Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino County Education Service Agency Creating a Culture of Educator Appreciation

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FLAGSTAFF — In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children.

“This is the value of the teacher, who looks at a face and says there is something behind that and I want to reach that person, I want to influence that person, I want to encourage that person, I want to enrich, I want to call out that person who is behind that face, behind that color, behind that language, behind that tradition, behind that culture. I believe you can do it. I know what was done for me.”

—Maya Angelou

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children. Think of an educator you know who connects with students, helps them experience and understand the world around them, introduces them to subjects in new ways, and inspires them to take agency over their future. We ask you to take the time to thank these exemplary educators for their work and service to our County’s schools and children.

During Teacher Appreciation Week the Coconino County Education Service Agency would like to congratulate and announce the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees.

2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Nominees:

Alexander Casady, Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy
Gretchen Goodley, Sinagua Middle School
Laura Locke, Coconino High School-CAVIAT
Trina Siegfried, Williams Elementary/Middle School
Rosalina Aliboga, Page Middle School
Paul Barton, Sinagua Middle School
Antonia Rucker, Knoles Elementary School
Amy Zwisler-Smith, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Jessica Donnelly, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Joshua Brink, Desert View Intermediate School
Tim Begley, Killip Elementary School
Mark Lancaster, Northland Preparatory Academy
Francy Solarte, Coconino High School
Susan Burdick, Thomas Elementary School
Craig Howdeshell, Coconino High School
Donald Morris, Coconino High School
Steve Schober, Williams High School

2021 Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees:

Addison Yacko, Sinagua Middle School
Jessica Spink, Sinagua Middle School
Larissa Maye Stack, Mount Elden Middle School
Camryn Donovan, Puente de Hózhó Elementary School
Alianah Mijares, Marshall Elementary School
Yomira Valenzuela, Knoles Elementary School
Angeline Danca (2 noms), Killip Elementary School

Flagstaff & Williams Justice Court Pilots New Online System

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS — Among the many consequences of COVID-19 are its effects on the criminal justice system, including the safety of participants who appear in court.

Flagstaff and Williams Justice Courts are piloting a procedure that allows criminal defendants the opportunity and choice to appear by remote online methods while still being aware of all their legal rights and protections along the way.

Known as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), the Flagstaff and William Justice Courts are pilot courts for the new state-designed system. ODR allows defendants cited for criminal traffic or other misdemeanors to receive a full advisory of their legal rights when charged with a misdemeanor offense, including the right to be presumed innocent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and impartial trial, have a “not guilty” plea entered and begin the process of pretrial discovery and discussion with the prosecutors, all on a remote basis.

With ODR’s emphasis on full disclosure as to what a criminal misdemeanor entails, defendants have the ability to opt into this alternate procedure and resolve the case more efficiently and promptly. To learn more about ODR or to search for a case and register, visit courtinnovations.com/AZ301.

Coconino County Adult Probation Offices Moved to 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Adult Probation office moved from 222 E Birch Avenue Flagstaff, AZ to their new address at 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff, AZ.

“Adult Probation is happy to do our part in the County’s Space Reimagined Initiative which looks for solutions and cost savings as it relates to office space and remote work. By moving into a smaller office footprint, the Adult Probation Department is committed to reducing the financial burden of the criminal justice system on taxpayers. The last year provided us an opportunity to learn how to combine virtual and in-person work, thus reducing our need for physical space in an office setting.

It feels great to have a new home where we can efficiently serve the community,” commented Chief Probation Officer Sarah Douthit.

The move took place on Thursday, April 15 and Adult Probation reopened for business at their new location on Monday, April 19. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit coconino.az.gov/112/Adult-Probation

