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:
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.
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.
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.
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 Community College has finished converting Fall 2020 courses to remote delivery. With modifications complete, students may register (https://www.coconino.edu/registration) right away for the best class selection.
These changes to the course schedule and delivery options were necessary to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff during COVID-19.
Coconino County applauds todays’ enactment of the Great American Outdoors Act which establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address over $507 million deferred maintenance needs in Arizona. This landmark legislation also permanently funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), a critical funding tool for Coconino County.
Calling all volunteers!
Flagstaff Family Food Centers needs your help this week! They need 20-25 volunteers per day from Wednesday through Sunday to help at their Kitchen and Food Bank. You can find more information and sign up for a shift at www.hotfood.volunteerhub.com.
*They have policies and procedures in place to keep their volunteers and community safe, including mask wearing, physical distancing, and frequent hand washing and sanitizing.* Please share widely!
Visit Coconino County’s Election Web Page and find all the information you need to vote. Important dates for the Primary Election are below for easy reference. You can also find information on how you can be a part of the process by becoming an Election Board Worker. Primary Election Day is August 4th! Your vote matters!
Registration reduces wait time along with time for intake and test. Translation and interpretation options also available.
Coconino County voters that may have health concerns or worry about contracting the COVID 19 coronavirus can participate in emergency early voting at several locations across the county on Saturday, August 1 and Monday, August 3.
Voters taking advantage of emergency early voting will be required to complete a form stating that they have an emergency and need to vote an emergency early ballot. They do not need to disclose the specifics of their emergency. “Voters that want to avoid being around large groups of people are considered to have an unforeseen emergency and will be allowed to vote on Saturday and Monday,” said Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen.
This was a week of eye-popping numbers at the federal level, from the release of the Republicans long-awaited stimulus proposal to the data dropped yesterday by the U.S. Commerce Department that showed how coronavirus has impacted gross domestic product (GDP).
#1. Exactly how much did the GDP lose? Let’s take that last one first, because there is some confusion about the numbers released by Commerce. In fact, you might have seen two vastly different headlines – one saying the economy contracted by 9.5% during the past quarter and one saying it was 32.9%.
The August 4 Primary Election is next Tuesday. All registered voters in Coconino County are eligible to vote in the Primary Election.
Sample ballots were mailed to households with registered voters that are not on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) or have not requested an early ballot. The sample ballot includes the name and address of their polling place for this election.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) is holding Back to School Immunization Clinics, Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the King Street building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The clinics will be located in the parking lot.
On July 23, 2020, the city of Flagstaff put its Public Safety Retirement System (PSPRS) Certificates of Participation (COP) on the market and successfully sold to investors from across the country. The Flagstaff City Council authorized the transaction at the June 23, 2020 meeting.
The Coconino County Elections Office reminds early voters that voted early ballots must be received no later than 7:00 pm on Election Day, August 4. Early voters should put their voted early ballot in the mail no later than Wednesday, July 29 to ensure that it is received in time to be counted.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) is holding Back to School Immunization Clinics, Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the King Street building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff. The clinics will be located in the parking lot.
Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the national forests and other agencies in the area, effective July 28 at 6:00 PM.
Coconino County has lifted all fire restrictions on private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County in coordination with similar actions by the national forests and other agencies in the area. The lifting of the fire restrictions is effective July 28 at 6:00 PM.
Coconino County currently has a response rate of 41% 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.
The city of Flagstaff, in partnership with Arizona Public Service (APS), has installed four electric vehicle (EV) charging stations at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 West Aspen Avenue in the heart of downtown Flagstaff. These charging stations will support the City’s transition to EVs for the City fleet and the growing numbers of community members who drive EVs. This project is supported through the APS Take Charge AZ program. The city of Flagstaff is one of the first in the state to install these charging stations as part of Take Charge AZ.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in collaboration with North Country HealthCare and other community partners, will offer COVID-19 Testing in Williams, AZ on Thursday, July 30 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The testing site will be located in the Williams Elementary/Middle School parking lot, 601 N. 7th St., Williams AZ. Those attending are asked to enter at the north side of the campus. Testing will occur in the bus loop.
