The smoke stack in mid-fall. (Photo: Brandon Neuman/NAZ Today)

LAUGHLIN, Nev. – Southern California Edison demolished an approximately 41-story smoke stack this morning, which had landmarked the Mohave Generation Station and the Colorado River Valley. The plant had been decommissioned in late 2005, and today, the first major phase of demolition was completed.

“It was a great resource for power and it was also a great resource for jobs locally,” said Steven Conroy, spokesperson for Edison.

Future plans for the station involve demolishing the two large boilers next to where the smoke stack stood. They will be demolished by implosion in July, with the site being completely deconstructed by 2012.

The coal-burning station was shut down due to expired contracts for coal and water supplies. Plans were in place to upgrade the station to pass new emissions standards; the projected cost of the upgrades was $1.2 billion according to Gil Alexander, media relations for Edison.

(In this video: Steven Conroy, Media Relations for Southern California Edison)

Further information about the Mohave Generation Station

S05E04 - Astronomy Club

S05E06 - Homecoming Alumni

S05E07 - Student Veteran's Center

S05E01 - Greek Life & Student Retention

I checked the usual: Phone, e-mail, etc. Reports had been coming in since 10:30 of a wildfire very close to the Flagstaff area. "Another one?" I thought. Flagstaff had an extremely close, 350 acre wildfire start the day before, called the Hardy Fire.

A long exposure of the Hardy Fire southeast of Flagstaff the night after it started.

Using preliminary information from APSN, I wrote a blurb and posted it on NAZ Today's website. Little did I know that this would just be the beginning.

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) - Another fire in the Flagstaff area has sparked up in the Schultz Pass area, approximately six miles north of the Flagstaff downtown area.

Evacuations of the now 50-acre fire are beginning in Timberline, Wupatki Trail, and Fort Timberline neighborhoods with Wupatki Estates and Fernwood on standby. With 15-17 mph winds gusting to 30 mph, this fire is growing rapidly.

According to APSN, the fire is active on both sides of the forest service road 420, and four air tankers, as well as two helicopters have been requested to help extinguish the fire.

The Flagstaff Airport is now redirecting all air traffic so that air tankers can easily come into the area, according to APSN.

The "mushroom cloud" of smoke from the start of the Schultz Fire, early Sunday afternoon as seen from the NAU campus.

I got ready, and drove to the newsroom, where I met co-workers Jon and Angie to begin covering the fire. We gathered a camera kit and a police scanner. This is what we gathered four hours after receiving preliminary reports:

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) - The Schultz Wildfire that started late Sunday morning near Schultz Pass has grown to over 500 acres in size, forcing residents of the Wupatki Trail and Timberline neighborhoods to evacuate their homes.

The fire is currently zero percent contained.

Resources from the Hardy Wildfire have been reallocated to the Schultz Pass Wildfire. U.S. Forest Service representative Joel Luttman said there are now hundreds of firefighters responding to the fire.

The Schultz Pass Wildfire is being driven by high winds gusting up to 30-40 m.p.h.

Other than wind, one main problem for firefighters is clearing travel paths for evacuees blocked by onlookers, and there have been reports of homeowners refusing to evacuate homes in immediate danger of the fire. All areas north of Campbell Ave. and west of Highway 89 have been issued evacuation orders.

Second Chance Center for Animals, located along the 89 near Campbell, was also evacuated this afternoon. Animals from the shelter are being evacuated to Fort Tuthill County Park, according to officials.

Any residents in need of fire information may call 1-888-679-8393. Firefighters remind citizens that the summer months create dry conditions and to always extinguish fires completely.

There is currently a press conference being held regarding the fires in the Flagstaff area.

NAZ Today is there and will bring you more updates as soon as possible.

[See post to watch Flash video]

This was obviously no small deal. The Schultz Fire, named after its origin in Schultz Pass, had already grown larger than the Hardy Fire. All over Flagstaff, people were watching the mushroom cloud of smoke loom over the city. Phoenix TV media had already started staging near the fire along highway 89. My car was the third to pull in.

As the day progressed, we updated with information from a press conference held later that afternoon by city, county, and emergency response officials. We also posted pictures and video with sound bytes from a firefighter spokesperson.

Smoke rises from the Schultz fire, with Doney Park in the foreground. Taken several hours after the fire was first reported.

Other colleagues came in and started helping with the reporting into the night. Monday morning, Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler announced via Twitter that the Coconino National Forest would hold a public meeting that evening at Coconino High School. Immediately, the idea came to stream it live.

I spent my afternoon working with CHS faculty to test their Internet connectivity and scout the auditorium they were going to host the meeting in.

