As I write this, Spring is in full bloom – and you can tell people have been cooped up for a while – because they are certainly out and about enjoying the beautiful weather we’ve been having.
I am now 2+ months on the job and am starting to feel like things are falling in to place. I have been able to meet more and more people (some actually in-person) and plans are beginning to shape up for the future.
We hope that you’ll join us tomorrow for Arizona Gives Day, a 24-hour, statewide celebration of charitable organizations that starts at midnight. It’s a special day that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.
Many thanks to those of you who have already donated to United Way of Arizona as part of this year’s #AZGIves campaign. If you haven’t had a chance to give yet, you can do so by clicking HERE.
The Easter celebrations in in Antigua Guatemala are a clear example of the important role that celebrations play in the community. They draw attention and reverence from all levels of society. Hundreds of residents volunteer to carry huge wooden floats through the city streets, the church goes to great lengths decorating and preparing for the tribute to the life and death of Jesus, and families go through a truly mesmerizing collaborative process of designing elaborate carpets of vibrant colors made of dyed sawdust, intricately arranged on the streets, to cover the path of the processions.
FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) held its inaugural drop-off Community Food Drive as a socially safe alternative to its annual César E. Chávez celebration on Saturday, March 27 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the corner of 4th and 7th streets, Flagstaff.
Nearly 500 pounds of food were collected, along with nearly $500 in cash donations.
All donations went to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for distribution to the community.
Thank you to former Flagstaff Mayor Coral Evans for conducting Facebook Live interviews to spread the word about the event, and to supporting partners The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños and Radio Sunnyside KSZN-LP 101.5 FM.
The event was promoted in the Arizona Daily Sun and KAFF Country 92.9 FM
IN THIS ISSUE:
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Congressman O’Halleran Visits Ft. Tuthill
Vaccine Site
Fire Season and Monsoon Forecast
Mt. Elden Estates Community Meeting
Arizona List Awards
Supervisor Horstman’s County Boards and
Commissions
Thank You to FEMA, National Guard, and
Partners
COVID Information Line, Testing, and
Vaccinated Guidance
Contact Us
Coconino County will celebrate National County Government Month (NCGM) during the month of April to showcase how the County achieves healthy, safe, and vibrant communities.
The theme for this year’s celebration of NCGM is “Counties Matter,” demonstrating how counties help to improve people’s lives every day, especially for local government workers on the frontlines of the coronavirus pandemic.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for daytime lane closures on north- and southbound State Route 89A near the town of Jerome while rock removal is underway.
The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 536, up from 479 on average per day last week.
As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code since the pandemic began is 195. This number represents cases both inside and outside the park.
There are no new reported cases in the park this week.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 44 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
More detailed statistics are available on the Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard.
Featuring: Bill Cramer, Cliff Finity,
Byron McKeown, Deanne McKeown,
and Lesley Aine McKeown
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
Coconino County Parks & Recreation is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2021 Coconino County Fair, scheduled for Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3 – Sept. 6 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Vendors may submit applications in four categories including amusement, food, commercial businesses, and nonprofits.
Coconino County moved from a substantial to a moderate level of COVID-19 transmission this past week. Although the current trend is a positive sign, Coconino County health officials remind residents and tourists that continued mitigation efforts are needed to slow and mitigate the spread of the virus.
The County continues to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) guidance on mitigation efforts for the COVID-19 pandemic. This guidance includes the strong recommendation and encouragement for all persons to continue wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distance, avoiding large gatherings, thorough washing of hands, and seeking a vaccine appointment to slow the spread of the virus.
The city of Flagstaff is striving for community-wide carbon neutrality by 2030, to respond to the climate emergency and improve quality of life for all residents. With input from the Flagstaff community and technical experts, the city of Flagstaff Sustainability Program developed a draft Flagstaff Carbon Neutrality Plan to outline a framework for action over the next nine years. This plan details seven target areas of action that the city will take to reach carbon neutrality:
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
The COVID-19 pandemic has hit families hard—emotionally and economically—locally and beyond.
