City of Flagstaff announces Water Service director candidates, meet and greet virtually on Jan. 20 from 5 to 6 p.m.

The city of Flagstaff will interview two candidates with diverse backgrounds in the water and wastewater industries for the Water Services director position. The public will have an opportunity to listen to introductions and to ask questions of the candidates during a virtual meet and greet on Jan. 20 from 5 – 6 p.m. The public can join the virtual meet and greet here: https://bit.ly/3bIItc9. Participants in the meet and greet are encouraged to fill out a feedback form after the event here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaterServicesDirector. Brief candidate bios are included below.

County Board Reviews COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Ahead of Anticipated Increase in Vaccine Availability

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 19 reviewed plans from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Team to expand vaccine administration when additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available.

The plans call for expanded administration of the vaccine at Fort Tuthill County Park and at mobile sites throughout Coconino County, along with increased capacity for healthcare and private sector partners to administer the vaccine.

Coconino County, nation honors those lost to COVID-19

Coconino County will join the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19.

Starting at 3:30 p.m. Arizona Time, 5:30 p.m. E.T, Americans will come together for a national moment of unity and remembrance. To participate, individuals should light a candle in their window. They may also tune in at 5:30 p.m. ET for a ceremony with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, featuring the first-ever lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to honor those who have died.

Coconino County Honors Martin Luther King Jr.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18, Coconino County invites the community to participate in service. Join Coconino County in creating signs with positive messages for community members and messages of thanks for essential workers and healthcare personnel. Throughout this week, the community is encouraged to hang signs in their windows, yards, or cars to spread positivity throughout the community and to thank essential workers.

Eikenberry appointed to CCC District Governing Board

Williams resident Eric Eikenberry has been appointed to the Coconino Community College District Governing Board.

“All of my adult life, I’ve been a huge advocate and supportive of the community college mission,” Eikenberry said. “And since I’ve been living here, I’ve supported the CCC mission in particular. I’m delighted to be appointed and can’t wait to serve our students and community.”

County Administrative Offices Closed for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 

The COVID-19 testing site at Fort Tuthill will be open for saliva testing during typical hours from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, however, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs will not be available. 

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol, and Detention will be open. Please dial 9-1-1 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. 

I-40 lane restrictions planned at Meteor Crater interchange between Flagstaff and Winslow Jan. 19 & 20

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following restriction on Interstate 40 at the Meteor Crater Road traffic interchange – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project:

East- and westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Speed will be reduced to 45 mph and a 16-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place; however, wider loads can be accommodated with at least 12 hours prior notice.

City of Flagstaff announces Library Entry Survey and Invitation to Upload Images

Thank you, Flagstaff, for your input on the library entry re-design! 176 people responded to the survey. Some of the many themes that emerged include value in the natural environment, an interest in geologic and Native/Indigenous history, the importance of the library for children and families, the library as a gathering and meeting place, and a space that offers free amenities and builds community. This follow-up opportunity is to allow you to share images with the City as well! The tool allows for one photo at once, feel free to provide input several times.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Moves to Include Those 65 and Older in Phase 1b Following ADHS Announcement

The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.

Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.  

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.

Coconino County Moves to Include Those 65 and Older in Phase 1b Following ADHS Announcement

The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.

Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.

City of Flagstaff announces Martin Luther King Jr. Day closures

Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. City Hall administrative functions will reopen on Jan. 19 with regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and East Flagstaff Public Library will also be closed on Jan. 18. Both locations will resume curbside hold pickup and phone reference services on Jan. 19. 

Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth — CCC&Y member says Coalition provides variety of support, education to the community

I have had the blessed opportunity to work with at-risk youth in Flagstaff for over 20 years.  I first learned of the Coalition when I attended the Child Abuse Prevention Conference over 15 years ago. Since then, the Coalition has been such a wonderful resource for me.  They provide support, education, and have helped connect me to individuals and other organizations that advocate for youth.

