Category Archives: Flagstaff

County Finance Department recognized for excellence in financial reporting

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FLAGSTAFF — The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Coconino County Finance Department the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

The award recognizes the department’s commitment to meeting the highest principles of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management.

“It’s a tremendous achievement to once again be nationally recognized for our excellence in financial reporting,” said Bonny Lynn, Coconino County Finance Director. “Every member of our team, led by Tom Johnson, CPA, Accounting Manager, works extremely hard to ensure the audit is accurate and we continue to meet our own extremely high standards for accounting.”

Award recipients have led efforts to improve the quality of financial reporting and provide examples for other governments to follow from throughout North America. The department has won the award 3 consecutive years.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I’m very proud of the continued excellence demonstrated by our Finance Department,” stated Chairwoman of the Board Liz Archuleta. “This award signifies the commitment to accuracy and professionalism of the department staff and evidence of their great service to the people of Coconino County.”

The GFOA is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1906 that represents public finance officials throughout the United States and Canada. The association has more than 19,000 federal, state/provincial and local finance officials involved in planning, financing and implementing thousands of governmental operations in each of their jurisdictions.

For more information go to www.gfoa.org.

Sheriff’s office to continue display flag on Red Flag days

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office announce it will continue its practice of displaying a red flag at the entrance to the parking lot of the Law Enforcement Administrative Facility–911 E Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff—whenever Red Flag Warnings are in effect for the area. The flying of this red flag is an adoption of the nationwide Red Flag Warnings that are issued by the National Weather Service and meant to inform the public about the fire conditions.

Red Flag Warnings are issued by the National Weather Service to indicate the imminent danger of Critical Fire Weather conditions – very low relative humidity, strong winds, and dry fuels. You can view a map of current Red Flag Warnings and other National Weather Service Hazards in Arizona by going to http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/map/?wfo=psr. The bright pink legend indicates areas with Red Flag Warnings.

The Sheriff’s Office started this practice in June 2014. “By displaying red flags throughout our community in concurrence with the weather service Red Flag Warnings, we can help bring higher visibility to the threat of wild land fires,” said Sheriff Jim Driscoll. “We hope people will see our red flag and other red flags in the community and be reminded to take appropriate actions to avoid catastrophic wild land fires.” Sheriff Driscoll issues a challenge to other Northern Arizona government agencies and local businesses to increase community awareness of the threat of wild fires by posting a red flag on their property when an official Red Flag Warning has been issued.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages everyone who lives in or comes to visit Northern Arizona to know about current fire hazards and restrictions and comply with any fire restrictions that may be in place. This may include restrictions on campfires or other open flames, smoking cigarettes, operating combustible engines, or other activities. Information about fire restrictions in Coconino County can be found at https://firerestrictions.us/az/az-coconino-county/

The Sheriff’s Office also encourages people to participate in the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office / Flagstaff Police Department Woods Watch Program. For more information about Woods Watch, contact Jon Paxton at (928) 226-5089.

Drowning victim recovered at Lake Mary

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FLAGSTAFF – A Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Volunteer conducting a holiday patrol was flagged down by a citizens yesterday at approximately 3:30 p.m at Lake Mary. The citizens reported that a young male individual had been swimming near buoys located south of the boat ramp. The swimmer reportedly had some difficulty making it back to shore while approximately 100 feet from land. He was seen going beneath the water and not returning to the surface by several family members who entered the water in attempts to locate him.

Deputies from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and US Forest Service Law Enforcement responded to the scene and entered the water in attempt to locate the victim. It was determined at that time that the depth where the victim was last seen was over 10 feet deep and visibility was very poor. These initial response units were supplemented by response from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, Flagstaff Fire Department and a Department of Public Safety Helicopter. Several citizens who were in the area also assisted with the search efforts by providing the use of their boats.

Search efforts continued into the evening and at approximately 9:30 pm members of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team recovered a body in close proximity to where the victim had last been seen.

The body of the victim identified as 18-year-old Kevin Anaya of Mesa, AZ was turned over to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. This case remains under investigation by Sheriff’s Office Detectives and the County Medical Examiner.

