Category Archives: Flagstaff

Board of Supervisors proclaim emergency measures for social distancing

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation closing restaurants and other businesses in Coconino County to members of the public, effective at 8 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2020 through Wednesday, April 1, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Board Chair Lena Fowler issued the proclamation aimed to help curb the spread of COVID-19 through social distancing.

All restaurants, food courts, cafes, coffeehouses, retail food facilities and other similar businesses and establishments are prohibited from serving food and beverages for consumption on premises. Members of the public are prohibited from entering and remaining to dine or consume beverages. Businesses that typically offer food and beverages for on-premises consumption are encouraged to offer food and beverage using delivery, window, drive-through or drive-up service. If a business chooses to offer this type of “to-go” service, members of the public may remain on its premises for the purpose of picking up their food or beverage orders.

The proclamation also closes the following:

  • Bars, taverns, brew pubs, breweries, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms, special licensees, clubs, and other similar businesses and establishments offering alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption.
  • Theaters, cinemas and indoor and outdoor performance venues.
  • Libraries and museums.
  • Gymnasiums, fitness centers, recreation centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities, exercise studios, yoga and barre studios and other similar facilities.
  • Bingo halls, bowling alleys, indoor climbing facilities, skating rinks and other similar recreational or entertainment facilities.

The restrictions do not apply to any of the following:

  • Grocery stores, markets, convenience stores and other similar businesses and establishments that offer food and beverage not for on-premises consumption;
    Pharmacies and drug stores;
  • Food banks and food pantries;
  • Cafeterias, commissaries, and restaurants located within health care facilities, nursing homes, shelters, group homes, places of worship, or similar facilities; and
  • Cafeterias, commissaries, and restaurants located within or on the premises of institutions of higher learning.

The County set-up a COVID-19 Information Line (928.679.7300) from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends for people who have questions. People can also email questions to: COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov.

Further information is available on the Coconino County COVID-19 website at www.coconino.az.gov/covid19.

Board of Supervisors declare County State of Emergency

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors declared a State of Emergency due to the outbreak of COVID-19. The declaration was approved at special session on Wednesday, March 18.

With the declaration, Coconino County will be able to make appropriate orders, provide emergency resources, request additional resources and receive mutual aid from the state and federal governments. There are currently no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Coconino County.

The County was the first agency in the state of Arizona to set-up COVID-19 specimen collections sites. There are two sites in Flagstaff. As per CDC guidelines, individuals must meet criteria, as determined by their provider, to qualify for testing. An order from a healthcare provider or from the Coconino County Health and Human Service COVID-19 Response Team is required prior to arriving at the specimen collection site. People are asked to call their providers prior to visiting a medical office.

“Coconino County takes the COVID-19 outbreak seriously and we are doing everything we can to keep our residents informed and safe,” said Chair of the County Board of Supervisors Lena Fowler. “Coconino County continues to deliver services as we adapt to this rapidly evolving situation. We have opened two specimen collection sites for people that have doctor’s orders for a test. We continue to provide the latest information and resources to our communities and local businesses. Our employees are absolutely important so we are implementing extra support so they can continue to provide essential County services for the public.”

While there are currently no County office closures, there is planning for potential facility closures, modified staffing plans, work-from-home options and enhanced communications to employees to ensure County services are continued. County Board meetings will continue as planned unless conditions change and people are encouraged to stream meetings and attend in person only if necessary.

Coconino County Health and Human Services established the Coconino County COVID-19 Incident Command Team that included a Command and General Staff structure for the monitoring and preparedness measures surrounding COVID-19 on January 29, 2020. The County also established an Emergency Operations Center on March 12 to prepare for a potential outbreak of COVID-19. The County also set-up a COVID-19 Information Line (928.679.7300) from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday and 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. on weekends for people who have questions. People can also email questions to: COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov. Further information is available on the Coconino County COVID-19 website at www.coconino.az.gov/covid19.

County COVID-19 drive-up swab testing to begin

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County established a drive-up COVID-19 specimen collection facility at Fort Tuthill. The site will be available for swab testing from noon – 4 p.m. on Monday, March 16. Beginning Tuesday, March 17, hours for drive-up testing will be from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

An order from a medical provider is required for testing. Testing sites are not open to the public and people without proper documentation will be turned away. Once complete, the specimen will be taken to a test site for COVID-19 testing.

