Sedona Arts Center — SAVE THE DATE! — 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival Oct. 18–26, 2024

More than 20 renowned plein air artists from across the country will capture Sedona’s extraordinary landscapes during Sedona Arts Center’s 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival October 18-26, 2024. The week-long event features artist demonstrations, paint outs, juried art competitions and more.

The 20th Annual Sedona Plein Air Festival kicks off with an Artists Meet & Greet Reception on Friday, Oct. 18 and concludes with a Final Sale & Artist Games on Saturday, Oct. 26 where artists will showcase their creativity and ingenuity through lively and entertaining activities.

Coconino National Forest prepares for fall prescribed burn projects

Fire managers across three districts have plans for 14 prescribed burn projects spanning locations across the national forest, comprising thousands of acres. Since prescribed burns are dependent upon weather conditions, some or all these projects may be implemented. Dates of implementation can also change or projects postponed or cancelled if conditions are not ideal.

The NAU Review — Take a gamble at Casino Night, learn about your Homecoming dedicatee and get outside on National Public Lands Day

What’s the hottest ticket during Family Weekend? Bet your bottom dollar it’s Casino Night, an annual family-fun event hosted by NAU’s School of Hotel and Restaurant Management. From dealing poker to managing refreshments to decorating the du Bois Center, HRM students run the whole show. Bringing in an average of 1,000 visitors every year and nearly $1 million for scholarships and experiential learning since 1993, Casino Night doubles as an important fundraiser and the ultimate high-stakes midterm.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) City Council Candidate Election Forum is This Monday the 23rd at 6:00

Don’t miss your chance to ask questions of and evaluate the six city council candidates who will appear on Flagstaff’s November ballot. There are three open seats to be filled on council during this fall election.

F3’s unique speed-dating format will allow Flagstaff voters to meet each candidate while seated with a small group. We’ve worked to provide a quiet environment in which to interact with each candidate by securing nearby classrooms located a short walk from the Commons. Each small group of participants will be physically separated and able to concentrate and hear the interactions with each candidate as they rotate between classrooms.

City of Flagstaff announces prescribed burn southwest of Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods planned for Sept. 23 & 24

FLAGSTAFF — A prescribed burn will be conducted by the Flagstaff Fire Department southwest of the Lynwood and Cheshire neighborhoods on Monday, Sept. 23 and Tuesday, Sept. 24. The burn will target approximately 40 acres within the Jesse Gregg RX Units. Resources on scene will include the City of Flagstaff Wildland Fire Management Module and Greater Flagstaff Area Fire Academy recruits.

Coconino County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month in Coconino County!

In recognition of the 2024 Hispanic Heritage Month theme, “Pioneers of Change: Shaping the Future Together,” the County acknowledges how Latinos and Latinas are pioneers of change who are shaping the future, with the spirit of innovation, resilience, and unity that defines the Hispanic experience.

Tri-Diverstiy Councils visit County’s Election Center in Flagstaff to learn about voting security, procedures

FLAGSTAFF — Members of the Tri-Diversity Councils, which included the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and the Indigenous Peoples Advisory Council, visited the Coconino County Election Center in Flagstaff to gain information on ballot security for the Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 General Election.

A team of election officials answered a wide variety of election-related questions during the nearly two-hour tour.

Participants were able test the system using KNOWiNK PollPadsfor registration validation and then submit via traditional ink-marked paper ballot or ExpressVote Marking Devices to submit sample votes. None of the electronic equipment is connected to the internet.

United Way of Northern Arizona Leading the Way with Annual Campaign Kickoff

We are so excited to announce that United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) has officially launched its 2024-2025 Annual Campaign!

Our kickoff was last week at a high-energy event with our campaign co-chairs, Northern Arizona University President Dr. José Luis Cruz Rivera and Dr. Rima Brusi, a professor at the university’s Honor College.

Below you’ll find details about the event, including the outstanding work of our Pacesetters in jump starting this year’s campaign. Thanks to everyone who attended and we hope you will join us in “Leading the Way” by supporting UWNA.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 16-20, 2024

Important Update: Phantom Ranch Closure Added to Inner Canyon Trail Closures

The National Park Service (NPS) is providing an important update regarding inner canyon trail closures to support the Transcanyon Waterline (TCWL) construction project.

In addition to previously announced closures, please note that Phantom Ranch will be closed from January 2, 2025, to March 30, 2025, as the construction contractor, Stronghold Engineering, will be performing extensive excavation work in this area.

As a reminder, the other current inner canyon closure dates are:

Bright Angel Trail north of Havasupai Gardens and the Silver Bridge: Oct 21, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Bright Angel Campground: Nov 4, 2024 – May 14, 2025
Plateau Point Trail from the Tonto Trail Junction north of Havasupai Gardens to Plateau Point: Oct. 12, 2023 – May 14, 2025

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Northern Arizona Bioscience Advancements

This is Arizona Bioscience Week, and there is no better time to spotlight the significant wins for bio-based businesses in Northern Arizona. From groundbreaking medical advancements to a growing bioscience ecosystem, the region is strengthening its position as a leader in innovation in the sector.