Faculty adviser Brandon, coworker Jon Cole (helped with first fire shoot), and me headed over to the school to start setting up. But, of course, problems came up that set us back tremendously.

First, the school's new wireless system wouldn't let us log in as a guest. That's fine, because I tried a hardwire connection in a nearby classroom and it worked fine. (Better than fine, with upload and download speeds of 50 Mb/sec.) So I tried the hardwire, and it wouldn't let us stream to NAZ Today's video streaming server provided by NAU TV Services, presumably because of a port block.

I received wireless credentials from the IT representative at the meeting, and she said that no ports were blocked on WiFi. Perfect. I successfully start streaming 25 minutes until show, and I test the stream. "Player error?" This is one I couldn't fix.

Connection issues aside, we had no apparent way to stream. Quick thinking brought up uStream. I registered an account and opened the broadcasting software. It's now 5 minutes to show.

Unlike our normal streaming application, this Flash-based one didn't recognize our video capture card as an audio source; the only one listed is the computer's line input. The RCA cables plugged into it from the camera obviously won't go into that 1/8" headphone connector. The capture card has an RCA out, but I had no way to adapt it to the headphone jack. I look around the theater classroom I was set up in. Scattered throughout the room are 5-6 stereos, and connected to one of them was an RCA to headphone cable, probably for an MP3 player.

I plugged in the found cable, and bingo, we had audio and video. I find the object embed code to place on http://naztoday.com/watch, click "Broadcast," and the show begins.

As the show begins, I create a new article on NAZToday.com for a live blog of the meeting and tweet about the fact that NAZ Today is streaming the meeting live online.

The meeting lasted two hours, and our peak number of viewers was 175. Pretty amazing, considering little PR was given to the fact that we were trying to stream the event.

Here's the final product of that hectic night:

Watch the recorded Public Meeting:

Live Blog

8:55 - Over for the evening. Thanks to audience. Live-blog coverage and streaming by Kyle Anderson of NAZ Today.

8:54 - Question 29 - Danny Haniff from KOLT-FM - We've been clearing our information with the media office.

8:53 - Question 28 - Are there backup flight crews who can relieve the evening crews for the morning?

Answer: Realistically, there are relief pilots for mandatory days off, but there's a limitation on how many tankers can be used.

8:52 - Question 27 - If it wasn't for the other fires, the response would not have been quick. "We really dodged a bullet." Thank you.

8:51 - Question 26 - What's going on with our mail?

Answer: All of the affected areas are holding mail at the post office. You can go to the main post office on Postal drive. All of the mail for the affected neighborhoods can be collected there. You must provide picture ID to get mail.

8:50 - Question 25 - When the highway opens, can Fernwood residents return?

Answer: Fernwood has not been evacuated, so yes. You can go home.

8:47 - Questions 24 - (Technical Problems - Omitted)

8:46 - Question 23 - Electricity in Wupatki Trails was off. When will it be on?

Answer: APS says it is on, so they can follow up with a phone call.

8:43 - Question 22 - When will there be no wind?

Answer: Last night, air tankers flew until dark. If we fly them late in the day, we can't use them early in the morning because of a 10-hour rest requirement.

Second Question: Would it be OK if citizens go into burned areas and collect wood cutting?

Answer: Firewood cutting can make a difference in small areas, but not large areas like the one covered by the Schultz Fire.

8:42 - Question 21 - The Hardy Fire is 50% contained. When do you expect full containment?

Answer: Those details aren't available tonight, but if you call the city offices, they can have that for you.

Possibly 80% contained by Wednesday.

8:41 - Question 20 - If I see 89 open, does it mean I can get back in?

Answer: No.

8:40 - Question 19 - After this is said and done, are they going to replant the trees that were burnt?

Answer: After it has been controlled, there will be an assessment. Called "Burned Area Emergency Response." It'll focus on long-term rehabilitation, and trees is one of the focuses.

8:37 - Question 18 - Insurance denying claims because because of a "civilian authority" evacuation. Anything that can be done?

Answer: An emergency has been declared. We'll provide copies of that declaration for insurance companies. There is a county declaration of emergency. There is also a FEMA declaration of emergency.

8:37 - Question 17 - Mountains are sacred to some, so thank you for saving them.

8:35 - Question 16 - Should employees of nearby non-evacuated businesses go to work?

Answer: Yes, it shouldn't be a problem.

8:32 - Question 15 - Cars of fire onlookers have been crowding nearby neighborhoods to Silver Saddle and 89. What can be done about it? Cave Hill -There have been lots of people observing and lighting camp fires into the night.