Northern Arizona Health Care will initially support the collection process and materials needed to obtain specimens. Coconino County Public Works will assist with traffic control. Coconino County Parks & Recreation will support facility operations. Coconino County Health and Human Services and the Incident Management Team will provide support for the entire collection process and the Coconino County Sheriff will provide security.

The County has established a COVID-19 Information Line from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily for people who have questions. The Information Line number is 928.679.7300. People can also email questions to: COVID19Information@coconino.az.gov.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. As a reminder, CCHHS recommends taking these actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Get a seasonal flu shot
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional preparedness information from the CDC can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

Please go to www.coconino.az.gov/covid19 for more information.

Winter Storm Watch

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From Coconino County Emergency Management

In partnership with the National Weather Service WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM WEDNESDAY MORNING THROUGH EARLY THURSDAY MORNING ABOVE 6000 FEET Winter Storm Watch issued March 16 at 3:06PM MST until March 19 at 6:00AM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ * WHAT…Heavy snow possible above 6000 feet. Total snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts of 16 inches possible. * WHERE…Areas above 6000 feet near Alpine, Doney Park, Flagstaff, Forest Lakes, Heber-Overgaard, Jacob Lake, Pinetop- Lakeside, Show Low and Williams. * WHEN…From Wednesday morning through early Thursday morning. * IMPACTS…Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the Wednesday morning or evening commute. Snow forecast from 6 AM Wednesday to 6 AM Thursday: Alpine 6 to 10 inches Doney Park 2 to 4 inches Flagstaff 8 to 12 inches Forest Lakes 9 to 15 inches Heber-Overgaard 3 to 5 inches Jacob Lake 4 to 8 inches Pinetop-Lkside 5 to 9 inches Show Low 3 to 5 inches Williams 8 to 12 inches.

County COVID-19 surveillance and response continues

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County continues COVID-19 surveillance and has submitted two samples for testing at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory. Both have been negative for COVID-19.

Coconino County Health and Human Services, in partnership with federal, state and local partners, is continuing to prepare for the possibility of the illness in Coconino County.Governor Doug Ducey declared a state of emergency in Arizona due to COVID-19. The World Health Organization also designated the outbreak as a global pandemic on March 11, 2020.

Although there are no confirmed cases in Coconino County, health officials are communicating with community partners, including healthcare providers about recommended guidance and processes, testing procedures and criteria for monitoring and isolation.

A person will be considered for testing if they are experiencing respiratory symptoms and have one of three variables; contact with someone who was tested positive, traveled to China or other areas experiencing community spread of the virus or respiratory testing has not identified a known illness. COVID-19 testing is conducted at the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory.

People with travel history to impacted areas that may have increased their likelihood for contracting the virus and are not displaying symptoms are under self-monitoring with guidance from the health department. Currently, there are less than ten people in the County who are in the self-monitoring status. There are currently no confirmed cases in Coconino County.

While much of the details of the virus are still unknown, the CDC is reporting a relatively low fatality rate compared to previous coronavirus outbreaks. Symptoms of COVID-19 may include fever, cough and shortness of breath consistent with pneumonia or other respiratory illness. Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to an area where COVID-19 is circulating or have had close contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19, should contact their health care provider prior to visiting a health care facility.

The County has established the Coconino County COVID-19 Information Line. The number is 928-679-7300. Information is also available at www.coconino.az.gov.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. As a reminder, CCHHS recommends actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

  • Get a seasonal flu shot
  • Wash hands frequently.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • Cover your mouth with your upper sleeve or with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Additional preparedness information from the CDC can be found at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/home/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html

Arrest made in Cavanaugh Homicide Case

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FLAGSTAFF – On February 28 and March 5, 2020, Shawn Eckard and Jason Eric Johnson were served warrants separately, reference the investigation of the homicide of Craig Cavanaugh.

Both men have been indicted in Navajo County for first degree murder of Craig Cavanaugh. Shawn Eckard is currently in the custody of the Arizona Department of Corrections on unrelated charges, and Jason Eric Johnson is currently in the custody of the Colorado Department of Corrections on unrelated charges.

