Category Archives: Counties

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.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed January 15, 2018 in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. 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 p.m. January 15. 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.

County Board appoints James Jayne Interim County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Board of Supervisors selected James Jayne as Interim County Manager. Jayne is replacing previous Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, who resigned today.

Seelhammer, a 2017 Gabe Zimmerman Public Service Award Winner, served as County Manager since 2013. She has more than 30 years of experience working for small towns, large cities and counties in three different states.

“On behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I want to thank County Manager Seelhammer for her outstanding work and dedication to the citizens of Coconino County,” said Chairman of the Board Matt Ryan. “Under Cynthia’s leadership, the County had many successes such as the education effort that led to the passage of Proposition 403 to fund county roads, the purchase of State Trust Land at Fort Tuthill and overhauled our outdated technology systems to save tax payer dollars and better serve our customers. We wish her the best in her future endeavors.”

Jayne will serve as County Manager while the Board of Supervisors determines the process for hiring a permanent manager. Jayne has been with Coconino County since August 2017 serving as the Director of Special Initiatives, responsible for Public Affairs and Community Relations, Public Works and various special projects.

Prior to coming to Coconino County, he served as the Navajo County Manager since 2003. Preceding his time with Navajo County, he served as Executive Secretary for the Arizona Corporation Commission, the Chief of Staff in the AZ House of Representatives, worked at the Arizona Water Banking Authority and in the U.S. Congress. Jayne earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Arizona University and his MPA and Certified Public Manager Certification from ASU.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity given to me by the Board of Supervisors and I look forward to working closely with the Board, other elected officials, department directors and the team members who serve the County,” said Jayne. “I will continue to build strong relationships and partnerships with the communities, local governments and organizations throughout the County to help meet the needs of our residents.”

The County Manager provides overall management of county government functions and serves as liaison between the County Board of Supervisors, County Elected Officials and Department Directors.

Applications sought to fill Maine Consolidated Governing Board vacancies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for three vacant seats on the Maine Consolidated Unified School District 10 Governing Board.

Per MCUSD Bylaws, the appointments will be two-year terms ending December 31, 2020. Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:

· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit the application is January 31, 2018
· Submit by email esorg@coconino.az.gov (Live signature on original application is required)
· Submit by fax 928 526-1469 (Live signature on original application is required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, Ariz. 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call Elizabeth Sorg at the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Electronic WIC program launched in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Health Services has completed a multi-year effort and launched a system replacing paper checks with a card for families that participate in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. The new system, called “eWIC,” will make it easier for families to access healthy foods.

“The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) WIC Program provides services to nearly 2,000 participants each month,” said CCPHSD WIC Program Manager Lorraine Ornelas. “The move to eWIC means that our WIC families can shop throughout the month for the same healthy WIC-approved foods. With eWIC, clients have their WIC benefits on one convenient card.”

WIC families can also download the EzWIC app for Apple and Android devices. The app will allow them to search the WIC Food List, scan items in the store to see if they are WIC-approved and check their current benefit balance.

WIC is a successful public health nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and connections to community services for income-eligible women who are pregnant and postpartum, infants, and children up to five years old. To learn more, call the CCPHSD WIC Clinic at 928-679-7850 or visit www.azwic.gov.

Fox in Oak Creek Canyon tests positive for rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) was recently contacted regarding an individual in the Oak Creek Canyon area (near Sedona) who was attacked by a fox. CCPHSD Animal Management responded and sent the fox to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) State Laboratory where it tested positive for rabies.

The individual who was exposed is receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment. CCPHSD is providing signage for area trails, and notifying local businesses in the area.

Rabies is an infectious disease that affects the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord of animals and humans. It is caused by a virus present in the saliva of infected animals and is transmitted to humans through contact with the live virus.

The Coconino County Public Health Services District recommends taking precautions to protect yourself and your pets from rabies. Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws. Do not let pets roam freely. Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.

Call 911 if a wildlife emergency occurs. To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756.