No appointment or healthcare provider order is needed.
The Coconino County Elections Office reminds registered voters that the last day to request an early ballot to be mailed to you for the August 4 Primary Election is Friday, July 24 at 5 pm. Voters can request an early ballot by going to www.coconino.az.gov/elections and select “Early Ballot Request” or they can call the Elections Office at 928-679-7860.
A “March for Community Health” will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 23 starting at the Flagstaff City Hall. Please wear a mask and observe physical distancing guidelines.
The University Union of Northern Arizona is concerned about the health of the NAU and Flagstaff community during the coming year.
What weighs just a few ounces and can help protect our Lumberjack community? You guessed it—a mask. Masks should be worn for safety reasons, but that doesn’t mean we can’t turn them into a fashion statement. Show off your mask and let us know how you are keeping our community safe with our #maskupjacks challenge.
Coconino Community College students can receive Zoom Academic Advising 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Friday, starting Monday, August 3 through the first day of fall remote instruction on Monday, August 24, 2020.
No Appointment Needed – first available time-slots are based on thirty-minute sessions for continuing CCC students and sixty-minute sessions for new CCC students.
Our search for a new Executive Director is underway! We are very excited to be hiring the next F3 leader to represent and advocate for the goals of F3.
We’re looking for someone who is familiar with the challenges facing communities like Flagstaff and who has a strong track record in community organizing and advocacy work, fundraising, and effective communication.
The full job ad can be found on our website: https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/now-hiring-executive-director/.
While everyone has been hard hit by COVID-19, it has been particularly difficult for the arts sector, where finding social-distancing workarounds can be challenging. Coronavirus has temporarily put an end to First Friday Artwalks, crowded summer festivals, and attending concerts and theater productions.
Not to say that the arts in our region have come to a full stop. The Museum of Northern Arizona reopened recently on a limited basis, with patrons having to purchase tickets and schedule their visit in advance so the museum can spread out visitors. Masks are required and multiple other measures have been taken to prevent COVID-19 spread.
Coconino County currently has a response rate of 40.4% 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.
The 2020 streets maintenance program was approved by Flagstaff City Council on May 19, 2020. This project will address various locations in the community and includes minor concrete repairs, asphalt overlays, and chip sealing.
Dressed in yellow, green and tan, they form a line and work up the hill. Hot sun beats down on them while they heft Pulaskis and fire rakes. Their work kicks up dust as they make a fire line up the hillside.
“Keep it moving,” yells out one of the students.
Making a fire line was one of several exercises that 19 students in Coconino Community College’s Wildland Firefighter class participated in this summer. The week-long class gets students certified to help them get an entry-level job in wildland fire suppression. The next class at CCC begins Sept. 15.
The Museum Flood Preparedness & Mitigation Guide is now available in Spanish on the Museum Flood area web page at www.coconino.az.gov/MuseumFire/FloodArea web page or directly via www.coconino.az.gov/GuiaDeInundaciones2020.
The Guide offers flood preparation guidelines and resources to help keep you and your family aware, informed and safe during monsoon season. In addition, the Guide has information regarding emergency notification, sandbag maintenance preparation, what to do after a flood and flood preparation activities by the Coconino County Flood Control District and City of Flagstaff.
The city of Flagstaff operates a small network of radio-telemetered gauges that transmit rainfall and streamflow information in real-time. The primary function of these gauges is to monitor and document severe rainfall and flooding events and to make this information available to emergency responders and stormwater engineers.
The Flagstaff Unified School District Governing Board approved a recommendation to have all students begin the 2020-2021 school year, on August 17, 2020, in Flexible Remote Learning and Distance Learning options only and delay the start of In-Person Learning at school sites at least through the first quarter (October 9, 2020). The recommendation to move entirely to online remote learning was based on significant levels of spread and positive cases of COVID-19 in local communities and the state of Arizona, and the District’s commitment to the health and safety of students, FUSD staff, and vulnerable members of our communities.
We take the word “community” seriously. It’s a part of our name, and being involved in communities across Coconino County is integral to our philosophy as a college.
