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.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the appointment of John Romero as a Governing Board Member for the Williams USD #2.
Romero was appointed March 17, 2021 and his term will end on Dec. 31, 2022.
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.…
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.
Coconino County, is expanding vaccinations to include Phase 1c individuals and those aged 35 and older effective immediately. There are vaccine appointments available immediately.
“Coconino County is pleased with the positive demand for vaccines from our community. We encourage all persons eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Please help us battle the pandemic by encouraging your family and friends to schedule their vaccine appointment.” said Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Director Kim Musselman.
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.
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.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Cheryl Mango-Paget is seeking applicants for appointment to three school districts which include:
Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry, and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia (1 seat),
Fredonia-Moccasin USD #6 (1 seat),
Maine Consolidated USD #10 (2 seats)
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.
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.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget has announced the appointment of Marie B. Acothley as a Governing Board representative for the Northeast Arizona Technological Institute of Vocational Education (N.A.T.I.V.E.)
Acothley was appointed March 9, 2021 and her term will end on Dec. 31, 2022.
Students attending Coconino Community College for the spring semester will receive a new round of federal COVID relief funds to help them with the cost of college.
On Dec. 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Response and Relief and Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) was passed into law. CCC will be awarding at least $552,365 in financial aid grants to students. The awards will likely range from $100 to $500 depending on the number of applicants.
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.”
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
The Department of the Interior will implement a spring disturbance flow at Glen Canyon Dam March 15 to 26, 2021. The operation will coincide with required maintenance on the concrete apron downstream of the dam and powerplant. The spring disturbance flow will not affect the monthly or annual release volumes from Lake Powell.
Coconino County has opened over 1,400 first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments for the Fort Tuthill County Park vaccination site in Flagstaff. Appointment times are available from Monday, March 8 through Tuesday, March 16.
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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.
From providing professional development training to educators, to informing parents and education advocates about policy and legislative reforms, the political process, school improvement efforts, and local events around education — students, families and the community have benefited from the long term partnership between CCC&Y and the Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA).
The Coalition has provided a variety ongoing professional development in recent years including Trauma Informed Care training for educators at the Flagstaff Unified School District and other districts throughout Coconino County.
FUSD reported that more than 1,500 professionals were in attendance for virtual webinar presented in 2020 by CCC&Y.
“Through the support of CCC&Y we were able to provide the opportunity for all staff on our professional development day, August 10th to participate in viewing the webinar: “Understanding Adverse Child Experiences,” district officials reported.
During the ever-evolving COVID-19 response, Coconino County continues to remain nimble to best meet the needs of the community.
Today, in accordance with the updated Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) COVID-19 vaccination guidelines, Coconino County is expanding vaccinations to individuals aged 55 and older as part of the current Phase 1b. Also, ADHS informed Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) that it has been allocated 1,100 doses of the JANSSEN single dose COVID-19 vaccine, developed by the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson.
Northland Family Health Center currently has more than 1,000 appointments available for first doses of the COVID Vaccine in Flagstaff March 1through 5.
These first dose vaccine appointments are available for all those meeting this criteria:
1a or 1b populations
Living or working in Coconino County
18 years old or older
For more information or to register, please visit:
https://www.nahealth.com/covid-19-resources/covid-19-vaccination-info
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.
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.
On Friday, Feb. 26 at noon, Coconino County will open over 700 first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments for the Fort Tuthill County Park vaccination site. Appointment times are available on Monday, March 1 and Tuesday, March 2.
Those interested in scheduling an appointment can visit coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine and navigate to Vaccine Locations webpage, then click on the Flagstaff – March, Fort Tuthill, First Dose link. With the release of additional appointments, Coconino County is also unveiling a Spanish vaccine registration system. English and Spanish registration links for Monday and Tuesday appointments can be found at noon on Friday at coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine
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.
The AARP Arizona Hispanic Connection held a Teletown Hall via FB Live on the COVID-19 vaccination process in Arizona on Feb. 24. The recorded event included a Q&A session.
Click here to hear the session.
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.
The Flagstaff Police Department, in conjunction with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has announce that Text to 9-1-1 is now available to the citizens and visitors within the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County. If an individual uses the Text to 9-1-1 system, the call will be routed to the dispatch center responsible for the 9-1-1 calls.