Answer: Regarding fires, it'll be illegal to have a campfire outside of a designated campground.

Answer to question about Transients: If they're on forest service land, they're camping. Within city limits, they're camping illegally.

There will be an attempted traffic reroute at Silver Saddle and clear things up.

8:27 - Question 14 - What can we expect when we go back in terms of utilities? Travel up and down 89 - What can we expect tomorrow for travel to Fernwood? And is there any way we can keep "bums" from starting fires in the woods?

Answers: Utilites: They're trying to get you back there. Going to be evaluating it tomorrow. Most of the power is back on according to APS. Gas probably hasn't been shut off.

Roads: Everyone wants the road open, and the educational guess is that the road will be open tomorrow, but we can't be sure. Strong probability.

Transients: (not addressed)

8:26 - Question 13 - Crying woman, saying that police blocked her from getting her pets from her house on the east side of 89.

Answer: Meet afterward to talk about getting to them.

8:24 - Question 12 - Any possbilitiy that the fire will cross into Doney Park?

Answer: Can't say no possibility, the chances are no.

Second question: Basin was hottest part of the fire and it'll burn for a long time. How long?

Answer: We're still gathering data and info, but you're looking at a couple of weeks. People who go back to their homes will have smoke in the evenings. Figure at least a couple of weeks.

8:21 - Question 11 - Dane Kennedy from KOLT-FM - Transmission lines are running from the backside to the broadcast towers on Mt. Elden. Status?

Answer: APS has been able to re-route power when power lines have fallen, so as of this time, they don't see it as an issue. All comm for the Flagstaff area are based there, so it's an important place to keep safe.

8:19 - Question 10 - What is the likihood that the fire is coming around the mountain into mountain communities?

Answer: The fire in Sugarloaf is not a controlled burn, it's part of the fire. They're trying to get ahead of it. Trying to keep it out of the inner-basin.

Everyone that lives in northern Arizona should have a plan. Know where your valuables are at all times.

8:18 - Question 9 - Alternate travel routes to Cameron, especially for those who are walking?

Answer: Through the Grand Canyon or the 505.

8:15 - Question 8 - Highway 89 - Asker commutes to Tuba City - What's a good source of info for when 89 is open?

Answer: Ch. 4 could possibly be that source. Continue to call the 1-888 number. We can probably give some other sources after the meeting. Listen to the radio, use the www.coconino.az.gov website, which is updating constantly. Personal updates are being set up via e-mail and Twitter, as of today. Personal calls will also be made if needed.

8:13 - Question 7 - PetAlert.com - Presenting this as a tips website for people who don't know what to do with pets who are being evacuated because "we're going to be with this for a while."

8:11 - Question 6 - Question for Sheriff - Are there patrol units in the communities that have been evacuated?

Answer: There are some units in the area. They've pulled officers from the entire county. You'll see standing roadblocks. Detention officers have been pulled and put in the field because the last thing they want is for your home to be burglarized.

8:10 - Question 5 - Brandis Fire needs firefighters on scene.

Answer: We have been saving homes out there.

8:08 - Question 4 - What do the firefighters need from the community? What can the community do?

Answer: "That is really sweet." Continued support, patience, a lot of good thoughts. Staying hopeful and remaining positive. If you know someone who needs something and they've been evacuated, give them a helping hand. We can live up to our name of being a tight-knit community.

Salvation Army is taking donations.

8:05 - Question 3 - Fox and other news sources have been saying that Timberline houses might burn down. Is that true?

(laughs from audience) Answer: Odds of losing houses is much better than 50/50 chances. They have no control over that report. Thanks to local responders for that.

Reporters are going to speculate, and they said something that could have come true.

8:02 - Question 2 - What are the chances of the fire moving back over Mt. Elden?

Answer: There is a possibility that it will move into that area. It's not moving fast. The troubles are how "heavy" the fire is. Movement is minimal. Computer prediction is that it will run hard to the north. Once the fire is "tied back" to Schultz Pass, the city will be very safee. Fire will be secure by Wednesday.

8:01 - Question 1 - Why are we now having campfire restrictions?

Answer: Restrictions are placed according to measures, such as moisture (current was 60%, restriction level is 90%, did bump into the 80s%)

QUESTION AND ANSWER

7:59 - Cause of the fire was an abandoned camp fire. If you see anyone being irresponsible with fire, call: 928-527-3600

InciWeb.org - Will be better updated with pictures, maps, and feeds for the public.

7:59 - Sheriff: Contacted NAU to see if they can use Ch. 4 on NPG cable for this and other emergencies.

7:58 - (MC) Toll free number is: 1-888-679-8393

7:54 - Heather Provencio, Coconino National Forest

"It takes a community working together to solve a problem this difficult."

