Category Archives: Coconino County

Coconino County implements fire safety program “Ready, Set, Go!”

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is launching a proactive and collaborative fire preparedness program between local, state and federal governmental agencies focusing on the importance of wildland fire danger. The unusually dry winter and warm temperatures could bring an early start to Arizona’s wildfire season increasing the threat to the safety of residents, visitors and property.

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) program educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency, such as proper waste management, and actions to follow when communities are threatened. The County adopted the three tenets to encourage citizens to get ready by preparing now for what threatens their community, be set by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to go, or evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

“Fire and post wildfire flooding are the number one danger to the safety of residents and property in Coconino County, especially after this extremely dry winter,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “It’s important that citizens are prepared and ready to protect themselves this upcoming fire season. Signing up for the County’s emergency notification system and contacting your local fire department or fire district for information about wildland fire threat is key to staying informed and safe.”

This program has also been adopted by the Coconino County Sheriff and the Arizona Sheriff’s Association.

The Ready, Set, Go! program highlights actions residents should take during each step:

READY: “Prepare now”

Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community.
Register for the Coconino County emergency notification system (see below).
Create defensible space around your home by keeping grass mowed short and trimming vegetation.
Build an emergency supplies kit. Start with the five P’s: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

SET: “Be alert”

There is significant danger in your area.
Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
This might be the only notice you receive.

GO!: “Evacuate”

Danger in your area is current and life-threatening.
Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The Ready, Set, Go! program started in March 2011, when the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) aimed to improve the dialogue between fire departments and the residents they serve.

Sign up for the County emergency notification system at coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management and visit ein.az.gov to learn more about hazards in the state and how to prepare.

Vendors Wanted for the 2018 Coconino County Fair

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks and Recreation is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2018 Coconino County Fair, held August 31 to September 3 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Vendors may submit applications for amusement, food, commercial businesses and non-profits. First review of applications will be in March 2018.

To promote local products and services, an early bird rate is being extended to Coconino County-based, for-profit businesses. Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor application by May 31 to take advantage of a 50 percent early bird discount for non-premium outdoor locations on the fairgrounds. Non-profit vendors and food vendors are not eligible for early bird rates.

Vendor applications are available on the Coconino County Fair website at coconinocountyfair.com. The Coconino County Fair is celebrating 69 years. More than 40,000 people regularly attend the fair, which features exhibits by 4-H and community members as well as national, regional and local entertainment, and food and commercial vendors.

For more information on the County Fair, visit coconinocountyfair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.

Summer ramada reservations available for County parks

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FLAGSTAFF – County Parks and Recreation will begin accepting summer ramada reservations on February 20, 2018. There are 11 ramadas at four County parks available for rent.

Ramadas are used to host parties, reunions and get-togethers. They are available for rent seven days a week, for half or full days. Reserving a ramada for a party or special occasion will guarantee space and ensure utilities are active.

Customers may reserve a ramada online by going to coconino.az.gov/parks/ramadas. People may also reserve them by going to the Parks and Recreation Administration office located at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices range from $46-$114 for ramada rentals. A staff member will follow up with a confirmation within one business day. For reservations less than 24 hours in advance or questions, please call the Administration office at (928) 679-8000.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of President’s Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed February 19, 2018 in honor of President’s 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.

In the event of a snow storm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

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. February 19, 2018. 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.

Free tax preparation available in Tuba City and Fredonia

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TUBA CITY – District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, in conjunction with United Way of Northern Arizona, is hosting free tax preparations in Tuba City and Fredonia, Ariz. until April 16.

IRS-certified volunteers will be available to help qualified taxpayers prepare and electronically file State and Federal tax returns for free. Families and individuals with a household incomes of $75,000 or less are eligible for this service through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

WHO: Families and Individuals with household incomes of $75,000 or less.

WHERE/WHEN:

  1. St. Jude Food Bank 100, Aspen Dr. Tuba City, Ariz. Jan. 29 – April 16
  2. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  3. Saturday March 3 & 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
  4. Moenkopi Senior Center 20 Reservoir Ln. Tuba City, Ariz. Feb. 3 & Feb. 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
  5. Fredonia Public Library 130 Main St. Fredonia, Ariz. Feb. 14, March 14 & April 14, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

What to bring:

• Valid picture ID for taxpayer (and spouse).
• Social Security or ITIN cards for all household members.
• Income statements including: W2’s, 1099, 1099-R, S.S. Benefits Statement and any other income received.
• 1095-A If you purchased Healthcare from the Marketplace.
• 1098-T tuition statement for college and technical school students.
• Name, address and tax ID# of child care provider.
• Amount of money paid to child care provider last year.
• DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES: Mortgage interest paid, receipts for property taxes, medical expenses, charitable contributions, etc.
• Account and routing numbers of your financial institution (for direct deposit of any refund)
• Copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.

For more information, contact Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Office at 928.283.4518 or online at coconino.az.gov/1958/Tuba-City-Vita.

County announces 2018 Spelling BEE

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County’s top 21 spellers will compete at the County Spelling BEE this weekend. The County BEE will begin at 10 a.m. on February 10 in Coconino High School’s mini-auditorium at 2801 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff.

The 2018 Coconino County Spelling BEE consists of home, public, charter and private school students from throughout the County who won their school or district Spelling BEE. Each year the Rotary Clubs from Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and Williams school districts donate the monetary prizes for the top three spellers. The clubs also provide experienced, qualified judges who determine if the contestants have spelled the words correctly.

The winner of the County Spelling BEE will advance to compete with 26 other top spellers at the state level. The Arizona Educational Foundation State Spelling Bee is scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 24 at AZ PBS, 500 N. Central Ave., Sixth Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004. The winner of the state bee will represent Arizona at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May or early June of 2018 in Washington, D.C.

The County Spelling BEE is coordinated and hosted annually by the County Superintendent of Schools Office. Spectators are welcome to attend.

For information please contact Elizabeth Sorg at (928) 679-8070 or e-mail esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Free flu shots offered in Page, Arizona

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PAGE – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering free flu shots from 9 to 11:30 a.m., this Wednesday February 7, at the CCPHSD Northern Region office, 467 Vista Avenue in Page. No appointment is needed.

Influenza (flu) is still at elevated levels in Coconino County. Health Officials recommend that individuals who have not received a flu vaccination get one now. Getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of getting the illness and lessen the severity of the symptoms and complications associated with the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6-months old and over get a flu shot each year.

It’s especially important that the following groups get a flu vaccination either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

Pregnant women
Children younger than five, but especially children younger than 2-years old
Children with special healthcare needs
People 50 years of age and older
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
Health care workers
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and can cause death.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu shot, good health habits will help you stay well. These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick:

Wash your hands frequently during the flu season.
Avoid touching your 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.
Don’t share eating utensils, cups and straws.
Stay home when you are sick.

Property Tax Exemption Programs

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FLAGSTAFF – The Assessor’s office is now accepting applications for the Widow/Widower and Disability Property Tax Exemption Programs.

Arizona law offers several property tax exemption programs for individuals. This program reduces the taxable value used to calculate an individual’s property tax bill. These programs are designed for widow/widowers and disabled persons, although there is an income limitation. The deadline to apply for an individual exemption is April 1, 2018.

“In Coconino County, we have worked collaboratively with the Treasurer and Community Services to notify homeowners of these programs with great success,” said Assessor Armando Ruiz, “This year we will continue our Mobile Service Days, in which we provide services in many of our communities throughout the County. This is a great opportunity for residents to come ask questions, apply for exemptions and find more about the great services our offices have to offer.”

Application Information:

Widow/Widower Exemption:

  • Must be a resident of Arizona
  • Resided with your spouse in Arizona at the time of the spouse’s death or come to Arizona before 1969
  • Meet the income and property valuation qualifications

Disability Exemption:

  • Must be over the age of 17
  • Certified 100 percent totally and permanently disabled by a doctor
  • Meet the income and property valuation qualifications

Income Qualifications for 2018:

$32,447 for an individual or $38,926 for a household. Some sources of income such as VA benefits and Federal Social Security may be excluded from the exemption income limitations

To speak with the Assessor regarding the property tax exemption programs, please call the Assessor’s office toll free at (877) 679-7120, visit the Assessor’s office at 110 E. Cherry Ave in downtown Flagstaff or visit a Mobile Service Day location near you.

Joint Land Use Study Community Meeting

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FLAGSTAFF – The public is invited to attend a Joint Land Use Study (JLUS) meeting on February 6. There will be a presentation at 6:15pm with opportunities for the public to ask questions and provide feedback.

The project team will summarize project goals and present an initial list of compatibility issues and shared interests between United States Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS), Arizona Army National Guard Camp Navajo (Camp Navajo), and local municipalities. Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, NOFS and Camp Navajo are working together to conduct the JLUS, a cooperative planning process that promotes compatibility between community development and the minimization of military operations on adjacent communities.

WHAT: Joint Land Use Study Community Meeting
WHEN: Tuesday, February 6, 2018. from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Ponderosa Fire Dist. Station 82, 11951 W Shadow Mountain Drive, Bellemont
WHO: The public is invited.

See www.coconinojlus.com for further details and information on upcoming events.

Free flu shots offered at CCPHSD Clinic

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering free seasonal flu shots (while supplies last) at the CCPHSD Clinic in Flagstaff. To schedule an appointment, call the Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

Influenza (flu) activity continues to increase in Coconino County. Health Officials recommend that individuals who have not received a flu vaccination get one now. Getting a flu shot can reduce the risk of getting the illness and lessen the severity of the symptoms and complications associated with the flu.

An additional 103 cases were reported from Jan. 14 – 20, bringing the total number of confirmed flu cases in Coconino County through Jan. 20 to 527. This total is higher than the five-year average of 109 confirmed cases during the same period. The number of flu cases reported represents a small proportion of the true number because many people do not seek medical care and do not get tested.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6-months old and over get a flu shot each year.

It’s especially important that the following groups get a flu vaccination either because they are at high risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than five, but especially children younger than 2-years old
  • Children with special healthcare needs
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes and can cause death.

In addition to getting a seasonal flu shot, good health habits will help you stay well. These simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you and others from getting sick:

  • Wash your hands frequently during the flu season.
  • Avoid touching your 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.
  • Don’t share eating utensils, cups and straws.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

Additional information is available at www.coconino.az.gov/health. Contact your healthcare provider or call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.