View this email in your browser
Management of lightning-caused Basin Fire north of Flagstaff (on June 9)
FLAGSTAFF — Active management of the Basin Fire, a lightning-caused wildfire located 20 miles northwest of Flagstaff, will begin (on June 9).
Fire managers with both the Coconino and Kaibab national forests have spent the last several days preparing for firing operations (Monday) and Tuesday in order to restore ecological processes for about 9,000 acres of forest land through treatment.
Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth
Coconino County to provide court, health, and other services in Page on Thursday, June 19
This event gives Page residents and nearby areas access to services without needing to travel to Flagstaff.
The Coconino County Attorney’s Office (CAO), Legal Defender’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, Elections Department, Recorder’s Office, and Health and Human Services (CCHHS) along with The Guidance Center (TGC), Encompass, DNA-People’s Legal Services, and Victim Witness Services of Northern Arizona (VWS) are participating.
Intersection of Riordan Drive and Riordan Ranch Street in Flagstaff closed starting June 23
FLAGSTAFF — Starting Monday, June 23, the intersection of Riordan Dr and Riordan Ranch St will be closed for one month. The closure is necessary as part of a larger project in the area that will install a new water meter and underground utilities.
Access to businesses in the area will be maintained throughout the project. Project work will take place on Monday – Thursday, from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Heavy equipment may be present in the area and there may be noise during work hours.
Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth
Discover Flagstaff — First Friday ArtWalk, Hullabaloo (June 7, 8), Splash of Pride (June 8)
Stroll throughout Downtown Flagstaff to see and purchase paintings, jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, and more! 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, June 6.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Local, News, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3)’s 30th Anniversary Auction: Items ready to view
Celebrate F3’s 30th Anniversary by bidding on our online auction!
Help us continue our work by bidding on our exciting, diverse, and unique items including special experiences (from guided tours to personal luxuries), gift baskets (from personal care to gardening) and gift certificates (from design services to doggy day care). Bid on food, wine, jewelry, and more.
Everything is donated by local shops, businesses, restaurants, and individuals who generously contributed to this auction.
Help us kick-off of our next 30 years of community work in Flagstaff!
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Family, Finance, Government, Immigration, Local, News, Politics, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of June 2, 2025
Gallego Supports Bipartisan Legislation to Combat Obesity Epidemic ••• Gallego Fights to Protect Key Consumer Protection Agency ••• Gallego, Baldwin Introduce Bill to Prevent Companies from Ripping Healthcare Away from Striking Workers ••• Gallego Fights for Program That Saves Arizonans Hundreds on Their Utility Bills ••• Gallego, Colleagues Call for Additional Funding to Keep Communities Safe
Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — The Power of a Thriving University
My heart sank as I read the article in the Wall Street Journal.
My alma mater, the Macomb campus of Western Illinois University, was featured as an example of America’s new “rust belt” – once-booming college towns now struggling because of dwindling enrollment rates. In the past 15 years, enrollment has dropped by 47 percent, and the bustling community I remember from my college days is quickly becoming a ghost town.
Macomb is hardly unique, and its story serves as a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are in northern Arizona, where one of the biggest drivers of our regional economy is Northern Arizona University.
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth
Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 2-6, 2025
Ongoing Power Outage on North Rim
The National Park Service (NPS) continues to work with the North Rim concessioner to address the power outage affecting the North Rim, which began Sunday evening, June 1, due to an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power remains out at the Grand Canyon Lodge and surrounding concessioner facilities. Overnight reservations have been canceled since June 2.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Communications Issue #39: Flagstaff’s Important Code Analysis Project
The city is hosting a Community Conversation (on June 13) about the Code Analysis Project (CAP). This will be an in-depth conversation and an opportunity to provide input to city staff and discuss concerns related to how the community will address our housing and climate needs. The city is looking for the community’s input and concerns as they consider how to move forward with the CAP and the revision of development codes in a manner that reflects our community’s values.
Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Join us for our next Prevention Council Zoom meeting on June 5 to share your story
By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth
FLAGSTAFF —
Please join CCC&Y for its next Prevention Council Zoom meeting at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 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@coconinokids.org to be placed on the agenda or to receive a Zoom link to our next meeting.
READ MORE
The NAU Review — Hopping through cloud forests + where’s the AI in your classroom?
How are you using GenAI?
NAU is integrating generative AI into its educational programs through innovative projects funded by the Office of the Provost’s TRAIL grants. These initiatives include using AI-enhanced ultrasound in physical therapy classes, AI tools in business analytics and AI-generated conversations with historical conservationists in environmental courses. The goal is to enhance learning experiences and better prepare students for a tech-driven future. (Editor’s note: Could you tell this summary was written by AI?)
