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.
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.
Produced by Local First Arizona’s Good Food Finder, The Good Food Film Series will feature monthly, independent short film releases dedicated to documenting and sharing Arizona’s food access stories and the societal challenges the farming and food community face through February 2022. These are stories of the often unseen heroes, doing the good work of not only growing and providing healthy, fresh food to our communities but also taking bold environmental and food sovereignty action to create a more sustainable and just local food system.
Coconino Community College has partnered with Arizona State University to offer a seamless transfer experience with the MyPath2ASU™ program.
MyPath2ASU™ allows students to take the steps needed, at the start of their college experience, to successfully plan their transfer to ASU and ensure a smooth transition process for success.
On Sunday, Feb. 21, Coconino County replaced an 80-ton HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) chiller on the County administrative building located at 110 Cherry Ave. in Flagstaff, donating the unsalvageable system to Coconino Community College’s HVACR Training Program. Trade skills programs are increasingly limited, and Coconino Community College offers a much-needed program for the next generation of tradespeople, including those trained in HVACR.
The Arizona Board of Regents on Feb. 18 announced that José Luis Cruz is the finalist for the position of the 17th president of Northern Arizona University.
“Dr. Cruz has an extraordinary record of academic leadership, and I am confident he is the right leader to build on NAU’s success and ensure a bold and boundless future for this beloved and historic university,” said ABOR Chair Larry E. Penley. “He is a proven innovator in higher education who keenly understands the enormous opportunities that NAU offers as well as the challenges facing higher education. His unsurpassed commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, coupled with a long track record as a leading national advocate to improve educational outcomes for all students—especially those who have historically been underserved—will serve Arizona and NAU well. I am personally honored that he has accepted the opportunity to be the next president of NAU and offer my sincere congratulations.”
After interviewing the qualified candidates for the District 2 County Supervisor vacancy and reviewing multitudes of public comments, Jeronimo Vasquez was unanimously appointed to the position by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 12.
Newly appointed Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez is a long-time resident of District 2 and graduate of Coconino High School and Northern Arizona University. Supervisor Vasquez is currently the 21st Century Community Learning Center Coordinator at Killip Elementary School in the 2nd District.
This week’s numbers at a glance:
The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 2,246, down from 2,963 on average per day last week.
As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code since the pandemic began is 174. This number represents cases inside and outside the park.
There are no reported new cases in the park this week and no reported cases in which the individuals are isolating.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 42 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.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Feb. 4 approved a plan to move $3 million of County projects to construction this spring to help support and stimulate northern Arizona’s local economy, which has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Public Works Stimulus Plan will allow local and regional contractors to break ground on capital improvement, pavement preservation, road resurfacing, and other projects during the coming construction season.
The city of Flagstaff’s paid parking program, ParkFlag will resume March 1, 2021 and will continue to manage the limited supply of parking downtown and in the Southside Neighborhood. This program was suspended due to COVID-19, however, enforcement of title 9 parking violations including time limited parking has been ongoing.
When ParkFlag resumes, the program will include changes that were recommended by the public, including:
Joseph Moreno, senior lecturer in the Department of Ethnic Studies, published the article, “A Mexican and Latina/o Indigenous Perspective on The Current Global Coronavirus Pandemic” in the Journal of Global Indigeneity. The article examines how various U.S. Mexican and Latina/o Indigenous populations have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the economic, health, social and political impacts.
County Attorney William “Bill” Ring has been nominated for the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) 2021 National Distinguished Prosecutor of the Year Award.
Each year, the National District Attorneys Association recognizes prosecutors who have distinguished themselves among their peers as they seek justice, hold offenders accountable, and protect the rights of victims. The Distinguished Prosecutor Award will be awarded to a chief prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, or an emerging leader each year.