Many hard-working people in Coconino County and across the nation are scraping by, sometimes with more than one job. Many others are out of work or working in jobs that aren’t making ends meet.
I am here to remind everyone we have a local resource that is ready to help—Coconino Community College. Community colleges are needed now more than ever, and we are here, proud to serve as your community college throughout Coconino County.
Statewide, your community colleges, including CCC, have been working tirelessly to gear up for providing fast, job-focused training for unemployed and underemployed residents of our wonderful state. In order for our residents to reskill and recover from the economic impact of the pandemic, CCC is responding quickly to new job trends that will help put people to work.
In addition to retaining the four-year Pledge tuition guarantee, NAU is not proposing any new mandatory fee increases for the 2021-2022 academic year and will continue to focus on eliminating class fees.
Americans for the Arts has been tracking the human and financial impacts of COVID-19 since March 2020. As the pandemic continues, so does its devastation of the nation’s arts sector. This report presents the live and ongoing (“real-time”) findings of Americans for the Arts’ COVID Impact Survey for Artists and Creative Workers collected from December 2020 onwards.
On Thursday, March 25, Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order easing some COVID restrictions across the state.
However, the order continues to encourage following CDC and Department of Labor Guidelines for masking, physical distancing, and hand washing. It also allows businesses and organizations that serve the public to mandate COVID mitigation measures.
Federal mask requirements are still in place in federal facilities and on public lands. Please visit the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium Summary for a list of locations where masking is required.
We will have more information about the order in next week’s edition of the wrap-up.
Governor has removed all mandatory mask requirements, capacity restrictions, and other mitigation efforts. Coconino County still requires these measures on County property and encourages their continued use everywhere.
Governor Doug Ducey (on March 25) announced several updates to the state’s COVID-19 measures, including events, businesses, and local ordinances.
If we were to say “4-H” to you, you’d immediately think pigs and goats on display at the County Fair, right? Animal husbandry has always been a core part of the 4-H experience.
In recent years, however, the Coconino County Cooperative Extension, which runs our local 4-H clubs, has expanded their youth education programs to include robotics, cake decorating and, now, blacksmithing.
In spite of the closures brought by Covid-19, interest in the practical metallurgy class being offered by the group, called “Evolution of the Tool,” has exceeded all expectation.
Coconino County will reopen the Willard Springs Transfer Station for the new season on Friday, April 2, for free green waste-only disposal to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties before wildfire season.
As with last year, the station will not be accepting bulk waste due to COVID-19 cash handling and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local health authorities’ social distancing protocols.
ECoNA will debut a video about our local bioscience sector at the annual Bioscience Roadmap hosted by the Flinn Foundation. This virtual meeting will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14. To register for this free event, please click here.
In addition to updates from around the state, the event will feature keynote remarks from Thomas Osha, the board chair of the Global Institute on Innovation Districts. Osha is a global authority on leveraging research and technology into economic development.
Thursday-Wednesday Mar. 25-31
Serenade for Strings, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Performance by the string section of Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra. Virtual event. 1 a.m.
Employees and nursing students staff the testing site at the Fieldhouse, answering questions, keeping the lines moving, ensuring public health rules are followed and offering a friendly face in NAU’s efforts to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in the community.
Grand Canyon National Park Key Messages – Week of March 15, 2021 COVID-19 Updates This week’s numbers at a glance: The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 893, down from 1,345 on average per day last week.…
What a difference a day makes.
For our state’s nonprofits, including United Way of Northern Arizona, 24 hours can have a huge impact on the programs we provide and the partners we support.
That’s why we are so proud to be participating in this year’s Arizona Gives Day on Tuesday, April 6. During the past nine years, this event has raised more than $23 million for Arizona nonprofits, including a record $6.1 million last year.
It’s a special day that unites supporters of big and small nonprofits to celebrate and increase philanthropy in Arizona through online giving.
