Family, Government, Home, Local, News, Public Safety

Crews continue Cecil Fire prep work in anticipation of resuming burning operations this week. Public meeting on Oct. 2

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — The slight rain that fell on the Cecil Fire yesterday morning helped keep the lightning-caused Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, at 2,180 acres as of Monday morning.

The Cecil Fire is burning on both Coconino National Forest and Arizona State Trust lands, and a closure order has been issued for the fire area.

Resources assigned to the Cecil Fire include one Hotshot crew, two hand crews, 10 engines, a dozer, a water tender and miscellaneous overhead for a total of 112 personnel.

This week’s weather forecast looks favorable to possibly resume firing operations. In addition to holding existing lines, crews plan to spend today prepping lines for potential firing operations north of Black Pass on the north side of the fire, off Woody Ridge toward Forest Road (FR) 532B on the east side of the fire, and from Woody Ridge to just south of Eightynine A Tank.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Events, Family, Local, News

Sedona Arts Center — FREE TALK (Oct. 3) – Arts Participation for Healthy Aging

by  • 

Join us for a special talk featuring Heather Mulder, Associate Director Outreach Research at Banner Alzheimer’s Institute/ Banner Sun Health Research Institute.
 
Research shows that participating in the arts may improve health, cognitive function, memory and improve self-esteem and well-being.  Heather will share her expertise and knowledge and how she has seen innovative programming increase the quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care about them. Q and A to follow along with an update from our CEO, Julie Richard, about Sedona Arts Center’s development of a new Creative Aging Program. This talk is free and open to the public.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News

Sedona Arts Center Workshop Spotlight

by  • 

Powerful Plein Air with Krystal Brown
Tues – Thurs, Oct 17 – 19

If you want to paint effortlessly – Free from stress and better able to let the magic flow, this is the place to start.    You will come to understand how to create more comfortably, confidently and joyfully while learning all the tips and techniques that have taken me years of cultivation.  No more guessing!  No more uncertainty!  No more fear!  Just SUCCESS. You are invited to paint in oil or water soluble oil if possible!

Krystal W. Brown is a fine art oil painter who captures the places, people and moments that matter most. She is an award winning artist who specializes in fine art oil paintings and commissioned portraits.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present ‘Ofrenda 101’ and ‘Halloween vs. Día de los Muertos’ workshops at the Flagstaff Public Library on Oct. 5

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces will present a “Ofrenda 101” workshop on from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday Oct. 5 at the Flagstaff Public Library, 300 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

Join us for two back-to-back presentations by Flagstaff Nuestras Raices:

OFRENDAS 101

Join us as we learn about the history of creating your own family ofrenda / altar and about the meaning behind the use of colored candles, marigold flowers, water, salt, and your loved ones favorite foods. The presentation will include the creation of an ofrenda!

HALLOWEEN vs DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

Día de los Muertos is celebrated in México and many Latin America countries on November 2nd. Given that Halloween (October 31st), All Saints Day (November 1st) and All Souls Day (November 2nd) tumble into each other, the confusion between the celebrations is understandable. Come hear a brief history of these cultural traditions.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

District 1 Coconino County Supervisor Patrice Horstman Appointed to Arizona Resource Advisory Council

by  • 

COCONINO COUNTY — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is pleased to announce one of their members, Supervisor Patrice Horstman representing District 1, has been appointed by Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to serve on the Arizona Resource Advisory Council.

The Council is a 15-member statewide advisory council, which provides advice and recommendations to the Bureau of Land Management on resource and land management issues for approximately 12.1 million acres of federal surface and 36 million acres of subsurface mineral estate in Arizona.

Read more →

Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Firing operations paused on Cecil, Still fires in advance of weekend winds

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Firefighters are halting firing operations on both the Cecil and Still fires in advance of forecast increased wind speeds.

Both fires have been staffed with additional firefighters who plan to spend the weekend holding and securing existing fire line.

So far, crews have successfully treated a combined 2,500 acres of Coconino National Forest land on both the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District due to both lightning-caused fires.

Land treatment removes fuels – such as dead trees and pine needle accumulation – from the forest floor to reduce the risk of high-intensity wildfire.

Both the Cecil and Still fires are being managed to reduce those hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

Read more →

Business, Government, Health, Home, Local, News

Coconino County Leadership Contributes to National Wildland Fire Commission Report

by  • 

COCONINO COUNTY — The Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission released their report to Congress this week, urging “swift action to advance the holistic solutions needed to reduce the risk of wildfire to the nation.”

The Commission, which included Coconino County Deputy Manager and Flood Control District Administrator Lucinda Andreani and a bipartisan group of 52 other leaders from governmental, tribal, scientific, private industry and nonprofit backgrounds, spent the last year conducting a “sweeping review” of the wildfire system in the United States. The fruits of this review have now been released in a report that includes 148 recommendations for Congressional action.