Both have been served warrants and are pending appearance in Navajo County. This investigation began for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office on July 17, 2019 when the Farmington New Mexico Police Department requested assistance with a missing person case that started on July 4. Craig Cavanaugh was reported missing after not returning to Farmington from a trip to Arizona.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives conducted follow up and a body was located in the woods outside of Heber, Arizona on August 5. This body was later identified by the Pima County Medical Examiner as Craig Cavanaugh. Since this discovery, Coconino County detectives investigating this case as a homicide developed leads and additional evidence that was presented to the Navajo County Attorney’s Office for charging and later presented to a grand jury.

Fees to increase in April for Mogollon Rim campgrounds

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CLINTS WELL – Fees for certain developed campgrounds on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District will rise, beginning April 17, due to increased use and in order to continue site maintenance and improvements.

Fees have not increased in more than a decade. A public comment period regarding the proposal of these changes concluded in summer 2019. More than 300 comments were received and analyzed, and the majority of respondents were in favor of a fee increase in order to maintain the sites.

Some campground fees will increase over two phases, as the following image indicates:

Of the recreation fees collected, 95 percent remain on the forest to operate, maintain and improve the facilities and programs at the campgrounds.

For more details regarding what was originally proposed, please visit our fee proposal frequently asked questions web page.

Kaibab National Forest and Red Rock Ranger District announce March archaeology month events

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WILLIAMS — This March, the Kaibab National Forest will continue its more than decade-long tradition of offering stimulating presentations and outdoor excursions in the Williams area as part of Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month. In Sedona, ancient cultures and their technologies are celebrated during planned events throughout the month at the Red Rock Ranger District.

In Williams, Wednesday evenings throughout March, experts will present a series of lectures starting at 6 p.m. at the Sultana Theatre in Williams covering topics such as the history of sheep ranching in northern Arizona, Fred Harvey’s original farm-to-table legacy, and the role of the Forest Service in shaping Arizona and its lands.

On all four Saturdays in March, Kaibab National Forest archaeologists will lead fun and educational hikes to the Keyhole Sink petroglyph site near the Parks community starting at 2 p.m. The Keyhole Sink Trail offers a short, relatively flat hike to a scenic box canyon where prehistoric residents left their mark carved into the canyon’s gray volcanic walls.

Close-up image of some of the petroglyphs at Keyhole Sink. Photo by Dyan Bone. Kaibab National Forest.

A special addition to the 2020 archaeology month offerings is the Stone to Steel Dam Trail hike, which will be held both March 14 and March 28. Guests should arrive at 9:30 a.m. at the Ash Fork Museum in Ash Fork. The trail is an easy, winding path between two historic dams. The first large steel dam in the nation was built in Ash Fork in the late 1890s by a railroad company. Less than a mile upstream is another dam dating from 1911, which was also constructed by the railroad but with stone blocks.

“We are so fortunate to live in an area that is so rich with history and culture,” said Neil Weintraub, archaeologist for the south zone of the Kaibab National Forest. “There is no better time than archaeology month to learn about and explore the incredible diversity of special places that make the Kaibab National Forest and northern Arizona so unique.”

Archaeology month is intended to generate understanding of and support for the state’s archaeological heritage. Celebrations and events focus on promoting the preservation of archaeological resources and illustrating ways the public can help in protecting and appreciating them.

For detailed information about the Kaibab National Forest archaeology month offerings in the Williams area, download the PDF schedule.

In Sedona, attend one or all of the planned presentations to learn about how Native Americans have thrived in this area for hundreds of years.

March 6: Peter Pilles, Coconino National Forest archaeologist, will give a presentation on the Rock Art of the Verde Valley by describing the many cultural groups that have lived in the Verde Valley and the styles of rock art each created. This event begins at 11 a.m. at the Red Rock Visitor Center and will last about an hour.

March 13: Visitors can learn how natives used agave for food and fiber. A presentation by Wendy Hodgson and Andrew Salywon, entitled Pre-Columbian Agaves in the Southwest – Discovering Lost Crops among the Hohokam and the Verde Valley Cultures, will begin at 11 a.m. at the Red Rock Visitor Center and is slated to last an hour.