You don’t have to wait until April 6 to participate, however.
Our Tuba City office is physically closed to the public, but we are still working for you.
Remote Office Hours:
Monday to Thursday | 10 am to 4 pm
Closed Fridays
If you need assistance, please call: 928-283-4518 or email Miranda at mmorales@coconino.az.gov
Coconino County Superior Court, through Presiding Juvenile Court Judge Ted Reed, announced the retirement of long-time Director of Juvenile Court Services, Bryon Matsuda, on April 30, 2021. Matsuda served a dedicated career over 47 years to improve the lives of youth and families involved in the juvenile justice system.
“Our County is better today because of the legacy that Bryon Matsuda leaves us. He brought a visionary approach to juvenile justice. His moral compass has always pressed him—and therefore the department—to do better and be better for the youth and families we serve. His leadership will be missed, but it will never be forgotten in Coconino County,” commented Judge Ted Reed.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Coconino County applauded the Senate’s action to confirm Rep. Deb Haaland as the first Native American to serve as the Secretary of the Interior. Coconino County has significant interaction with the Interior Department in all corners of the County including the National Park Service, the Bureaus of Land Management, Reclamation, Indian Affairs, and Education and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
“We are overjoyed to have a Native American at the helm of the Interior Department, especially with Coconino County’s diverse population and landscape. The Interior Department has a significant footprint here in our County and every decision they make – from the WAVE on the Utah border to the Grand Canyon – impacts us all. We look forward to working with Secretary Haaland to move forward for greater funding and protection of our public lands and assets,” commented Vice-Chair Lena Fowler.
Coconino County has completed the move of its Human Resources Department to the County Administration Building as part of a multi-layered series of facility consolidation efforts to save the County on leased space costs. The Human Resources Department is now located on the 3rd floor of the County Administration Building at 219 E Cherry Ave in Flagstaff.
“COVID-19 has demonstrated the ability for the County to reimagine how we use space, what part of our workforce needs to be in the office and explore hybrid work options that save taxpayers lease costs while promoting productivity in our dedicated team. The series of facility changes that we are engaged in will optimize County-owned space and eliminate much of our leased space,” said County Manager James Jayne.
As part of the ongoing Fourth Street reconstruction project, Soliere Avenue will be closed at the Fourth Street intersection starting March 19, 2021. Fourth Street will remain open and a Soliere Avenue detour will be posted.
The City of Flagstaff is seeking a Deputy Library Director.
The position actively supports and upholds the City’s stated mission and values. Under direct supervision of the Library Director, employees of this classification are independently responsible for overseeing departments of the Library, including responsible administrative, professional, managerial and supervisory work. This position assists in directing the activities of the entire library section and serves in the absence of the Director.
On Wednesday, ABOR approved Dr. Cruz’s contract to be the 17th president of Northern Arizona University, effective June 14. He is planning a robust transition period with several visits to campus.
The Arizona Board of Regents (on March 10) voted to approve the appointment of Dr. José Luis Cruz as the 17th president of Northern Arizona University. With its vote, ABOR has authorized the board chair to execute a multiple-year contract with Dr. Cruz.
The move follows an extensive national search and the recent announcement of Dr. Cruz’s selection as finalist for the position. Dr. Cruz will begin his term on June 14, 2021.
“On behalf of the board, I am pleased to officially welcome and congratulate Northern Arizona University’s 17th President – Dr. José Luis Cruz,” said ABOR Chair Larry E. Penley. “Dr. Cruz has an outstanding record as a proven academic leader and innovator. His understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education – coupled with an unmatched commitment to improving educational outcomes for all students – will be invaluable assets to NAU and the state. We are grateful to have Dr. Cruz’s leadership and vision at the helm of NAU, and look forward to working with him as he works to help write the next chapter of this great university.”
Coconino Community College alum Jessica Dodson was the first generation in her family to attend college.
Living on the Navajo Nation, with no electricity or running water, she had to be creative in doing her homework, and the drive to the college in Page was long.