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

Guest contribution — Intelligent — Financial Aid Guide available for Hispanic and Latino Students

by  • 

By Kristen Scatton, Reviewed by Dana Marvin Interviews with Dana Marvin Intelligent

No matter who you are, determining how to finance a college education is a complex decision involving many factors. For Hispanic and Latino students, specific considerations may include their citizenship and their parents’ citizenship statuses, their parents’ employment, and whether they’re the first in their family to attend college.

This guide is designed to help Hispanic and Latino students navigate the financial aid process, with a general overview of different types of financial aid, how to apply for federal student loans, and advice from college admissions counselor Dana Marvin.

It also includes information specific to Hispanic and Latino students, including grants and scholarships for different populations within these demographics, including Hispanic/Latina women, children of migrant workers, and first-generation college students.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Finance, Government, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up Sept. 25-29, 2023

by  • 

Superintendent’s Corner: UPDATE-Potential Lapse in Appropriations

The federal government, including the National Park Service, is currently funded through midnight September 30. We remain hopeful that Congress and the President can agree on a budget or continuing resolution that would keep the government open.

Based on my time in Washington, I know that a lot of people in the Administration and in Congress are working to fund the government. However, if we are not funded by Sunday and there is a resulting lapse of appropriations, we will begin to significantly reduce operations of the federal government. We have experience in implementing an orderly shutdown, most recently in 2018-19.

If you are a resident of Grand Canyon, you will be able to stay in your assigned housing in the event of a lapse. Family and friends will be able to visit you, and you will be able to come and go from the park as you normally would. For those of you concerned about your personal finances if you do not get paid during a shutdown, Congress passed a law in 2019 requiring backpay for federal employees after a shutdown. You will get paid.

Read more →

Education, Local, News, Technology, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Join us Friday, Sept. 29 for Flagstaff Festival of Science ‘SCI Talks’

by  • 

Inspired by the proliferation and success of TED’s winning formula for engaging, short talks in an intimate, fun setting, the Flagstaff Festival of Science presents the annual SCI Talks (Science, Communication, Innovation) event at the Coconino Center for the Arts. Since 2015, SCI Talks highlight local scientists and science educators sharing their research and innovative science communication ideas.

Quantum Scientist, Ines Montano, explains how we are on the precipice of a technological revolution. Ecologist, Jut Wynne, will share his experiences with caves from around the globe. Artist, Robert Long, highlights how his artwork gives underrepresented organisms louder voices and visually compelling self-worlds. Terra BIRDS founder, John Taylor, describes how his organization teaches environmental stewardship in schools through gardening.

Read more →

Business, Government, Local, News

City of Flagstaff announces scheduled lane closures on Lake Mary Road

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Lane closures on Lake Mary Road and Anita Avenue are scheduled for Oct. 2 through Oct. 14. The closures will allow the installation of water lines across Lake Mary Road to the Home2 Suites and Tru by Hilton hotel development site at the corner of Lake Mary Road and High Country Trail.

The project will begin with the closure of the westbound lane of Anita Avenue, followed by the closure of the eastbound lane of Anita Avenue. Crews will then close the northbound lanes of Lake Mary Road, followed by the southbound lanes. Lane shifts will be in place to allow traffic to travel through the area. The work is expected to be completed on or before October 14th.

Read more →

Business, Education, Government, Local, News

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — View Webinars Providing Insights to 5-Year Strategic Plan

by  • 

Good afternoon,

Late last month, we released our comprehensive 5-year Strategic Plan, a roadmap for economic growth in northern Arizona that was created for ECoNA by Elliott D. Pollack & Co. and IO, Inc.

Over the past few weeks, representatives of those companies have been leading a series of webinars that drill down on three key aspects of the plan: housing challenges, the local labor shed, and sectors that northern Arizona should be targeting for greater prosperity.

What’s made these webinars fascinating is not only the in-depth analysis provided by Danny Court and Ioanna Morfessis, the principal authors of the roadmap, but also the insightful questions from webinar participants as we study where northern Arizona is now – and where we want to be headed.

Read more →

Cultural, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Theatrikos Presents Romantic Comedy Stage Kiss Opens Oct. 6, Coco, other upcoming events

by  • 

When two actors with a history are thrown together as romantic leads in a forgotten 1930s melodrama, they quickly lose touch with reality as the lines between offstage and onstage begin to blur. Stage Kiss (2011) walks a wobbly line between farce and romantic comedy with its play within a play.

