Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y participates in outreach events in Page, Flagstaff

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 1. 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.

Scheduled guest presentations include Rene RedDay of Prevent Child Abuse Arizona, speaking on Family Resource Centers; and Jennifer Cohan of Denova Collaborative Health.

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@coconinokids.org​​​​​​​ to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.

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United Way of Northern Arizona — Community Impact Luncheon Celebrates Power of Youth Literacy

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the United Way of Northern Arizona’s (UWNA) Community Impact Luncheon last week! Your presence, enthusiasm, and generosity were truly inspiring.

At this special gathering, we celebrated the life-changing power of literacy and the many ways your support is helping young readers thrive throughout Northern Arizona.

We also welcomed two new members to our Board of Directors and gave an update on our Annual Campaign.

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

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. 

City of Flagstaff receives multiple awards at AZ Water Conference in April

Among the award recipients were Engineering Senior Lead Project Manager David Pedersen, Emergency Management Director Stacey Brechler-Knaggs, and Water Production Manager Brian Huntzinger, who along with city contractors Hunter Contracting and Jacobs Engineering, won the Project of the Year Award for their work on the Inner Basin Waterline Restoration Project. Substantially completed in fall 2024, the project restored drinking water production from the Inner Basin after the 2022 Pipeline Fire. The subsequent monsoonal flooding damaged this critical waterline infrastructure which the project restored. The team was recognized by the Flagstaff City Council this week for their achievement. 

City of Flagstaff receives notification of EPA termination of Resilience Hubs Grant (impacting Murdoch Community Center, the Market of Dreams, and the Community Assistance Teams (C.A.T.s)

“The EPA’s decision to terminate this grant is deeply alarming—not only for the City of Flagstaff, but for the many residents, community leaders, and partner organizations who have worked tirelessly to enhance local preparedness. These community hubs were already delivering measurable impact, supporting those most vulnerable to extreme weather-related threats, as well as workforce development. We stand firmly behind this vital work and intend to challenge the EPA’s decision. Flagstaff remains unwavering in our commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and future of our residents.” said Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett.  

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Q&A: Heidi Hansen

Heidi Hansen, Economic Vitality Director for the City of Flagstaff, is the Vice Chair of the Executive Board of ECoNA. Originally from Delaware, she moved to Flagstaff when her father, a W.L. Gore & Associates employee, relocated to Arizona. After earning her bachelor’s degree in advertising from Northern Arizona University, she spent more than 20 years in media advertising before becoming the City’s Convention and Visitor Bureau’s director in 2012.

Active forest management continues across Coconino National Forest next week

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.

City of Flagstaff and Coconino County to present Regional Plan 2045 Citizen Review Session to be held May 2

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and Coconino County invite the community to attend the Citizen Review Session for the Flagstaff Regional Land Use Plan 2045, which will be held on Friday, May 2 at City Hall from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The session was originally to be held at the Aquaplex, but the location has changed to City Hall. The meeting can also be attended virtually, and the link will be available in the agenda.  

The session is a Joint City-County Retreat, where elected officials will discuss important updates to the draft Regional Plan, which was revised following the 60-day public review process. Flagstaff City Council, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, and the City and County Planning and Zoning Commissions will participate in the review and there will be an opportunity for public participation. The meeting agenda and packet will be available on Monday, April 28 at flagstaff.az.gov/RegionalPlan2045.   

Coconino County Emergency Management to deploy Advanced Mobile Incident Command Unit

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

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.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves transformative Parks & Recreation Fort Tuthill County Park Master Plan

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) has officially approved the Fort Tuthill County Park Master Plan Update, setting in motion a bold, 10-year vision to elevate community recreation, sustainability, and cultural celebration across one of the county’s most beloved parks. 