“It was difficult,” Dodson said. “But I focused on, ‘I’m doing it for myself.’”
If there had been student housing at CCC in Page when she was a student, her journey might have been easier. She’s certain it would help the educational journeys of students with experiences similar to hers.
This week’s numbers at a glance:
The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 1,345, similar to the number of 1,187 on average per day last week.
As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code since the pandemic began is 193. This number represents cases both inside and outside the park.
There are no new reported cases in the park this week and one existing active case.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 44 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
More detailed statistics are available on the Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard.
UACJ Automotive Whitehall Industries, a leading supplier of precision extruded aluminum automotive components and assemblies, has selected Flagstaff as the new home for their fourth production plant. UACJ Whitehall will take over a portion of the former Walgreen’s distribution center and will manufacture parts for electric vehicles and other automotive companies.
“We are so excited to welcome Whitehall Industries to Flagstaff,” said Mayor Paul Deasey. “They are a cutting-edge company that exemplifies Flagstaff’s character as a city of innovation and sustainability. We look forward to the immense positive impact they will have for our community.”
Young people who cross paths with the Coconino County criminal justice system often have common threads in the tapestries of their lives, according to the professionals at Juvenile Court Services.
They’re usually behind on school credit. They have little educational support at home – not because the parents don’t want to help, but rather, they are often in crisis themselves or working multiple jobs. They’ve typically experienced significant trauma in their lives. Sometimes, there are underlying issues like poverty, substance abuse and mental health disorders.
Coconino County (on March 10) applauded the passage of the America Rescue Plan (ARP) and praised the leadership of Representative Tom O’Halleran and Senators Krysten Sinema and Mark Kelly for fighting for rural northern Arizona priorities in the federal relief bill. The America Rescue Plan passed the Senate this past weekend and the House of Representatives today.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
The National League of Cities (NLC) announced the city of Flagstaff as one of eight cities for the 2021 Leadership in Community Resilience program. The NLC will provide the city with $10,000 in direct financial support as well as technical assistance and advisory services from NLC staff and partners to help meet community-specific resilience goals. The city will use this funding to focus on the impacts of smoke from wildfires and prescribed burns by launching the Resilient Neighborhoods Network in three pilot neighborhoods and to provide micro-grants for participating neighborhoods, as well as purchasing HEPA air purifiers to distribute to vulnerable residents.
8 March 2021
Hello from Supervisor Horstman
Supervisor Horstman Visits the Grand Canyon Community
Federal Advocacy Meetings
Congratulations County Manager Peru
Happy International Women’s Day
COVID Information Line and Testing
CDC Mask Guidance
Contact Us
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Bill Cramer, Cliff Finity, Byron McKeown, Deanne McKeown, and Lesley Aine McKeown
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
The Fine Art Gallery is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.
Our new online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!
The scenario is all too common: The computer isn’t working right. What’s wrong with it?
The customer dials a number or submits a ticket via email. The line engages; the email is answered.
“Support desk,” the voice says. “How may I help you?”
Coconino Community College is collaborating with Google to offer an Information Technology Support Professional certificate beginning this summer, and the three-class program can be completed before the end of the year.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Steve Peru as its next County Manager, with his service to begin on April 5.
The Board interviewed Peru on Tuesday for the role. Peru also interviewed with the County Elected Officials and Department heads. In making the appointment, Supervisors cited Peru’s experience at the County and in the private sector and other community agencies. This experience is part of “an alignment of opportunity” for the County to fill its need for consistent and capable leadership in the coming months as the COVID-19 pandemic continues and for the financial challenges the County faces due to the pandemic. Additionally, Peru knows the County well as a former County Manager with an eye toward the culture of the organization.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
Eleven students sit in room, dressed in clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. They learn about filters, batteries, fluids, belts, tires, brakes, suspensions, lights and so much more.
The average vehicle, when it gets a thorough inspection, undergoes a system check from top to bottom, bumper to bumper and all points in between, said Jonathan Begay.
