Pickin’ in the Pines
Pepsi Amphitheater
Join us for 3 days of music, jamming, camping, workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and more in the cool pines of Flagstaff, AZ. 9 a.m.
FLAGSTAFF — This year, our animal welfare partner High Country Humane has seen three times the number of cruelty and neglect cases at their shelter compared to all of last year. These animals arrive broken, hungry, traumatized and in need.
The underlying belief embodied by the supporters of United Way of Northern Arizona is that strong communities are built when we come together to learn, share, and act.
We had a chance to do just that recently at the kickoff breakfast for our Annual Campaign to raise $1.2 million.
Donations to the Annual Campaign will help ensure all who live in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties can thrive.
Significant progress continues on the Dragon Bravo Fire, which is now 86% contained at 145,504 acres with 617 personnel assigned.
Today at 6 a.m., the Kaibab National Forest reopened approximately 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District. This step was made possible thanks to extensive suppression repair work, including hazard tree removal and safety improvements along roads and trails. While more areas are now accessible, several roads remain closed. For the latest road status, maps, and closure information, visit the Kaibab National Forest Alerts page.
FLAGSTAFF — On January 1, 2026, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $18.35 for all workers. There will no longer be a lower minimum wage for tipped employees.
COCONINO COUNTY — Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway (BNSF) will temporarily close the railroad crossing at Angell Road from next Tuesday, September 16 through Wednesday, September 17 for maintenance work to ensure safe travel for both motorists and trains.
The crossing is located approximately six miles east of Winona.
The two-day closure will be in effect at 4 a.m. Tuesday until 5 p.m. Wednesday; however, this schedule is subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen factors.
During the closure period, drivers north of the tracks should plan to detour west along Forest Road 415 for approximately four miles to reach the Porter Ranch Road railroad crossing.
Latest news updates for September 2025
Gallego, Cantwell & Colleagues Urge Trump Administration to Extend Public Comment Period for Roadless Rule Repeal …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Protect Striking Workers …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego Statement on Charlie Kirk’s Passing …
Gallego Introduces Bill to Ensure Auto-Gratuity is Covered by ‘No Tax on Tips’ …
Gallego: “Ashli Babbitt was a traitor …
Gallego, Colleagues Call Out Trump Administration’s Wrongful Targeting of Dreamers in Illegal Immigration Scheme …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Gallego, Kelly, Stanton, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner …
Gallego Joins Blumenthal and Colleagues to Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
ICYMI: Gallego Questions Trump Nominees on Energy Costs, Reliability …
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Kelly Joins Kaine, Colleagues in Pressing for Answers from Trump Administration on Strike in Caribbean …
Kelly, Colleagues Introduce Legislation to Protect Small Businesses from Trump Tariffs …
Kelly, Colleagues Demand Trump VA Rescind Dangerous New Proposed Rule to Ban Life-Saving Abortions for Veterans …
Kelly, Bipartisan Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Raise Annual Pay Cap for Wildland Firefighters …
Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge Trump to Prevent Removal of Arizona Mother and Business Owner ..
MORE …
Latest news updates for September 2025
Attorney General Mayes Announces Town Halls on Health Insurance Denials
Attorney General Mayes Files Brief in Support of Federal Employees’ Right to Collective Bargaining and Free Speech
Attorney General Mayes Wins Lawsuit Against Trump Administration, Stops $184 Million Cut to AmeriCorps Service Programs
MORE…
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF — An amazing setting complemented two fantastic speakers when the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth presented its CCC&Y 2025 Conference on Tuesday, Sept. 9 at Lowell Observatory.
Guest speaker Iyo Affo kicked off the morning presentation with her talk “Cohere. Connect. Conduct,” skillfully weaving together storytelling, science, spoken word and systems change to promote transformation within organizations and communities.
She was followed with an afternoon presentation by Dr. Sandra Solano, who combined science with human emotions and taking care of oneself during her presentation “From Within to the World: Harnessing Heart Coherence for Healing and Systematic Empowerment.”