This plan outlines a flexible, phased roadmap to improve accessibility, sustainability, recreation, and cultural experiences at Fort Tuthill. While actual implementation will depend on future funding and evolving community needs, the Master Plan serves as a valuable guide for how the park may grow and adapt over time. Highlights of the planned improvements include:

City of Flagstaff announces Bureau of Reclamation begins development of scope of work for Red Gap Ranch Regional Project (regional water supply pipeline) appraisal-level study

FLAGSTAFF — On March 3, 2025, the Phoenix Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) agreed to begin developing a scope of work for an appraisal-level study for the City of Flagstaff’s planned regional water supply pipeline from Red Gap Ranch (Regional Project). The City acquired Reg Gap Ranch in 2005 with 71% voter-approved funding for future water supply. Together with continued conservation measures, the Regional Project at Red Gap Ranch can provide resiliency to the City’s existing water system and add needed protections against drought and natural disasters. Red Gap Ranch is located about 35 miles east of Flagstaff along the I-40 corridor.  

Sedona Arts Center announces KIDS CAMP! Classes and Workshops for Kids

Bugs Rock! Ages 6-12
with Jillian Sander
May 29, 2025 – Thursday, 1-4pm

In this half-day camp class, kids will learn about the tie dye process and experiment with pattern techniques as they create a wearable rainbow! Tie dye supplies will be provided as well as bandanas to dye, but campers are encouraged to bring their own white t-shirts from home or anything else cotton they’d like to transform.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Coalition to participate in 2025 Flagstaff Community STEM Celebration on April 26 at Fort Tuthill

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

The Coalition will participate in the 2025 Annual Community STEM Celebration to be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025 at the Fort Tuthill Fairgrounds.

THE EVENT, PRESENTED BY Flagstaff STEM City, IS FREE!!!

This year’s event is extra special as, for the first time ever, it will be held in partnership with the Lunar Legacy Invitational—bringing even more opportunities for hands-on STEM exploration.

The Lunar Legacy Invitational will welcome robotics teams from across the Southwest to celebrate Flagstaff’s rich history in space exploration. Teams will compete in space-themed challenges, earn awards, and explore exciting STEM exhibits—continuing the legacy of innovation in our community.

The STEM Celebration is a unique opportunity for Flagstaff residents to dive into the exciting world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, and engaging demonstrations, attendees will experience STEM as more than just a subject—it’s a pathway to education, careers, and groundbreaking discoveries. Let’s come together to celebrate Flagstaff’s designation as “America’s First STEM Community” and inspire the next generation of innovators!

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Large group of protesters at Flagstaff City Hall joins National Day of Action on April 19. With updated related news stories

Story/photos courtesy of www.MosaicNAZ.org

FLAGSTAFF — Local residents once again turned out in force during a National Day of Action rally held on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at the Flagstaff City Hall.

With a crowd that easily exceeded 1,000 people, local residents once again assailed the Trump administration with an event that coincided with the anniversary of first shots of the American revolution in Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, along with weekend activities designed to recognize Earth Day, which will be officially to be recognized on April 22.

To recognize those events, a number of protestors carried “No to Kings” signs, as well as a variety of climate change banners, signs and Earth Day flags.

The local event was initially promoted by the Coconino County Democratic Party, with additional support from a variety of groups from Indivisible of Northern AZ, 50501, Catch Fire Movement, Women’s March and others.

SEE MORE PHOTOS, VIDEOS AT WWW.MOSAICNAZ.COM

2025 Coconino County Teacher of the Year winners announced

Hosted by Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget, the 2025 Teacher of the Year awards were held Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the High-Country Conference Center in Flagstaff.

The evening honored the exceptional efforts of teachers across the county—highlighting those who go above and beyond in shaping the future of education.

2025 Award Recipients:

Coconino County Teacher of the Year: Dawn Quamahongnewa, Leupp Elementary School
Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year: Lesley Littlefield, Knoles Elementary School
Lifetime Achievement Awardees:
Traci Parker, Principal, Tse’ Yaato’ High School
Lisa Barquin, Preschool Director, San Francisco de Asis

Coconino County Board of Supervisors Elects New Chair and Vice Chair

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will have a new Chair and Vice Chair effective Friday, May 2, 2025.

At the end of their regular meeting on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the Board elected District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman as Chair of the Board and District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez as Vice Chair of the Board. 

