Category Archives: Flagstaff

Flagstaff Police locate missing person

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UPDATE: LOCATED SAFE

FLAGSTAFF – July 13, 2024, the Flagstaff Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating Ericka Santana Lomayesva. Ericka was last seen in the early morning hours of 07/13/24 on the Westside of Flagstaff near the 2700 block of S Woodlands Village Blvd.

Ericka was possibly wearing an orange shirt and may be on foot in the area. She is 6’00, 140 lbs, has black hair, and brown eyes.

If anyone sees Ericka or has any information on her whereabouts, please call 911 or contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414.

Coconino County Honored Again as 2024 NACo Digital Counties Survey Winner

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news of being recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government.

This is the fifth consecutive year the Coconino County Information Technology Department has placed in the Top 10 counties within the up to 150,000 population category. The County is being recognized for Aligned Leadership, Cybersecurity, Constituent Centric, Data Driven Government, IT Investments, Resilience, Continuous Innovation, Connected Infrastructure, and Business Process Alignment. Some of the accomplishment areas to highlight are the citizen assistance application known as SeeClickFix, Digital Transformation, IT Security, and evacuation map enhancements.

“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the ongoing commitment our staff provides as public servants,” commented Matt Fowler, Coconino County Chief Information Officer. “We have an amazing team and to place in the Top 10, five years in a row, demonstrates the passion and dedication we have for our communities.”

The SeeClickFix application utilizes customized GIS data to geo-filter information, allowing citizens to open a request using their location to return a customized list of available services. Using pre-configured location-based zones allows for quick decision making and dissemination of information. The SeeClickFix system also integrates with the Public Works Department and Flood Control District asset management software. This bi-directional integration creates functionality to provide citizen updates through their request while providing work history within the application. In times of non-emergency, SeeClickFix is used to capture daily requests for County assistance, information, and inquiries. The platform provides quick links to essential information including the County’s situational awareness hub, the County’s website, fire restrictions, current state road conditions, and a call button to the call center during emergency events.

Digital transformation initiatives include scanning historic records for publication on the county’s website. Older County records have been preserved on various mediums including microfilm, microfiche, and bound books which require an in-person appointment at the record holder’s office for access. In August of 2023, Coconino County was awarded a $1,000,000.00 grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, with an approximate $500,000 in County match funding to modernize records for the Recorder’s Office. The project will encompass microfilm conversion, digitization of bound books, digital storage and retention, and online public access.

Coconino County solicited an RFP and contracted with a specialized scanning agency for conversion of microfilm. A book scanner capable of producing Federal Archiving Standards (FADGI) scans was purchased to support the digitization of bound books and will allow for future transformation projects. After digital conversion, the documents will be hosted and served on the Coconino County website. This will provide an online repository for document access to the public. This project does not prevent in-person visits to government offices, but rather expands access to a much larger digital audience. This grant-funded project represents a multi-year initiative to be finalized by October of 2025 with an anticipated file conversation of 633,334 documents and an estimated 1.9 million images, not including books.

Continuous enhancements of pre-defined evacuation maps are utilized during emergency events to quickly identify areas for evacuation and notify responders, decision makers, and the public. The collaborative project between the County’s IT Department, Sheriff’s Office, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Emergency Management (CCEM) departments resulted in a publicly accessible, interactive map of evacuation zones. Users can view each of the county’s evacuation zones and their status, as well as search for a specific address. The maps integrate into the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to provide evacuation zone data statewide.

“We are honored to have placed in the Top 10 for our population category in this year’s Digital Counties Survey. We are extraordinarily proud to have placed alongside so many highly respected County agencies,” added Helen Costello, Deputy Chief Information Officer. “Thank you to our Information Technology team and Coconino County leadership for all the hard work and support in providing innovative solutions to our customers and constituents.”

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

Arguments Sought ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Ballot Question

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FLAGSTAFF — On November 5, 2024, Coconino County will hold an election asking voters to allow Coconino County to permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure by the amount of $7.7 Million. The additional expenditure authority would be used for County services and programs, including but not limited to law enforcement, road improvements and maintenance, emergency response, and other County services. The ballot question relates only to an adjustment in the base expenditure; it does not involve or result in a tax increase or decrease.

Coconino County will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to all households of registered voters in the County prior to the November 5, 2024, election. Arguments “For” and “Against” Proposition 482 are being requested by the County for inclusion in the informational pamphlet.

