Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff holds swearing in ceremony for new Chief of Police

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Sean Connolly, center, was officially sworn in as Flagstaff Chief of Police at a ceremony held during the City Council’s work session on June 25.

Connolly, who takes over from retiring Chief of Police Dan Musselman, was sworn in during an event attended by family, friends, law enforcement officials from Phoenix and Chandler — and a surprise bagpipe performance by City of Flagstaff Senior Assistant City Attorney Marianne E. Sullivan.

Connolly, who was born in Flagstaff, served in the Phoenix Police Dept. for more than 30 years in such capacities as police commander and assistant police chief. He earned his master’s degree in educational leadership from Northern Arizona University, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Arizona.

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Business, Cultural, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 24-28, 2024

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Town of Tusayan Fourth of July Celebration

Join community members from the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Village for the annual Fourth of July celebration from 3:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Kid’s bike decorating begins at 3:30 p.m., parade line-up starts at 3:45, and the parade will begin at 4:30. Additional events and activities include: live music from local bands, food, auction items, Native American dancers, kid’s games, and a drone show after dark.

For more information on this event and to register to be in the parade, visit the town’s website here.

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Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Elevate PreK Seeking Students

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FLAGSTAFF — Elevate PreK, the highly successful initiative that provides free, year-round, high-quality preschool education to 4-year-olds, is seeking students for the upcoming academic year.

The program was developed as part of the LAUNCH Flagstaff initiative at United Way of Northern Arizona. After completing a three-year pilot program through Candelen, Elevate PreK will continue its fourth year through UWNA.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino County Downgrading to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions Friday Morning

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COCONINO COUNTY — After consultation with partner agencies in the region, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) and the County Manager’s Office will be downgrading the County’s fire restrictions to Stage 1 on Friday June 28, 2024 at 8 a.m.

During Stage 1 fire restrictions the following activities are prohibited at all times, unless exempted by the County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance: 

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including fires fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal.  
Smoking outdoors. 
Use of explosive targets, tracer rounds, or incendiary ammunition. 

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff moving back to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on June 28

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FLAGSTAFF —The City of Flagstaff will move back to Stage 1 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 28, 2024.

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.

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Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino National Forest moving back to Stage 1 fire restrictions

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FLAGSTAFF — Due to the amount of rain the forest has received over the last several days that reduced the criteria for meeting Stage 2, Coconino National Forest will move back to Stage 1 fire restrictions Friday (June 28) at 8 a.m.

Stage 1 restrictions prohibit fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, wood stoves, and smudge pots, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or an official developed recreation site. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forests.

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Business, Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Celebrating the 4th of July in Northern Arizona

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It’s no secret that 4th of July events can be an economic driver, with parades, festivals, and fireworks prompting tourists to visit communities large and small. In northern Arizona we are fortunate to have a wide range of Independence Day events for visitors – and locals – to enjoy.

The celebrations start early in Flagstaff where hundreds of runners will compete in the Downtown Mile, a series of races held prior to the annual 4th of July Parade. There are races for all levels of runners, including elite races for cash prizes and one just for children. The first race starts at 6:30 am.

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Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

City of Flagstaff — Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US Hwy 180 experiences delays

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FLAGSTAFF — The Schultz Creek Drainage Improvements Project at US HWY 180 has experienced delays from unforeseen developments in the relocation of existing utility lines. The project is now expected to be substantially complete by the last week of July. Road paving and landscaping will commence by mid-August. 

The existing stormwater infrastructure at US Hwy 180 remains in place and will not be removed until the Drainage Improvements Project is complete. Flood risk to the area was significantly reduced in 2023 by the installation of detention basins upstream and the addition of a new 48-inch storm pipe near Fire Station No. 5. The current project will continue flood mitigation efforts by increasing the capacity of the culvert to accommodate a 100-year storm. 

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Start learning about our Back to School events resource listing

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Yes, Summer has just begun but area school districts and health care providers are already planning for a variety of Back to School events.

Please check with individual school districts, health care providers and other organizations to confirm times, dates, other information.

The Coalition will continue to update this resource list. If you have a program you want us to include, please send an email to frank@coconinokids.org. Thank you. (Updated June 25, 2024)​​​​​​​

Also, see our:

Register now for 2024 Summer Camps. See our listing
Summer Food, Summer Reading Programs in Coconino County listing

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Business, Finance, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff announces Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) City of Flagstaff ARPA Local Recovery Funds Aid to Nonprofits Providing Victim Services

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff is pleased to announce the availability of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (“ARPA”) Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to promote the recovery of nonprofit organizations in the City that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City can use these funds to make strategic investments by providing valuable resources to community nonprofits to help ensure a strong and equitable recovery from the pandemic.

