Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benatar warns of fraudulent payment sites

FLAGSTAFF — With the arrival of 2025 Tax Notices, the Coconino County Treasurer’s Office is warning residents about the potential for fraudulent websites that falsely claim to accept property tax payments.

Residents should be on the alert for sites that don’t end in .gov, require unusual forms of payment like gift cards or wire transfers or that charge additional processing fees.  

“We want to ensure that taxpayers know the only safe and secure way to pay their property taxes is directly through the County’s official channels,” said, Sarah Benatar, Coconino County Treasurer. “Using these channels can prevent financial loss and identity theft.”  

American Red Cross celebrates launch of its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign with event on Sept. 18 at NAU

FLAGSTAFF — While nearly 60 percent of Hispanics have blood type O, the most needed blood type for emergencies and transfusions, less than 1% currently donate in Arizona, according to officials from the American Red Cross. To improve that percentage, and save lives, the organization brought its Los Donates (The Donors) campaign to Northern Arizona.

A ceremony celebrating the event was held on Thursday, Sept. 18 at the International Pavilion at Northern Arizona, featuring a variety of community leaders touting the need to increase blood donations by local Hispanics.

The event was held just outside a room where more than 75 NAU student, faculty and staff had signed up for the campus-wide blood drive. An additional 76 were scheduled to donate blood on Friday.

City of Flagstaff celebrates 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month

FLAGSTAFF — At last week’s Council meeting, Mayor Becky Daggett proclaimed September 15 to October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month in Flagstaff. This month celebrates the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic, Latino, and Latinx communities, integral to Flagstaff’s past, present, and future.

Grand Canyon National Park announces partial reopening of North Rim on Oct. 1 Following Dragon Bravo Fire

The partial reopening will include Highway 67 to the W1 road, (approximately at mile marker 11), and the Cape Royal Road, providing access to both Point Imperial and Cape Royal. Additionally, Fire Point and Swamp Ridge will reopen. These areas will be open daily from official sunrise to official sunset. No overnight use is permitted on the North Rim with the exception of Swamp Point and Fire Point. Open areas will remain accessible through Nov. 30, 2025, or until the first major snowfall, whichever occurs first.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: September 22-26, 2025

In 2024, 4.9 million visitors to Grand Canyon National Park spent an estimated $905 million in local gateway regions while visiting the park. These expenditures supported a total of 8,780 jobs, $393 million in labor income, $698 million in value added, and $1.1 billion in economic output in local gateway economies surrounding Grand Canyon National Park.

Flagstaff Festival of Science — The Festival of Science – Thursday Offerings!

Just a snapshot of Thurs, September 25th:

Check out this presentation offered both in person and online! ” Following the Sun and Moon on a Petroglyph Calendar Panel” explores a unique site where shadow lines and light daggers interacting with certain petroglyph elements mark significant cultural events in the Hopi calendar. Attend in person at the East Flagstaff Community Library, 5:00 – 6:00 p.m.

Attendee favorite, “The Flagstaff Star Party” returns for 3 nights, starting today! Enjoy twilight talks–short, engaging presentations by astronomers who share fascinating facts about the night sky and look through powerful telescopes! 6:00 – 10:00 p.m. at Buffalo Park.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Canada-Arizona Relations: Opportunities despite tensions

Earlier this month, R. Glenn Williamson, founder and CEO of the Canada Arizona Business Council (CABC), spoke to the ECoNA Advisory Council about the unique relationship between Arizona and Canada and the pressures it is currently facing.

For northern Arizona, the relationship is significant. Canadian companies employ more than 300 people in Coconino, Navajo, and Yavapai counties, with another 2,600 jobs impacted by exports to Canada.

Statewide, Canada remains Arizona’s largest foreign direct investor. Additionally, an estimated 1 million Canadians visit the state each year, while about 100,000 Canadian “snowbirds” live in Arizona for part of the year. Combined, they contribute $2.4 billion to the local economy.

That impact is impressive – but not without pressure

Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra’s Season 76 opens with Fanfares & Fireworks on Sept. 26

September 26, marks the first notes of a new season for Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra—and we’d love to see you there! Fanfares & Fireworks opens a year of music that celebrates beauty, bold journeys, and thrilling triumphs. Tomorrow night’s concert begins at 7:30 PM in Ardrey Memorial Auditorium.