Summer food safety tips

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FLAGSTAFF – Summer is the time for picnics and cookouts but these outdoor activities can present food safety challenges. Bacteria in food multiply faster at temperatures between 41°F and 140°F, so following food safety guidelines during the warm summer months is especially important.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die of foodborne diseases. To avoid the risk of foodborne illnesses, the Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) encourage consumers to take appropriate precautions in handling, preparing and cooking foods during the summer months and throughout the year.

Clean: Wash Hands and Surfaces Often.
Unwashed hands are a prime cause of foodborne illness. Wash hands with warm, soapy water before handling food and especially after handling raw meat, using the bathroom, changing diapers and handling pets. When in an outdoor setting with no running water, use a water jug, some soap, and paper towels. Consider carrying moist disposable towelettes or use hand sanitizer for cleaning your hands.

Separate – Don’t Cross-Contaminate.
Cross-contamination during preparation, grilling and serving food is a prime cause of foodborne illness. When packing the cooler chest for an outing, wrap raw meats securely and avoid raw meat juices from contact with ready-to-eat food by storing raw meat below these foods. Wash plates, utensils and cutting boards that held the raw meat or poultry before using again for cooked food.

Cook: Cook to Safe Temperatures.
Foods are properly cooked when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness. Take a food thermometer along. Meat and poultry cooked on a grill often browns very fast on the outside, so be sure that meats are cooked thoroughly. Check them with a food thermometer.

Cook to proper temperatures and maintain the proper temperature for at least 15 seconds. Proper cooking temperatures of some foods include:

Fish steaks and beef steaks …………….…..1450F (or higher)
Ground meat …………………………………1600F (or higher)
Poultry …………………………………..….. 1650F (or higher)

Chill: Refrigerate Promptly.
Holding food at an unsafe temperature is a prime cause of foodborne illness. Keep cold food cold at 410F or less.

Keep perishable food cold like luncheon meats, cooked meats, chicken, and potato or pasta salads by storing in an insulated cooler packed with ample ice (at least several inches deep), ice packs, or containers of frozen water. Replenish ice frequently throughout the day.
Consider packing canned beverages in one cooler and perishable food in another cooler because the beverage cooler will probably be opened frequently.

Remember – when in doubt, throw it out.
Food left out of refrigeration for more than two hours may not be safe to eat. Above 90 °F, food should not be left out over one hour. Play it safe; put leftover perishables back on ice once you finish eating so they do not spoil or become unsafe to eat.

Following these guidelines can help to make summer outings more enjoyable for all. For information about food safety and additional cooking temperatures, visit http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm094562.htm or call the Coconino County Public Health Services District at 928.679.8750 or toll-free at 1.877.679.7272.

NOAA issues RED FLAG warning

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Wind speed are expected to increase becoming breezy tonight and high tomorrow across northern Arizona. The critical fire condition could continue Friday.

NOAA has issued a Red Flag warning for Thursday beginning at 11 a.m. running through 8 p.m. in northern Arizona. Today winds will be from the south 16 to 21-mph decreasing to 9 to 14-mph after midnight. Sustained west winds in excess of 30-mph with gusts over 45 are expected late morning through the evening hours Thursday.

Increased wind may combine with low humidity to produce areas of critical fire weather conditions across north central and eastern Arizona Thursday afternoon. The high winds will make travel of high profile vehicles difficult. It is recommended that you slow down and drive with care if you are traveling. Some areas of blowing dust may reduce visibility.

With the increased danger of forest fire, camp fires are not recommended. Use gas stoves if you intend to camp around Williams or Flagstaff.

Coconino County Offices closed May 29 in honor of Memorial Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 29, 2017 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 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.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and no staff or services will be available. Drinking fountains and hose spigots have been turned off at all parks, but bathrooms are still available at Raymond County Park, Peaks View County Park, and Sawmill County Park. Water and bathrooms are available at Louise Yellowman County Park, located in Tuba City.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Lane closure on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff on Monday

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FLAGSTAFF – Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff will be narrowed to one lane from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday, May 22, for paving. Work is scheduled to occur between mileposts 340 and 338.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Great spring fishing in northern Arizona expected for Memorial Day weekend