“One of the most delightful things about this play is that it’s written for theater lovers,” observed Michael Rulon, sound designer/operator for Stage Kiss. “It examines love through the lens of theater, allowing the audience to peer behind the curtain not only of the plays-within-a-play, but also behind the curtain of the protagonists’ most private passions.”

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — Ever wondered what a red worm lizard looks like? + art classes for kids + expanding a legacy of broadcasting at NAU

by  • 

The secrets in a 240M-year-old tree of life

Squamates are among the most successful species on the planet. They’ve been evolving for 240 million years, including the mosasaurs of the Cretaceous Period and the lizards and snakes that populate Arizona—and the entirety of the planet—today, despite the extreme diversity of environments that exist. Biologist Marc Tollis is leading an NSF-funded project to sequence the complete DNA of 100 species in the Squamate order with the goal of uncovering what genes have contributed to their successful evolution.

Read more →

Government, Health, Local, News, Public Safety

Firing operations continue on Cecil Fire; beginning on Still Fire

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Following a day of successful management actions on the Cecil Fire, located southwest of Flagstaff, crews plan to continue firing operations on the Cecil while also beginning firing operations on the Still Fire, located on the Coconino National Forest’s Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

Both the Cecil and Still fires are lightning-caused wildfires being managed to reduce hazardous fuels and improve forest health as guided by Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy.

Due to the accumulated fuels in the fire areas, both wildfires will generate significant smoke during planned firing operations.

Read more →

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

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Slight drizzle didn’t dampen excitement for families at Snook’s Science in the Park. More Festival of Science events to come

by  • 

By the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth

A slight drizzle on the first day of Fall didn’t dampen the fun when families came out to the annual Snook’s Science in the Park on Sept. 23, 2023 at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff.

Part of the annual Flagstaff Festival of Science, which continues through Oct. 1, the park event featured a number of hand-on activities for young people.

Youth had the opportunity to explore life-saving medical devices with innovators and engineers under the W. L. Gore & Associates tents, view the talented athletes from Momentum Aerial as they leap and spin above the ground, with young people launching their own mini rockets and learning about the science behind rocket propulsion at the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth exhibit.

The 10-day festival features a mix of in-person activities, live streamed webinars and pre-recorded videos. A full listing of events is available by going to scifest.organd clicking on the 2023 digital passport. Events that require a reservation are denoted on the passport. 

All Festival events are FREE.

Read more →

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

Coconino NF begins management of two lightning-caused beneficial wildfires on Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest is responding to two separate lightning-caused wildfires: the Cecil Fire, located on the Flagstaff Ranger District, and the Still Fire, located on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Coconino NF often strategically manages lightning-caused wildfires to benefit the overall health of the fire-adapted forest and plans to use the natural ignitions of both the Cecil and Still fires in this manner.

Wildfires are a natural part of the Coconino NF’s ecosystem, and when managed diligently and properly following the requisite planning process, improve the landscape long-term in several ways.

Read more →

Education, Events, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — Plein Air in Open Spaces Now at Ponderosa High School

by  • 

On September 30th, Plein Air in Open Spaces will now be taking place at the TerraBirds greenhouse at Ponderosa High School. Due to the forecast of inclement weather this weekend, this event will now be taking place at 2384 N Steve’s Blvd.

From 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., join Flagstaff Open Spaces for drawing and painting inspired by nature. Supplies will be provided. All ages and abilities are welcome! This event is free and reservations are not required.

New location: September 30th, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. at TerraBirds greenhouse, 2384 N Steve’s Blvd.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Health, Local, News, Youth

The NAU Review — A new simulation lab, HR Professionals Day, video about Arizona’s water supply and a look back at NAU history

by  • 

A state-of-the-art simulation lab, including high-fidelity simulation manikins, is giving students in health care programs unparalleled learning experiences in their fields. The lab allows students to mimic patient care before they actually get into internships and work with real patients. The manikins recently were used in an athletic training exercise as well; dressed in football uniforms and set up in the Skydome, student athletic trainers put into practice techniques they may one day use on real players on the sidelines of a sporting events.

Read more →

Education, Entertainment, Events, Family, Local, News, Youth

Flagstaff Festival of Science — cience Bedtime Stories are now on demand for the family to enjoy!

by  • 

Bring the family together and view this year’s on demand Science Bedtime Stories. In 2023, the Festival is proud to present the following four authors and their science books for kids!

Nancy Marshall reads her action-packed book A Rattler’s Tale: When Wild Animals Encounter Humans. Captivatingly illustrated by a fisheries biologist, discover what happens when a skunk meets Mom in the shed and when the mountain lion lands on the family car.

Monica Brown reads her coming of age story, Sharuko: el arqueólogo Peruano/Peruvian Archaeologist. Growing up in the late 1800’s, Julio Tello spent time exploring in the foothills of the Peruvian Andes. His bravery earned him the boyhood nickname Sharuko, which means “brave” in Quechua.

