
The Park has reopened after closure over the weekend to the public due to vaccine administration interruptions.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
Coconino County recognizes the rich and diverse history of the African Diaspora, a people who shaped continents all over the world.
Coconino County takes pride in the diversity of its residents and recognizes the many contributions of the past generations of our African Diaspora to our lumber and sawmill industries, and notably in the present generation of entrepreneurs, educators, artists, authors, scientists, athletes, community leaders and public servants.

Jiyoung Lee comes from South Korea, and Jose Landaverde comes from El Salvador. Kaoru Pierre comes from Japan, and Aurora Silleni comes from Italy. There’s Victor Parra from Mexico and May Henao from Colombia.
They may have come from all over the world, but they have one thing in common: They’re all taking classes with the Adult Education program at Coconino Community College to improve their English language skills.
“It’s college and career preparation,” said Jennifer Dennis, Adult Education instructor at CCC, of the class, which is an advanced English language-acquisition class. “A lot of our students have been through university in their home country.”

Coconino County is bringing you a new series, called the “In the Coconi-KNOW” on Facebook Live today at 12 noon.
Our team will discuss the latest County updates, news and of course, give you a look at the COVID situation in Coconino County. Tune in on the Coconino County Facebook page at noon today!

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has appointed Cheryl Mango-Paget as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools effective immediately.
Mango-Paget has served as the Associate Superintendent for Coconino County since 2012, holds a certificate to teach in schools in the state of Arizona, and holds Arizona administrator and superintendent certifications. Mango-Paget has classroom experience as a teacher and administrator, and expertise and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (STEM).

One of Flagstaff’s oldest institutions, Lowell Observatory, is working with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to draft revised bill language to address the management and development of Section 17, located immediately adjacent and west of the existing observatory campus on Observatory Mesa. Once the bill language is written, Lowell plans to ask Senator Kelly and Congressman O’Halleran to draft legislation through the Legislative Counsel.

Coconino County will only administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which currently includes the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. There are similarities and differences between the two:
Pfizer is for those ages 16 years and older, and requires 21 days between doses.
Moderna is for those ages 18 years and older, and requires 28 days between doses.
Both are safe and effective.
Both require two doses.

Twenty-five years in a row and counting.
Coconino Community College received recognition for its financial responsibility to the public by being awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
“Receiving this recognition for 25 years is an amazing accomplishment,” said CCC’s Executive Vice President Dr. Jami Van Ess. “First, I want to thank the District Governing Board for their dedication to being good stewards of public funds.”

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.

Flagstaff was selected to receive a grant of approximately 17,000 new children’s books to help local families promote reading and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation was from The Molina Foundation as part of its Book Buddies 2020 program to promote literacy and is one result of the partnership between LAUNCH Flagstaff and Read On Arizona. Flagstaff’s receipt of this large number of new books and ability to provide them to local children and families is a result of the strong collaboration between community literacy organizations.

As the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) grows in its commitment to Step Up for Our Youth, it’s important to ensure that the work we do aligns with our three core areas of focus: early childhood development, positive youth development, and supporting families in need.
With that in mind, we’ve been working diligently to transition the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant program to trusted partners so that thousands of local tax filers who have relied on VITA services in the past will continue to have access to them.
We are pleased to announce that United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (UWTSA) and Northland Free Tax Assistance (NFTA) will be coordinating efforts to provide VITA services this year in our region. We are grateful to these two organizations for continuing our work so that northern Arizonans will keep receiving the tax refunds and credits they are entitled to.

Trash and recycling collections for both residential and commercial businesses is suspended for Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 due to worsening weather and road conditions. Solid Waste personnel will be redeployed to assist with snow operations. Trash and recycling collection will resume when conditions are safe.

With significant snow forecast for northern Arizona in the coming days, the city of Flagstaff would like to provide information regarding snow operations.
The city’s Public Works division will deploy all available equipment and operators during the upcoming snow events. Snow operations will continue 24 hours a day through the winter event. First priority roadways for treatment are main arterials, major hills, downtown and school and transit routes. All other streets are considered second priority areas.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following restrictions on Interstate 40 at the Meteor Crater Road traffic interchange – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project:
Meteor Crater Road will be closed between the east- and westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, to Friday, Jan. 29.

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 ADAC is now accepting entries for its Black History Month Essay Contest. The essay contest is open to all elementary through high school students in Coconino County.
Essays submissions will center around the theme of the Black family and must be received by Feb. 19.
“This is our ninth year holding the essay contest and it really is such a joy to read these beautifully crafted pieces from children of all ages. This year, our essay prompts center around the Black family, which has been described by some as a microcosm of the entire Black/African-American race. We are offering a number of prompts for students based on their level of school and are eager to hear from them about examples of the Black family and community,” said Khara House Chair of ADAC.

NOW FEATURING:
Nancy Black, Christine Debrosky, John Foster, Chikako Myers, Joan Roberts, and Julie Ronning Talbot
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 city of Flagstaff will interview two candidates with diverse backgrounds in the water and wastewater industries for the Water Services director position. The public will have an opportunity to listen to introductions and to ask questions of the candidates during a virtual meet and greet on Jan. 20 from 5 – 6 p.m. The public can join the virtual meet and greet here: https://bit.ly/3bIItc9. Participants in the meet and greet are encouraged to fill out a feedback form after the event here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaterServicesDirector. Brief candidate bios are included below.

Williams resident Eric Eikenberry has been appointed to the Coconino Community College District Governing Board.
“All of my adult life, I’ve been a huge advocate and supportive of the community college mission,” Eikenberry said. “And since I’ve been living here, I’ve supported the CCC mission in particular. I’m delighted to be appointed and can’t wait to serve our students and community.”