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Cultural, Education, Events, Health, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — ‘How an NAU ecologist is following in Darwin’s footsteps and a Lumberjack becomes an Olympian’ and more news

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Conservation ecologist Jut Wynne is spending a month aboard a tall ship that’s retracing much of Charles Darwin’s famous HMS Beagle voyage 200 years ago. While on board, Wynne will study insects unique to eastern Polynesia in hopes of confirming that some of these animals were brought there by ancient Polynesians via voyaging canoe. 

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Business, Education, Local, News

Unlock Your Artistic Potential with Summer Art Classes at the Sedona Arts Center

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Impressionistic Painting
with Gretchen Lopez
July 12 : Friday 10am – 4:30pm

I love the “Impressionists”!  They had an incredible way with color and light.  In this class, we will explore the color mixtures and brush work the Impressionists used, and work from the still life and the landscape!  Let’s plan to learn more about the light, and discuss Artists such as Monet, Sorolla and Renoir!

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Greater Flagstaff Forests Partnership (GFFP) Receives Grant to Develop Community Wildfire Protection Plan in Coconino County

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Coconino County recognizes wildfire and post-wildfire flooding as the top public safety threat. Since 2010, the County has endured nine major wildfires, burning over 255,000 acres. Correspondingly, the County has higher wildfire risk to homes than 84.5% of U.S. counties. This CWPP will define locally-specific approaches to wildland fire and watershed management across most of the County. In developing and implementing this CWPP, communities will take the lead in reducing wildfire risk across jurisdictional boundaries. 

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Dredging work in the Rio de Flag to begin June 26

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FLAGSTAFF — City of Flagstaff Stormwater crews will begin dredging work in the Rio de Flag channel between Aspen Ave and Birch Ave on Wednesday, June 26. The project is expected to be complete by Friday, June 28. This work will necessitate the closure of six to eight parking spots in the northwest corner of the Downtown Library parking lot.

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Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) — Elevate PreK Seeking Students

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“UWNA knows that early childhood development lays the foundation for all future learning, behavior, and health,” said UWNA President & CEO Liz Archuleta. “The experience children have in their first five will have a profound impact on their ability to succeed in school, work, and life.

The preschool class, which has a maximum enrollment of 18 students, is housed at Evergreen Academy Preschool in Flagstaff.

Designed to provide equitable access to high-quality early education, Elevate PreK is open to 4-year-old children in households that have incomes between 101% and 250% of the federal poverty level.

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Elections, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff requests arguments for and against proposed election questions

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FLAGSTAFF — Prior to the Nov. 5 2024 election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against proposed questions that have a local impact. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before 5 p.m., Arizona time on Aug. 7, 2024. The questions are as follows:

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Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — Meet Our Newest Instructors! — Mimi Damrauer, Mike Hernandez and Elder Jones

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Looking to escape the Arizona heat or ignite your creativity this summer? Sedona Arts Center has you covered! — Three exciting instructors are joining our lineup for a variety of workshops starting in July:
 
Mimi Damrauer
Specializing in gel plate printing and collage paper creation, Mimi’s vibrant textiles impressed us at Hidden in the Hills in Cave Creek last November.  She’ll be offering workshops on both techniques starting July 20th.
 
Mike Hernandez (SquatchGouache)
Fresh off his feature at the Plein Air Painters of America event, Mike brings his gouache expertise to Sedona.  Learn to add gouache to your artistic arsenal with his “Painting Sedona in Gouache” workshop on August 3rd-4th.
 
Elder Jones
This traveling artist, biologist, and gardener brings his unique wet-carved concrete workshop to Sedona from August 13th to 15th. 
 
Sedona Arts Center is dedicated to offering a diverse range of mediums, so sign up today and explore your creativity!

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Business, Education, Family, Government, Local, News, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up: June 17-21, 2024

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Northern Arizona transitions to Stage 2 Fire Restrictions this Friday, June 21

Due to increased fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park, as well as the Kaibab and Coconino National Forests, will elevate to Stage 2 fire restrictions 2 beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21. Under Stage 2 restrictions, building or maintaining an outdoor fire of any kind is prohibited as well as smoking outdoors.

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Business, Education, Local, News, Youth

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Winslow Launches Housing Incentive Programs

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Winslow is taking a two-prong approach to creating more workforce housing to address current needs and also prepare for future development in the city of about 10,000 residents.

According to the Strategic Plan that ECoNA released last year, Winslow has a deficit of about 750 workforce housing units between the current gap and projected growth over the next five years. The current number of dwelling units is about 2,900, with another 180 in the pipeline, said Jack Fitchett, the city’s Economic Development Director.