Reserve your seats today, and share the excitement of Season 76’s opening night with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

The NAU Review — Quantum science—it’s a little quarky

parking an interest in quantum science
 
Gravity makes sense: You drop a pencil, it falls. Quantum is harder to grasp: When you’re looking at the smallest particles in the universe, the same rules just don’t apply and what you find is … confusing. But quantum technologies are the future, and the U.S. workforce is woefully underprepared to fill that need. The SparCQS team, housed within ¡MIRA!, is working to change that in fun ways.

Coalition joins partners at 2025 Science in the Park. More events to come

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — From geology to rocket science and everything in between, young people had a wide variety of hand-on activities to enjoy and learn from at the 2025 Snook Science in the Park presented on Sept. 20 by the Flagstaff Festival of Science.

More than 50 exhibitor booths crowded Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff as children had a wide variety of activities to choose from.

Some of them ranged from Arizona Science Center, Arizona State Parks and Trails, CCC&Y, Coconino Community College, the Coconino Astronomical Society, Coconino High School’s CocoNuts Robotics, Flagstaff Fire Dept., Flagstaff Model Railroad Club, Momentum Aerial, the Museum of Northern Arizona, Northern Arizona University, Tynkertopia, to the U.S. Geological Survey.

READ MORE

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) — Councilmember Aslan makes a call for NAH to build in place

When voters in Flagstaff resoundingly rejected Proposition 480, they did more than simply block a development plan. They issued a clear, community-wide statement: we want our hospital to stay where it is. The Northern Arizona Healthcare(NAH) proposal to abandon the long-established Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) campus and build an entirely new facility on the outskirts of town was not what this community wanted. And it still isn’t.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett issues statement addressing fatal collision

“The life of one of our community members tragically ended last Saturday and my heart goes out to everyone this individual personally touched. Several members of city and police leadership and I met with family and friends to express our heartfelt sorrow and share our condolences. I was touched by their expressions of love for this individual. I know I speak for the entire city council as I convey our sympathies for this tragic loss.” – Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett

Sedona Arts Center — The Ceramics Department at SAC

Discover the joy of working with clay at Sedona Arts Center!
Our ceramics program welcomes all levels to explore, experiment, and create in a supportive community. With guidance from studio manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, plus visiting guest artists, you’ll gain hands-on experience in both traditional and contemporary techniques. Join us for a class or workshop and see where your creativity takes you!

City of Flagstaff — Fourth-Lockett Roundabout project complete!

FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation, City of Flagstaff and FANN Contracting are proud to announce the completion of the Fourth-Lockett Roundabout Project. With the project finished, the roundabout is now open to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic! Please be patient as you and your fellow motorists and pedestrians get used to the new roundabout, and follow the marked signage and striping to get to your destination. Please remain alert as crews install final fencing and perform clean-up operations over the next few weeks.

Kaibab National Forest prepares for prescribed fires

WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this October, pending all required approvals. We estimate this work to continue through the fall season as weather conditions allow. We use prescribed fires to help reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

Blue Stem Project-Tusayan RD- 7,030 acres of broadcast burning.
Kendrick Project- Williams RD- 6,653 acres of broadcast burning.
Marteen Project- Williams RD- 504 acres of broadcast burning.
Pine Flat Project- Williams RD- 4,302 acres of broadcast burning.
Moonset Pit-Williams RD- 1 acre- Parks area natural debris pit pile burn. 

The NAU Review — Relive a tree-rific Family Weekend at NAU!

Building bikes for local children, a fun-filled block party and casino night and a record-making football game that included a Hail Mary pass in the final seconds of the first half—Lumberjacks know how to do Family Weekend right! NAU Social was out over the weekend to capture all the fun.

Museum of Northern Arizona — 2025 Virtual Auction

Our 2025 Virtual Auction to benefit the Museum of Northern Arizona is now open! This year’s auction includes exclusive experiences with MNA experts and beautiful, authentic jewelry and accessories.

View the auction online here! All bidding for this auction will take place online. If you are in need help or have any questions, please contact us at development@musnaz.org or call 928-774-5211 x 285. This auction will be open until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm.

Sedona Arts Center — New Art Workshops and Classes Starting Soon!

WORKSHOPS & CLASSES
at SAC
✨ Spark your creativity with upcoming classes and workshops at Sedona Arts Center! From ceramics and painting to photography, encaustics, and more, there’s something for every artist and learner — whether you’re beginning a new journey or expanding your practice. Join us in the studio or online, connect with fellow creatives, and be part of a vibrant community in the heart of Sedona.