Anyone who would like to submit a “For” or “Against” statement regarding the election can mail or hand deliver their statement to Coconino County Clerk of the Board, 219 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.

The statement may not exceed 300 words and must include the original signature of the submitting party. If the argument is sponsored by an organization, then it must be signed by two of the organization’s executive officers. If the argument is submitted by a political committee, then it must be signed by the committee’s chair or treasurer.

The person(s) signing the argument must provide their mailing address and phone number (other than the city or town and state of residence, this information will not be printed in the pamphlet).

Arguments must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Arizona Time), August 7, 2024, in the Coconino County Clerk of the Board’s Office at 219 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For more information regarding the statements, call 928-679-7145.

Increase in Hantavirus Activity, Two Deaths Reported in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County has seen an increase in hantavirus activity. Three hantavirus cases have been reported in the past 15 months, two of which have died (67% mortality rate). Previously, Coconino County’s last reported hantavirus case occurred in 2016.

Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

HPS is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by the infection with hantaviruses. Hantavirus is spread from rodents, primarily the deer mouse in Arizona, to people through airborne transmission from viral droplets spread through handling or stirring up materials contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or feces. Hantavirus is not spread person-to-person.

HPS is not limited to one geographic location. It can be present in many areas in the southwestern region of the United States where there is rodent activity, even if mice are never seen.

Symptoms of the illness can be fever, headache, and muscle aches progressing rapidly to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death.

To prevent HPS, public health officials recommend the following clean-up methods for areas that may have rodent activity:

  • Prior to starting cleanup, open all doors and windows, especially in areas that have been closed for an extended period such as a garage, storage shed or second homes that are not used year-round. Leave open for 30 minutes before cleaning and if possible, allow direct sunlight on the area.
  • Do not stir up dust in the infested area by vacuuming, sweeping, or any other means. This will allow virus particles to go into the air, where they can be breathed in, and potentially causing infection.
  • When rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home, spray them liberally with a household disinfectant (such as one-part bleach to nine parts water) and allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes. Any rodent droppings and rodent nests should be sprayed with a pesticide to kill fleas before disinfecting or disposing the carcasses.
  • After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels, rags, or disposable mop heads.
  • Seal all materials, droppings or nests in double plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.

Rodent-proof your home:

  • Prevent rodents from entering the home by plugging or sealing all holes and gaps to the outside greater than 1/4-inch in diameter. Use steel wool, thick wire screen, metal flashing or cement to seal holes.
  • Eliminate or reduce rodent shelter around the home by removing outdoor junk and clutter, and by moving woodpiles, lumber, hay bales etc., as far away from the house as possible.
  • Do not make food easily available to rodents. Do not leave pet food in dishes and dispose of garbage in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  • Prevent mice infestation inside your home with the use of traps and proper removal.

    • More information regarding HPS is available at www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps.

Walnut Fire located east of Flagstaff fully contained

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FLAGSTAFF — The small Walnut Fire, located east of Flagstaff along Interstate 40, is fully contained at a quarter of an acre.

Three engines and two hand crews responded to suppress the fire, which was originally estimated at two acres, but determined to be a quarter-acre at the time of containment.

The interior portion of the fire may continue to produce minimal smoke and may remain visible from I-40 for a short period of time.

I-40 motorists are asked to remain cognizant of fire suppression efforts along the roadway as firefighters continue to monitor the fire.

The Walnut Fire was first reported the morning of April 10. Its cause is unknown.

Firewood permit sales begin April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling 2024 season firewood permits at its ranger stations and headquarters Monday, April 15 as seasonal road closures begin to lift for roads suitable for motorized travel.

The minimum cost for a permit is $20, with a maximum purchase of 12 cords per household. Permits allow for the cutting of down and dead wood or standing wood that meets certain criteria in specified areas. The cost for oak, aspen, juniper and maple will be $5 per cord, and the cost for pine and mixed conifer will be $2.50 per cord.

Even though some forest roads across the Flagstaff Ranger District will be opening throughout next week, there are still some that will be closed due to wet and muddy conditions which can be the cause of people getting stuck and cause damage to the roads.

All forest roads in the Mogollon Rim area remain closed due to the amount of snow that is still present. Personnel are assessing conditions regularly and the status of forest roads can be checked on the Forest Roads Status web page.

Many lower elevation roads, such as those in desert areas of the Red Rock Ranger District, have been open for a while, as they are often ready for vehicle use several weeks before higher elevation roads are ready for use.

The public should remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the latest Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM). The are no changes from the 2023 to 2024 version, so either may be used.

