited in the early hours of Monday, June 13, and is currently at 1,600 acres in size. A U.S. Forest Service Type 2 Incident Management Team is currently on site for each fire. A Type 1 Incident Management Team has been ordered.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has evacuated many communities in the fire area. Click here for the most current information on evacuation status:

https://coconinocounty.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=745e7806b 0444387bf32792b9c25e169

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Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Closure of Buffalo Park, some City open spaces and FUTS entrances into the Coconino National Forest Temporary Area Closure due to Pipeline Fire

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Buffalo Park and the Schultz Creek Natural Area are closed until further notice due to the Pipeline Fire. The Observatory Mesa Natural Area is also closed until further notice due to being surrounded by the Coconino National Forest Temporary Area Closure.

Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) entrances into the National Forest Temporary Area Closure are also closed. To view a map of the City of Flagstaff closures of FUTS entrances and open spaces, please visit https://flagstaff.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/sidebar/index.html?appid=f478005aa53048438453f3c7dc08155c

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona — A Change is Coming

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A Message from Carol Dykes

It is with mixed emotions that I send you this message, because change – even when it’s welcome – often isn’t easy.

Earlier this week, I let the Board of Directors of United Way of Northern Arizona and the amazing staff of this organization know that I plan to retire by the end of this year.

The exact timing isn’t set – I plan to offer what assistance I can as the Board searches for my replacement, and will continue for however long is needed to ensure a smooth transition for my successor.

Even though it’s still several months off and even though I’m truly looking forward to the next chapter, I have to admit it’s hard to imagine my life after UWNA. I’ve been a proud member of this organization for 24 years. (I met my husband through a workplace campaign, for goodness sake.) It has been a profound pleasure to work alongside you as together we have improved community conditions, responded to emergencies, and made the future a brighter place for so many in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties.

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Business, Events, Family, Food, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Allstate donates $10,000 to the Flagstaff Family Food Center and hosts three events throughout June

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The Flagstaff Family Food Center, guided by its mission of “Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, Every Day,” distributed just under 8 million of pounds of food in 2021 at an average of 153,000 pounds of food a week.

The Allstate Foundation extends its Good Hands in support of the most extensive and wide-reaching emergency food assistance programming in Northern Arizona with a donation of $10,000 and three unique events throughout the month of June.

Neighborhood distribution of food boxes: June 10th, 1-4pm, CCC 4th street parking lot.

Dinner service: June 18th, 3:30-5:30pm, FFFC Kitchen; 1903 N 2nd St.

Food Drive: June 29th, 1-5pm, Cedar Safeway, 1500 E. Cedar Ave.

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Business, Family, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Arizona Dept. of Housing — Governor signs HB2610 paving way for more affordable housing

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Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey this week signed HB2610 into law removing the arbitrary cap on the size of affordable housing apartment communities constructed by non-profits wanting to qualify for a property tax exemption. The new law encourages more construction of larger affordable apartment communities across the state that rent solely to income-eligible tenants.

“We are committed to growing our state’s affordable housing inventory and this law helps by eliminating an unnecessary barrier to development,” said Arizona Department of Housing Director Tom Simplot. “By removing this burdensome regulation, non-profits can build larger affordable housing communities and still receive the tax break they need for these projects.”

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — June 6-10, 2022

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Cultural Demonstration Program resumes in-person at Desert View 

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the Cultural Demonstration Program has resumed in person. The Cultural Demonstration program provides an opportunity for visitors and community members to interact with Tribal artisans from Grand Canyon’s Traditionally Associated Tribes – and for them to share their history and crafts, along with the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy and ArtPlace America.

On Thursday June 9 and Friday, June 10, from 9 AM to 4 PM, Gerald Lomaventema, Hopi silversmith and Jerrel Singer, Diné painter, will be demonstrating their arts at the Desert View Visitor Center shade structure, just north of the main parking lot. For more information on the Cultural Demonstration Program, please visit the park’s website here. 

Below are the two demonstrators’ profiles: 

Gerald Lomaventema is a traditional Hopi silversmith. He is known for one-of-a-kind silver overlay masterpieces, with designs inspired by nature and Hopi culture. 

Jerrel Singer, a Diné Painter, originally from Tuba City, is an abstract landscape artist. His work captures the light, colors and shadows of the Diné Nation and the Desert Southwest. 

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science Local Science Spotlight: Kostiantyn Viatkin on Changing the Way We Model Carbon

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Kostiantyn Viatkin is a graduate student working with Yiqi Luo and his lab with the Center for Ecosystem Science and Society (ECOSS) at Northern Arizona University. The lab focuses on applying their unique matrix-model approach, which can be used to create standardized models. By standardizing the models used to predict land impact on climate change, it will allow us to gain a better understanding of what goals should be set globally to help mitigate climate change. 

Kostia focuses his research on the impact of land carbon on climate change, specifically how climate scientists can improve the accessibility and transparency of models of land carbon. “An aspect that I’m particularly interested in is the mineral part of soil and how it affects the carbon cycle”. The mineral aspect of soil is all of the inorganic components, including sand, loam, and weathered rock.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Summer of Festivals

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…Here’s just a small sample of the festivals and events coming up this month that will help bring visitors (and their dollars) to our region.