This is just a preview of the photos and the information on the conference that will be posted next week on our website and newsletter. Until then, thank you to all our speakers, our sponsors and all those who planned for, presented and attended our CCC&Y 2025 Conference. Very much appreciated.
READ MORE
The science behind every bite
The 36th Flagstaff Festival of Science promises to be a tasty treat. This year’s theme is Harvesting Knowledge, with talks, workshops, tours and other experiences uncovering traditional food science and its relevance to the environment, community health and culture. Here’s a list of some of the events at NAU.
There’s still time to be part of the Coconino Center for the Arts’ Theater Seating Fundraiser! Each seat sponsorship includes a personalized plaque on the seat of your choice — a meaningful way to honor a loved one, celebrate a milestone, or show your love for the arts in Flagstaff.
Your gift goes further right now: thanks to a generous matching donation from a former Creative Flagstaff board member and their spouse, every contribution is doubled to help us reach our goal!
Special thank you to All Awards, Flagstaff’s local awards shop, for generously donating the plaques in-kind.
FREDONIA — Starting Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025, the public will have access to another 96,000 acres of national forest lands on the North Kaibab Ranger District as the Forest Service further reduces the White Sage & Dragon Bravo Fires Temporary Closure. Crews on the Dragon Bravo Fire continue to make significant progress on suppression repair work, enabling the Forest Service to reopen more areas without compromising public safety or fire operations. Approximately 82% of the North Kaibab Ranger District will be open to the public.
Chromatic colors in bubbles create a mesmerizing effect when light interacts with the thin film of soap, producing a spectrum of colors due to light interference and diffraction and splitting into its individual colors. As the bubble moves or changes shape, the iridescent spectrum of colors shift and transform due to the changing thickness of the soapy film, creating a dynamic and spell-binding result. As in the case of this image, a simple bubble against the blue sky can be used to create visually striking art and design pieces.
Discover something new, deepen your creative practice, or reignite your artistic passion with one of our upcoming workshops at Sedona Arts Center. Here are just a few exciting classes you can sign up for now—and you’ll find our full lineup of workshops and events online at SedonaArtsCenter.org. Join us in the studio and be part of a vibrant community of artists and learners in the heart of Sedona.
Banners and flags play an important role in the visual culture of social movements. Learn techniques for constructing a banner and create banners for our community parade repository. Under the guidance of two fabric artists, participants will learn to design and create beautiful parade banners.
Final Call: Youth Theatre Classes Start Next Week!
The countdown is on! For the first time in our history, Theatrikos is offering year-round theatre classes and they begin one week from today!
In just one week, our studios will be filled with young artists learning to bring characters to life with stage makeup, mastering iconic choreography, and discovering the joy of improv. From our youngest movers to our most advanced students, this season is packed with opportunities for learning and growth. Sign up today and let the creativity begin!
Reservation links for all events with limited engagement are open now! Numerous guided hikes, specialized workshops, and behind-the-scenes activities are all free but require advance reservations. Visit the links on our website or on the app. Remember, these programs do fill up, so don’t delay! Additionally, if your plans change, please notify the event host so that we can open spots for additional guests.
The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Lecture with Mariah Gladstone also has tickets now available. This talk, held on Sept. 19, 7 p.m. in Ardrey Auditorium will cover the themes of land sustainability, community health and traditional food systems.
COCONINO COUNTY — From the colorful swirling traditional costumes of female performers from Ballet Folklorico de Colores de Flagstaff, to the energizing Latino tropical beat of headliner Tropicalisimo Apache, fairgoers had plenty of entertainment to choose from at the 2025 Coconino County Fair on Sunday, Aug. 31 at Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff.
The fair will conclude today, Sept 1. See today’s schedule here.
A new protest, “We Say No Kings,” is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2025, officials from the national Indivisible Project reported in a media release.
FLAGSTAFF — Despite the long holiday weekend, a crowd estimated at more than 400 turned out for the “Labor Day Protest-Workers Over Billionaires!” in front of the Flagstaff City Hall.