The MVUM contains essential information about road, trail and area designations for drivers. It includes road allowances, restrictions, and prohibitions as they pertain to dispersed camping, campfires and off-highway vehicles.

Paper copies of the MVUM are available for free at all Coconino NF offices, and an Avenza version of the MVUM can be downloaded to smartphones and tablets and used offline.

Emergency Management Receives Federal Funds for Remote Operation Enhancements

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FLAGSTAFF — In March, Arizona Senators Mark Kelly and Kyrsten Sinema announced $25,018,000 in federal investments they were able to secure for Arizona priorities that include support for Arizona small businesses, wildfire and flood prevention, a stronger microchip manufacturing workforce, increased access to life-saving cancer treatment, increased access to rural health care, and more.

“By expanding access to treatment and upgrading health care facilities in rural communities, preparing Arizonans for good-paying jobs through workforce training programs, and supporting emergency response services, these projects will improve quality of life in communities across our state. Senator Sinema and I will keep working together to secure resources for the people of Arizona,” said Kelly.

As part of these investments, Coconino County’s Emergency Management Department was awarded $637,000 to be used to acquire an additional remote incident command vehicle and enhance the communications systems between field operations and the Emergency Operations Center in Flagstaff.

“Through the leadership of Senators Kelly and Sinema, our Senators have once again delivered for Coconino County by securing $637,000 for Emergency Operations Center Enhancements, which will increase the emergency response capability and capacity for Coconino County,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for District 2. “This funding is included in the final Homeland Security bill for FY24. We are tremendously thankful for their leadership in delivering critical and necessary resources to our communities to better strengthen public safety and build resilience across our County.”

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputy Under Investigation for Use of Force Incident

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FLAGSTAFF – On March 13, 2024 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to the area of Silver Saddle Road in Doney Park for a report of trespass. Upon investigating the call, Deputies found probable cause to arrest three suspects for trespassing and other misdemeanor charges.

While one of the suspects was in handcuffs being escorted to a patrol vehicle a struggle ensued, and the suspect was able to briefly pull away from the arresting Deputy. The Deputy struck the handcuffed suspect two times in the face with their fist and control was re-established. The Sergeant on scene immediately intervened and the suspect was transported to the CCSO Detention Facility without further incident. The suspect in this case sustained minor injury during the altercation.

Due to the Deputy’s use of force on a handcuffed suspect, CCSO has requested the Flagstaff Police Department to conduct a criminal investigation into the actions of the Deputy. CCSO will simultaneously conduct an Administrative Investigation into the Deputy’s actions to determine if they were justified under CCSO Policies and Procedures. As per standard procedures, the Deputy has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

CCSO holds the highest value on public trust and transparency. Every instance of force used by Deputies and Detention Officers is investigated thoroughly to ensure it coincides with state and federal law as well as the policies set forth by this department. When the investigation finds the Deputy or Detention Officer has violated either state or federal law or CCSO policies, they are held accountable in the justice system and according to CCSO Policies and Procedures.

This case remains under investigation.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety Grant Awards FY 24

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Police Department is pleased to inform the public we received grant funding in fiscal year 2024 from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to support saturation patrols for impaired drivers and for underage alcohol consumption violations. In addition, we received grant funding toward the purchase of software programs to assist the Flagstaff Police Department’s Collision Reconstruction Team with scene documentation. This software will assist in providing to scale measurements and making precise scene overlays for accident scenes as well as photogrammetry software that will generate survey grade 2D maps and 3D models from ground or aerial images captured by our Skydio drones. These software programs will cut down on the time spent on scene and the time the City of Flagstaff roadways need to be closed for accident investigations.

For additional information, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414.

Navajo Mountain polling location moved

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FLAGSTAFF – In light of unforeseen circumstances, the Coconino County Elections Department announces the relocation of the Navajo Mountain polling location, Precinct 71, for the upcoming Presidential Preference Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 19th.

The new polling location will be the Navajo Mountain Alliance Community Church, conveniently situated on Navajo Route 16 south of Road 6414.

Please note that only registered Democratic or Republican voters are eligible to vote in this election. All polling places will be open from 6 am to 7 pm on election day. The Coconino County Elections Department reaffirms its commitment to facilitating a smooth and accessible voting process for all eligible voters.

To assist Coconino County voters in locating their designated polling places, they are urged to visit www.coconino.az.gov/elections.

For all other election inquiries contact the Coconino County Election Department, at 928-678-7896.