Category: Government

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 22-26, 2021 — Governor Doug Ducey Issues Executive Order Easing Some COVID-19 Restrictions

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

On Thursday, March 25, Governor Doug Ducey issued an executive order easing some COVID restrictions across the state.
However, the order continues to encourage following CDC and Department of Labor Guidelines for masking, physical distancing, and hand washing. It also allows businesses and organizations that serve the public to mandate COVID mitigation measures.
Federal mask requirements are still in place in federal facilities and on public lands. Please visit the Grand Canyon Superintendent’s Compendium Summary for a list of locations where masking is required.
We will have more information about the order in next week’s edition of the wrap-up.

Gov. Ducey Removes Public Health Mandates on COVID

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Governor has removed all mandatory mask requirements, capacity restrictions, and other mitigation efforts. Coconino County still requires these measures on County property and encourages their continued use everywhere.

Governor Doug Ducey (on March 25) announced several updates to the state’s COVID-19 measures, including events, businesses, and local ordinances.

Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council to Hold Community Food Drive

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

The Coconino County Hispanic Advisory Council (CHAC) will conduct a drop-off Community Food Drive at a socially distanced alternative to its annual César E. Chávez celebration from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, March 27 at the Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, 2532 E. 7th Ave., at the corner of 4th and 7th streets, Flagstaff.

Community members are invited drop off donations as: peanut butter, canned vegetables, tuna, and other canned protein, pasta, cereal, and canned fruit. All donations go to the Flagstaff Family Food Center for distribution to the community.

Supporting partners of the Community Food Drive include The Market of Dreams / Mercado de los Sueños, and Radio Sunnyside, KSZN-LP 101.5 FM

Willard Springs Transfer Station reopens Friday, April 2 for free green waste-only disposal

by Community Contributor • March 25, 2021 • Comments Off

Coconino County will reopen the Willard Springs Transfer Station for the new season on Friday, April 2, for free green waste-only disposal to support residents’ efforts to clean up their properties before wildfire season.

As with last year, the station will not be accepting bulk waste due to COVID-19 cash handling and the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and local health authorities’ social distancing protocols.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Disinvestments in early education are hurting children and families

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

By AzECA, Arizona Early Childhood Funders Collaborative, Expect More Arizona

Now a full year into the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, education at all levels has been impacted; in some ways, it’s forever changed. And the students who are most likely to face the longest-term effects are also the youngest.

In recently updated data, the Arizona Education Progress Meter showed a decline of 3% in Quality Early Learning over the past two years. Enrollment in quality early learning among Arizona 3- and 4-year-olds now stands at 19%, down from 22% two years ago. Arizona must take quick action to reverse this decrease and ensure all children have a strong start to their education, which is foundational to their future success and Arizona’s ability to meet the goals in the Education Progress Meter.

Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona (ECoNA) — Save the Date for BioScience Roadmap Update

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

ECoNA will debut a video about our local bioscience sector at the annual Bioscience Roadmap hosted by the Flinn Foundation. This virtual meeting will be held from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14. To register for this free event, please click here.

In addition to updates from around the state, the event will feature keynote remarks from Thomas Osha, the board chair of the Global Institute on Innovation Districts. Osha is a global authority on leveraging research and technology into economic development.

Discover Flagstaff — Serenade for Strings, Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra and more events

by Community Contributor • March 24, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

John Romero appointed to the Williams USD #2 Governing School Board

by Community Contributor • March 19, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Weekly Wrap-up: March 15-19, 2021

by Community Contributor • March 18, 2021 • Comments Off

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.…

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — COVID-19 Information Line (928) 679-7300

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Congratulates Bryon Matsuda on Retirement

by Community Contributor • March 17, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — Coconino County Moves to Phase 1c; Includes 35 and Older in Vaccine Eligibility

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Applauds the Confirmation of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Relocates Human Resources Offices as part of Facility Consolidation Plan

by Community Contributor • March 16, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

City of Flagstaff announces Soliere Avenue closure

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

City of Flagstaff Seeking Deputy Library Director

by Community Contributor • March 15, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Student/workforce housing at CCC in Page taking shape

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Applicants sought from Coconino County for multiple Governing Board Seats for Appointment

by Community Contributor • March 12, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up — March 8-12, 2021 — March is Women’s History Month

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Marie B. Acothley appointed to the N.A.T.I.V.E. Governing Board

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

CCC students receive more COVID relief funds

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Whitehall selects Flagstaff for new auto parts plant

by Community Contributor • March 11, 2021 • Comments Off

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 Applauds Passage of the America Rescue Plan

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

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 — Family Friday, FlagTag AZ. Get two games of Laser Tag for a family of 5 for $50 and more events

by Community Contributor • March 10, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

City of Flagstaff receives National League of Cities Community Resilience Grant

by Community Contributor • March 9, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

District 1 Supervisor Patrice Horstman Newsletter for March 8

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

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

Glen Canyon Dam operational flows to be modified March 15-26

by Community Contributor • March 8, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Bilingual report — New vaccine appointments (1,500 by Flagstaff Medical Center at Elks Lodge), (1,400 at Fort Tuthill County Park, now open

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up for March 1-5, 2021

by Community Contributor • March 5, 2021 • Comments Off

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Coconino County Board of Supervisors Appoint Steve Peru as County Manager

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — Students, families, community benefit with CCC&Y partnership with the Coconino County Education Service Agency (CCESA) and more news

by Community Contributor • March 3, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino County Moves to Include Those 55 and Older in Phase 1b

by Community Contributor • March 2, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Northern Arizona Healthcare currently has more than 1,000 appointments available for first doses of the COVID Vaccine in Flagstaff March 1 – 5

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2021 • Comments Off

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

Grand Canyon National Park Launches Virtual Cultural Demonstrator Video Series

by Community Contributor • March 1, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino County Board Changes Course on County Manager Recruitment, Prepared to Name Steve Peru as Manager

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Additional First Dose COVID-19 Vaccination Appointments to open on Friday, Feb. 26. Also see Spanish-language online event on Feb. 26 — ‘What families should know about COVID-19 vaccines’

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

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

City of Flagstaff and Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce listening tour

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

AARP Hispanic Connection holds Teletown Hall via FB Live on the COVID-19 vaccination process in Arizona. Includes Q&A

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Arizona MVD: Online renewal of driver licenses is here!

by Community Contributor • February 26, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Text to 9-1-1 is now available in Coconino County

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Grand Canyon Weekly Wrap-up for Feb. 22-26, 2021

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

County Superintendent of Schools announces 2021 Spelling BEE Winner

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Governing School Board Candidates to be Interviewed For Open Seat at Williams USD

by Community Contributor • February 25, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

CCC and ASU partner to make transfer an easy path with MyPath2ASUTM

by Community Contributor • February 24, 2021 • Comments Off

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.

Coconino County Donates HVACR Chiller to CCC Trades Program

by Community Contributor • February 23, 2021 • Comments Off

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.