Provencio sympathizes with those who are evacuated, and gives word to them that they will be protecting their property as best as they can.

Camping and smoking restrictions are beginning Wednesday (cheers and applause.)

Tonto and Coconino forests are going into restrictions.

Normal restrictions happen when highs hit the 90s.

7:48 - Don Howard, Summit Fire Chief

(Lots of cheers and applause)

Thanking citizens for support. "This is an emotional event for all of us." Had opportunities to go to crowds like this one, stay for 2 weeks, and go home. But this time, it personally affects where he lives.

The mountain will look very different than it does today.

This is a fire that we talked about for literally 30 years. This fire behavior is some of the most extreme that we've ever seen. Years of training and commitment is what makes the firefighters as great as they are.

Still no losses of any structures. No significant injuries yesterday either.

Wildfire community is a wonderful one, according to Howard. Sees people of all races, genders, backgrounds, and they all come together to solve the issue. The wildland fire community promotes togetherness at a " very high level."

Fire crews are going to be here for a two week period to make sure no one loses their homes and the peaks remain beautiful.

Thanks for support over the years.

7:42 - Flagstaff Mayor Sara Presler

The Hardy Fire continues to put the city in a state of emergency. City has been operating since Saturday - now at about 50% with a "very secure" perimeter with no structure loss.

FUSD "deserves our respect and gratitude" for housing, shelter, and hosting tonight's meeting.

"We've handled more calls about pigs chickens and horses..." "We honor that you have animals that are part of your family."

Thanking Red Cross, Salvation Army, and N.A. United Way (?)

Asking evacuees to register.

"Life can be pretty tough, and we can't always control the circumstances that are brought upon us in life. ... Here we are in a situation where we're not necessarily able to control what's been happening to us, but we can control how we respond. I am undeniably proud to be a part of this community, and I thank you for your bravery and your support."

"I'm so proud of your community, and I'm so proud of you."

7:39 - Sheriff Pribil -

Nowhere east of 89 has been evacuated, and they hope that doesn't have to happen.

The main goal is to get everyone back home as soon as possible.

1,044 was original estimate for home evacs -- 756 parcels have been actually evacuated.

Wal-Mart and the Flagstaff Mall are accepting trailers.

3,000 calls in the last 2 days have been received by the Sheriff's office.

7:37 - Sheriff Bill Pribil

Without everyone's help, they couldn't have done what they were sent out to do: "Keep you out of your houses."

Lots of conflicting information. Example: 89 was opening. It was open for 5 minutes, but then it was closed again.

If you have an issue with getting something from your residence, contact the sheriff's office and they will help you as best as possible.

Those wondering why you have been evacuated, especially those not seeing smoke, it's because they're airing on the side of caution.

7:34 - Mandy Mitzker (sp?), Vice Chairman (?)

"This is always what we talked about would happen. The community's partnerships are our strength."

Every entity one could think of in Flagstaff are in the emergency center helping. Clubs, non-profits, volunteers, etc. have been amazing, according to Mitzker.

"There is strength in this community, and boy, is it there."

7:31 - "Rest assured, you have some good people looking out for you," said Archuleta.

Emergency operation center is open with people there throughout the day. Archuleta has been personally sending out e-mails to people who want updates.

Mentioning Ready Coconino emergency response center (link here)

Red Cross is asking all evacuees to register so they can know where you are in case someone is looking for you.

Toll free number has been set up: 1-888-679-8393

County's number one priority is you and getting you back in your homes, Archuleta.

7:27 - Liz Archuleta, Coconino County Supervisor -

"I'm sorry. You deserve the best of the best." On rumors: Our objective is to get questions answered at this meeting and let you know where you can go for information. "We want you to feel at ease."

Just returned from looking at the fire - Archuleta thought it was scary that there was a lot of smoke going near houses that she knew and recognized.

Firefighters and law enforcement that are there are working "tirelessly," according to Archuleta. "They have this conviction beyond belief."

7:26 - It's extraordinary to see a fire reach 10,400 ft. where there is still snow.

"This fire's going to be with us for a long time." The mountains haven't seen fire like this in decades or centuries. Estimated time for containing the fire entirely can range from days to weeks.

7:24 - "When you get to you home, it might look like some landscaping work was done." Fighters removed anything flammable away from houses.

7:22 PM - A dozer line will be made along the base of the mountains south of the fire. Tonight, a fixed wing will fly over the fire with infrared to show the perimiter and how the fire is moving.

Highway 89 is closed again tonight. Fire is moving to the north. 89 will be opened back up. Tomorrow evening, returning to homes will be discussed.