Organized locally by Indivisible Northern AZ, the event was part of a nationwide protest against “the billionaire agenda is dismantling our government: overseeing mass firings, gutting worker protections and social services, and transferring wealth to the 1% while funding a private army of ICE agents,” the organization stated in a media release.
A sizable number of protesters carried signs calling for better wages for works, tax the 1 percent and support union workers during the afternoon rally.
Opening night of From Artemis to Zorya: The Role of the Feminine Divine Throughout History is here!A curated showcase of live performances, visual art, and the fascinating history of the feminine divine, taking place tonight from
6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Historic Ice House Downtown.
Also see:
The Latin Times — Mexican Man Reportedly Dies In Arizona Facility, ICE Yet To Disclose Cause Of Death
KNAU — Flagstaff man dies in ICE custody
Tucson Sentinel — Mexican man dies in immigration detention in Arizona
FLAGSTAFF — KNAU is reporting an individual who grew up in Flagstaff has died in ICE custody and the family has started a Go Fund Me account to raise money for his funeral expenses and repatriation of his body to Mexico.
As stated on the family’s fundraising page, “With heavy hearts, we honor the life of Lorenzo Antonio Batrez Vargas known to family and friends as “Lenchito”, a beloved son, brother, and friend, who passed away far too soon at the age of 32 while in ICE custody in Florence, Arizona.”
KNAU reports that Batrez Vargas, a Mexican nation who has been held at the Central Arizona Correctional Complex in Florence, died on Aug. 31 at the Mountain Vista Medical Center in Mesa.
While ICE officials said his cause of death is under investigation, the family alleges he died after not receiving adequate medical care while in detention,” KNAU reported.
Grand Canyon Music Festival concerts this weekend
The festival showcases a variety of music types, including classical, contemporary (modern composers and new works) along with Jazz and Blues.
All performances take place in Shrine of the Ages Auditorium. Evening performances are scheduled to take place on Fridays and Saturdays – beginning this Friday (August 29th) and running through Saturday, September 13, Doors open at 7 p.m., and the performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Admission is by donation with a suggested donation of $20. Details: https://grandcanyonmusicfest.org/concerts/
COCONINO COUNTY — The Superior Court in Coconino County has recently received several calls from concerned residents regarding a phone scam.
The caller identifies themselves as the Jury Commissioner and attempts to confirm personal information (addresses, phone number, date of birth and email addresses). This person uses threatening language and informs residents that a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff plans to replace select sections of sidewalk and curb and repave a portion of Cedar Avenue and West Street in the coming weeks. There are sections of deteriorated and cracked sidewalk and curb, and the asphalt roadway has numerous cracks and patches that need to be fixed. Asphalt repair includes taking off a thin layer of the existing surface and then repaving with new asphalt. Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, September 15, with plans to finish by early December (weather permitting). Work will occur along West Street/Linda Vista Drive, from the slip lane to Cedar Avenue, and along Cedar Avenue from West Street to the west side of the new Fourth-Lockett roundabout.
In 2023, Coconino County was awarded an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Brownfields Cleanup Grant to remediate hazardous materials such as lead-based paint and asbestos at the old Coconino County jail located at 211 North W.C. Riles, Flagstaff. The presentation will provide the community with updates regarding the clean-up grant award and attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and provide input on completed and proposed actions associated with the grant.
Dementia is a growing public health concern throughout the United States, yet rural and underserved communities—particularly Native American populations—face unique barriers to early detection and care. A study headed by a psychology professor is building bridges to close the gap in the memory care desert that is northern Arizona.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we are getting close to our goal of funding brand-new theater seats for the Coconino Center for the Arts! After more than 40 years of use, our current seats have served our community well, but it’s time for a long-awaited upgrade.
With just a few weeks left before our September 27 deadline, we need your help to cross the finish line. Every seat sponsored brings us closer to unveiling a modern, more comfortable theater experience for all.
