Category: Business

Parks & Recreation receives state grant to enhance Harrenburg Wash

Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project.

 Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project. This project will enhance the riparian habitat at Harrenburg Wash which is part of Pumphouse County Natural Area, located approximately ten miles south of Flagstaff in the community of Kachina Village. The grant award is $129,190. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — September is Suicide Prevention Month

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month. Coconino County pledges to continue supporting suicide prevention efforts across the County, in partnership with @StrongerAsOneNAZ and our other community partners.

For free services, text the 24/7 Crisis Line at 741-741, call the Northern Arizona Crisis Line at 1-877-756-4090, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Weekend closure of Fourth Street bridge over Interstate 40 in Flagstaff begins Sept. 18

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for a weekend closure of the Fourth Street bridge over Interstate 40 from 8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18, to 5 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, as work continues on the bridge replacement project.

Pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles will have access across Fourth Street during the closure. Drivers can use Huntington Drive or Soliere Avenue as an alternate route.

ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while construction is underway.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — City Council Candidate Questionnaire

Six stouthearted citizens are running for a seat on Flagstaff’s City Council (in addition to two mayoral candidates). Three will be seated, with the top vote-getter becoming vice-mayor. 
 
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates 10 questions, focused on affordable housing, reclaimed water, climate action, policing, building heights, undocumented residents, and the minimum wage. 
 
To read their answers go to https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/2020-council-candidate-questionnaire/ Click on each candidate or, to compare candidate answers, click on each questio

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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 fullness of Fall at the Museum of Northern Arizona

Thanks to all of you who supported us through the Gala To Go this year. It was a very different event from previous years, but a joyful and fun day. We were delighted to welcome supporters and some of our volunteers back to the museum to share in the special program. In a normal year, the funds raised at MNA’s Gala are crucial to our success.

Bilingual commentary — A September to Remember that Democracy is in Your Hands

Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching (Sept. 30) to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election

During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day
Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing Available
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
UPDATED COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.

COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

Coconino County Health and Humans Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Labor Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 safety recommendations include:
Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Practice physical distancing while at social events.
Skip the celebratory events, if sick over the holiday

NAU News — NAU researchers launch first large-scale study of tooth decay among minority preschoolers

With funding through the Southwest Health Equity Research Collaborative, Northern Arizona University researchers are partnering with the University of Hawai’i to investigate biological, socioeconomic factors driving early childhood caries.

United Way of Northern Arizona COVID-19 Fund Reaching the Overlooked & Underserved

When we started the COVID-19 Fund back in March, our goal was to quickly turn your donations into support for local organizations meeting the basic needs of our residents during this unprecedented time. Our expertise means we can cut down on the ‘red tape’ and rapidly get money to agencies that are highly skilled at meeting this moment.

Your generosity has allowed us to distribute almost $400,000 to local nonprofits including food banks, child care providers and homeless shelters. Often, your gifts have helped communities and populations that are overlooked or underserved.

Coconino County offices closed in honor of Labor Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.

COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Labor Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For nonemergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

ECoNA — County Fair & SciFest at a Screen Near You

As we head into this holiday weekend, I want to congratulate the organizers of two of the biggest events on the Flagstaff calendar for their ingenuity in bringing us virtual versions of these annual celebrations.

For fans of the Coconino County Fair, it’s not easy to capture the sounds, smells and thrills of the Fair, but the folks at Coconino County Parks & Recreation have done their best to bring the experience into your home.

Would you like to see the 4-H Livestock Show? How about 7-plus hours of steers, pigs, goats and lambs right here. (They’ll also be hosting the auction over these next three days online).

Daytime lane restrictions planned next week on US 89 near Flagstaff

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the following daytime lane restrictions on north- and southbound US 89 between Flagstaff (milepost 435) and Gray Mountain (milepost 442) for pavement maintenance:

Southbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. 

Northbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. 

Saliva-based COVID-19 Testing Available

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is pleased to partner with Arizona State University, Arizona Department of Health Services and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to offer free saliva-based diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Testing will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2 at the NAU Fieldhouse and beginning September 8 at Fort Tuthill County Park.   

Discover Flagstaff — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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 seeks applications for Community Stakeholder Committee on reclaimed water

The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is assembling a volunteer committee on reclaimed water. Only one-third of all reclaimed water generated each year is committed for our current customers. The Water Services Division is faced with about seven options for the remaining, uncommitted supply; input from the community is needed to narrow the options down to three.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Colorado River Days Flagstaff Goes Virtual for 2020

The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.

Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.

Adding to ‘all hands on deck’ to help local businesses

The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.

When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.

“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.

2020 Coconino County Fair to be held virtually

The 2020 Coconino County Fair will move forward this year as an online event with virtual 4-H shows, pictures of entry winners, streaming entertainment, and a virtual vendor marketplace. A “community connections” portion encourages community members to share favorite recipes, gardening tips and tricks, flower growing advice, and to vote for people’s choice awards in fine arts for photography and other art mediums. While the annual Coconino County Fair will look different this year, the public is encouraged to participate and make it a community-wide celebration. 

ECoNA COVID-19 update — Schools & Child Care

School is back in session in northern Arizona, although it looks unlike anything we’ve ever seen before, with most K-12 school systems opting for virtual classes at least for the first quarter of the school year because of coronavirus.

#1 Benchmarks. One of the big statistical indicators for whether a school district is ready to begin in-person sessions has to do with three benchmarks from the Arizona Department of Health Services. They are:

A decline in coronavirus cases or less than 100 cases per 100,000 individuals for two consecutive weeks;
Two consecutive weeks with “percent positivity” below 7%. (This is exactly what it sounds like; that fewer than 7% of the coronavirus tests come back positive. It’s an indicator of transmission rates or that too few people are being tested.)
Two consecutive weeks with hospital visits for COVID-like illnesses in the region below 10%.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Yá’át’ééh! 

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am pleased to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — Action Item permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin

The Flagstaff Water Group published an important editorial in Saturday’s AZDaily Sun on a permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin in areas over the Coconino Aquifer, thereby potentially affecting Red Gap Ranch water, a potential future water source for Flagstaff. 

Although this is very short notice, the issue is extremely important and we urge you to read the editorial statement (below) and send your comments to greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov. NO LATER THAN EARLY A.M. AUGUST 26th. 

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — CCHHS Clinic Set to Reopen

Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.

Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.

Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Sedona Arts Center — New online art classes

Burridge’s popular “Loosen Up!” workshop nurtures individual success and personal enrichment with a big emphasis on daily painting projects at your own pace. It is stress-free, but be warned; you could end up with too much enthusiasm for painting. This Burridge flagship workshop offers a variety of painting subjects for everyone. Designed for the professional painter who is stuck in a style as well as for the novice who wants to conquer their fear of painting.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — 2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide

In This Newsletter:

Quote of the Day
2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
Virtual Master Gardening Class for Northern Arizona
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge registration
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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.

Sedona Arts Center — Visit Our Online Gallery Today!

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 online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!

The Gallery is currently open Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.

Coconino Community College — CCC focuses on safety this fall with remote learning

The Fall semester is a week away.

How is it that time seems to move so very quickly and yet so very slowly during a pandemic? I think it is because we so very much miss seeing our students and our communities up close and in person. And yet, Coconino Community College is moving right along.

This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CCC have chosen Remote Delivery methods for our courses in the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the community. Our motto for this time is “Be Stellar, Be Safe.” Going to remote delivery was a difficult decision because all of us, especially our faculty, want to have that personal contact with our students, and some of our students would absolutely prefer to learn that way.

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update — Vote and Be Counted! Facebook Live Event on Aug. 26

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.

City seeks input for Climate Action and Adaptation Plan revision

The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve community-wide carbon neutrality by the year 2030. To respond to this emergency, the city will revise the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reflect the new goal of carbon neutrality, while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization that requires full community participation.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Click Here to Fill Out the 2020 Census Online

Currently only 42.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more! 

The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives. 

CCC offers new HVACR program this fall

Heating. Ventilation. Air Conditioning. Refrigeration. Oh, my!

Coconino Community College will now be offering a certification in Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) this fall thanks to a generous grant from the Del E. Webb Foundation. The program includes training in Plumbing, Blueprint Reading and Estimating, Basic Electrical Theory, House Wiring, Building Methods. International Residence Code and HVACR.

Coconino County Takes Action to Protect San Francisco Peaks

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution Tuesday endorsing a twenty-year extension of a federal Public Land Order withdrawing the San Francisco Peaks from sale, settlement and mineral extraction. The Board’s resolution supports the Coconino National Forest’s application to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for the extension of the withdrawal.  