That’s why those of us at the college were so excited when nearly 60 people and agencies from all over the county took the time to expertly craft and submit floats to the virtual Coconino County Community Shoebox Parade hosted by CCC. For a list of the winning floats and to get a look at the parade, see the story below.
As this pandemic unfolds around us, many people shared with me that they found it comforting to enjoy the creativity and the passion displayed in the shoebox parade, and my hope is that others did as well.
In the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the wider community, Coconino Community College has made the difficult decision to limit in-person contact for the fall semester.
We are excited to provide options designed to give a quality learning experience. The College will offer Remote Delivery courses, with only a few exceptions for in-person interaction. Students will have a choice among Videoconferencing (Zoom only), Online and Hybrid (Canvas/Zoom, plus in-person labs). The good news is that every method of delivery will include regular and meaningful interaction with faculty, but it will be through different means.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is asking individuals seeking COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff to register online at www.coconino.az.gov/covid19. Registration will assist staff with planning by providing a total anticipated testing count for each day. Individuals that register to be tested will receive an authorization ticket that should be presented at the testing site. Testing is scheduled Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Coconino Community College student Krista Kramer first thought about being a firefighter when she was 13 years old.
“I liked how you’re doing something different every day,” Kramer said. “And I like helping people.”
Kramer was one of a full roster of students who spent the day earlier this summer getting needed training on the use of “extrication tools,” or tools used to help remove victims from damaged vehicles at accident scenes.
“I’m trying to get all my cert(ification)s, so I can get hired on at a station,” Kramer said, adding that in addition to Firefighter 1 and 2, she is also seeking at CCC certifications in Hazardous Materials, Emergency Medical Technician and Wildland Firefighter.
The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce the Please Stay, Play Distance & Mask Responsibly Art Contest 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.
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.
Dear Friends,
Election season has begun! On the ballot for the August 4th primary are three candidates for Mayor.
Because we could not hold our usual Candidate Forum, Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates for written responses to 12 questions.
Find out what the candidates have to say about development, spending priorities, cost of living, climate action, policing, and responding to the challenges of Covid-19!
The Flagstaff Police Department’s Citizen Liaison Committee recently held a socially-responsible goodbye potluck lunch for Police Chief Kevin Treadway, who retired on June 26 after serving the department for 34 years.
It’s been an interesting week for educators nationwide as they look for the safest ways to implement back to school plans for their students.
That planning has been complicated by a daily tug-of-war between the White House administration, which is pushing for “fully” opened schools, and local health and education officials who are mostly pursuing hybrid plans that blend in-person with remote or digital learning.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for an extended closure of the Fourth Street bridge over Interstate 40 from 8 p.m. Friday, July 17, to 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 3, as work continues on the bridge replacement project.
Pedestrians, bicyclists and emergency vehicles will have access across Fourth Street during the 17-day closure.
During the extended closure of Fourth Street, the following traffic restrictions on I-40 also will be in place:
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and Northern Arizona University (NAU) have partnered to create a new COVID Aware Enhanced Food Handler’s Certification for the local food-service industry.
The CCHHS Enhanced Food Handler’s Certification represents the most current health guidance directly related to preventing the spread of COVID-19 in a food-service establishment.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS), in collaboration with Canyonlands Healthcare and other community partners, will offer COVID-19 Testing Site in Page, AZ on Friday, July 17 from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. The testing site will be located at Page High School, 434 S Lake Powell Blvd, Page, AZ.
Early voting for the August 4, 2020 Primary Election started Wednesday, July 8. The Coconino County Elections office mailed out over 44,600 early ballots to voters on the permanent early voting list (PEVL) and those who have requested a single election early ballot for the Primary Election.
Coconino County Recorder Patty Hansen urges all Coconino County registered voters to request an early ballot be mailed to them, or to vote early in person at one of the early voting locations.
CCC&Y’s Webinar Part B Historical Trauma now available by clicking here.
In Part B, culturalist and historic trauma specialist Iya Affo takes us deeper into the impact historical trauma has on so many of our community members. A topic that is not always openly discussed and well understood in mainstream society, historic trauma is often not considered when designing helping programs, systems or overall prevention programming and worse when placing judgements against groups of people.