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 has an ambitious mission: reach net carbon neutrality by the year 2030. City Council declared a climate change emergency last year, spurred by a citizen’s petition and recent scientific findings. Flagstaff’s Carbon Neutrality Plan updates our award-winning Climate Action and Adaption Plan (2018) by significantly reducing the timeline in which we must work to reach net carbon neutrality. The new target of 100% net carbon neutrality by 2030 is in line with urgent international recommendations that a sharp decline in greenhouse gas emissions is needed in the next nine years in order to avoid exceeding 1.5°C of global warming above pre-industrial levels. Exceeding 1.5°C will lead to irreversible loss of fragile ecosystems and extreme crisis for the most vulnerable people.
Good morning Coconino Community College partners and friends,
Scarves for Scholarships is an annual fundraiser in support of Nursing Student Scholarships at Coconino Community College.
Why not stay warm and cozy this year while helping to support a good cause all at the same time?
To shop, please visit the online store at https://app.mobilecause.com/e/U1k9qQ or text SCARF to 41444. Your purchase of one-of-a-kind, hand-made knitted items will help the CCC Foundation reach its goal of $1,500.
All online sales are final and can be picked up at the CCC Lone Tree Campus, 2800 S. Lone Tree Road, Flagstaff.
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 Sedona Arts Center’s ceramic department operates free from the constraints of grades and benefits from the talents of its ceramic faculty and assistants as well as nationally recognized guest instructors. This combination allows our department to offer flexible and diverse programming in both traditional and contemporary techniques.
Former Supervisor Liz Archuleta takes position to lead USDA Intergovernmental Affairs
Please See: KNAU — Former Supervisor Liz Archuleta to lead USDA Intergovernmental Affairs
Please see: Arizona Daily News — Former county supervisor named to USDA senior staff position
COCONINO COUNTY — Twelve qualified candidates have applied to fill the vacancy for District 2 County Supervisor following the recent resignation of former Supervisor Liz Archuleta.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Happy Lunar New Year!
Coconino County Administrative Offices Closed for Presidents’ Day
Kim Musselman Named Director of Coconino County Health and Human Services
African Diaspora Advisory Council Accepting Entries for its Black History Month Essay Contest
COVID-19 Vaccine Update
Get Tested for COVID-19
Additional COVID-19 Testing Options
NEW COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
NEW COVID-19 Weekly Report
Have Questions? Call the COVID-19 Information Line
Stay Connected with Us!
COVID-19 Updates
This week’s numbers at a glance:
The average number of new cases per day in Arizona is 2,963, down from 4,893 on average per day last week.
As of Thursday, the total number of cases in the 86023 zip code is since the pandemic began is 170. This number represents cases inside and outside the park.
There are no reported new cases in the park this week and no reported cases in which the individuals are isolating.
Since the pandemic began, we’ve had 42 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.
Coconino County has named Kim Musselman as Director of Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) effective immediately.
Musselman has led the County’s COVID-19 response since March 2020 as Incident Commander and has served as Interim Director of CCHHS since June 2020.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 15 in
observance of Presidents’ Day.
The COVID-19 testing site at Coconino Community College on Lone Tree in Flagstaff will be open for saliva testing during typical hours of 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The NAU Union Fieldhouse saliva testing site will operate from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Feb. 15, 2021. City administrative functions will reopen on Feb. 16 with regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. City Hall remains closed to the public due to COVID-19.
Complete a Creative Survey on the Uniqueness of the Southside and Flagstaff to Inspire Artists for the New Downtown Connection Center
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Deadline: 12:00 AM on February 19, 2021
Northern Arizona in winter has a lot going for it. The skiing and snowplay. The striking vistas of white-capped mountain peaks against a brilliant blue sky. The beer.
Actually, we enjoy our locally made potent potables all year long, but February is a special time as the state celebrates Arizona Beer Week, extended for a month this year due to the pandemic.
There are close to a dozen craft brew manufacturers from Williams (Grand Canyon Brewing Company, Historic Brewing Company) to Winslow (the RelicRoad Brewing Company), with the biggest concentration in Flagstaff. Some are standalone and others offer taprooms or restaurants.
