Tag Archives: Arizona

Joanne Keene named Deputy County Manager

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Manager James Jayne has announced the appointment of Joanne Keene as Deputy County Manager. The Board of Supervisors are expected to approve the appointment at a regular board meeting in March.

Keene has almost twenty-five years of experience in local, state and federal government. Most recently, Keene has served for five years as the Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff to Northern Arizona University. Prior to her work at NAU, Keene served as the Government Relations Director for Coconino County from 2007 – 2015 and for eight years in various roles in Arizona and in Washington, D.C., for the U.S. House of Representatives.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back Joanne to the County team,” said County Manager James Jayne. “Several highly qualified candidates were interviewed for this position and Joanne’s experience and dedication to this County made her the clear choice. Joanne has remained an essential and trusted voice in our community and has been a fantastic partner in her role with NAU. She is known for her leadership, professionalism and devotion to public service and we look forward to her joining the County Management team as she provides vital leadership to key departments.”

As Deputy County Manager, Keene’s focus will be on fulfilling the goals and further developing the missions of internal service departments. As part of the County’s Organizational Renewal initiative, the Deputy County Manager will promote organizational culture to achieve success and partnership in Information Technology, Human Resources and Facilities Management.

“Coconino County is a special place and I’m excited to rejoin such a committed organization,” said incoming Deputy Manager Keene. “I strongly believe that local governments, and the people working in them, make an incredible difference in people’s lives. I look forward to working with the Board, people, elected officials, the County Management team and the internal service departments to continue the work the County does to provide excellent service.”

Keene is a graduate of NAU with a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelors in English and Broadcast Journalism. She is also a Certified Public Manager through Arizona State University and a Flinn-Brown Fellow. Keene currently serves on several local boards including High Country Humane and Mountain Line. On the statewide level, Keene services on the Board of Directors for Arizona Forward and is a Governor’s appointee to the Arizona State Fair and Exposition Board and the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

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.

Impeachment and removal from office the only course of action

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OPINION

I find it difficult to believe that we are letting this golden opportunity slip by. It is my considered opinion that this thing should have been impeached prior to his installation in office. Let us examine the facts.

This year it is said that the so-called “Punxsutawney Phil” saw his shadow predicting an early spring. Did you see his State of the Weather? He’s obviously putting on a political rally this election year pandering to the sun tan crowd completely ignoring skiers.

And who put this Punxsutawney Phil into office? We have strong evidence that the squirrels interfered with the 2016 elections.

They have been celebrating this Ground Hog day “officially” since 1887. In 133 years there has never been a groundhog with a name other than Punxsutawney Phil. I don’t even think that is his real name. Has anyone checked his birth certificate?

This year on February 2nd, this Punxsutawney Phil supposedly saw his shadow signalling an early spring. I want to make clear that this is NOT my ground hog. We cannot wait for an election to have people who love this ground hog re-elect him. We need officials to impeach and remove this groundhog from office so our candidate, Geico Gecko has a chance to win the election this year.

{In case you are wondering, this is satire.}

ADEQ issues fish consumption advisory for two northern Arizona lakes

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), in association with the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), is issuing a fish consumption advisory for black crappie caught from Santa Fe Lake in Williams in Coconino County. There is also a fish consumption advisory for largemouth bass caught from Horsethief Basin Lake in Yavapai County and south of the community of Crown King. This advisory is based on recent analysis of fish tissue data that indicate elevated levels of mercury.

ADEQ recommends that adults limit consumption of black crappie from Santa Fe Lake or largemouth bass from Horsethief Basin Lake to 2.5 ounces (uncooked weight) per week and children 12 years of age and younger limit consumption to 2 ounces (uncooked weight) per month. Santa Fe Lake is home to a variety of fish. During the spring and summer, AGFD stocks the lake with rainbow trout, which can be eaten in unlimited amounts.

Generally, contaminant levels found in water are significantly lower than those found in fish tissue. Therefore, fishing, bird watching, swimming and other recreational activities at the lake are not affected by this advisory and are encouraged for enjoying the great outdoors.

Fish are an excellent source of protein and can be an important part of a healthy, diverse diet as they are low in saturated fat. The American Heart Association recommends people eat at least two fish or seafood meals every week. The public health recommendations in this advisory are based on frequent and long-term consumption of fish, not infrequent or occasional fish meals. AGFD and ADEQ maintain a Green Light Fisheries program listing fish species from specific waters that may be consumed without limits.

See Interactive e-Map for Green Light Fisheries and Fish Consumption Advisories

Person Injured by Gunshot in Westwood Ranches Area

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SELIGMAN – On January 30, 2020, at approximately 4:00 am, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies from the Flagstaff and Williams Districts responded to the Seligman area for a report of a subject being shot in the leg.

Sheriff’s Deputies along with Lifeline Ambulance responded to the Westwood Ranches Area north of Seligman to an address off of Pipeline Road. Deputies, while enroute to the residence, were advised through Flagstaff Dispatch that a 43-year-old male subject had reportedly, been accidently shot in the leg with a handgun and was currently being transported by a private vehicle to meet with Deputies and the medical personnel. Deputies and medical personnel with Lifeline Ambulance were able to make contact at the entrance to Westwood Ranches and Crookton Rd.

The victim was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by Lifeline Ambulance. At this Time the incident under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are at the scene where the shooting took place and will continue throughout the day.

No further details are available at this time. More information will be made available as the investigation progresses.

Williams Event Huddle scheduled for February 10

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WILLIAMS — The Williams Event Huddle has been scheduled for 2020. The event is scheduled, this year, for February 10 at 5 p.m. at the Family Harvest Church behind Safeway at 220 S 7th Street in Williams.

At the Williams Event Huddle local community service and non-profit groups, churches, city and government organizations, clubs and businesses gather to distribute information about their group. They share goals and plans for 2020.

Residents are welcome to come and learn about the various services in the area and, perhpas, get in touch with a group they wish to join or whose services they may need.

Groups that wish to speak and be represented can contact Kerry-Lynn Moede at 602-818-6559.

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.

Coconino County Detention Facility Upgrades Video Visitation System

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Detention Facility recently upgraded its Video Visitation System so that friends and family can now visit from anywhere using a smart phone, computer or tablet. Visitors no longer need to go to the jail lobby to use the free video visitation feature.

Inmates now receive 60 minutes of free video visitation each week. Visitation can take place from anywhere, and inmates can use their weekly free minutes for the visits. The 60 minutes can be split up into different visits and can be used with any type of visit, whether to a computer, phone, tablet, or with someone in the Flagstaff or Page jail lobbies.

For more information and to set up an account, please visit www.gettingout.com or from a smart phone or table visit the app store to download the free app GettingOut Visit.

Sexual assault suspect in custody

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FLAGSTAFF – On January 25, at approximately 4:30 am, Jason Gonnie was taken into custody during a traffic stop at 4th Street and Highway 66 by Deputies from Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Officers and the Flagstaff Police Department.

Gonnie was taken into custody without incident, during an early Saturday morning traffic stop, where he was then transported to the Coconino County Detention Facility.

Gonnie was booked for Kidnapping, Sex Assault, 3 counts of Endangerment, Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon, Burglary 2nd degree, Possession of Marijuana and a Probation Warrant. Gonnie currently has a $150,000.00 bond.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Flagstaff Police Department, Department of Public safety, United States Marshals Office, the media and the public for their assistance in bringing this matter to a peaceful resolution.