“Every car is a good car if you take care of it,” Begay said. “You take care of it, it’ll take care of you.”
Welcome to Automotive Technician 100 at Coconino Community College, an evening class geared toward people who work or go to school during the day.
Seniors in Springerville, Eagar and surrounding towns have missed visiting the Round Valley Community Services and Adult Center since it stopped hosting lunchtime meals and in-person programs last year due to the pandemic.
In fact, Community Services Director Robin Aguero says she gets calls every week from seniors asking when they can come back.
That long wait might be over soon, as the center – a partner agency of UWNA – works to slowly reopen in-person programs.
Due to continued impacts of the pandemic, the Flagstaff Blues and Brews Festival will be moved to June 2022. The move is due to the nature of the event, gathering thousands of fans in one location and the event falling earlier in the calendar year. Large scale music festivals and concerts remain deeply affected by the pandemic across the globe. Flagstaff is no exception and it may not be safely possible until much later in 2021. We cannot safely replicate the experience that our fans know and love with the potential COVID 19 restrictions. Refunds will be given immediately to all ticket holders for the 2021 festival.
Starting March 2, Grand Canyon National Park’s Cultural Demonstrator Program at Desert View will launch the ‘History Behind the Arts’ video series. This series will feature cultural demonstrators from the 11 traditionally associated tribes of Grand Canyon and will highlight the history of tribal crafts and personal interviews with artisans.
The Cultural Demonstration Program provides the opportunity for viewers to learn more about each tribe’s culture, their history, and the skills, knowledge, and efforts involved in creating each craft. Through symbols, patterns, and designs, native art of the Southwest displays the everyday life, beliefs, dreams, visions, and long-lasting traditions of tribes. The Cultural Demonstration Program at Grand Canyon began in 2014 and continues today with grant support from the Grand Canyon Conservancy.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Click here to see all our online learning opportunities
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 25 changed course on the County Manager Recruitment process opting to interview Steve Peru, an experienced, local candidate for the position.
Peru is the former Coconino County Manager and Clerk of the Board and current Chief External Affairs Officer of the Coconino Community College and President of the Coconino Community College Foundation. The Board will interview Peru on Tuesday, March 2.
The Board of Supervisors expressed the need for continuity of leadership and experience in Coconino County issues during the COVID-19 pandemic as primary driver for the change of direction in the County Manager recruitment.
While Northern Arizona University is on the verge of achieving a student population that would allow it to be considered an Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), José Luis Cruz believes emphasis should go to one particular area.
“What we need to focus on is the serving part, not just providing access, (to give them the help they need) to graduate on time,” Cruz, a finalist for the 17th president of NAU, said during a virtual media conference held on Feb. 19.
The media conference followed a virtual and limited-audience community meeting held during his visit to the university. Cruz is awaiting approval of contract terms during the next Arizona Board of Regents meeting where he will be officially appointed as the new NAU president.
The city of Flagstaff’s Community Development and Engineering Divisions in conjunction with the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce will host a listening tour with community partners starting in March. The meetings will be held twice per month with the goal of opening a dialogue with city customers about the development process and procedures to find efficiencies and improve the overall experience for applicants, owners and staff.
While their colleagues build a vaccine that only requires one shot, ¡MIRA! director Jennifer Martinez and the NAU team are building a box for the vaccine, which starts with creating the right nanomaterials.
When it comes time to renew your driver license, ADOT MVD has good news: driver license renewal can now be completed online at AZMVDNow.gov.
Because Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on Feb. 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.
COVID-19 Updates
This week’s numbers at a glance:
The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 1,552 down from 2,246 on average per day last week.
As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code since the pandemic began is 183. This number represents cases both inside and outside the park.
There is one new reported case in the park this week.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 43 total positive COVID-19 cases in the park. To date, and as reported, none of the positive cases resulted from interaction with park visitors.
More detailed statistics are available on the Coconino County COVID-19 Dashboard.
