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.

Bilingual report — City of Flagstaff announces minimum wage for 2025

FLAGSTAFF — Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 and $16.85 for tipped workers.

On Sept. 11, 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the consumer price index (CPI) numbers for August of 2024. The CPI for August 2024 was 2.5% greater than for August 2023. Accordingly, the minimum wage in the City of Flagstaff will increase to $17.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2025.

Grand Canyon National Park Eases Water Restrictions

GRAND CANYON, AZ.— Effective immediately, Grand Canyon National Park’s South Rim will transition to Stage 2 water restrictions due to rising water levels in reservoir tanks.

Operational changes include:

South Rim:

Camper Services, operated by Delaware North, will reopen to the public.
Water spigots in Mather Campground and Desert View Campground will be turned on.
Fire restrictions throughout the South Rim will be lifted. However, the park will remain under Stage 1 fire restrictions, which require campfires to be contained within designated fire rings in maintained campgrounds. In the inner canyon, only gas cook stoves are permitted; campfires and other open fires are not allowed below the rim. River users should continue to follow the conditions of their permits regarding fires along the Colorado River.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Upcoming virtual System Change Symposium (Oct. 22 or 23) part of trauma-informed and resilience training program with Flagstaff, Coconino County

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth invite you to register for a groundbreaking System’s Change Symposium with national and global speakers on Oct. 22 or 23, 2024.

The virtual community event is free to individuals who work or live in Coconino County, with a small charge to people outside the County.

The Symposium is part of the Coalition’s Reimagine Community — Trauma-Informed System Change grant program focusing on developing a mental model change ensuring trauma-informed and resilience information is understood at the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County levels and enacted as policy change.

The goal of the project is to create awareness of the impacts of trauma and stress on individuals, to recognize how this is impacting team members, the wider community and the system as a whole, and to create a trauma responsive environment that supports staff members, teams and the community.

The Coalition was one of four organizations in Arizona to be selected in 2023 for the Vitalyst Health Foundation’s System Change Grant, which is supporting the Reimagine Community program.

Tourism to Grand Canyon National Park contributed $768 million to local economy in 2023

“I’m so proud that our parks and the stories we tell make a lasting impact on more than 300 million visitors a year,” said National Park Service Director Chuck Sams. “And I’m just as proud to see those visitors making positive impacts of their own, by supporting local economies and jobs in every state in the country.” 

“We’re excited to see how the Grand Canyon continues to drive economic growth in our local communities,” said Grand Canyon Superintendent Ed Keable. “The spending by our visitors not only underscores the park’s allure but also highlights its vital role in supporting jobs and boosting the regional economy.”

City publishes 2024 Community Food Systems Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff Sustainability Division invites members of the public to review the recently published “2024 Community Food System Assessment for Flagstaff & Northern Arizona,” which can be viewed at www.flagstaff.az.gov/NAZFSA. The Community Food Systems Assessment (CFSA), funded through the United States Department of Agriculture, provides an in-depth review of food systems, food access, and food distribution in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. This assessment completes the first of three phases of the Assessing & Growing a Sustainable Community Food System project.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: Sept. 2-6, 2024

Water Updates and Transition into Stage 3 Water Restrictions

As many of you may have heard, the park has transitioned to Stage 3 water restrictions as of September 5. This is a significant milestone and a testament to the collective effort and dedication of our community, staff, and partners.

Beginning today, September 5, we will resume overnight accommodations at our park lodges on the South Rim. Reservations are now open, and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to these lodges. Your cooperation and commitment to conservation have been instrumental in our progress. Simple actions like limiting showers, turning off faucets, selectively flushing toilets, washing laundry with full loads, and reporting leaks have all significantly contributed to our success in managing water resources.

Flagstaff Pulliam Airport announces planned emergency response exercise on Sept. 9

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) would like to inform the public of an increased presence of first responders at the airport on Monday, Sept. 9, 2024. This heightened activity is part of a planned full-scale exercise, “Operation Ready FLG.” The exercise involves a simulated aircraft incident and is being conducted in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. Flight operations at the airport will not be affected.

The primary objective of “Operation Ready FLG” is to test and enhance the airport’s emergency response capabilities. The exercise will involve local, state, and federal agencies, with a focus on improving interoperability and coordination.

Sedona Arts Center — Celebrate Sedona this Friday!

Join us for the special opening reception in partnership with the Sedona Heritage Museum of work by Myrna Harrison! Sedona Trolley will transport guests to and from each location. Musicians at Sedona Arts Center provided by Sedona Symphony.  Enjoy beer, wine and food while you view colorful landscapes by the artist. Spread the word…Celebrate Sedona is now held on First Fridays! Bring your friends!

September at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Dear Museum Friends,

As we welcome September at the Museum of Northern Arizona, we find ourselves in a season of celebration.

This month, we proudly mark the Museum’s 96th anniversary! Since opening its doors on September 6, 1928, in a modest two-room space at the Flagstaff Woman’s Club, MNA has blossomed into a leading educational and research institution. For nearly a century, we’ve been dedicated to highlighting the art, science, and culture of the Colorado Plateau, sharing life-enriching knowledge and experiences with visitors from around the world.