An encounter with mules on the Grand Canyon trails is like finding yourself in the middle of a Western movie. But for the wranglers, it’s the real deal and a job they wouldn’t trade for anything. Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP) Animal Packer Matthew Joseph says, “I love it! I get to be in the Grand Canyon, and the mules are the best coworkers you could ever ask for.” A mule packer feeds and cares for the animals and carefully and strategically sorts out the cargo for transport in packs on … [Read more...] about Grand Canyon Wrangler Moves Mule Trains through All Seasons
Education
Exercising Your Freedom is Good for You
After witnessing a profoundly moving and meaningful naturalization ceremony in federal court recently, I realized we American citizens seem to get so bogged down in the challenges facing our country, including political disagreements and the cost of gas, that we forget how privileged we are to live in the United States. We forget about the opportunities and freedoms we have that give us the power to pursue a better life. Not taking advantage of our freedoms – like the right to vote, the right … [Read more...] about Exercising Your Freedom is Good for You
Major Expansions in Youth Program Unveiled at UWNA Event
The announcement of a $100,000 grant from The NARBHA Institute to expand youth programs and the promise that graduates of the popular KinderCamp program can earn a degree from Coconino Community College free of charge were the highlights of the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) Annual Campaign and Community Impact Luncheon. “As you know, United Way of Northern Arizona has big, bold goals for our youth and our community,” said UWNA President and CEO Liz Archuleta. “Today, I am proud to … [Read more...] about Major Expansions in Youth Program Unveiled at UWNA Event
Award-Winning Film Urges Community Action
Glory Girl Productions, in collaboration with BACK 2 BASICS & ONLIFE FOUNDATION will present a screening of the award-winning documentary, The Addict’s Wake, to the Flagstaff community on April 1, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. at the Prochnow Auditorium on the NAU campus. Admission is free, so tickets are not necessary. In the wake of the opioid crisis and the emergence of deadly fentanyl pouring into the United States, the impact of drug addiction rages on, destroying communities and families. This … [Read more...] about Award-Winning Film Urges Community Action
NAU Names Brian Wright to Lead Lumberjack Football
Northern Arizona University’s President José Luis Cruz Rivera and Intercollegiate Athletics Vice President Mike Marlow have formally introduced Brian Wright as the school’s 31st head football coach. Wright joins NAU’s program after spending four years at Division II Pittsburg State University in Kansas. There, he led the Gorillas to a 23-3 record across two seasons, winning consecutive Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) titles. He also was named the 2022 MIAA Conference … [Read more...] about NAU Names Brian Wright to Lead Lumberjack Football
Northern Arizona High School Athletics Affected by National Referee Shortage
Northern Arizona high school athletic directors are working diligently to ensure games can still be scheduled, despite a national referee shortage. They say this may result in rewriting policies and having a significant financial burden on their respective schools. Athletic directors are the liaisons between the school and referees. This means they inform referees about the operational aspects of the school and also protect them from any adversarial fans or participants. Flagstaff High School … [Read more...] about Northern Arizona High School Athletics Affected by National Referee Shortage
Flagstaff Hockey Community Rallies Together to Help Child Battling Cancer
Amidst financial challenges to building a new ice rink on campus, Northern Arizona University’s Division Three Hockey Team raised over $3,000 for a local referee’s 3-year-old son, Owen, who is fighting liver cancer. Matthew Sabicer is an on-ice referee and youth coach who plays in an adult hockey league in Flagstaff. The challenges his family is facing throughout Owen’s cancer battle prompted the 28 roster players and four practice players of the NAU Ice Jacks to donate all proceeds from their … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Hockey Community Rallies Together to Help Child Battling Cancer
Where is Your Landslide Hiding?
On a hike into the McDowell Sonoran Preserve in Scottsdale, the landscape is populated with native inhabitants of cholla and saguaro. But about two miles from Tom’s Thumb Trailhead, a pile of rubble joins the scene with balancing boulders, mushroom-shaped formations and a massive submarine rock that hangs over a desert grotto, often flooded by summertime thunderstorms. The Marcus Landslide was discovered when it caught the eye of two college students who were paying attention to the changes in … [Read more...] about Where is Your Landslide Hiding?
New Public Art, Beautification Projects Planned for 2024
The City of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts and Sciences is starting the New Year strong, anticipating the completion of more than 18 art and beautification projects in 2024. From large endeavors like Aspen Niche and the Indigenous & Multi-Cultural Representation sculpture exhibition, to smaller undertakings like art wraps, murals and community gardens, these projects – by, for and of the community – will continue to shape the city’s identity and character while promoting creativity and … [Read more...] about New Public Art, Beautification Projects Planned for 2024
Flagstaff Scientist’s Approach to Rat Infestation Gaining Global Attention
Rodents are on the rise. From the viral video of a rodent-infested Colosseum in Rome this summer to New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ declaration that rats are “public enemy number one,” Flagstaff scientist Dr. Loretta Mayer says the overpopulation of mice and rats are impacting cities around the world. However, her non-profit organization, which uses fertility-control methods instead of poison, is gaining global attention. Communities typically have turned to poisoning rodents to address the … [Read more...] about Flagstaff Scientist’s Approach to Rat Infestation Gaining Global Attention