United Way of Northern Arizona — COVID-19 Fund Providing Some Frozen Help

Shortly after it became clear this spring that coronavirus was going to change life as we know it, the United Way of Northern Arizona created the COVID-19 Fund to help nonprofits as they addressed the pandemic.

Thanks to your generosity, UWNA has distributed more than $379,866 to local groups addressing the economic fallout from COVID-19. Typically these grants are for large, round numbers that help these groups as they deal with increased demand for basic needs.

But today we wanted to talk about a smaller, and very specific, grant that is changing lives in the Grand Canyon area: a check for $4,717.29 to the Grand Canyon Food Pantry.

City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions

The City of Flagstaff will enter Stage One fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on August 14, 2020 in an effort to reduce the potential for unintentional human-caused wildfires within the city limits and to lower the impacts of emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The city of Flagstaff cooperates with local, county, state and federal fire management agencies to ensure a coordinated effort is made in fire restrictions actions across jurisdictions.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Everyone Counts!

It’s already August (!!) which means that we are getting closer to the due date for the 2020 Census. The due date for the 2020 Census has now been changed to September 30, 2020. This means that if you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, now is the time to do so!

Currently only 41.9% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census.This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more! 

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Weekly Update

Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!

Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners resources. We are in this together.

National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation August 1 – 31

Flagstaff’s Mayor Coral Evans is joining mayors across the country in challenging their residents to conserve water, energy and other natural resources on behalf of their city through a series of informative, easy-to-use pledges online by taking part in the annual Wyland National Mayor’s Challenge for Water Conservation. Residents are encouraged to pledge online at mywaterpledge.com.

UPDATED! NEW Online Art Classes through Sedona Arts Center

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Classes and Workshops are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but are unable to travel. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

Our classes are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us online to learn more about all of our online classes!

Flagstaff Convention & Visitor’s Bureau — Find virtual events with Flagstaff 365 Happenings

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.

CCC’s TRIO program receives $1.3 million grant

The Coconino Community College TRIO Student Support Services program received a $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

The grant, which will be distributed over a five-year period, is the third such grant CCC has received since 2010.

“This is a big deal because our priority is first-generation students, students with disabilities and low-income students,” said Jessica Laessig, TRIO project coordinator at CCC. “This grant is important to be able to help these students who need it the most on our campus.”

Friends of Flagstaff’s Future — How high should we go?

How high should we go? That’s the question raised by The Hub and other new and proposed 60-plus foot buildings. For over a year, the City Development Department has been working to develop a new zone—Neighborhood Community Commercial (NCC)—that would reduce height limits on new construction from 60 feet to 45 feet in areas north and west of Downtown, Southside, and Sunnyside. 

This is an important and complex issue, involving the effort to balance neighborhood integrity, city character, and high density. Friends of Flagstaff’s Future is following the discussion closely and will make recommendations. 

Sedona Arts Center — In-Person Classes at Sedona Arts Center

Ceramics For All Levels
with Dennis Ott
Beginning August 24, 2020
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.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.8% for the 2020 Census

If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!

In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.

By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.

It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.

Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.

I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.

Certified Nursing Assistant program returns to CCC in Page

The patient beds are made. Medical supplies are at the ready. The mannequins are prepped for receiving care, and the instructor is ready to teach. 

Now, what’s left is the students.

After a seven-year hiatus, the Certified Nursing Assistant program is returning to Coconino Community College in Page.

“This program is important for CCC to support the Page community,” said Kay Leum, executive director of Extended Learning at CCC. “The opportunity to go through the course here in Page, whether students want to go straight into the workforce in the area or to continue studies for a nursing degree, offers so many benefits.”

LULAC Says Shortening Census Period Hurts Latinos

Sindy Benavides, National Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) issued the following statement about the Administration’s decision to end the self-reporting window and door knocking operations one-month earlier for the 2020 Census.

“It is simply inconceivable that we can achieve a full and accurate count by these actions at the time we need it most during a pandemic that is disproportionately impacting Latinos. This is yet another tactic from the Trump Administration to make our community invisible with an incomplete enumeration, which impacts critical funding, representation, and redistricting. Instead of ramping up its work, the Census Bureau cites the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for deciding to cut short the two most critical aspects of the census. First, there is the self-reporting phase and that is followed by community outreach to contact individuals and families who for one reason or another have not done so.

Coconino County Parks & Recreation — County Fair update, AZT Babbitt Ranch trail segment dedication, and more

On Saturday, August 1, the Arizona Trail Association (ATA) held a dedication for the Babbitt Ranch Segment, Passage 35. The small, private event was not open to the public due to COVID-19. Coconino County Board of Supervisor Art Babbott (District 1) and Coconino County Parks and Recreation staff attended the event.