During an emergency or life-threatening situation when seconds matter, a voice call is the best and fastest way for the 9-1-1 call taker to obtain and deliver life-saving information; whereas, a text message may take longer.
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.
Cheryl Mango-Paget, County Superintendent of Schools, would like to announce Coconino County’s 2021 Spelling BEE winner is Mae Ann Bradford from Basis.ed.
She was determined the winner after 2 tiebreakers were completed. Congratulations Mae Ann on winning the 2021 County Spelling Bee! You should be incredibly proud knowing your efforts and skills paid off and contributed to your recent achievement. Mae Ann will receive $250 from the Flagstaff Rotary Club and will move on to compete in the March State Spelling Bee.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget, would like to announce interviews have been scheduled for the Governing School Board Member open seat at Williams USD.
An advisory committee has been assembled, consisting of a district resident and a current board member to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent Mango-Paget on the appointments.
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.
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 situation in Texas is dire. Dozens of people have died and countless more have been hospitalized for treatment from hypothermia and other effects of freezing weather. Electric power for millions has been knocked out. This has left people trapped in their homes without power for heating or a way to cook meals. Major water supplies have gone dry as sources and pipelines have frozen. The situation has led to alerts for residents to boil all remaining drinking water. Seniors are at especially high risk, along with patients operating medical equipment at home and are now using portable generators. Many food stores and gas stations are unable to meet the demand for essential items or fuel.
Please help us rush assistance to the worst affected areas of Texas. Donate what you can and ask others to do the same.
We can each make a difference and any amount helps.
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:
Coconino County was notified by the Arizona Department of Health Services that this week’s shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine continues to be delayed due to extreme weather conditions across the country.
Due to the prolonged delay and limited on-hand vaccine supply, Coconino County and some partner vaccination sites announced they must cancel and reschedule first dose appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19, and now Saturday, Feb. 20. Fort Tuthill County Park is the only site impacted for Saturday first dose COVID-19 vaccination appointments.
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.
Coconino County was notified by the Arizona Department of Health Services that this week’s shipment of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine allocation has been delayed due to extreme weather conditions across the country.
Coconino County COVID-19 response team staff are working with vaccination partners to assess vaccine needed for scheduled appointments and transferring available vaccine to partners to limit appointment cancellations. The County was able to provide vaccines needed for appointments at all vaccination sites in Coconino County for today; however due to the prolonged delay and limited on-hand vaccine supply, Coconino County and some partner vaccination sites must cancel and reschedule first dose appointments scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 18 and Friday, Feb. 19. Impacted vaccination sites are Fort Tuthill County Park, Northern Arizona University, Northern Arizona Healthcare/Flagstaff Medical Center (Elks Lodge), and North Country HealthCare.
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.
Coconino County and its healthcare vaccination partners are moving to vaccinating all groups in Phase 1b effective immediately.
Individuals in Phase 1a and Priority Populations in Phase 1b continue to be eligible. All eligible populations are listed below:
The African Diaspora Advisory Council is accepting submissions for Black History Month essay contest.
The contest is open to all elementary through high school students County-wide. Prompts and details are available through the ADAC HERE.
The deadline for essay entries has been extended to March 1, 2021.
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.
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
Your Response
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Deadline: 12:00 AM on February 19, 2021
Only those with a vaccine appointment, Flagstaff Snow Park/Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course Ticket, or business at Luke Air Force Base may access Fort Tuthill.
Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed to the public this Friday, Feb. 12 through the end of the day Monday, Feb. 15, with the exception of those who have a scheduled COVID-19 vaccination appointment, a valid Flagstaff Snow Park/Flagstaff Extreme ticket, or official business at Luke Air Force Base.
The Board of Supervisors will be considering a long-term debt proposal in Coconino County.
The long-term debt will be used to fund all or a portion of the County’s unfunded liabilities with respect to the Arizona Public Safety Personnel Retirement System.
The total estimated financing cost will be $24,001,952, consisting of an estimated principal amount of not to exceed $18,075,000 and total estimated interest of $5,926,952.