The nominations were motioned by District 3 Supervisor Tammy Ontiveros, with a second from District 4 Supervisor and outgoing Chair Judy Begay. 

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

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.

Sedona Arts Center — Call to Artists

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 25, 2025
Teens ages 15-18 are invited to apply to Sedona Arts Center’s Gallery 928 program, a unique summer art apprenticeship that partners students with a master artist to create a work of public art.

This summer, Sedona Arts Center will offer its fourth year of Gallery 928, a unique art apprenticeship program for teens ages 15 to 18. Based on Chicago’s infamous Gallery 37 summer public art program started in the 1980s, students will be hired to apprentice with a master artist to create a public art mural for the Sedona Arts Center.

Apprentices will receive art instruction, knowledge of the public art field and develop tangible employment skills like resume building, presentation development and public speaking. Students will also receive a $500 stipend from Sedona Arts Center and 3 free college credits through Yavapai College. Up to 12 students will be selected to participate.

NAU’s Dr. Robert Neustadt to present ‘Music on the Line. Songs and Politics on the U.S./Mexico Border’ on April 24

FLAGSTAFF — NAU’s Dr. Robert Neustadt will give an update on the progress of his latest book during the Sabbatical Talk “Music on the Line. Songs and Politics on the U.S./Mexico Border” at 6 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at NAU’s Liberal Arts Building, Room 136.

The NAU Review — What to expect at the Undergrad Symposium

At NAU, coveted research positions aren’t just for graduate students. Each year, hundreds of undergraduates participate in, and even lead, research projects across dozens of subjects. The NAU and Flagstaff communities can learn all about their groundbreaking findings at the annual Undergrad Symposium, happening April 25. In preparation for the big event, we’re spotlighting a handful of student research projects in zooarchaeology, communication sciences and more.

North Rim of Grand Canyon opens May 15 for 2025 season

Visitor services, including the campground, Grand Canyon Conservancy bookstore and the Backcountry Information Center will open at 8 a.m. Rangers will be available daily from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. to provide information, trip planning assistance, and Park Ranger Programs at the Roaring Springs Overlook Kiosk through October 15. Grand Canyon Lodge North Rim operations, including lodging, groceries, retail, food and beverage services, shower and laundry and the gas station, will also open May 15. The lodge dining room will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner with reservations required for dinner service. The last day of the 2025 season for most commercial services will be October 15, 2025.

Prescribed burn planned later this week west of Flagstaff

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.

2045 Flagstaff Regional Plan —Spring Survey due April 25

The deadline to take the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan has been extended to Friday, April 25. Your input is needed! Survey results will inform the upcoming Joint Retreat on May 2nd, when City and County elected officials will discuss the plan.
Click here to start the Spring Survey on the Regional Plan

Flagstaff residents brave rain, snow to attend U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Veteran Townhall on April 18

FLAGSTAFF — The chance of heavy rain or snow did not deter local residents of the opportunity to ask questions about the impact of recent federal funding cuts on local veterans during the U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego’s Veteran Townhall held on Friday, April 18 at the American Legion Mark A. Moore Post 3 in downtown Flagstaff.

During the event, which drew upwards of 60 people, local veterans were able to ask what steps are being taken to protect local veterans who have lost their federal jobs or are seeing a reduction of veterans services due to federal program funding cuts.

NAU, ASU and UofA students share heartfelt stories, debate current issues at Regents Cup competition in Flagstaff

FLAGSTAFF — In one classroom, an emotional roller coaster with students in the space of 10 minutes baring their souls and sharing the highs and lows of their personal experiences to total strangers.

In another room, students debated on the efficiency of having the U.S. education system controlled by officials in Washington, D.C, versus an educational system guided by state officials who understand the unique cultural, economic, financial and social challenges facing their local students

So went the first two sessions of Regents’ Cup 2025, a competition pitting students from Northern Arizona University, Arizona State and the University of Arizona, held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at NAU.

The Regents’ Cup 2025, presented by the Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR), rotates annually among the three universities, features 48 students who compete to win scholarships ($15,000 first place, $12,000 second place and $5,000 third place).