Read the story
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth
June at the Museum of Northern Arizona
June marks the beginning of our busiest time of year with a multitude of events throughout the summer. Our beautiful location is special anytime of the year, but summer is especially wonderful here at the Museum of Northern Arizona.
This month sees the return of one of MNA’s most cherished traditions—the Heritage Festival of Arts and Culture, a celebration of living Indigenous culture and creative expression. We’re proud to welcome around 100 Native American artists from across the Colorado Plateau on June 28 and 29. I encourage you to come explore their exquisite works of jewelry, pottery, basketry, fine art, performances, and more. Our galleries provide an insight into the past and present of the Native communities on the Colorado Plateau, while the festival is a wonderful opportunity to talk with many artists from these communities and learn about their creative processes and influences.
FCD Director Lucinda Andreani earns award from American Society of Civil Engineer
COCONINO COUNTY — Flood Control District Director Lucinda Andreani will be presented with the Centennial Celebration Impact Award in Public Safety from the Northern Arizona Branch of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) on Saturday, Jun. 7 at Lowell Observatory.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to have worked with civil engineers on so many public safety projects for our communities,” Andreani said. “We have a remarkable team, and the success of our post-wildfire flood mitigation projects and our Forest Restoration Initiative is in great part due to the expertise and commitment of our civil engineers.”
City of Flagstaff — Select roads in Presidio and Crestview neighborhoods fully closed on June 10
FLAGSTAFF — As part of the City of Flagstaff’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety Program, C & E Paving and Grading will be working to maintain and improve select roads in the Presidio and Crestview neighborhoods. The roads listed below will be fully closed during the morning or afternoon of Tuesday, June 10. Residents who need to travel during the closure timeframes need to park their vehicles outside of the streets being worked on.
City of Flagstaff to host meet and greet event for Human Resources and Risk Management Director candidates on June 11
FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff invites members of the public to attend a meet and greet event on Wednesday, June 11 from 4 – 6 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall for final candidates for the position of Human Resources and Risk Management Director. The City received 59 applications, conducted 10 screening interviews, and invited 4 candidates to participate in the meet and greet following preliminary interviews.
The candidate names and a brief biography of those who accepted the invitation to participate are included below:
Grand Canyon National Park provides update on North Rim power outage and lodge services
GRAND CANYON, AZ. — The National Park Service (NPS) has identified the cause of a recent power outage affecting the North Rim as an equipment failure involving a transformer near the Grand Canyon Lodge. Power has been out at the Grand Canyon Lodge since approximately 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 1.
Overnight reservations were cancelled starting the evening of June 2 due to the outage. The National Park Service appreciates visitors’ patience and understanding as we continue working closely with the concessioner to restore lodging and food services to full operations.
Sedona Arts Center — The Big Gay Art Show Opens Friday, June 6
Sedona Arts Center proudly kicks off Pride Month with the return of the beloved Big Gay Art Show, on view June 6–July 25, 2025.
Join us for the Opening Reception on Friday, June 6, from 4–6PM, part of Celebrate Sedona—an afternoon of creativity, community, and connection.
Grand Canyon National Park hosts 35th annual Grand Canyon Star Party—June 21-28
The event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Grand Canyon Conservancy, the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association (South Rim), and the Saguaro Astronomy Club of Phoenix (North Rim). Amateur astronomers from around the world will volunteer their telescopes and expertise for the enjoyment of park visitors. Dozens of telescopes will offer views of planets, double stars, star clusters, nebulae, and distant galaxies. By day, keep an eye out for solar telescopes pointed at the sun. Weather permitting, expect spectacular views of the universe!
Summer ART Raffle at the Sedona Arts Center! Enter to Win!
Sedona Arts Center Summer Raffle is Here! 🎨
Win Original Artwork by Renowned Artists
Support the arts and take home something beautiful! Now through June 21, 2025, enter our Summer Raffle for a chance to win one of several original works of art created by talented Sedona Arts Center artists.
✨
Featured Artists:
Elizabeth St. Hilaire, Sandra Luehrsen, Mary Helsaple,
Michelle Held, Robert Burridge, and Bruce Gomez
Theatrikos Theatre Co. — Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Shrek The Musical and Much More!
Get ready for a vibrant and unforgettable theatrical experience as Theatrikos proudly presents Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s beloved musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. This iconic show promises to dazzle audiences of all ages with its infectious melodies, witty lyrics, and a heartwarming tale of betrayal, forgiveness, and the power of dreams.
Running from July 17th to August 10th, this production brings the timeless biblical story of Joseph to life with a kaleidoscope of musical styles – from rock and roll to calypso, country-western to French ballads. Follow Joseph, Jacob’s favorite son, on his incredible journey from the pit of despair to becoming the Pharaoh’s trusted advisor, all while adorned in his magnificent, multicolored coat.