Sunnyside Neighborhood Association celebrates 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at Flagstaff Mall. See celebrations nationwide

FLAGSTAFF — From the festive performances of folklorico dancers to the moving traditional El Grito de Dolores read by the Mexican Consul from Phoenix, Flagstaff joined cities across the nation in celebrating Mexican Independence Day when the Sunnyside Neighborhood Association presented its 22nd annual Fiesta de Independencia Celebration at a new venue, the Flagstaff Mall on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.

Officials attending the event included Jorge Mendoza Yescas, Cónsul General de Mexico, Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett, Coconino County District 2 Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, and Coral Evans representing the office U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly. Other officials in attended included Flagstaff City Councilmember Anthony Garcia.

Serving as presenters and organizers were Alejandra Esparza Marin and Kimberly Robinson.

Ballet Folklorico de Colores — Flagstaff presented their always inspiring dance performance.

The event also featured, about a dozen arts and crafts and informational vendors, concluding with the traditional smashing of the candy-filled of the piñata for children.

Also see, celebration of Mexican Independence Day nationwide

2025 Celebración De NAU brings students, faculty, staff and community together for festive Hispanic Heritage Month event

FLAGSTAFF — In what has become an annual festive celebration to mark the start of Hispanic and Latine Heritage Month, the Northern Arizona University community gathered for an evening of fun, food and information during the 2025 Celebración De NAU held on Sept. 16, 2025 at the spacious DuBois Ballroom in south campus.

Presented by the Office of Inclusion, C3, Campus Living and the Center for Inclusive Excellence and Access, organizers said the event allowed students to have some fun and also gain information and contacts from a variety of campus and community groups such as Chicanos Por La CAUSA, the Hispanic/Latine Leadership Program, Kappa Delta Chi, the Latine Student Union, the NAU Dept. of Astronomy and Planetary Sciences, NAU Counseling Services, the NAU Society of Professional Engineers and the NAU Spanish Club.

See upcoming Hispanic Heritage Month events here

• NAU Office of Inclusion announces September calendar of events on Sept. 16, 19, 24, 26
• More details to come — NAU Hispanic Heritage Month Football game to feature halftime performance by NAU’s Mariachi Los Madereros on Sept. 26
• NAU Hispanic/Latine Heritage Month Tailgate Party to be held at Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4
• Coconino Community College to present course on ‘Exploring Flagstaff’s Latino Heritage and Community’ with Eva Barraza on Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30

Flagstaff Festival of Science — The popular Snook’s Science in the Park takes Place Sept. 20 in Flagstaff

On Saturday, Sept. 20th, join the Festival of Science at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff and engage with over 50 booths with interactive learning for the whole family! Some of the activities you will get to do include:

Practice using prehistoric technologies

Meet live birds of prey

Safely view sun spots through a solar telescope

Build a wildlife crossing prototype

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 15-19, 2025

On Friday, September 12, Grand Canyon National Park hosted a naturalization ceremony at Mather Amphitheater, where 29 individuals from 13 countries officially became U.S. citizens. New citizens hailed from Brazil, Canada, India, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.

The ceremony featured a presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Honor Guard from Northern Arizona University, the National Anthem performed by Audrey Stone, and music by the A-Train Sound. U.S. Magistrate Judge Camille D. Bibles presided, with U.S. District Court Deputy Clerk Christina Davison administering the Oath of Allegiance.

The NAU Review — Pics from the pros

Faculty behind the lens

What do NAU’s photography faculty do when they’re not teaching? Make art, of course! The new exhibit “Here, Together” showcases these Lumberjacks’ visual storytelling skills, with a wide array of captivating photojournalism, portraiture, landscapes and adventure shots. The exhibit is open to the public through Sept. 30.

Lane closures scheduled on N Highway 89 in Flagstaff, additional road maintenance work continues throughout town

FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) program, lane closures are scheduled on N Highway 89 between N Country Club Dr and old Rte 66 for overlay removal and pavement marking. The work is schedule to take place from Monday, Sept. 29 – Wednesday, Oct. 1 between the hours of 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. Drivers in the area should expect delays.

Flagstaff Festival of Science at CCA!

The Flagstaff Festival of Science brings our community together each year to explore and celebrate discovery. This year, Coconino Center for the Arts is proud to host three events highlighting the connections between science, art, and storytelling.

On Thursday, September 25, join us for an afternoon and evening of hands-on learning, conversations, and performances. From building your own pinhole camera to exploring women’s contributions in STEAM and the Grand Canyon, there’s something for all ages and interests.