Here are some of the recent highlights:

Last month, Northern Arizona Healthcare announced it had entered into a cancer care coordination agreement with City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the nation, to help treat complex or rare cases of cancer in northern Arizona. The model will increase access to cancer care for northern Arizonans, and allow them to get expert support from City of Hope providers without having to leave NAH oncology care.

City of Flagstaff — Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project complete, Spruce Wash flood mitigation projects move forward

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff and its contractor, Eagle Mountain Construction, are proud to announce the completion of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project. This project included lowering and replacing utilities along Grandview and full street reconstruction to install new curbs, gutters, and inverted asphalt to better channel floodwaters. This is the first of a series of planned flood mitigation projects as part of the Spruce Wash suite of projects.

Flagstaff Mayor Becky Daggett said “the completion of the Grandview Drive Reconstruction Project is a reason to celebrate and a significant step toward mitigating post-wildfire flooding in this area. Thank you to the residents who voted for Prop 441, giving the city the necessary funding, to city staff for their dedication, and to all the impacted residents for their patience. Together, we’ll keep making progress toward making flood-impacted neighborhoods safer.”

Bilingual report — The Literacy Center announces Fall Schedule of Classes

FLAGSTAFF — The Literacy Center at 2500 N. Rose, Flagstaff has released its Fall schedule of classes, including beginner and intermediate ESL, pronunciation, conversation and a program for folks who want to practice Spanish.

We offer a range of tutoring options to suit your needs. All of our services are available to our learners depending on their literacy levels and their stated needs and goals.

Please take a look at our learner schedule for our weekly class offerings and sign up to become a learner today!

It’s Vecinos Program allows participants to develop your Spanish language skills by partnering with a local community member who wants to develop their English skills. ​​

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Flagstaff Festival of Science’s ‘Science in the Park’ among a number of upcoming youth and family events

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

FLAGSTAFF — With Fall officially beginning Sunday, Sept. 22, local families are having no shortage of outdoor events for their children this month.

Rapidly approaching is the Flagstaff Festival of Science which begins Friday, Sept. 20 with the W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote Presentation with Jana Eggers at NAU’s Ardrey Auditorium. Eggers will focus on the latest developments in the field of AI, potential threats posed by AI—both perceived and real—and the promise AI holds for the future, festival organizers report.

Free Keynote tickets are still available by clicking HERE.

The festival, which features more than 100 events, continues Snook’s annual Science in the Park, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

“The fun is endless at our popular family science fair, where YOU are the scientist for the day! An ideal event for families, all booths will have hands-on activities for youth of all ages,” festival organizers report. “Discover something new and interact with over 50 vendors (including the Coconino Coaltion for Children & Youth) from a variety of Flagstaff scientific institutions!”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future (F3) Voter Guide to State and Local Propositions is Now Available!

F3 has closely examined the 16 propositions that will appear on Flagstaff’s General Election ballot this fall. This includes 13 State, one County, and two City propositions.

Below is the visual summary of F3’s recommendations.

An explanation of each of the propositions and the reasoning for our recommendations can be found by clicking on the image below or by going to our website.

The NAU Review — Celebrate scientific innovation in Flagstaff, bolstering knowledge of AI + check out this Zoom TED Talk series!

Stargazing, day hikes, build-a-bot workshops and a search for *checks notes* Bigfoot? Sign us up! For 34 years running, the Flagstaff Festival of Science, presented in partnership with NAU, has delighted, amused and educated through free conversations, workshops, hikes and other unique explorations. Check out this year’s lineup of events and find out why festival leaders from NAU think you shouldn’t miss this annual celebration.

City of Flagstaff Road work continues through September in Downtown, Coconino Estates, Sunnyside and University Heights areas

FLAGSTAFF — Road repair and maintenance work continues throughout Flagstaff as part of the City’s annual Road Repair and Street Safety (RRSS) project. Work on Aspen Ave. is scheduled for Sept. 17 and 18, when crews will complete final asphalt pavement surfacing and markings. Single lane closures will be in place on Aspen Avenue from Humphreys St. to Elden St to facilitate the work. Flaggers will be present at the intersections and delays are likely for motorists in the area.

Grand Canyon National Park seeks public comment on proposed backcountry fee increase

GRAND CANYON, AZ. — Grand Canyon National Park is seeking the public’s input on a proposed increase for backcountry permit fees. The proposed change would begin May 1, 2025.

The existing $10 per application fee would remain the same and the nightly per-person fees would increase: the below-rim fee would go from $15 to $24 per person per night, and the above-rim fee would go from $4 to $6 per person per night.

Interested parties can provide feedback on the proposal online at: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/GRCA_Backcountry_Fee_Increase through October 12, 2024. Written comments should be submitted through this website.