7:18 PM - No homes lost so far. Air tankers had to be shut down because of the wind, also today. Smaller heli's were also grounded due to wind. Some houses are being lost in CO; some tankers were sent there, but resources here are still plenty. Helicopters are dropping retardant.

7:16 PM - Duggar (sp?) says type 1 took over at 6am this morning. Gives praise for a "fantastic job" by local crews yesterday.

7:12 PM - Schultz fire now number 1 priority nationally, best firefighters in the nation.

After the meeting, I conducted three interviews: One with fire evacuees, one with attendees who weren't evacuated, and the Coconino County Sheriff. Jon photoged, and Brandon took pictures of us.

After that night, I helped with general updates, but other coworkers took care of most of the work. I stepped in Sunday because the main people for covering news for NAZ Today during the summer, Brandon and Patrick Walker, were out of town. But I'm glad I stepped in - It was extremely exciting, the kind of thing I live for.

That mentality seems to be all but gone now. With a faster and higher-capacity Interstate system in place, highway travel is seen more as an inconvenience than an experience.

Peter Dedeck wrote in his book, Hip To the Trip: A Cultural History of Route 66, "Route 66 fell victim to its own success." That success is the highway's efficient planning. 66 followed the contours of the terrain, whereas other US highways such as US 30 and 40 did not.

Such an efficient and speedy way to head west gained popularity, and by the time the Interstate system was being developed in the 1950s, a culture was bred around the highway. Gas stations were established, roadside attractions were built, and popular artists wrote songs and made films about the expressway to the west.

That culture was disbanded when the Interstate was constructed. Many sections of Route 66, the most efficient paths, were paved over by Interstate highways. Dedek writes, "In 1985, Route 66 existed existed only as a series of mostly disused strips of eroding pavement stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles."

And as many of the sections of Route 66 disappeared, so did the businesses that thrived off of them.

According to Dedek, the "funeral" for Route 66 was held in Williams, Ariz. in 1984. Icons from the highway's culture gathered on main street to say goodbye to America's Main Street.

In that same region, two abandoned structures along Route 66 struck a particular interest: Pine Springs and Twin Arrows. One of them is leading the way in a redevelopment of that highway culture that was almost lost.

What led these businesses to fall? What is their future? Will the Route 66 culture be re-fostered and restored in a point-to-point travel society?

Abandoned Arizona - Route 66 from Kyle Anderson on Vimeo.

PINE SPRINGS - ONCE BOOMING, NOW DESERTED

A landscape of the Pine Springs property from the west, through the chain-link fence surrounding the property.

"I've kinda grown up along this highway," said Route 66 veteran, Jim Pritchett, recounting his highway life.

Pritchett spent over half of a million dollars rebuilding and restoring one of Flagstaff's former trademark Route 66 stopping points: Pine Springs. But, as fate would have it, that investment didn't quite make it.

"It looks pretty much like it does now [as] when I took it," Pritchett said.

Pine Springs, located just west of Flagstaff along the historic drive, is a complex of buildings in many shapes, sizes and colors surrounded by a chain-link fence. The rusting sign with painted pine trees still stands as a reminder of what used to be.

"[It] used to be an old truck stop, years ago." said Pritchett, Pine Spring's landlord for about 15 years. For a time, Yellow freight used Pine Springs as its Flagstaff base station. Not surprising, considering it was the only truck truck stop in Flagstaff for a while.

Before the complex's tenure as a fuel and service station, it served as something more commonly tied to Route 66.

"It probably, years ago in the '40s, was a little restaurant and motel," said Marjorie Skrobut, co-owner of the neighboring Woody Mountain Campground.

Skrobut has heard mostly rumors about Pine Spring's history, but claims the site closed due, in part, to a construction accident.

"In the early '90s, they put in some fiber optic cable up Route 66, and they hit a tank," Skrobut said. "And they'd been leaking. So all of that ground, now, is contaminated."

In actuality, Pritchett said that his lease with the Arizona State Land Department, dating back to 1978, wasn't renewed.

"They thought that I'd just move out and let them have the buildings," Pritchett said. "I wouldn't sign it over to [them.]"

Pritchett said he figured it was about time to give up trying to save the property and end the legal battle with the Land Department.

"It was a thriving business. It's sad to see it happen," said Pritchett.

TWIN ARROWS - HISTORIC TRADING POST TURNED CANVAS

The larger-than-life markers for the Twin Arrows Trading Post pictured before their reconstruction in 2009.

Covering the cracking white walls of the Twin Arrows Trading Post, 20 miles east of Flagstaff, is a variety of graffiti and spray paint stenciling. This building used to be covered with art of a different form: Native American designs and themes.