Flagstaff Blues & Brews (tomorrow and Saturday, June 11). In just a few short years, this event has grown to become the state’s largest blues festival. Two days of terrific music, plus local and regional microbrews, as well as wine and hard cider. Food vendors and arts and craft tents round out the event, returning this year to the grounds of Continental Country Club.
Made in the Shade Festival (Saturday, June 11) – Another popular festival that features music and scores of different brands of beer. Proceeds from this day-long festival at the Pepsi Amphitheater go towards helping Sun Sounds of Arizona provide reading and information access services to those with disabilities.
Pride in the Pines (Saturday, June 18) – For more than 20 years, Pride in the Pines has been a party with a purpose, a celebration of the LGBTQ2S community that promotes cultural diversity and human rights for all by fighting discrimination of any kind. This year’s headliners are Brita Filter from RuPaul’s Drag Race and Grammy-nominated Latin artist Gina Chavez.
Flagstaff Folk Festival (Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19) – The Museum Club will showcase the best in folk and acoustic music with more than 70 acts on two stages.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

CCC Community Education — Free Summer Lectures Coming Up – Register Now!

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Storytelling – FREE
Monday June 13, 2022 at 2:30pm

Learn some easy tips and tricks for dynamic storytelling in this lecture with Larry Hendricks, a lifelong storyteller and professional writer! Participants will be encouraged to write and share their own stories.

Learn more and register here

Lecture held at CCC Fourth St Campus, Flagstaff.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Health, Local, News

The NAU Review — Learn about the force, take a survey and see how NAU is increasing diversity in STEM

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pplied physics doctoral student Jorge Muñoz came to NAU almost a decade ago for a master’s degree. After life took him in different directions, he found his way back to Flagstaff, in a new department, working on a Ph.D. and researching the potential uses of force microscopy for investigating advanced functional materials. This work led him to be selected for the Department of Defense’s SMART Scholarship, which pays for the rest of his education and ensures him a job continuing his research after graduation.
Read the story

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in place

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Coconino County is in Stage 2 fire restrictions. For parks and natural areas managed by Coconino County, the following restrictions apply:
• No camping allowed outside of campground area.
• All campfires are prohibited.
• No charcoal/wood grills and liquid fuels and/or liquid petroleum gas fire rings.
• Smoking prohibited outdoors.
• No vehicle parking and/or driving on grassy, forested, and unimproved/undeveloped areas.
• Chainsaws and other small, motorized equipment are prohibited by park users.

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Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Food, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Celebrate Juneteenth on June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center

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Also see Juneteenth Concert on June 19 at Fort Tuthill

FLAGSTAFF — Come celebrate Juneteenth with music performances, food, games and vendors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 18 at the Flagstaff Murdoch Center, 203 E. Brannen Ave., Flagstaff.

Hosted by the Coconino County African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Flagstaff Lived Black Experience Project, and the Southside Community Association (SCA).

The Juneteenth celebration commemorates the day Texas slaves learned of the Emancipation Proclamation, granting them freedom. Juneteenth today, celebrates African American freedom and achievement, while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. 

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Youth

Opportunity for community input on Thorpe Park Annex draft designs – Saturday June 11

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The City of Flagstaff Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Events Division, Southwest Decision Resources, and Wheat Design Group invite the Flagstaff community to review and comment on three (3) draft design concepts for the future of the Thorpe Park Annex Parcel.  These three draft designs were developed based on key stakeholder interviews, robust online community survey results, and an on-site initial design session April 30th. 

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Cultural, Education, Government, Local, News

Cultural Demonstrator Series resumes in-person at Desert View

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Starting June 2, 2022, the Cultural Demonstrator Series returned to Desert View within Grand Canyon National Park. After an absence of more than two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the series returns in-person every Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The series will run for 14 weeks from June 2 through September 2, 2022.

The Cultural Demonstrator Series provides park visitors and residents the opportunity to interact with members of Grand Canyon National Park’s Traditionally Associated Tribes and for the artisans to share their history and crafts. Weavers, carvers, potters, painters, sculptors, jewelers are just some of the disciplines presented by cultural demonstrators. This series is made possible with grants from Grand Canyon Conservancy.

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Business, Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

Supporters for a Thriving CCC — Thank you for the support!

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Thanks to all of you, the voters of Coconino County, Coconino Community College’s (CCC) Proposition 438 passed by a wide margin in the May 17th election! This means Coconino Community College will add critical programs and continue to provide training for our first responders, construction engineers, and service technicians. The increased funding also means more students will be served including veterans, IT professionals and teachers in Flagstaff, Williams, and Page to further CCC’s reach into our County. Your YES vote made the difference!

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Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, Youth

Coconino Chronicle (June 3, 2022)

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Welcome to the Coconino Chronicle, keeping you informed on the latest news from Coconino County. Published monthly, typically on the first Friday, the Chronicle makes sure you are in-the-know about recent happenings, upcoming events and services available to you as a resident of the County.

Questions? Comments? Please email us at chronicle@coconino.az.gov.

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