Coconino County Urges Continued Investment in Forest Restoration During Roundtable with USDA Sec. Vilsack

“Coconino County is no stranger to wildfire,” Vasquez said. “We have endured 9 major wildfires that have burned over 250,000 acres since 2010, and since 2017, the County Board of Supervisors has acknowledged that wildfire and post-wildfire flooding are the two greatest public safety threats to our people. That is why we have embarked on a Forest Restoration Initiative and used local Flood Control District tax dollars to leverage federal investment in forest restoration.”

The NAU Review — Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month! + an exciting new degree program and research that changes what we know about brains

Did you know Sept. 15 isn’t just the start of this annual celebration? It also marks the anniversary of independence for five Latin American countries. Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days during this month at well. At NAU, it’s an important time of year.

“Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural contributions and vibrant histories of the Hispanic/Latine community. By highlighting these events, we not only honor the diversity that strengthens our society, but also create space for dialogue, understanding and unity,” said Claudia Rodas, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Educational Specialties and HSI advisor to the provost. “It is through recognizing and embracing our shared heritage that we foster a more inclusive and compassionate world.”

The Office of Inclusion and other campus partners are holding a number of events to celebrate this month, starting with a cooking demonstration sponsored by Louie’s Cupboard on Friday. The entire NAU community is invited to find opportunities to participate.
See the list of events

Coconino County — Understand and Make a Plan to Vote This November

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County voters will see a long 19-inch ballot this November, and City of Page precincts 72, 73, 74, and 54 will see a two-page, four-sided ballot for the first time in the county’s history.

The ballot will include federal, state, county and local races for elected office, and state propositions on the front side and propositions by citizens petitions, or referrals from the state legislature and local jurisdictions on the back side of the ballot. There is a minimum of 14 propositions on every ballot

Current, former Southside, La Plaza Vieja residents invited to attend community gathering Sept. 17, 18 to share memories for new sculpture

FLAGSTAFF — Share memories! All those with Southside ties are invited to a gathering to share remembrances, both personal and universally important recollections that have shaped the Southside and its people. The community’s words will be incorporated into a large-scale sculpture that will be installed at Cleo Murdoch Park in 2025.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 9-13, 2024

In recognition of September as Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, we are excited to share a new promotional video featuring Joshua Stegemeyer, Arizona Department of Health Services Suicide Prevention Program Manager.

This video emphasizes the crucial role of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which provides 24/7 support for those experiencing mental health crises or suicidal thoughts. Residents of Grand Canyon, AZ, can call or text “9-8-8” to connect with trained crisis counselors who offer immediate, compassionate help at no cost. For those who prefer, support is also available via chat at 988lifeline.org/chat.

For our community living at Grand Canyon, this information is particularly relevant as it ensures that help is always accessible, regardless of time or location. The 988 Lifeline offers specialized support for a wide range of individuals, including those in remote areas like ours. By promoting awareness of this vital service, we can help ensure that everyone in our community knows they have a valuable resource available whenever they need it.

For more details about what happens when you contact 988, please visit azhealth.gov/988.

United Way of Northern Arizona — 3rd Annual Brews & Views to Benefit UWNA on Sept. 28

We hope to see you on September 28 at the Sky Bar at Agassiz Lodge for Brews & Views, Snowbowl’s 3rd Annual Community Fundraiser to benefit United Way of Northern Arizona.

This full day of fun in the mountains will include delicious craft brews from local and nationally known breweries; live music with the Flag5; lots of giveaway prizes; and much more.

Tickets are $40 and all proceeds will be donated to UWNA to help fulfill its mission of improving lives by mobilizing communities to create lasting changes in community conditions.

“Arizona Snowbowl is beyond proud to partner with United Way of Northern Arizona on Brews & Views in order to improve lives and community conditions for people in Northern Arizona,” said Angie Grubb, Marketing Manager at Arizona Snowbowl.

Discover Flagstaff — Pickin’ in the Pines Bluegrass and Acoustic Music Festival, Pepsi Amphitheater Sept. 13-15

Join us for Pickin’ in the Pines, voted “Flagstaff’s Best Festival” for the last 6 years! Live music, camping, jamming, music workshops, band contest, community dance, kids activities and amazing memories made in the pines! Fri-Sat 10 a.m., Sun 9 a.m

Learn More

Harm Reduction Products Available in New CCHHS Vending Machine

COCONINO COUNTY — Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has announced the availability of a new Public Health Harm Reduction (PHHR) Vending Machine to provide convenient access to free lifesaving harm reduction supplies.

The self-serve PHHR vending machine is located in the lobby of the CCHHS Flagstaff office, 2625 N. King Street. Access is available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, excluding holidays.

Public health vending machines are an innovative, low-barrier strategy to reduce stigma and reach those who may not already be connected to harm-reduction services. Similar machines in the United States have demonstrated success at reducing rates of overdose and infectious disease.