Category Archives: Counties

Governor’s Office and County collaborate to promote child passenger safety

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Injury Prevention Program received a grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety of $15,913 this fiscal year. From the grant, $14,138 will be spent on child passenger safety/occupant protection and $1,775 will go towards pedestrian and bicycle safety.

The CCHHS Injury Prevention Program has promoted child passenger safety and driver awareness with the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety since 2003.

The CCHS Injury Prevention Program will use the funding to provide under-served areas in Coconino County with car seat safety education and to participate in events that enhance the existing child safety program, materials and supplies.

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death among children ages two to 14. Research shows that as children age, they are less likely to be in the appropriate child safety seat for their age and weight. Correctly used child safety seats are extremely effective and reduce the risk of injury and death approximately 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers. Children ages 4-8 using belt-positioning booster seats are 45% less likely to sustain injuries than those only using seat belts.

Child Passenger Safety is at the heart of the CCHHS Injury Prevention Program and teaches families how to safely transport their children. Certified child passenger safety technicians and instructors inspect child safety seats at several community events throughout the year and educate parents and caregivers.

For more information on the CCHHS Injury Prevention program, call 928-679-7262 or visit www.coconino.az.gov/health.

Public comment period for County Fair fee changes open

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FLAGSTAFF — The public can comment on proposed County Fair fee changes until April 6. The 60-day comment period on the proposed fees affects vendors, open livestock entries and 4-H wristbands. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors reviewed the fee changes, which have not increased since 2006, at the regular meeting on Jan. 28

The Board may consider any increase or change up to the amount proposed by the department but not anything higher. The Board could approve the fees any time after the 60-day comment period ending April 6, 2020

Coconino County Parks & Recreation (CCPR) manages the Coconino County Fair. CCPR suggested the fee changes to recover costs due to increased prices for goods and services, to align with industry best practices and to moderately increase revenue without impacting the cost to fairgoers. Fees also help offset damages to the Fairgrounds at historic Fort Tuthill Quad, which had a $4.1 million renovation in 2017.

The following is a summary of the proposed fee changes:

Coconino County Fair Vendors

  • Food Vendor fees change from a square footage fee to a minimum guarantee based on frontage against a percentage of gross revenue.
  • Amusement Vendor fees change from a percentage to a square footage fee.
  • Commercial & Non-Profit Vendors will see a nominal increase in cost per square foot of space rental.
  • A refundable deposit will now be required to account for damages, staff time outside of scheduled hours and violating rules set forth in the contract.

Open Livestock Entry

  • Open Poultry and Rabbit & Cavies fees increase from $50 to $1 per entry to offset a portion of the cost of feed and bedding supplied by the Fair.
  • Open Horse fees increase from $3 to $5 per entry to offset a portion of the cost of supplies associated with the Fair Horse Show.

4-H Wristbands (applicable to 4-H youth and parents only)

  • 4-H Adult Admission Wristband (includes unlimited days and parking) fee increases from $20 to $25.
  • 4-H Child Admission Wristband (includes unlimited days and parking) fee increases from $12 to $15.

For more information on the proposed fee changes and to provide comments, visit Coconino.AZ.Gov/Parks.

County Superintendent of Schools to host 2020 Spelling BEE

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FLAGSTAFF – Twenty-two Coconino County students will compete to be the top speller at the 2020 Coconino County Spelling BEE. The County BEE will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, February 8 in the Coconino High School mini-auditorium at 2801 N. Izabel Street, Flagstaff.

The 2020 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.

The Rotary Clubs from Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and Williams donate monetary prizes for the top three spellers. The clubs also provide experienced and 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. Saturday, March 21 at AZ PBS, 500 N. Central Avenue, 6th Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

The winner of the state bee will represent Arizona at the 2020 Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in late May or early June.

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 Betsey Williams at (928) 679-8070 or e-mail bwilliams@coconino.az.gov.

County offices closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, January 20 in observance 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. on Monday January 20 with limited staffing. 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 during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is currently closed. Please do not sled on the Fort Tuthill Bike Park or you will damage the features which were built specifically for cyclists to hone their skills on jumps and flow trails. Drinking water is available at Fort Tuthill County Park and Louise Yellowman County Park (located near Tuba City), and bathrooms are still available at Raymond, Peaks View and Sawmill County Parks. Water has been turned off at all park ramadas.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, January 20. Contact the CCHHS Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Business Plan Development Training begins open enrollment

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Basic Business Empowerment (BBE) is accepting applications for the next Basic Business Empowerment Business Plan Development Training. Training will start on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m., January 14 to March 31 at the Health and Human Services Building, 2625 N. King St., Flagstaff.

The CCHHS BBE Business Plan Development Training has assisted people in starting or expanding a small business since 2007.

BBE participants will learn to:

  • Create a business feasibility plan
  • Clearly define product or service
  • Analyze market and competitors
  • Project cash flow and profit
  • Plan and more

Participants may also be eligible for Individual Development Accounts (IDA) match saving grants. An IDA is a special bank account to save earned income for small business start-up and/or expansion available to income and asset eligible candidates. Every dollar saved, up to $2,000, will be matched with two dollars, up to $4,000, for approved business asset purchases.

The cost for the 12-week BBE training is $125.00 with need-based 50% scholarships available for income qualifiers. For more information or to enroll, call 928-679-7453, or visit www.coconino.az.gov/bbe.

