National Geographic, Flagstaff and Lowell

The November 2008 issue of National Geographic has a very welcome article, Our Vanishing Night, on light pollution and its effects on nature and on humans. In the third paragraph down on page 3 of the web version of the article, the writer, Verlyn Klinkenborg, writes about the mission to limit light pollution and protect the dark skies. He mentions Flagstaff and its pioneering civic efforts to control light and protect the viewing at Lowell Observatory. He also writes about the implementation of even more stringent lighting regulations in Flagstaff and its designation as the first International Dark Sky City.

Be sure to take a look at the beautiful photographs by Jim Richardson and read Glynnis McPhee's interview with him.

We do appreciate National Geographic publishing this story that highlights the ever-growing problem of light pollution and acknowledging the efforts of cities around the world to control that pollution.

Flagstaff Loses Live News

Today, we lose our only local live television news. Flagstaff will no longer have live broadcasts to focus on the news, weather and issues affecting us locally.

After more than 30 years, KNAZ-TV will broadcast its last live news tonight. Instead we will have a Channel 12 northern Arizona bureau. It is my understanding that Channel 12 will include our weather in their normal weather segment. And sometimes local stories from the two reporters with the new bureau will be included with the Phoenix area news on Channel 12.

It's a sad day for news in our area. We thank all those who worked for Channel 2 and served the Flagstaff community and wish them only good things to come.