March 21: People who are interested to learn about the natives of the V Bar V Ranch area may see more than 1,000 petroglyphs at this site and understand how they used the solar calendar to plant their crops. Jake Newhouse will give a presentation on the Spring Equinox, beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the V Bar V Heritage Site. The presentation will last until 2 p.m.

March 28: Join a demonstration of Ancient Technology, witnessing a wide variety of ancient tools commonly used by Native Americans of the region. Bob Erb will give a presentation at the V Bar V Heritage Site beginning at 10 a.m. until about 2 p.m.

The Red Rock Ranger District visitor center located at 8375 state Route 179, in Sedona, AZ 86351.

Petroglyphs at the V Bar V Heritage Site in Sedona

The V Bar V Heritage Site located 2.5 miles southeast of Interstate 17, Exit 298 on Forest Road 618. Drive east past the Beaver Creek Day Use Picnic Site, then turn right into the V Bar V Heritage Site driveway. Each vehicle requires a Red Rock Pass or equivalent to park, as explained on the V Bar V Heritage Site web page. Passes may be purchased at a vending machine in the parking lot.

For more information about the Coconino National Forest and its heritage sites, please visit www.coconinonationalforest.us. For more information about these events, please contact the Red Rock Visitor Center at (928) 203-2900.

Body Discovered by Camper Near Sunset Crater National Monument

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FLAGSTAFF – February 21st, at approximately 3:47 pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an area off of Forest Service Road 545 North of Flagstaff along Highway 89, for the report of a possible dead body found by a camper.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from the Wupatki Ranger station, that an individual camping off Forest Service Road 545 had found what was believed to be a dead body near the individual’s camp. While deputies from the Flagstaff district were responding to the area, assistance was requested from National Park Service and Forest Service Officers who were in the area to help locate the area given by the camper and secure the scene.

Once on scene, deputies were able to locate and confirm a deceased female. Coconino County Criminal Investigations and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office were notified and responded to the area. Investigators worked through the night and into the next day before clearing the scene.

The victim was transported by the Medical Examiner’s Office to Flagstaff on Friday evening. The Medical Examiner’s Office will investigate to determine the identity of the deceased female. Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details are currently available. More information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance with this incident. Anyone who may have recently seen anything suspicious in the area of Sunset Crater and Wupatki National Monument is asked to contact Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111 or Coconino County Sheriff’s Detective Jones at (928) 226-5038, with any information to help solve this crime.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service for their assistance in this matter.

Sheriff’s Office Receives Grants from Governor’s Office of Highway Safety

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has received two grants from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) to increase roadway safety and improve the accuracy and timeliness of traffic related data.

The first awarded grant is in the amount of $46,666 to purchase driver’s license scanners and in-car printers to be used with the Arizona Traffic and Criminal Software (AzTraCS). The Sheriff’s Office deputies currently hand write accident and traffic citation documents. Copies of the accident reports are sent to the state and entered into a database. ADOT receives an average of 600 papers reports a week. The reports are then scanned into a storage program and then entered into the State database.

The AzTraCS system is a mobile accident reporting software system, that can be used for electronic traffic citations, developing traffic accident reports and other report/forms. It allows the deputies to swipe driver’s licenses, complete the documents electronically and upload to the state. The AzTraCS system, driver’s license scanner and electronic transfer of information provides a more efficient use of Sheriff’s Office staff time. The documents have a higher accuracy and are completed quickly. AzTraCS will fully integrate to our Records Management System.

The only cost to agencies will be the equipment needed to operate and use the software. This includes scanners, printers and installation in Sheriff’s Office vehicles. The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is providing funding through a grant to purchase the equipment needed. This project will provide faster, more accurate documents and a higher level of deputy safety.

The second grant awarded from GOHS will be used to purchase two radar speed trailers, in the amount of $20,000. The equipment will enhance our ability to address the problems of speed violators and traffic accident investigations.

The combination of large population of high school and college students, the high number of recreational visitors, and the availability of rural party areas contribute significantly to the number of traffic violations, driving under the influence, and accidents on our roadways. Speeding is one of the highest activity categories for our deputies. The radar message board trailers will provide educational sign messaging, as well as current speed of vehicles.

The goals of these projects funding by GOHS are to address critical roadway safety issues such as impaired driving, speed related crashes, and related injuries and fatalities.