Prior to the Nov. 3, 2020 election, each household with a registered voter will receive an informational pamphlet that includes arguments for and against proposed questions that have a local impact. Any person interested in submitting an argument is required to do so before August 5, 2020.
The questions are as follows:
Coconino County Parks & Recreation is now accepting registrations for the Outdoor Adventure Summer Day Camp. Activities for this year’s camp include archery, group games, hiking, arts and crafts, and a field trip to Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course.
Due to COVID-19, staff made some changes to camp this year, including:
· Camp will operate Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
· Camp will not operate with fewer than 10 participants and no more than 15.
· There will be fewer field trips this year, with most activities occurring at Fort Tuthill
County Park.
Check out CocoRec for a complete list of camp COVID-19 policies and to register by July 10
We are adding two small corrections to the links for the Southside Plan and related public hearings.
Southside Plan
After several years of community participation, the Southside Community Plan, which will define how the Southside will develop for years to come, is almost ready for adoption. Go to www.flagstaff.az.gov/southsideplan [updated] to read.
To participate in the public forum, please visit:
https://www.opentownhall.com/9105
COVID-19 case numbers in Coconino County have reached almost 1800 cases and are increasing. The County’s highest weekly positive case count was reported last week at 276 positive cases. Coconino County officials remind residents and tourists of the importance of following best practices to slow the spread of COVID-19 including wearing a face covering.
Best practices to slow the spread of COVID-19 include wearing a face covering, maintaining physical distance of at least six feet from others, staying home as much as possible, remaining home if ill, and frequently washing hands and sanitizing surfaces.
As the Independence Day weekend approaches, Coconino County reminds residents and visitors that the use of fireworks is prohibited by current fire restrictions issued by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors.
It’s been more than a month since our last bulletin on how coronavirus is affecting the regional economic landscape. Since that time, we’ve gone from cautious reopening to reversals as COVID-19 cases spiked in Arizona. Here’s the latest:
#1. Governor Doug Ducey hits the ‘rewind’ button on reopening with select business closures until at least July 27. Back in early May, the governor accelerated the state’s reopening, citing positive trends in coronavirus infection rates. By mid-May, the statewide stay-at-home order expired and within days of that, cases of COVID-19 began to spike.
CCC&Y has agreed to partner with Heal Historical Trauma to become a historical trauma certified agency, which will include providing training to the non-profit organization during a full day level-one certification program.
“The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth is one of few organizations ready to declare their commitment to serving communities of color with such vigor and determination. It is with extreme pride and excitement that I welcome our partnership as we work as one to create a world filled with love and equity that honors diversity and embraces all colors, shades, races, ethnicities, levels of ability and gender fluidity,” said Iya Affo, founder of Heal Historic Trauma.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Independence Day
Coconino County Calls on All to Wear Face Coverings
Coconino County Emergency Fire Ban includes fireworks
DDD Virtual Town Hall Meeting
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
New COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Stay Connected with Us!
Coconino County families and individuals struggling to pay their utility and/or rental/mortgage bills may qualify for assistance from Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS).
The CCHHS Office of Community and Career Services, a Community Action Agency, administers a Utility Assistance Program called the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), as well as a Rental/Mortgage Assistance Program to help County residents.
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 Flagstaff City Council adopted the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget at their meeting on June 16, 2020, which includes plans to fully fund the city public safety pensions plans. The city has entered into contracts for the issuance of Certificates of Participation debt to address the city’s unfunded pension liability.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors adopted the Fiscal Year 2021 budget during its public meeting on June 23. The budget, effective July 1, focuses on service delivery and response to the COVID-19 pandemic and responsible financial planning in light of declining revenue.
“The Board of Supervisors spent considerable time over this year weighing priorities and deliberating this year’s budget,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Coconino County is financially strained from a dramatic loss in state and local sales tax as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The County has demonstrated great fiscal responsibility in this budget to meet the service needs of our community during these challenging times.”
All Coconino County offices will be closed Friday, July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Friday, July 3, records will remain open with limited staff from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Please dial 911 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.