"Twin Arrows was built approximately in 1932 to 1933," said Mary Smeal, financial director for the Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation, or HTEDC.

The HTEDC is currently trying to restore the site to a usable state and reopen the business to serve its original purpose.

"[It was] a trading center for, not only the people going down Route 66, but Native Americans in the area," said Smeal.

Before the death of Route 66, the trading post offered Native American arts and crafts, fuel, and food to travelers and nearby residents alike. The business remained open until the mid-1990s, and reopened for one year as a fuel-only station. Its second closure was blamed on mis-management.

"It was a very big cost to keep it open," said Smeal.

Possibly the biggest draw for business were the unique products and giant landmark arrows, the first portion of the property to be restored as of last year.

"You have to find a unique way to get people off the highway," said Smeal. "If you look at some of the old pictures, it was incredible what they had in their store that nowadays you only really find in a gallery."

Smeal said that when Twin Arrows was reopened, the owners focused only on serving travelers and paid little attention to the cultural aspects of doing business from the historic trading post.

Plans for the renovation do, however, take culture into consideration.

"We're going to put in an Indian marketplace," said Smeal. "We're hoping to have native American dances there, so I think that'll make it very unique."

Restoration of the site is slow but ongoing, with the Hopi Tribe's primary source of funding being grants and private donations for the project.

"The Hopi Tribe is not a gambling tribe," said Smeal. "So we're looking for grants."

Smeal remains convinced that the restoration project will be a success, but not without its fair share of issues.

"One of the obstacles that we're running into is the deterioration of the buildings," Smeal said, adding that the land the buildings are on is owned by the state. "The Hopi are in negotiations for that land, and it does not stop us from fixing up the building. It won't stop us."

ROUTE 66 CULTURE SEES NEW LIGHT

A sign in Kingman, Ariz. marking the beginning of the "Historic Route 66 Shopping District."

Those making efforts to restore remnants of Route 66's roadside attractions seem to believe in rekindling the mentality of making the trip, and not the destination, the purpose in cruising the highway.

That mentality is evident in Elaine Ferraro, a Chicago native who traveled on Route 66 in the early 1970s.

On each page of a small, spiral-bound notebook, Ferraro logged every stop made with friends along the way to Las Vegas. She also noted the cost of gas, mileage, if and what they had to eat, as well as some tips for the next time she traveled.

The culture Route 66 created is still alive in some today. Some towns and cities that played key roles in the highway's development have homages to the road in the form of museums, historic preservations, and other events.

"The old-timers in Williams and Seligman and Ash Fork - They know everything. They even have a Route 66 festival, and it brings people from all over," said Skrobut.

But others found the construction of the Interstate to be necessary, regardless of the cultural implications it had.

"That Interstate highway was definitely needed along there," said Pritchett. "Kingman to Seligman - They called it 'Bloody 66.' It used to have, I'd say, a head-on collision at least once a week."

Though, Pritchett enjoys the Route 66 culture and would like to see it make a comeback.

"The culture of Route 66 is really something that needs to be addressed," said Pritchett. "They are destroying it. Tear down the old; got to have all the new."

If not found in Americans, a rekindled highway culture can be found in European travelers, according to Skrobut.

"The Europeans that camp here know more about Route 66 than any American," said Skrobut. "They are fascinated by it and the old west."

Skrobut said the European travelers she meets travel Route 66 completely for just that experience. And its an experience that has a clear definition.

"Where to stop, what to play, all the teepee motels and the dinosaurs - Those were the fun things, the landmarks that everybody remembered," said Skrobut.

Flip through Elaine Ferraro's Route 66 Trip Log from the early 1970s.

THE FUTURE OF THE HISTORIC ROUTE

Despite the fact that a culture has diminished with the construction of a new road system, passion for Route 66 still remains in some. The many businesses that were affected by the death of 66 seem to be making a comeback if they can. But a Route 66 comeback is likely to mean a slightly different nostalgia trip.

"Everybody that I met since I came here has pretty well moved somewhere else," said Skrobut, meaning the people who take over Route 66 businesses are of a newer generation, slightly disconnected from the Route's history.

Twin Arrows will be opening its Native American marketplace either this summer or next, though there is no set time line for the project.

Pine Springs won't reopen at any point in the near future. According to Pritchett, the Land Department is no longer interested in commercial leasing. As long as they own the land, it will continue to decompose.

It's decidedly unclear how Route 66 will be in the coming years as icons are reconstructed and re-marketed. But for Pine Springs and Twin Arrows, the glory days seem to remain in the past.

