Daily Archives: August 16, 2013

Lost Hiker in Bear Jaw Canyon Located

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Flagstaff––On Monday, August 12, 2013 at about 9:20 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of an overdue hiker in the Bear Jaw Canyon area of the San Francisco Peaks. The hiker, a 24 year old male, separated from his hiking companions on their return hike to their vehicle at the trailhead. He was last seen at approximately 7 pm. When the rest of the group arrived at the trailhead he was not there. The overdue hiker was dressed in shorts and a tank top shirt, and only had a water bottle with him.

A search was conducted by Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Search and Rescue personnel who were aided by a helicopter from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit in Phoenix.

The hiker was located by searchers at approximately 2:20 am on 08/13/13 on a ridge between Bear Jaw Canyon and Reese Canyon. He was in good condition and was reunited with his hiking companions at the trailhead.

At this time of year the weather can be warm and pleasant during the day but can rapidly cool off at night. Day hikers should be prepared with at least the ten essentials when they set out for even short day hikes. Hikers should always tell someone where they are going and when they plan to return.

10 Essentials:

1. Water
2. Food
3. Extra Clothing for the conditions
4. Navigation Equipment (map, compass, GPS)
5. Headlamp/Flashlight
6. First Aid Kit
7. Shelter Material (emergency blanket/heavy duty leaf bag)
8. Fire Starting Kit (be aware of any fire restrictions)
9. Pocket Knife/Multi-Tool
10. Whistle/Signal Mirror

Coconino County Public Health to Continue with Dental Clinic

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FLAGSTAFF—–Following a thorough review and input from community stakeholders, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) will continue to offer dental clinic services for the public.

The CCPHSD Dental Clinic offers a host of services including, dental cleanings, exams, fluoride treatments and extractions for primarily low-income residents. Another key component of the program is dental preventative education and outreach to teach area school children the importance of proper dental hygiene.

Earlier this year, as part of the County’s strategic budget process, the County began evaluating and prioritizing all public programs to determine how to best utilize taxpayer funding. These evaluations were done to determine whether there was a duplication of services and to study whether the County could partner with an outside agency or group to deliver services.

The CCPHSD Dental Clinic received the same evaluation, which included a community questionnaire, the review of health data and meetings with the dental community, including local dentists and key stakeholders.

“The information gathered revealed that direct-care services are critical to low-income individuals where the availability of these needed services is limited,” said CCPHSD Interim Chief Health Officer Kimbal Babcock. “The findings indicated that discontinuing direct dental services would result in negative health effects and more expensive needs in the future for low-income and uninsured individuals. By continuing to utilize the clinic, we are also renewing our commitment to serve our residents who are in most need of these critical programs.”

Based on the program’s review, the County opted to continue utilizing the clinic and its dental prevention and outreach programs. However, the CCPHSD will continue to find efficiencies to ensure taxpayer funding is used most-effectively.

The Dental Clinic is located at 304 S. Humphries Street in Flagstaff and can be reached at 928-679-7825. For more information on the clinic and services offered, and eligibility requirements please visit the CCPHSD webpage at www.coconino.az.gov/health.

Coconino County Fair Entry Forms Deadline Extended to Aug. 19

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FLAGSTAFF–—The Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department extended the deadline to Aug. 19 for those submitting exhibits into the 64th Annual County Fair.

The Fair offers multiple family friendly events and activities, and runs Labor Day Weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2 at Fort Tuthill County Park at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop off of Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff.

Fair organizers extended the deadline to enter exhibits into the Fair for multiple categories, including Fine Arts, Hobbies and Collections, Gems and Minerals, Agriculture and Horticulture, Floriculture, Home Economics, Schools, Open Youth, Open Poultry, Open Rabbits, Open Sheep and Open Horse.

Entry forms for 4-H Livestock and 4-H Club work are not included in the deadline extension.

Information on how to enter an item into the Fair for competition in various categories is contained inside the County Fair Book, which can be found at http://coconino.az.gov/countyfair.

Complete and signed entry forms may be scanned and submitted via e-mail to parksrec@coconino.az.gov or faxed to 928-774-2572. Entrants can also mail completed and signed forms to or drop off them off at the Coconino County Parks & Recreation office at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Fort Tuthill County Park, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For additional assistance, contact the County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000. Information on the County Fair can be found at http://coconino.az.gov/countyfair.