The City of Flagstaff and the Northern Arizona region have achieved worldwide recognition for innovative leadership in the protection of dark skies. Beginning in 1958, with regulations that addressed searchlights, more than a half-century of policy decisions and implementations have fostered an astronomy industry that now includes Lowell Observatory, the U.S. Naval Observatory, the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer, the National Undergraduate Research Observatory, the U.S. Geological Survey … [Read more...] about Keeping Flagstaff’s Night Skies Dark
Local News
Wags and Whiskers Welcomes Guests
Summertime can mean vacation retreats for the family or summer camp for the kids. For four-legged family members, Wags and Whiskers Pet Resort offers both. Owners/operators Karen and Steve Butler pride themselves on providing guests a positive, safe and fun visit. “We have two customers: pets and their owners,” said Karen. The Butlers are lifelong dog owners. They have boarded their dogs many times and have noticed when their pets were stressed and not their usual selves after the experience. … [Read more...] about Wags and Whiskers Welcomes Guests
Capturing Pet Souls on Canvas
When the order went out June 12 to evacuate from Doney Park as the Pipeline Fire advanced rapidly, Timberline resident Minda Simmons knew it was of the highest priority to evacuate and save her pets: two big dogs, golden retriever, Shiloh, and herding dog, Onyz. She also evacuated her two horses. “The dogs were loaded up first and then the horses, Gypsy and Sunny, into their trailer, which I hooked up and had ready to go.” Simmons recalled. This was the second evacuation in eight weeks for … [Read more...] about Capturing Pet Souls on Canvas
Astronauts are Back, Training in the Dark
Space-suited astronauts are training again on Babbitt Ranches, preparing for the manned Artemis mission scheduled to explore the lunar South Pole in 2025. The goal is to find ice, which may enable future explorers to set up a space station on the Moon and serve as a launching pad into deeper space. “Because of where Artemis and VIPER [a planetary rover set for launch next year] are landing, the angle of the sun is really, really low. Craters may contain ice that never sees the sun. The … [Read more...] about Astronauts are Back, Training in the Dark
Last of the Large Loggers Leaves Flagstaff
When forest restoration giant Wally Covington drives by the Ribelin Logging Co. sort yard on East Huntington in Flagstaff and sees the equipment up for sale, it makes him sad. “They are very good operators in the forest and had a huge impact on the community.” With decades of experience, millions of dollars invested in logging equipment and a deep love for the forest, Ribelin Logging Co. President Ken Ribelin says the family-owned and operated business – a thriving logging company that at one … [Read more...] about Last of the Large Loggers Leaves Flagstaff
Vote of Confidence Means Additional Workforce Support from CCC
Coconino County voters have approved an increase in funding for Coconino Community College. That means new and expanded offerings focusing on career and technical training to help Coconino County’s workforce will become a reality over the next several years. On Friday, May 27, during a special session, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors certified the election results for CCC’s request to increase the primary property tax levy to support the college. “On behalf of Coconino Community … [Read more...] about Vote of Confidence Means Additional Workforce Support from CCC
Rosie’s Room to Support Struggling Newborns and their Families
Rosie Byrne is a spirited little redhead who loves to sing “Trot Old Joe,” listen to stories at the Flagstaff library and make everyone around her smile and laugh. Indeed, there is a great deal of joy surrounding this energetic 2-and-a-half-year-old, along with an abundance of gratitude and a community of support. Soon, through the efforts of Rosie’s grandparents and generous donations from businesses inspired by Rosie’s story, there will be “Rosie’s Room,” named in her honor in Flagstaff … [Read more...] about Rosie’s Room to Support Struggling Newborns and their Families
Helping People on the Move
The lively real estate market and lifestyle/work environment changes resulting from the pandemic may leave some feeling like life is a deck of cards thrown into the air. For those people and anyone else needing support with relocating, Two Men and a Truck (TMT) is ready to help sort out the chaos by making moving easier. With growth and expansion occurring in the professional moving industry, a franchise operation of the moving company opened in East Flagstaff this spring. “We are … [Read more...] about Helping People on the Move
Solar Co-Op Launches for Northern Arizona Residents
The cities of Flagstaff and Sedona and Coconino County have partnered with non-profit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) to launch the second Northern Arizona Co-op. The co-op will help residents go solar. This co-op follows the launch of the first Northern Arizona Co-op in 2021. That group reached 225 member households and is Solar United Neighbors’ most successful co-op in Arizona to date. The second Northern Arizona Co-op provides a new opportunity for residents to take advantage of the … [Read more...] about Solar Co-Op Launches for Northern Arizona Residents
Jeweler Kari Rauch Designs with Nature
Cactus skeletons, rattlesnake skin and shed lizard scales may seem unusual in the context of high-end jewelry, but for Sedona jeweler Kari Rauch of KD Steele Designs, they are the bedrock of her designs. Since moving to Sedona in 2005, Rauch has found her niche featuring one-of-a-kind pendants, rings, bracelets and beaded treasures. Her process both maintains and refreshes the spirit of the area, reflecting the contemporary Southwestern aesthetic. “The patterns I come across on my daily … [Read more...] about Jeweler Kari Rauch Designs with Nature