Restoration work to add more structural support to the three-story, century-old Weatherford Hotel is scheduled to begin in March. The latest phase to return the historic building to its original grandeur will include removing the second floor mezzanine and returning the 19-foot-high ceiling to the lobby; creating a first-floor hotel room and office; and adding five more hotel rooms on the second floor bringing the grand total to 17. During the next two months, the hotel will continue to serve … [Read more...] about Huge Weatherford Hotel Restoration Project Beginning
Local News
Pool Broadens for World-Class Swimmers
“Runners and cyclists have been coming to Flagstaff to train at high altitude since the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Since 1982, there’s been a ton of swimmers here. Now that we have the new pool, we can accommodate even more of them,” said Andy Johns, head coach of the Northern Arizona University Swimming and Diving program. With the grand opening of the Aquatic and Tennis Complex last month, the public was finally able to sneak a peek inside the new 120,000-square-foot facility. … [Read more...] about Pool Broadens for World-Class Swimmers
Home Fire Deaths Cause Reason for Alarm
“In a 12-month period starting in December 2013, we had three home fire deaths and a near miss right here in Flagstaff,” reported Battalion Chief Pat Stakey, Fire Marshal of the Flagstaff Fire Department. “We launched an investigation and found three common threads. The victims were all senior citizens over 60 years in age. They all lived alone [in a rental property]. And none of them had a working smoke detector.” “We looked at these trends and then started working with Scot and … [Read more...] about Home Fire Deaths Cause Reason for Alarm
Navajo Business Promoting Culture through Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs and license plates sharing information about Navajo clans are gaining popularity. The local home-based online Navajo business, www.dinegifts.com, offers cups with the Navajo clan names in Navajo wording and English on the front, while the back has a brief story about the clan’s origin. The metallic license plates have the clan name in Navajo wording and English, and “Navajo Nation” lettering emblazoned across the top. “I bought two clan cups recently and gave one to my son who … [Read more...] about Navajo Business Promoting Culture through Coffee Mugs
Bitcoin: Currency of the Future?
A novelty digital payment method surfaced in January 2009 as the brainchild of a computer programmer identifying himself as Satoshi Nakamoto and christening his techno-currency Bitcoin (BTC). The prognosis for BTC as a mainstream currency has been shrouded as much in mystery as the identity of its inventor. The fact that Nakamoto is presumed to be a pseudonym only adds to the intrigue. “I like the innovative nature of Bitcoin,” shared investment manager William T. Hepburn, … [Read more...] about Bitcoin: Currency of the Future?
Whoa Nelly, National Park Service Celebrating 100 Years
Horses and mules of the Grand Canyon are kicking off the National Park Service Centennial. Last month, they made their first 2016 appearance by trotting through the Parade of Roses in Pasadena, California. “Our participation at the Tournament of Roses Parade televised our history and continued use of horses and pack animals to accomplish our daily duties in the National Park Service,” said Shannon Miller, program manager for the Grand Canyon South Rim Horse Patrol. “Without these animals, we … [Read more...] about Whoa Nelly, National Park Service Celebrating 100 Years
Searching for Water
Is Flagstaff in danger of running out of water in the near future? What about the Verde Valley area? “It depends on who you talk to, and about what kind of water resources,” said Erin Young, City of Flagstaff water resources manager. “We don’t have an issue with water for the City of Flagstaff. We’re assured of a 100-year supply, given our current population and its projected growth, especially when we have another water supply.” Young cited a couple of reasons for optimism about … [Read more...] about Searching for Water
Smith Begins CCC Presidency
Colleen A. Smith, Ph.D, the new permanent president of Coconino Community College, begins her tenure this month. Dr. Smith recently took the opportunity to answer a few questions about her new position in Flagstaff. What attracted you to the presidency of CCC? “Stories online about CCC students and the values expressed by the college and the community were the first things that attracted me to CCC. The word ‘compassion’ was used in the description of the president’s … [Read more...] about Smith Begins CCC Presidency
Exploring Flagstaff’s Forgotten Underground
Filmmaker Nikki Charnstrom first heard about the legendary Flagstaff tunnels last October. But when she started asking around for more information about the maze of passageways under the streets of downtown Flagstaff, she ran into brick walls. “Everyone I asked said no, they didn’t know about the tunnels, so it sparked my interest in forgotten history. That’s what motivated me to begin my journey of this project,” said Charnstrom. The underground labyrinth has been rumored to house Chinese … [Read more...] about Exploring Flagstaff’s Forgotten Underground
The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Distributes $1.5 Million to Benefit Navajo People
In accordance with The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprises’ (Navajo Gaming) plan of operation, and through the approval of its Gaming Board, Navajo Gaming, led by Derrick Watchman, CEO recently made a $1.5 Million distribution to the Gaming Distribution Fund. The $1.5 Million distribution, along with Navajo Gaming’s previous $6 Million distribution, reflects the hard work of 1,200 Navajo Gaming team members, 83% of which are Navajo. “We are honored to fulfill our obligations and make these … [Read more...] about The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise Distributes $1.5 Million to Benefit Navajo People