Lowell Observatory, scientists and guests officially dedicated the Tombaugh Telescope during the fourth annual I Heart Pluto Festival, Feb. 18-20. Two pre-festival events – a Cheers to Pluto/Astronomy on Tap program at Mother Road Brewing Company and a Pluto Pub Crawl involving 10 bars and brewhouses – also received strong participation. The keynote Night of Discovery event at the Orpheum Theater featured Astronaut Nicole Stott and a space art display by the International Association of … [Read more...] about Lowell, Scientists, Community Celebrate Pluto
Coconino County
NAU Working on Mutually Beneficial Community Engagement
NAU is also on a bold mission to expand access to higher education and close achievement gaps throughout our state.In this, my inaugural column, I want to tell you what a privilege it is to serve as president of NAU and live every day in this beautiful community. Since my arrival nearly a year ago, I have learned that NAU has a strong foundation, a community that embraces the value of higher education, an incredible alumni network, and dedicated faculty and staff. I am thrilled by the … [Read more...] about NAU Working on Mutually Beneficial Community Engagement
Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Ten years of the Four Forests Restoration (4FRI) Phase I ends across Northern Arizona in May. After a decade of missed targets, frustration increased among local forest thinning contractors when 4FRI’s two-year Phase II Request for Proposals process was canceled last fall. “It was decided to change the approach to a blended one. Instead of awarding one big contract to a single company (NewLife Forestry), the new 4FRI Phase II will leverage funding with partner organizations and timber … [Read more...] about Contractors Frustrated with Forest Thinning Process
Monsoon Mess
With 2020’s monsoon season dubbed a “nonsoon” and this year’s seasonal storms delivering historic rainfall, Northern Arizona hardly seems like the same place as it was a year ago. Pockets of flooding have caused damage to homes, reported City of Flagstaff Public Affairs Director Jessica Drum, as the city and Coconino County have been working together to address the issues. The hardest hit area was downstream from the Museum Fire scar behind the Museum of Northern Arizona, which the Rio de … [Read more...] about Monsoon Mess
Coconino County and Partners Face the Challenge of Broadband
Internet service. For most of us it is either too slow, too spotty, too expensive, or too far out of reach. Reliable internet service has become increasingly important to life and work in last 18 months. In this month’s article, we are going to share some of the solutions that are out there and what is happening at the county to bring forth those solutions, especially for those not-connected or under-connected to the internet. A quick disclaimer here: we are not going to be talking about what … [Read more...] about Coconino County and Partners Face the Challenge of Broadband
Governor Ducey, Local Leaders Continue Work for Coconino County
Governor Doug Ducey, state agencies and local leaders in Coconino County are working together to address the significant damage caused by post-wildfire flooding that has devastated the area. “Extreme weather has taken a severe toll on many areas of Arizona so far this year, especially Coconino County,” said Governor Ducey. “Communities in the Flagstaff area have been hit hard by post-wildfire flooding, and Arizonans have truly come together to overcome the many hardships brought about by … [Read more...] about Governor Ducey, Local Leaders Continue Work for Coconino County
Growing Need for Forestry Products, Operations in Northern Arizona
In this month’s article, we explore how healthy forests support a healthy economy by providing opportunities for work, enhancing tourism and enabling us all to enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Coconino County, in partnership with the Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves and Prescott National Forests, have enacted Stage Fire Restrictions to mitigate the public safety risk of catastrophic fire and subsequent disastrous flooding, which pose a possible threat for years post-wildfire. It is … [Read more...] about Growing Need for Forestry Products, Operations in Northern Arizona
Big Land Sale, Big Plans
It is being billed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. One of the largest privately-owned parcels of land in Northern Arizona is currently in escrow and is scheduled to close this year. The sale, and the proposed ambitious, multi-use development of the 500-acre parcel of land, is big news for the Old West town of Williams, 30 minutes west of Flagstaff. The prime parcel is located downtown at Interstate 40 and Grand Canyon Blvd., and offers views of Bill Williams Mountain, the 35-acre … [Read more...] about Big Land Sale, Big Plans
What is in the American Rescue Plan for Your Business?
This month, we are going to unpack how the American Rescue Plan Act, the most recent law passed by the federal government, impacts you and your business. The economy is being flushed with cash, $1.9 trillion, and it is good to know where it is flowing so you can figure out how to benefit. There are seven major categories for where the money is going: people, health care, Native American Tribes, education, veterans, state and local allocations, and small businesses. It is helpful to know the … [Read more...] about What is in the American Rescue Plan for Your Business?
Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance
Coconino County businesses want to know what is available to them now, as the news focuses on vaccination rollouts and new executive orders. This article shares some of the most discussed topics. New and second round PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) loans are being made now, with a portion set aside ($25 billion) for smaller businesses with under 10 employees, or for loans of $250,000 or less. This is good news for Coconino County businesses. An eligibility prerequisite for these loans is … [Read more...] about Programs Available Offering Financial Assistance