“We have some pretty large plans for development,” he added, including a large industrial park. “That’s going to require pretty significant labor, and that’s not going to happen if those people don’t have a place to live.”

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Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News, women, Youth

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Keep up with latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families

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By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

Want to stay informed of the latest legislative news affecting children, youth and families in Arizona?

Send an email to virginia@coconinokids.org to receive timely emails from Julianne E. Hartzell, a local educator who received CCC&Y’s special “Caring for Children Lifetime Achievement Award” during the Coalition’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2022.

Julianne is a past board president but continues to volunteer her time for CCCY to share information from our partners to help keep our community informed.

Julianne has recently provided past updates from such organizations as:

Arizona Education Association — Legislative Weekly Update

Center for the Future of Arizona —  “Majority of Arizona Voters Agree On Key Issues Ahead of Elections”

Education Forward Arizona  Advocacy Alert — “Cuts and Lack of Investment in Education not Aligned with Voters’ Expectations or State’s Attainment Needs”

Save Our Schools Arizona —  “Vouchers Blast Massive Hole in AZ Budget”

STAND for Children Arizona —  “Tell your legislator to vote NO on HCR 20260”  immigration enforcement measure

READ MORE

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions to Begin Friday in Coconino County

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COCONINO COUNTY — Representatives from both Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have indicated their intent to move to Stage 2 fire restrictions Friday, June 21 at 8 a.m. Per Coconino County Ordinance 2024-01, Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions in all unincorporated areas of the County at the same time.  

Under the County’s Stage 2 restrictions the following activities are prohibited at all times, in all County jurisdictions: 

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire, including fires fueled by combustible materials such as wood, charcoal, briquettes, and/or coal.
Smoking outdoors.
Use of internal combustion engines for common household-only activities, such as landscaping or property maintenance and repair.
Use of explosive targets, tracer rounds, or incendiary ammunition.
Outdoor mechanical and industrial operations such as welding and/or the use of acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

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Local, News, Public Safety

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin Friday, June 21 at Grand Canyon National Park

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GRAND CANYON, Ariz. — Due to warm and dry weather conditions and increasing fire danger, Grand Canyon National Park will implement Stage 2 fire restrictions for the South Rim, North Rim and Inn Canyon beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21.

The restriction encompasses the entire park including all campgrounds, residential areas, backcountry sites and developed recreation sites including: Phantom Ranch, Cottonwood Campground, Havasupai Gardens Campground and the Colorado River corridor.

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Business, Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

City of Flagstaff — Stage 2 Fire Restrictions begin on Friday, June 21

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FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage 2 Fire Restrictions at 8 a.m. on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions include the following new restrictions:

The use of fire pits and other open flame devices without an on/off switch is prohibited.
The use of charcoal and wood-fired BBQs are prohibited throughout the city, including at private residences and campgrounds.
The use of propane and gas BBQs with an on-off switch are still allowed throughout the city.

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Business, Government, Local, News, Public Safety

Coconino National Forest strengthening fire restrictions Friday

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will implement Stage 2 fire and smoking restrictions beginning 8 a.m. Friday, June 21 as the threat of unwanted wildfires increases due to hot, dry and windy weather conditions.

Under Stage 2 restrictions, the following are prohibited forest-wide:

Igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire (including charcoal and briquettes) anywhere within the Coconino National Forest, including developed recreation sites. This prohibition also includes smudge pots and wood stoves.
Smoking outside (with the exemption of smoking within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material) …

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Business, Family, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff announces Juneteenth closures

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FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff City Hall offices at 211 W. Aspen Ave. will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 in honor of Juneteenth National Independence Day. City Hall offices will reopen on Thursday, June 20 at 8 a.m.

City of Flagstaff facilities that are also closed on Juneteenth include:

• East Flagstaff Community Library (3000 N. Fourth St.)
• Downtown Flagstaff Library (300 W. Aspen Ave.)
• Hal Jensen Recreation Center (2403 N. Izabel St.)
• Joe C. Montoya Community and Senior Center (245 N. Thorpe Rd.)

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Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — New day, new art workshops now available

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Junk Journal Deconstruction
with Nicole Austin
July 17 – 18 : Wednesday 10am – 5pm, Thursday 9am – 4pm

Some call us monsters for ripping up and altering books – I think of us more as creatives who can see potential in anything! Let’s gather together with kindred spirits and rip and alter to our hearts’ content! We’ll take an ordinary vintage book and turn it into something extraordinary using paint, embellishments, and reconstructive techniques. You bring the book, (BYOB!) and I’ll supply the rest!

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