Rodo Safranac reads his illustrated story, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail.. In his book, Rowen, a young, red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever, red-tailed hawk meet, bond, and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail.

Don Lago reads All About the Grand Canyon. With rich storytelling about this natural wonder, our youngest science enthusiasts will also enjoy beautiful illustrations as they wind down to sleep.

Tune in and enjoy these special stories. Bedtime Stories is sponsored by Bright Side Bookshop. Bedtime Stories are filmed in Flagstaff by filmmaker Morgan Boatman of Winter Productions.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Events, Family, Government, Health, Local, News, Seniors, women, Youth

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler Newsletter

by  • 

Dear District 5 Residents,

As the morning air becomes cooler and more refreshing, it signals that autumn has arrived. Use this opportunity to enjoy a bountiful harvest with your loved ones. Next month is the Navajo New Year -Gháájí, which means ‘The joining of season.’ It is a time for harvesting and getting ready for the upcoming season. This year, preparing for inclement weather during the colder seasons is crucial. It’s critical for our communities to take essential measures to ensure safety, security, and structure. Before traveling, please seek weather advisories. Start preparing your homes for the cold by weatherizing them for safety and comfort.

Read more →

Business, Finance, Government, Local, News

Coconino County Treasurer Statement on 2023 Tax Season

by  • 

COCONINO COUNTY — Property tax notices will be mailed out the week of September 24, 2023. Property owners may view their property tax information online at the County Treasurer’s website, www.coconino.az.gov/treasurer.

In August of this year, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) approved and adopted the 2023 property tax rate schedule for all taxing jurisdictions within the County.

Read more →

Business, Cultural, Education, Family, Local, News, Youth

Sedona Arts Center — Upcoming Art Workshops/Classes in Sedona!

by  • 

UPCOMING School Offerings
Taking Classes and Workshops on our campus in Uptown Sedona affords the opportunity not only to explore the arts, but also to meet new people and immerse yourself in the Sedona arts community. We also have a variety of online workshops as well.

Besides what you see in this email, there are more offerings on our website. 
Click here to see all of our classes and workshops.

Read more →

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

Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces takes trip south to teach Ofrenda 101 lesson at Camp Verde Community Library — Presentation reported in the Camp Verde Journal. Click here to see the entire story

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — In preparation for upcoming Dia de Los Muertos celebrations in the region, members of Flagstaff Nuestras Raíces took a road trip south to teach an “Ofrenda 101” workshop at the Camp Verde Community Library on Sept. 15.

Community parents and children learned the basics of creating an ofrenda / altar, the placement of colored candles, family photos, favorite foods and other items on an ofrenda.

The library, which created its own ofrenda, is presenting a series of workshops and programs ahead of the annual Dia de Los Muertos Celebration from 1:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 at the Phillip England Community Arts Center, 210 Camp Lincoln Road, Camp Verde

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Entertainment, Events, Local, News, Youth

Northern Arizona University kicks off the start of Hispanic Heritage Month on Sept. 15 with its inaugural Celebración de NAU

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Northern Arizona University kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with its inaugural Celebración de NAU held Friday, Sept. 15 at the NAU Field House. Several hundred students, NAU faculty, staff and administration members, along with members of the pubic,…

Read more →

Cultural, Education, Local, News

City of Flagstaff announces new public artwork honoring Cosmic Ray, Basque sheepherding history

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — The City of Flagstaff announces the completion of its newest Beautification in Action grant project—a mural by local artist Joel Geist located at the Cosmic Ray Tunnel on the Sheep Crossing Trail.

Geist, of Red Frog Designs, was awarded the grant last spring to design and paint a mural in the newly renamed tunnel. Once a utilitarian underpass, the tunnel is now a vibrant space of creative expression that connects the Ponderosa Trails neighborhood and Fort Tuthill County Park beneath Interstate 17. It is part of the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. Geist’s artworks honor Flagstaff’s pioneering mountain biker and writer Cosmic Ray (Raymond J. Brutti) and the area’s Basque sheepherding history.

Read more →

Business, Education, Finance, Local, News, Youth

CCC to receive up to $4 million to attract male high school students to higher education

by  • 

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino Community College has received the largest donation in the college’s history to attract male high school students to higher education.

A private donor has offered the college $1 million per year for four years to achieve the goal.

“This transformational gift will allow us to blaze a new path forward and open the doors of higher education for students who may not have been considering going to college,” said Dr. Eric Heiser, President of CCC. “With the resources that this gift will provide, we will be able to focus specifically on those male students who have not re-engaged with community college since the onset of the pandemic.”

Read more →