Sedona Arts Center — Sign up for an Art Class or Workshop!
Scholarships Available
Scholarships are an important part of Sedona Arts Center. It has a long history in providing students in need of financial assistance, the ability to hone their skills and creative talents. Art classes and workshops also allow an emotional break from daily life and offer social interaction with fellow lovers of art. We are proud to offer our scholarship program, with the help of The Kling Family Foundation, The Ceramics Scholarship Fund, and the Debbie Winslow Scholarship Fund, which allow us to continue this long standing opportunity.
Areas of Coconino County to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Friday, May 30
COCONINO COUNTY — With the potential for continued warm, dry, and windy conditions throughout Northern Arizona in the coming days, Coconino County will expand fire restrictions in alignment with area National Forest decisions.
Restrictions will go into effect this Friday, May 30, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. The City of Flagstaff is also entering Stage 1 fire restrictions on Friday.
… During Stage 1 restrictions igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal is strictly prohibited, except within a developed site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or a developed site. The use of tracer or incendiary rounds of ammunition or explosive targets is also strictly prohibited.
Flagstaff to enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on May 30
The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, May 30, 2025.
Under Stage 1 Fire Restrictions,
Permits for open burning within the City will not be issued.
The sale or use of consumer-grade fireworks is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited in City parks and open spaces.
Use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch are prohibited on Red Flag Warning days, as issued by the National Weather Service.
Smoking and the use of electronic cigarettes are prohibited in all public places within the City of Flagstaff, including City parks, open spaces, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) at all times.
The City cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions. Please help the City keep our community and forests safe by following all bans and restrictions.
For more information on City fire restriction stages, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/2981/Fire-Restriction-Stages.
CCC Community Education — Register now for July programs!
Watercolor: Celebration of Color
Tuesday, July 8 & Wednesday, July 9
1 to 5 p.m.
Learn to experiment with various color choices for landscapes and see demonstrations of color wheel Triad color examples.
Watercolor – Learn more and register!
Sedona Arts Center — LAST CHANCE TO BUY ¡Qué Hermoso! artwork!
¡Qué Hermoso! Artwork Available Online!
LAST DAY OF EXHIBITION:
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025
¡Qué Hermoso! features a rich variety of artistic expression by emerging, mid-career and established Arizona artists including Oliverio Balcells, Cristina Cárdenas, Emily Costello, Camila Ibarra, Gretchen Lopez, Amanda Mollindo, Liliana Mora, Cora Quiroz, Joe Ray and Veronica Verdugo-Lomeli. More than 50 artworks will highlight histories, familism, forgotten stories and rich personal and collective experiences.
Discover Flagstaff — Flagstaff Wool and Fiber Festival May 31 through June 1, more events
Flagstaff Wool and Fiber Festival
The Pioneer Museum
Kick off your summer and come enjoy a sunshine filled weekend of live animal demonstrations, dozens of textile vendors, food, and more. 9 a.m.
Learn More
U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) news updates for week of May 26, 2025
Gallego Pushes Department of the Interior to Evaluate Threats Posed by Workforce Reductions at the Bureau of Reclamation *** Gallego Supports Legislation to Increase Homeownership for Arizona’s Veterans and Public Servants *** Gallego Backs Bipartisan Legislation to Spur Economic Development *** More
Business, Commentary, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Opinion, Politics, Public Safety, Seniors, women, Youth
U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ) news updates for May 2025
Kelly, Gallego, Stanton, Ansari Demand Answers from DHS and ICE After Arrests at Phoenix Immigration Court *** Kelly, Stanton, Gallego, Ansari Urge HHS and DOJ to Streamline Domestic Violence Victim Services Funding *** Kelly, Gallego, Stanton Warn of Devastating Impact of House Republican Plan to Slash Food Assistance, Raise Costs for Arizona Families *** MORE ***
Understanding the Costs of Living in the Woods: The Wildfire/Insurance Issue – A Growing Crisis work session on June 3
COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County is at a “very high risk” for wildfire according to researchers at Headwaters Economics.
The risk is higher than 96% of all counties in the country, which is creating a growing issue with securing, retaining and affording insurance within Coconino County and across the western United States. This growing “Wildfire/Insurance Crisis,” is why the Coconino County Flood Control District and County Board of Supervisors are hosting a series of public work sessions to hear from national and state experts about how community preparedness can help address wildfire risk along with insurance premiums and explore what other communities are already doing that is making a difference.
The first session is scheduled for 1:15-2:45 p.m., Tuesday, June 3, at the Coconino County Administrative Building, 219 E. Cherry Avenue in Flagstaff, which can be attended in person or streamed online at youtube.com/coconinocnty. A recording will be posted online at the Coconino County Flood Control District’s website the following week.