The New Year is here and the county is prepared for challenges that may face us. The Arizona State Legislature began its 2018 legislative session earlier this month and the governor and legislators are now at work crafting legislation, hearing bills in committee and writing the next state budget. The decisions made at the State Capitol greatly affect the citizens of Coconino County and sadly, the state's recent revenue projections may not leave the state with a lot of options this … [Read more...] about Identifying County Priorities for the State Legislative Session
Columnists
Marking a New Beginning Today
NAU had many reasons to celebrate in 2017. Our outstanding faculty and staff and our strong degree programs placed us in the top 2.9 percent of degree-granting higher education institutions in the world, according to rankings from the Center for World University Rankings. Our team’s dedication earned our university a higher education civic engagement award from the Washington Center, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities named NAU as a leader in excellence and … [Read more...] about Marking a New Beginning Today
Being Thankful for Flagstaff’s Progress
Hello Flagstaff! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Best wishes to you and yours, I hope we all have a peaceful and joyous season full of love, laughter and light. I’m thankful for the work we’ve been able to do on Flagstaff City Council this year, I’m thankful for my dedicated and conscientious colleagues and profoundly grateful for the incredible staff that keeps our town running. Most of all, I’m thankful for this incredible community. This year, the City Council began work on a … [Read more...] about Being Thankful for Flagstaff’s Progress
Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
The holidays have arrived and with them come the joys of family, friends, parties and gifts. The holidays can also bring stress and pain – achy shoulders from carrying bags packed full of gifts; tired feet from walking for hours in and out of stores; and sore backs from loading and unloading and getting in and out of the car. But there is a simpler way to give loved ones, friends and coworkers gifts they will really appreciate: Gift cards. Gift cards are more popular than ever this year, … [Read more...] about Giving the Gift of Bliss, Health, Relaxation
HOA Reserve Funds: Are They Good or Bad?
For the most part, CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions) for HOAs require the association to maintain or replace major components found in the common areas. These components range from roads, roofs, siding, exterior paint and landscaping irrigation systems. These components unexpectedly fail from time to time. Associations plan and set funds aside in a reserve fund in order to cover these expenses. Reserve funds are good, and the needed contributions to these funds should not be … [Read more...] about HOA Reserve Funds: Are They Good or Bad?
Talking with Older Drivers: Is it Time to Put On the Brakes?
With winter weather rapidly approaching, unsafe road conditions become more of a reality. These road conditions affect all of us who drive, but they have a particularly significant impact on elderly drivers. Many Americans have expressed concern about the safety of a loved one, due to the growing number of older drivers and today’s driving complexities. These decisions about driving are difficult for older Americans to make on their own. This guide is to help bring about the conversation … [Read more...] about Talking with Older Drivers: Is it Time to Put On the Brakes?
Understanding Brain Controlled Hearing Aids
One of the most difficult situations in which to hear well is to hear one person in a group of loud-spoken people. Not hearing well in the company of friends and family is a quality of life issue. Without the ability to hear what is going on, you tend to withdraw and become isolated. Rather than giving up on social interaction, I recommend that you try a pair of hearing aids. Hearing aids are outfitted with directional microphones to help you focus in a direction you choose. For instance, if you … [Read more...] about Understanding Brain Controlled Hearing Aids
Making Events their Best
A great event starts with the perfect venue and a meticulous event planner. Having both at the Weatherford Hotel has resulted in a record number of holiday celebrations booked this season. In Flagstaff’s early years, the historic hotel was the centerpiece of downtown. However, there were decades during in the mid 1900s when the building became rundown, but we’ve been bringing it back to its grandeur since the ‘70s. This year, we are celebrating 20 years since the creation of the Zane Grey … [Read more...] about Making Events their Best
Libraries Tell the Story of a Community
More than just books and computers, the modern library is a place where citizens engage, interact and discover. The library is truly a reflection of the community it serves, and a robust, diverse and bustling library is the sign of a healthy and invested community. For many, libraries are the gateway to the wider world, a source of entertainment and information, a place where connections to the community are formed. In today’s digital age, a huge part of forming connections comes from the … [Read more...] about Libraries Tell the Story of a Community
Remembering Year End Arizona Tax Credits
Arizona has a few non-refundable credits if you choose to make a contribution to qualifying organizations; there are even a few in the Flagstaff area. Around the holidays, we tend to think of organizations that provide meals to the needy, like Flagstaff Family Food Center. Cash (or check or credit card) contributions to organizations like the Food Center qualify for a $400 tax credit for Arizona taxpayers filing as single and $800 for taxpayers filing jointly. In addition to hot meals, those in … [Read more...] about Remembering Year End Arizona Tax Credits