Moisture moving in may bring flash floods

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WILLIAMS — A moist airmass over Arizona with the potential of heavy rain producing thunderstorm complexes caused the National Weather service to issue a flash flood watch in portions of east central and west central Arizona. The areas affected are northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains, and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. Rainfall rates can result in strong, rapidly rising water in area washes, which may create hazardous conditions at low water crossings. . Localized rainfall amounts could exceed 1 inch in less than an hour, with storm total rainfall possibly above 3 inches. The Flash Flood Watch runs from September 23 at 3:19AM MST until September 24 at 5:00AM MST.

NOAA warns against crossing flooded roads and low-laying areas. No matter how powerful your vehicle, it does not take much water flow to carry it downstream.

In Williams there is an 40% chance of thunderstorms raising to 80% tonight. Thunderstorms are likely through Sunday.

Flu Shots available at County Health and Human Services

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FLAGSTAFF – The seasonal influenza vaccine is available at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic in Flagstaff.

Flu shots are available beginning Monday, Sept. 23 at the CCHHS Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Appointments are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted as availability permits. Call the CCHHS Clinic at 928-679-7222 to make an appointment.

The cost for a flu vaccination at the CCHHS Clinic is $30. High-dose flu vaccinations are $50. As a courtesy, the CCHHS will bill people’s insurance company, but those seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered and are also asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be denied services due to an inability to pay.

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

Every year a new vaccine is manufactured to combat circulating influenza viruses during each flu season. While it is too early to determine the effectiveness of this season’s vaccine, immunization reduces the chance of influenza-related complications, such as hospitalization, chronic disease and/or death. The immune system will be better prepared to combat the flu the earlier people get their shot.

The following groups of people are encouraged to get a flu vaccination 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 5, 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.
  • 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. In the most severe cases, flu can lead to death.

Precautions recommended to prevent rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) has received several reports of potential and confirmed human and domestic animal exposures to rabid wildlife.

A recent confirmed exposure occurred near Jacob Lake southeast of Fredonia, Arizona. An individual and a dog encountered a bat that subsequently tested positive for rabies. The individual is receiving rabies prophylaxis treatment and the vaccinated dog has been placed in a 10-day at-home quarantine for observation.

A potential rabies exposure occurred in a Flagstaff neighborhood where two dogs interacted with a dead skunk found in the dogs’ pen. As a result, the skunk is being tested for rabies to confirm if the dogs were exposed to the rabies virus. Test results are pending.

An additional potential exposure involved a Flagstaff resident and two cats that were exposed to a bat suspected to have rabies. Test results in this case are also pending.

CCHHS is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animals exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
  • Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or when there is direct contact with a wild animal.
  • Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

Rabies is a virus spread by the bite of an infected animal or direct contact with the saliva of an infected animal (such as via a scratch or tear in the skin). In Arizona, bats, skunks, and foxes are the main animal sources of rabies. Rabies causes severe damage to the central nervous system and usually leads to death once symptoms appear. However, effects of the virus are preventable if proper medical treatment is obtained within the proper timeframe.

Human exposures to rabid animals are usually rare, but domestic animals, such as cats and dogs often come into contact with wild animals and are at an increased risk. Routine rabies vaccination will help protect your pet against rabies.

Interactions with a bat or a bat found in a home should be reported to the Coconino County Health and Human Services Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. Unusual wildlife sightings or behavior should also be reported. To report an emergency involving wildlife, call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile virus

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FLAGSTAFF -– Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) officials found mosquitoes that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in an area south of Lake Mary Road in Flagstaff. This is the first positive WNV in mosquitoes in Coconino County this year. No human cases have been reported in Coconino County since 2010 when two human cases were identified.

CCHHS staff has applied a non-toxic larvicide treatment to reduce mosquito populations in water pools in the affected area and in other locations in the County. CCHHS will continue trapping and testing mosquitoes in areas where there is mosquito activity until colder weather returns. Although this is the only area where mosquitoes have tested positive this year, WNV is endemic and could be present in other areas throughout the County.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, insect repellent containing DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus or PMD–the synthesized version of oil of lemon eucalyptus—and IR3535 typically provide reasonably long-lasting protection.

People are encouraged to take the following precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

· Mosquitoes that carry WNV are most active at dusk and dawn. Stay indoors during these times or wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoor.
· Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outdoors.
· Use air conditioning, if available.
· Stop mosquitoes from laying eggs near your home. Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers.

People should continue these preventive measures until cold weather returns and mosquito activity diminishes in the fall.

There is no specific treatment for WNV other than supportive care, and there is no vaccine available for humans. A WNV vaccination is available for horses. CCHHS encourages horse owners to discuss vaccinations with their veterinarian.

For more information or to report any concerns, call the Coconino County Health and Human Services Environmental Health office at 928-679-8750 or toll free 1-877-679-7272.

Bellemont Area Plan public hearing schedule announced

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FLAGSTAFF – A public hearing for the draft of the updated Bellemont Area Plan is scheduled with the Coconino County Planning and Zoning Commission. The public is invited to attend.

The Bellemont Area Plan is a land use planning document that will guide land use and development in Bellemont for the next 20 years. Over the past 24 months, a committee of Bellemont residents, property owners and business owners have worked to develop the draft plan. The public hearings will be an opportunity for the community to hear the details of the updated plan containing the vision for Bellemont’s future. People can learn about how the updated plan addresses goals and policies for land use, transportation, community services and other issues identified during the process. The public hearings provide an opportunity for the public to comment on the draft plan and its contents.

The Planning and Zoning Commission held its first hearing on June 26 and continued the item to August 28, 2019. The Board of Supervisors hearing will be scheduled after the Commission makes a recommendation.

For questions and to view the draft plan, visit the Planning and Zoning webpage at http://www.coconino.az.gov/1948/Long-Range-Planning.