Cindy McBride dances with pom-poms during the 3rd inning of the Diamondbacks v. Phillies game on April 23, 2010.

Baseball fans inundated by the half play, half advertisement that is a Diamondbacks game seem to lack the resonating fanaticism that used to define our national past time. But one D-Backs fan remains loyal, consistently showing her support for Arizona's major league team, usually from the upper level seats.

"Some of them take 20, 30, 40 hours," says Diamondbacks fan Cindy McBride. "Or some take 80 or 90."

She's talking about her Diamondback flags. There are stacks of them, each on a wooden pole and about as big as McBride herself.

"It's a visual support of the players," McBride says as she waves gold and maroon pom-poms to the beat of the music during the 3rd inning.

Each player has a personalized flag, made of red, black, and gold sheen.

Most of the flags are signed by the players themselves.

"I make flags for the players when they come on to the team and that becomes their flag for the entire time they're with the Diamondbacks," McBride says, switching to a streamer.

Many fans refer to her as "the flag lady." It's hard to tell quite how much she's appreciated by both the players and fellow fans, but inevitably, several people throughout each game ask her if they can wave one of her flags.

Her dedication is also evident through the fabric McBride uses to make each flag.

McBride's flags rest on the upper-level seats at Chase Stadium in Phoenix.

"I get my fabrics mostly from indiana because I can't find them here," McBride says.

And it's obvious that she loves what she does.

McBride has been weaving and waving her flags diligently since 2002, and doesn't plan on quitting any time soon.

"It's just a lot of fun," McBride says.

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FUSD Board members listen to parents, teachers and children voice their concers at the February 6th meeting about rezoning and school closures.

Historic South Beaver Elementary will be celebrating its 75th anniversary this summer, that is, if the Flagstaff Unified School District doesn’t close the school as a cost-cutting measure.

The FUSD school board held a series of community forums in late January and early February at schools across Flagstaff to ask the public for input on how to deal with budget cuts at the state level.

South Beaver Elementary hosted one of those meetings on February 6. Parents and board members worked under tightly-wound emotions as proposals for imminent school closures were presented. Parents were worried when it became apparent that most of the elementary closure plans included their school.

“It’s going to be a situation that’s tragic,” said Mike Cromer, a teacher at South Beaver since 1976. “It’s going to tear families apart. It’s going to displace children.”

School board members have been trying to empathize with parents who face the necessary closures.

“It’s an emotional topic,” said Deborah Harris, president of the school board. “People are concerned about their kids and where they’re going. All of us are parents. We understand that. We’re just going to make the best decision that we possibly can.”

The Arizona state legislature is likely to reduce public school funding for next fiscal year, and Flagstaff is expecting between $6 and $13 million in lost funds. As a result, FUSD is being forced to close some schools.

“We’re looking at a budget deficit of anywhere from six to thirteen, maybe even fifteen percent,” said Harris.

Factors that are taken into account when closing a school are its efficiency level, capacity, age of the building, and administrative expenses, among others. But some parents think other qualities of the schools are coming into play.

“All of the elementary schools that are up for closure are in low income areas of Flagstaff,” said Nancy Edmondson, parent of two children attending South Beaver.

“We didn’t specifically say, ‘Because you’re low income and ethnic minority, we’re targeting your school,’” said Harris. “That’s ridiculous.”

Though emotions are running high, the one common ground parents and the district have is the intent to cut costs.

“We’re going through the rest of the budget with a fine-toothed comb, line by line,” said Harris. “We can’t operate in the red [by law.]”

“I know there’s difficulties,” said Cromer. “I know that they have problems.”

A hand-drawn plea to the administration, presumably from a South Beaver student, hangs on the aging entrance to the school's gymnasium.

But Cromer, like many parents, feels South Beaver’s history, culture, and programs make it a valuable asset for the district.

“[South Beaver] has been a beacon of light. It’s a place where they [the children] feel comfortable,” said Cromer. “It’s a refuge for the citizens, not just the children.”

“The secretary, the principal, the teachers – They all know the kids by name,” said Edmondson. “[South Beaver] is a very tight-knit family and they help each other out.”

Schools must be closed regardless of emotional ties, though, and the FUSD school board is leaving emotional ties out of the decision-making process.

“All of the schools in our district have, what I would call, good points to them,” said Harris. “They do something that is special or unique. It doesn’t make it better, doesn’t make it worse. It makes it different.”

The school board is expected to make closure and zoning decisions on March 9, and budget cuts will be finalized at some point in June.