Not only have I been able to share useful information with my family and friends, but my work circle has also benefited. 

Coconino County Sees High Demand for COVID-19 Vaccine

Approximately six hours after Coconino County moved to allowing priority populations within Phase 1b to make COVID-19 vaccination appointments at its Fort Tuthill vaccination site on Jan. 8, all 1,600 available appointments were booked.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and vaccination partner organizations are working to ensure the swift administration of the available COVID-19 vaccine. The community continues to demonstrate a high level of interest in getting vaccinated; however, the available supply of COVID-19 vaccine remains limited. 

Solar co-op launches for northern Arizona residents to go solar together

The city of Flagstaff, city of Sedona, and Coconino County, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Northern ArizonaSolar Co-op to help area residents go solar.

“The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”

District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler — Coconino County Swears in Elected Officials in Virtual Ceremony

On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony. Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.

“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Coconino County Moves to Vaccinating Priority Populations Within Phase 1b

Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.

Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.

Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.

Bilingual report — Gina Santi Photography Images of the Month – January 2021

Research shows that mentally invigorating activities heighten brain power and help preserve our brains sharp as we age, forging new neural pathways in the process. Facing another birthday and having been cordoned off for the past 10 months, I decided to take a solo road trip to Bisbee, an old mining town of 6,000 or so inhabitants located in southeastern Arizona, United States. I was very pleased to find a welcoming town, somewhat surreal, filled with historic architecture and creative and culturally rich people. With the same purpose I decided to challenge myself with a different approach to my traditional cultural anthropology photography, this time using different subjects and filters to better capture the feeling of the town as I strolled through its winding, narrow streets and alleys.

Sedona Arts Center’s Online Learning Online learning opportunities are perfect for

Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.

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

Coconino County Moves to Vaccinating Priority Populations Within Phase 1b

Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.

Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.

Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.

District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta — Neighborhood Meeting and other news

Dear Neighbor,

The purpose of this message is to inform you that the City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program proposes to file for a Zoning Map Amendment for the McMillan Mesa Natural Area, application number: PZ-20-00063. The application intends to change the existing Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space Zoning for passive recreation and preservation.

On November 8th, 2016, Flagstaff voters voted in favor of Proposition 413 – Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50) on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018. The next step is to amend the McMillan Mesa Natural Area’s existing zoning from Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.

A second and final meeting to provide interested community members the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal and provide comments will take place on January 13th.

Coconino County Statement on the Invasion of the US Capitol

Coconino County issued the following statement regarding Wednesday’s takeover and illegal invasion of the United States Capitol.

“We are all appalled and distressed at the events on Wednesday at the US Capitol building. Democracy depends on the sanctity and safety of processes and the public square of debate, compromise, and decision-making. Coconino County denounces any seditious effort to subvert the lawful and constitutional duties of any elected official in all levels of government.”

Statement from Mayor Deasy regarding attempted coup

“The attempted coup at the Capitol was both un-American and unconstitutional. I want to be very clear, the actions of this mob of unhinged extremists do not represent the values of America or Flagstaff,” said Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy. “We must denounce these actions and the ideologies fueling them in the strongest terms today and each day moving forward. We cannot let this type of behavior be normalized, to do so would constitute a fundamental threat to our republic. I call on our constituents to reject this type of behavior and work together to protect and defend the United States of America and the values we hold dear.”

County Attorney William Ring Statement on Events at US Capitol

Coconino County Attorney William Ring issued the below statement regarding the mob takeover of the United State Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday.

“Like many Arizonans, we watched the lawless takeover of our Nation’s Capitol yesterday with stunning disappointment. The purported cause for the protest – that the losing presidential candidate actually won in a landslide – has no basis in fact or law. And there are courts to peacefully settle those disputes. Out of options, the losing candidate lit a match to a mob that invaded the citadel of our democracy. However, with amazing grace the Capitol Police and the Congress put down the violence and finished our Nation’s business, proving our resilience and our confidence in the rule of law.

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.