Statement from U.S. Census Bureau Director Steven Dillingham — Delivering a Complete and Accurate 2020 Census Count

The U.S. Census Bureau continues to evaluate its operational plans to collect and process 2020 Census data. We are announcing updates to our plan that will include enumerator awards and the hiring of more employees to accelerate the completion of data collection and apportionment counts by our statutory deadline of December 31, 2020, as required by law and directed by the Secretary of Commerce. The Census Bureau’s new plan reflects our continued commitment to conduct a complete count, provide accurate apportionment data, and protect the health and safety of the public and our workforce. 

Award-winning CCC alum encourages educational path

Barely getting by at a dead-end job, April Sandoval left an abusive husband and decided to try her hand at college. 

Sitting in the parking lot of Coconino Community College in 2002, she forced herself to go inside and attend her first class. She thrived and quickly received her associate degree. She then went on to get two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree.

Now, Sandoval, Assistant to the President and the District Governing Board at CCC, can add another feather in her cap on her road to success. She was chosen this week to receive the Pacific Region Professional Board Staff Member Award for 2020 from the Association of Community College Trustees.

Local First ARIZONA — Independents Week 2020 Sept. 1-30, 2020

A little later in the year than usual, Indie Week XXL will bring you a whole month to attract new customers through an extra-long special edition of Independents Week! Stay tuned for details on a new #IndieWeekAZ consumer action card (bingo style), Shop Arizona marketplace, and as always, a rallying call for support of independent Arizona businesses.

Upcoming overnight closures on Interstate 40 at Winona bridge east of Flagstaff Aug. 11-12

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for overnight closures on Interstate 40 – about 16 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Winona bridge rehabilitation project. 

ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following restrictions are in place:

ECoNA Flagstaff Welcomes New Retail & Service Businesses

Even before the coronavirus, brick-and-mortar retailers and service providers faced challenges. E-commerce has put pressure on the sector for years. The pandemic, along with its related economic fallout, just accelerated the issue for many traditional stores. The result is that many have gone into Chapter 11 and may not be coming back. 

Which is why it’s been rewarding to see a series of new businesses opening their doors this summer in Flagstaff. Their arrival here is the result of concerted recruitment efforts, sometimes over a period of several years, by the City of Flagstaff’s Economic Vitality team and the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona.

Bilingual report — Downtown Flagstaff conducting Vision & Action Plan Survey

This survey is part of the Downtown Vision planning process being led by the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance (FDBA), in partnership with the City, County, and Mountain Line. The Vision & Action Plan will identify priorities and initiatives to guide improvements in Downtown over the next three to ten years.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Residents Count: Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!

Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41.6% for the 2020 Census.

If you have not yet filled out the 2020 Census, please do so!

In times of crises, communities need funding, data and representation in order to support their people, and respond to the challenges. Coconino County needs your support to make sure we able to tackle the challenges we face today, and for the next ten years.

By filling out the 2020 Census, you’re helping to make sure that our community continues to receive federal funding for Medicare and Medicaid and support for the health centers we rely on to serve our people. Billions of dollars in federal aid come into our state each year for these programs, and completing your Census ensures that we continue to receive our share.

It also ensures that you are represented in government at the local, state and federal levels, and that the data collected helps your elected representatives to make informed decisions.

Make sure your voice is heard and your community is supported for the next decade. Respond today at www.2020Census.gov or call 844-330-2020 for English or 844-468-2020 for Spanish.

I count. You count. Together we can make a difference for Coconino County.

Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences provides a pilot project to beautify traffic signal cabinets

Artists, graphic designers, illustrators, and photographers are wanted to create designs for traffic signal cabinets in two locations:

The northeast corner of North San Francisco Street and East Butler Avenue
The northwest corner of East Cedar Avenue and North Gemini Avenue
The idea to beautify the city’s traffic signal cabinets was brought to the city of Flagstaff’s Beautification, Arts & Sciences Program by community member Gaylene Soper, who supported the initiative with funding for a demonstration project.

Aug. 9 is the deadline to to enter the #MaskResponsibly Art Contest!

The Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest is hosted by the Flagstaff Arts Council in collaboration with the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. This contest promotes creativity while social distancing, reflection on the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and drives awareness of important public health guidelines.