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WILLIAMS – Now is the time to get the tackle box ready, grab the fishing rods, and explore northern Arizona for some spring fishing.
Here are some updates on fish stocking activities in this region:
  • About 9,000 rainbow trout, or around 5,000 pounds, were recently stocked in Ashurst Lake. Folks fishing at Ashurst Lake started catching fish shortly after stocking.  They were using small spinners such as rooster tails and small spoons.
  • Kaibab Lake, north of Williams, will receive a similar load of fish. About 9,000 fish measuring up to 15 inches.
  • Trout stocked in Lower Lake Mary during March and April were up to 15 inches long.
  • Catfish were dropped recently into City Reservoir in Williams and Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff. Chunks of hot dogs make great catfish bait.
“We have so much water in northern Arizona this year, we are trying to get fish into as many lakes as we can,” said Chuck Benedict, a fish biologist at AZGFD. “We want to encourage people to come up Memorial Day weekend, enjoy our great weather and fish.  Typically Flagstaff and Williams are great for trout in the spring, and in reality, bass, pike, catfish, and crappie fishing are the best during the summer.”
Some tips to remember before heading out to fish:
  • Licenses now include trout and two-pole privileges (no separate stamps needed) and costs $37 for residents and $55 for nonresidents. The license is now valid for one year from the day you buy it — not just for the calendar year.
  • Anyone 10 years and older will need a fishing license. Youth licenses only cost $5 and are available for youth ages 10-17.
  • Review the 2017 Arizona Fishing Regulations — they are available online, or at most license dealers as a booklet that you can throw in your tackle box. The regulations have all the information you need to fish in Arizona.
  • Some lakes have special restrictions or regulations: catch-and-release only, daily limits, or the type of bait allowed.
  • Do not transport live fish or bait. Illegal stocking is a big problem and impacts the department’s efforts to manage the state’s fisheries. In some cases, fish like northern pike and bass have been illegally stocked and have had detrimental impacts to trout fishing and native fish populations.
Locations of these waters:
  • Frances Short Pond is located just northwest of downtown Flagstaff and is a great place to walk or ride a bike and try your luck.
  • Lower Lake Mary is about 8 miles from Flagstaff on Forest Road 3; Ashurst is about 12 miles down the road from Lower Mary.
  • Kaibab Lake is near Williams and off Highway 64, just north of Interstate 40.
  • City Reservoir is just south of Williams.

County prepares for 5th annual Veterans Stand Down

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County, in conjunction with area veteran’s advocate groups, will host the 5th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. The event connects homeless veterans and their families with the services they need.

The Stand Down will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N Thorpe Road Flagstaff. Hundreds of northern Arizona homeless and at-risk veterans are expected to attend. Veterans will have access hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, information on disability and survivor benefits, and more.

“We greatly value our returning veterans from all wars and think they should have access to help and the opportunity to truly stand down,” said District 4 County Supervisor Jim Parks, whose office is helping to coordinate the event. “It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to work with so many dedicated organizations helping connect veterans to the services they need.”

Services and logistical support offered by Coconino County, Flagstaff Courts, Coconino County Superior Court, Williams Courts, Coconino County Public Health Services District, Arizona StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Veterans Administration, the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and many others. This year, food will be provided by Sodexo, coffee provided by Starbucks and beverages provided by Nackard Pepsi.

The public is also invited to attend the Armed Forces Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, in Downtown Flagstaff.

The High Country Stand Down was started by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger over five years ago.

Don’t Fall Victim to Phone Scammer Claiming to be Law Enforcement Officer

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FLAGSTAFF – The Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of telephone scams in which the scammer is using the names of known law enforcement personnel to try to legitimize his scam. The callers use different bullying techniques such claiming your have an outstanding warrant or citation or court date. They also may use scare tactics such as claiming to send an officer to your home to arrest you if you do not pay immediately.

One of the names being used fraudulently is that of our Detention Commander Matt Figueroa. Remember, legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money/payments be made through pre-paid credit cards, money wire transfers or the like.

Don’t fall victim to the bullying techniques of these scammers. File a police report by contacting our Dispatch Center at (928) 774-4523, option 1. Learn more about preventing yourself from becoming a victim to these kinds of scams on our webpage: http://www.coconino.az.gov/356/Fraud-Awareness.