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The COVID-19 testing site at Fort Tuthill will be open for saliva testing during typical hours from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, however, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs will not be available.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol, and Detention will be open. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

The CCC Foundation Annual Fund Drive is now the CCC Comets Caring Campaign.
The change of name reflects who we are at CCC and our commitment to caring for our students, faculty, staff and the community.
Your financial support provides the opportunity to help CCC students write their own success stories in the year ahead and beyond.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following restriction on Interstate 40 at the Meteor Crater Road traffic interchange – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project:
East- and westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Speed will be reduced to 45 mph and a 16-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place; however, wider loads can be accommodated with at least 12 hours prior notice.

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.

Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. City Hall administrative functions will reopen on Jan. 19 with regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and East Flagstaff Public Library will also be closed on Jan. 18. Both locations will resume curbside hold pickup and phone reference services on Jan. 19.

The city of Flagstaff, city of Sedona, and Coconino County, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Northern ArizonaSolar Co-op to help area residents go solar.
“The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony. Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.
“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.
Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.
Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.

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. Visit us Here to learn more about all of our online learning opportunities!

Dear Neighbor,
The purpose of this message is to inform you that the City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program proposes to file for a Zoning Map Amendment for the McMillan Mesa Natural Area, application number: PZ-20-00063. The application intends to change the existing Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space Zoning for passive recreation and preservation.
On November 8th, 2016, Flagstaff voters voted in favor of Proposition 413 – Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50) on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018. The next step is to amend the McMillan Mesa Natural Area’s existing zoning from Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.
A second and final meeting to provide interested community members the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal and provide comments will take place on January 13th.

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.

A commercial kitchen that until recently was the catering arm of Thornager’s on Kiltie Lane is finding a new life as an affordable testing ground for food entrepreneurs who do not have access to a fully-stocked professional cookery.
After 30-plus years in catering, including three decades as the owner of Thornager’s, Karen Sorensen was ready to hang up her apron. She even toyed with the idea of selling the Equestrian Estates event venue, but ultimately decided to shut down the catering portion of the her business while continuing to rent out the clubhouse.

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony.
Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.
“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

As we look back at the many events of 2020, I am reminded of the importance of participatory action. At both the national and local levels, we made our voices heard about issues of importance this past year, from the presidential campaign, to the BLM movement, to the need for Flagstaff to declare a climate emergency.
These Communications from F3 are designed to make it easier for you to participate in our community. They provide an easily accessible way for you to track what’s going on in Flagstaff and to participate in the discussions and local decisions that affect you. Join us and help make 2021 a year of joyful participation in our Flagstaff community. Happy New Year!

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony.
Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.
“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

Coconino County will hold a virtual swearing-in ceremony for elected officials Today, January 4th at 5:30pm. Congratulations to elected officials taking a term in office: Supervisors Horstman, Archuleta, Ryan, Begay and Fowler; Sheriff Driscoll, County Attorney Ring, Recorder Hansen, Treasurer Benatar, Assessor Ruiz, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lewis.
Join on Zoom//bit.ly/3rbzzJs
Webinar ID: 994 7622 4476
Or Join Via Telephone: 888 788 0099 (Toll-Free)

The city of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Program will host an online Climate Emergency open house series. The series will discuss the pathway to carbon neutrality, updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and actions the program will take moving forward.
The open house series will take place in two parts. The first part will be on the Open House website, which will host videos from community experts and activists, resources about the Climate Emergency and the framework of the upcoming Carbon Neutrality Plan. This website will launch on Feb. 4, 2021. Community members can use this resource to view and learn at their own pace. Site visitors will be asked to create a free account using their name and email. The site will also include a survey via the Flagstaff Community Forum to collect feedback from residents.

The Virtual Construction Job Fair is a special opportunity for all Coconino County students and residents to connect, network and ultimately find a job in construction.Attendees can be introduced to local construction companies, browse open positions, submit their resumes for consideration and can even have potential “on-the-spot” employment interviews as well.

The 2021 Spring Building Businesses & Entrepreneurs (BBE) business plan development 9-week Zoom-based training through May 5.
Call now (928-679-7463) or send an email to sneuman@coconino.az.gov for information and/or to enroll for our Spring 2021 BBE, Zoom-based training, 6-9pm, Tuesdays, March 30th through May 25th. The class fee is only $125 and includes LivePlan writing template portal access. We also offer a need-based 50% BBE training scholarship. Also, sessions are recorded in case participants miss a class or need additional review. Please share this information with others and let me know if you have any questions. We are here for your success.

All are invited to join the Coconino County Diversity Council Meetings in August, which aim to connect our diverse communities with their local governments.
The Councils include the African Diaspora Advisory Council, the Coconino Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) and the Indigenous Peoples Council. A joint meeting of the three councils is held every quarter.
Click on the image above and then click on the link to the Virtual Meeting you want to attend.

This coming Saturday, September 25, the Coconino County Sustainable Building Program is hosting the 17th annual Sustainable Building Tour.
This coming Saturday, September 25, the Coconino County Sustainable Building Program is hosting the 17th annual Sustainable Building Tour, in partnership with the Flagstaff Festival of Science, Willow Bend Environmental Education Center, and the City of Flagstaff Sustainability Program.

On September 29, 2021 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. the City of Flagstaff, Coconino County and the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) will hold a free open house at 216 West Phoenix Avenue.
The event, held in a former City warehouse, will highlight two items. First, the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public Transportation Authority’s (NAIPTA) plans for the property will be showcased, including a new Downtown Connection Center building and channelization of the Rio de Flag.