Multimedia Extra

Listen to Mike Cromer deliver his prepared statement to the FUSD board:

Fire Department honor guard and pallbearers prepare to move McNeal's casket from fire engine to burial site at Flagstaff Citizen's Cemetary. (Photo: Kyle Anderson/NAZ Today)

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) - By: Kyle Anderson - Friday morning’s stormy weather only reflected the mood of the Flagstaff Fire Department as firefighter Mark McNeal was remembered in a funeral service at Christ’s Church of Flagstaff. But mother nature was wise; rains almost instantly paused for the procession of fire, police and personal vehicles between service and burial.

The memorial service at Christ’s Church was well attended by friends, family and members of the community as well as fire department color and honor guards dressed in formal uniform. McNeal’s casket was transported to its final resting place at Flagstaff Citizen’s Cemetary by fire engine.

“It was a great send-off for Mark,” said Flagstaff Fire Department captain Mark Johnson. “I felt like we honored him very well.”

McNeal served as a firefighter and paramedic in the city of Flagstaff for 28 years. He is survived by two daughters, 12 and 16 years old.

McNeal struggled with a rare form of cancer for about five years before his death. All forms of treatment, including radiation therapy and a major surgery, were unsuccessful in completely removing the disease, according to Johnson. There was a period where the cancer was thought to be in remission and McNeal returned to full service, but the disease returned, and McNeal spent the last part of his career on restrictive duty.

Speakers at the service remarked on McNeal’s positive attitude and contributions to the city of Flagstaff. McNeal’s impact on the community at large was evident in the public’s response to his death.

“There’s been a lot of prayers and thoughts that have come in to the department,” said Johnson. “[We] just do appreciate people recognizing what Mark did for the city.”

Members of FCF and collaborating organizations after the grant ceremony Friday. (Photo: Kyle Anderson/NAZ Today)

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) - It was a solid half hour program where almost every audience member received a cash prize. This sounds like the perfect game show, but prizes won by this audience will arguably be used for a more philanthropic purpose.

The Flagstaff Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Arizona Community Foundation, awarded $600 thousand to local non-profit organizations, from social and educational services to youth and medical care programs. The 12th annual grant presentation was held this morning at the Coconino Center for the Arts.

“We had over 100 organizations recognized with over 250 checks, which is quite an accomplishment in itself,” said Mark Lamberson, Chairman of Flagstaff Community Foundation’s Advisory Board.

Recipients of grants included Flagstaff Shelter Services, Second Chance Animal Shelter, Flagstaff Family Food Center, Flagstaff Medical Center, Northern Arizona Food Bank, Planned Parenthood and several cultural programs at Northern Arizona University.

A large increase of grant money was seen since last year’s event: up $130 thousand.

“To grow because of the power of endowment is quite a remarkable story,” said Lamberson, “especially in today’s economy when we hear about budgets being cut and not grown.”

Endowments, such as the ones used by Flagstaff Community Foundation, are invested donations. Profits from investing are put toward the grants such as those distributed today.

“It’s really marvelous to see that anyone can be a philanthropist,” said Lamberson. “Your money is always going to stay in Flagstaff and continue to compound and build in value over time.”

Flagstaff Community Foundation was founded in 1987 and maintains $12 million in assets.

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On the net: http://flagstafffoundation.org/

Firefighters spray streams of water and foam on the pile of compressed cardboard which caught on fire Sunday afternoon. (Photo: Kyle Anderson/NAZ Today)

FLAGSTAFF (NAZ Today) - A large stack of compacted cardboard boxes behind Wal-Mart caught fire at approximately 2:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon, closing McConnel Dr. between Beulah Blvd. and Woodlands Village Blvd.

The Flagstaff Fire Department issued a second alarm to request fire crews from Highlands and Summit Fire Departments to be available for other Flagstaff fire emergencies. Flagstaff firefighters then focused on controlling the fire and preventing spread to the nearby forest.

“Right now, we’re not exactly sure how this started,” said Mark Johnson, Information Officer for the Flagstaff Fire Department. “There don’t appear to be any heat sources in this area, so we’re looking at some other activity that may lead to suspicious activity.”

Wal-Mart and surrounding businesses remained open during the fire, and customers were not evacuated. There was no physical damage to any of the buildings, and no injuries were reported.

A red-flag warning was issued today, meaning a high risk for fires due to low humidity and fast wind speeds. Wildland firefighters worked to extinguish spot fires in the nearby forest caused by embers carried by the high winds.

Johnson said that trash fires like this one are uncommon in Flagstaff, but several fires of the same size occur each month.

“Think about the winds,” said Johnson. “We’re starting to get into wildfire season.”

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Video report with Mark Johnson, Flagstaff Fire Department

Additional Photos: