Category Archives: Counties

Candidates sought to run for school board

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FLAGSTAFF – There are 11 Coconino County School Districts with governing board vacancies for the November 6 election.

Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey encourages residents to get involved in local education by running as volunteer school board members to help shape policies impacting education.

Governing board seats are open in the following districts:

  • Flagstaff Unified School District (two seats);
  • Williams Unified School District (two seats);
  • Grand Canyon Unified School District (three seats);
  • Chevlon Butte Unified School District (four seats);
  • Fredonia-Moccasin Unified School District (five seats);
  • Page Unified School District (three seats);
  • Maine Consolidated Unified School District (four seats);
  • Tuba City Unified School District (two seats);
  • Coconino Community College District 5 (one seat);
  • Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) Fredonia, Grand Canyon, Williams, and Page; and
  • Northeast Arizona Technological Institute of Vocational Education (NATIVE) Tuba City.

To be eligible, candidates must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the Nov. 6 election. Candidates or their spouses may not be an employee of the district.

Nomination packets can be found online at: http://coconino.az.gov/1939/2018-School-Board-Elections

Packets can only be turned in between July 9, 2018 through August 8, 2018.

For more information or to request a packet by mail, please call Elizabeth Sorg at 928-679-8070 or e-mail esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Coconino County pilots Super Service Saturday

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County initiated a pilot project to bring services to residents one Saturday a month during the summer. In a multi-departmental effort called “Super Service Saturdays,” the County will provide select services from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the second Saturday of the month (July 14, August 11 and Septeptember 8) at the County Health and Human Services Office, 2625 N. King St. Flagstaff.

During every Super Service Saturday, there will be a wide variety of services offered by the Public Health Services District, Community Services Department, the Career Center and other County departments.

“We’re very excited to be launch this new program that will expand services to Saturdays,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Matt Ryan. “The Board of Supervisors fully supports trying this out and opening our doors on Saturdays to help ease the burden for people who can’t access services during normal business hours. We hope people take advantage during this pilot period and help us spread the word.”

Resources for job seekers, Financial Empowerment Workshops and WIC Services will be available every Super Service Saturday. People can also get a free backpack, while supplies last, when they get back-to-school immunizations or sports physicals during the July and August events. District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta’s office will also take part in Super Service Saturdays to help answer constituent questions and inform them on County updates.

“We live in a very rural and diverse county where accessing these crucial services, Monday through Friday, during working hours, isn’t always easy,” said Supervisor Archuleta. “I’m thrilled that this program will help people, who usually have to take vacation or sick time or take unpaid time off work during the week, get services they need. If we can make the lives of the people we serve just a little bit easier, this program will be a success.”

The 2017 Coconino County Community Need Assessment and focus groups conducted by the Health District found that accessing services during traditional hours was sometimes difficult due to transportation issues and work schedules. The Super Service Saturday program will be evaluated after the pilot is completed to determine if Super Service Saturdays are continued or expanded to include more locations, dates and services.

More information and a complete list of services can be found at http://www.coconino.az.gov/superservicesaturday or by calling 928-679-7120. Registration is required for some of the services. Regular fees apply.

Rescue of Injured Hiker at Lava River Cave

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FLAGSTAFF — On July 9, 2018 at approximately 2:00 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue, Guardian Medical Transport, and Ponderosa Fire District responded to an injured hiker in the Lava River Cave. The 44-year-old male hiker from Cordes Lakes, AZ suffered an ankle injury near the end of the cave and was unable to walk out on his own. Ponderosa Fire and Guardian Medical personnel hiked in to initiate patient care while Search and Rescue carried a litter and responded with additional personnel to transport the hiker out of the cave. Twenty-three rescue personnel from the three agencies were involved in the operation.

The terrain in the cave as well as the darkness made for a challenging rescue. After an approximately three-and-a-half-hour rescue operation, rescuers were able to get the hiker out at 5:52 pm. The hiker was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of an ankle injury.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind hikers planning a trip to the Lava River Cave to be prepared for the conditions inside the cave. In addition to total darkness, the ground is rocky and uneven. Temperatures range from 32 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit inside the cave even during the summer. It is recommended that hikers use a headlamp and helmet as well as wear appropriate hiking footwear when entering the cave.

Independence Day closures

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FLAGSTAFF –– All Coconino County offices will be closed Wednesday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, records will remain open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please dial 911 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 Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 4. 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.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is open. The public is encouraged to visit one of the County’s parks for a morning run, afternoon hike or to view local wildlife.

The County remains in Stage Three Fire Restrictions below the South Rim of the Grand Canyon and the use of fireworks is prohibited throughout the County. For more information on restrictions go www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

2018 Coconino County Fair early bird ticket sales began today

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting the 69th annual Coconino County Fair, on Labor Day Weekend, August 31 – September 3, at Fort Tuthill County Park. The Fair is a community event where people exhibit animals and handcrafts. There are also various entertainment acts, carnival rides and games.

Starting July 1, fairgoers can purchase early bird Coconino County Fair admission tickets and carnival wristbands for a discounted rate at coconinocountyfair.com. The promotion ends July 31. Discounted carnival wristbands are available until they are sold out.

Early bird admission tickets will be $5 each for adults and $3 each for youth (ages 6 – 12) and seniors (65 and older). Kids, 5 and under, are not charged admission at the Fair. Carnival wristbands, which allow people to ride unlimited carnival rides for one day, will be $25 each, while supplies last. There is a limit of ten wristbands that can be purchased at one time.

To enter exhibits such as artwork, photography, crafts, homegrown vegetables and flowers, clothing, quick breads, cookies, cherry pies, candies, preserved foods, quilts and more, go to coconinocountyfair.com. Entries are free except for livestock. Participants will compete for red, white or blue ribbons with special awards, including cash prizes.

The 2018 Fair Book is now online for people to view categories and enter their exhibit information. There are a limited number of printed Fair Books available at the Parks and Recreation Administration office or participating locations in Coconino County.

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

County Board appoints James Jayne County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF -– The Coconino County Board of Supervisors selected James (Jimmy) Jayne as County Manager. Jayne has served as Interim County Manager since January 2018.

“Jimmy has shown tremendous leadership ability over the last six months as Interim County Manager,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “His extensive experience and vast network of connections throughout the state will advance the County’s initiatives on behalf of our citizens. The Board trusts and believes that Jimmy is the right person to deliver the quality services our citizens have come to expect.”

District 1 Supervisor and Vice Chairman Art Babbott added, “We’re excited by the creativity and innovation that Jimmy will bring to Coconino County to better serve our citizens, build our organization and engender productive local, state, tribal and federal partnerships. We are enthusiastic about his leadership and ensuring the County grows as a forward thinking, supportive and high-performing organization.”

Jayne’s breadth of experience serving in state and county leadership roles positions him to support the County’s mission to build strong and resilient communities across the vastness of Coconino County.

“I’ve been really impressed with the work ethic and dedication to public service Jimmy has shown over his tenure with the County,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “He’s traveled to every corner of the County and worked to establish relationships in all of our diverse communities. I look forward to working with him as we continue to meet our many challenges.”

Jayne joined the Coconino County team in August 2017 serving as the Director of Special Initiatives, responsible for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Public Works and various special projects.

“I am honored to be selected by the Board to serve the people of Coconino County,” said Jayne. “My life has been dedicated to building community – I pledge to bring energy, creativity and a strong commitment to collaborating with our communities. I am also privileged to work with one of finest service organizations in the country, a team that is strongly dedicated to serving the public.”

Prior to coming to Coconino County, Jayne served as the Navajo County Manager since 2003. He also served as Executive Secretary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Chief of Staff in the Arizona House of Representatives, worked at the Arizona Water Banking Authority and served as staff in the U.S. Congress. Jayne earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and his Master of Public Administration from Arizona State University. Recently he was inducted into the Northern Arizona University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Hall of Fame for his outstanding public service career.

The Board will officially appoint Jayne as County manager during a special session on July 11.

Siren system test in Oak Creek Canyon

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management, Yavapai County Emergency
Management, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Sedona Fire District will test the
emergency siren system in Oak Creek Canyon at approximately 10 a.m. Thursday, June 28.
This system is designed to notify Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown Sedona residents of severe
emergencies that require evacuation.

The sirens will be used when the U.S. National Weather Service issues a Flash Flood Warning for Oak
Creek Canyon. If the sirens sound, anyone in the canyon is asked to stop what they are doing,
immediately get to high ground and tune their radio to KAFF 930 AM or 92.9 FM for specific
directions.

Area residents are also encouraged to register for emergency notifications at
www.coconino.az.gov/ready. It is important to register all phone numbers to be contacted in an
emergency.

For additional information call 928.679.8311 or go to www.coconino.az.gov/ready.

Truth in Taxation hearing set

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Coconino County is publishing the Truth in Taxation notice, as required by Arizona state law, explaining potential changes in the amount of property taxes collected.

Interested citizens are invited to attend the public hearing which is at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 26, in the County Administrative Building Board Chambers, 219 East Cherry, Flagstaff, Ariz.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors is notifying its property taxpayers of Coconino County’s intention to raise its primary property taxes over last year’s level. Coconino County is proposing an increase in primary property taxes of $187,911 or 2 percent.

For example, the proposed tax increase will cause Coconino County’s primary property taxes on a $100,000 home to increase from $54.79 (total taxes that would be owed without the proposed tax increase) to $55.89 (total proposed taxes including the tax increase).

Truth in Taxation hearings for the Library, Health and Flood Control Districts will also take place at 6 p.m. June 26 in the County Board Chambers on 219 E. Cherry Ave.

The Coconino County Library District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $152,037 or 3.61 percent, the Coconino County Public Health Services District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $148,620 or 3.61 percent and the Coconino County Flood Control District is proposing an increase in secondary property taxes of $74,228 or 2.85 percent.

Eric Peterson selected County Public Affairs Director

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FLAGSTAFF — Interim County Manager James Jayne has announced the selection of Eric Peterson as the County Public Affairs Director. The Board of Supervisors approved the selection during their regular meeting June 19.

The Public Affairs Director is responsible for the supervision of all governmental and community relations functions, including communications and legislative issues. The Director leads a team that implements initiatives and projects and advocates for legislation that benefits Coconino County residents. The Public Affairs Director is a part of the Coconino County Leadership Team and reports directly to the County Manager.

“We look forward to Eric joining our team and bringing his wealth of experience to Coconino County,” said Interim County Manager James Jayne. “He has represented diverse communities, fostered relationships and led teams to accomplish many legislative goals. The Public Affairs Department, under Eric’s guidance, will continue building relationships with community partners throughout the County and work with local, state and federal officials to better serve Coconino County residents.”

Prior to joining Coconino County, Peterson most recently served as the Government Affairs Liaison for Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele. He was also the Chief of Staff to Wisconsin State Senator Lena Taylor (D-4) for 7 years. Peterson studied Agricultural Marketing at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

Peterson will start as director on July 9, 2018.

Juneteenth Celebration

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County African American Advisory Council and the Southside Community Association present the annual Juneteenth celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

The family friendly celebration with special entertainment and food trucks will be held at the Murdoch Community Center at 203 W. Brannen in Flagstaff.

Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the end of slavery. On June 19, 1865, Union soldiers landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. Freed Americans of African descent were living and working as slaves for close to three years before they were told the news of their freedom. Supporters of civil rights celebrate African American freedom and the subsequent achievements within the culture while encouraging continuous self-development and respect for all cultures. To learn more about this moment in America’s history visit http://juneteenth.com.

WHO: Free and open to members of the public – family friendly
WHAT: Juneteenth Celebration
WHERE: Murdoch Community Center, 203 W. Brannen, Flagstaff, AZ
WHEN: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Saturday, June 16.

For more information, please contact Susie Garretson (sgarretson@coconino.az.gov) or 928-679-7147.