Portions of Verde River to close starting May 10 for feral cattle removal

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FLAGSTAFF — Starting May 10 and lasting through May 24, public access to portions of the Verde River will be closed to allow for feral cattle removal.
River access from Beasley Flat to the confluence with Fossil Creek will be closed and the public will not be able to launch, take out, float through or camp along this section of the river. Child Recreation Site and Verde Hot Springs will also be closed to the public.
Contractors will be capturing and removing unauthorized and/or feral cattle from the Wild and Scenic portion of the Verde River on the Coconino, Tonto and Prescott national forests. This portion of the Verde River is managed to preserve its Wild and Scenic qualities and livestock are not authorized within this corridor.
The following portion of the Verde River will be closed to the public to protect public health and safety during contracted operations to round-up and remove feral cattle.
  • As depicted on the map in Exhibit A, the Restricted Area consists of all National Forest System (NFS) lands, roads and trails within a quarter-mile of the center of the Verde River corridor, commencing north of Beasley Flat at 34° 28’ 43.68” N/111° 48’ 1.5” W, following down river and terminating at the confluence with Fossil Creek (approximately 13.5 miles) at 34° 18’ 20.534” N/111° 40’ 30.752” W. The Restricted Area includes Verde Hot Springs (34° 21’ 50.478” N/111° 42’ 55.607” W) and the Childs Developed Recreation site, including the associated boat launch/ take-out and dispersed camping area. The Restricted Area also includes the historic hydroelectric facilities and corrals.
The work includes the gathering, care, handling/loading and transportation of the cattle. The contractor will address any sick or injured animals if treatment is necessary; transport livestock from temporary holding facility at capture site to final destination within 24 hours of capture; Arizona Department of Agriculture (AZDA) Officers will inspect the captured cattle for brands and if brands are found then the AZDA will contact the owners. The capturing of livestock will be accomplished by helicopter, roping, leading or tie down when necessary. The work will be accomplished in a safe and humane manner and be in accordance with appropriate Arizona state laws and requirements.
For more information regarding this order please contact the following:
  • Red Rock Ranger District: 928-203-2900
  • Cave Creek Ranger District: 480-595-3300
  • Verde Ranger District: 928-777-2200

FEMA Updates Flood Maps in Areas of Coconino County and Flagstaff

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OAKLAND, Calif. — The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delivered preliminary flood maps for parts of Coconino County and Flagstaff. The maps identify the revised flood hazards in Kachina Village and the Pumphouse Wash and Schoolhouse Wash drainage areas. These new maps will help building officials, contractors and homeowners make effective mitigation decisions, thereby contributing to safer and more resilient communities.

Before the new Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) become effective, there is a 90-day appeal period from Apr. 30 to July 28. During that time, residents or businesses with supporting technical and scientific information, such as detailed hydraulic or hydrologic data, can appeal the flood risk information on the preliminary maps, which can be viewed at fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata.

Flood hazards are dynamic and change frequently for many reasons, including weather patterns, erosion, and community development. Officials from FEMA, Coconino County and the city of Flagstaff worked together to provide updated information that accurately reflects the flood risk. These changes may also affect future building standards or insurance requirements.

The local mapping project is part of a national effort led by FEMA to increase local knowledge of flood risks and support actions to address and reduce the effects of flooding on new and improved structures. FEMA encourages residents to review the preliminary flood maps to learn about local flood risks, potential future flood insurance requirements and identify any concerns or questions about the information provided.

Risk of flooding affects almost every corner of the nation. In total, 98% of counties have experienced a flood event, which makes floods the most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.

Homicide Victim Located on Forest Service Road 776

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 27th, 2021, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received information from Milwaukie Police Department in Oregon of a possible missing and endangered female traveling with a male subject last known to be in the Flagstaff area.

Working with the Milwaukie Police Department, Sheriff’s Office detectives were able to ascertain a possible location where the couple may have been camping. The area indicated was Forest Service Road 776 off Highway 89, north of Fernwood. Deputies responding to the area began contacting campers and handing out flyers of the male and female. From the flyer, a camper recognized the female and identified a camping location where the female and male subject were last seen. In investigating the location, the body of a female was found deceased. The female victim has been identified as 38-year-old Melisa Rose Wheeler, of Oregon.

Crime scene – CCSO Photo

Wheeler was last known to be traveling with Benjamin Mota, a resident of Oregon, on vacation. Mota returned to Oregon in the victim’s vehicle where he was taken into custody on unrelated charges. Evidence gathered during the initial investigation resulted in a 2nd Degree Homicide warrant for Mota’s arrest. Extradition efforts will be pursued. Mota is currently being held on a one-million-dollar cash bond.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Milwaukie Police Department, the Coconino County Attorney’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office for their assistance and efforts during this investigation.

Sheriff CSI van – CCSO Photo

The investigation is ongoing by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No other information is available at this time.

Commercial firewood permits available for live juniper trees May 3

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FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will begin selling commercial firewood permits beginning May 3.

Permits will cover live and dead shaggy bark juniper trees in pre-designated areas of the Yeager Canyon area located roughly 45 minutes southeast of the City of Flagstaff.

A limited number of permits are available. Permits for 10 cords each can be purchased on a first-come, first-served basis for $50 a permit ($5 per cord).

Each cutting area is between four and seven acres, ensuring 10 cords of wood will be available in each area. Specific cutting requirements and a map will be included with each permit, and more information is available by request.

Due to COVID-19, permits will be made available by mail only.

Permits can be ordered by mailing a permit request and $50 check payable to the U.S. Forest Service to the Flagstaff Ranger Station at 5057 N. Hwy 89, Flagstaff AZ 86004. The written request should include your name, address, phone number, type of identification (such as driver’s license) and identification number, make and model of all vehicles that will be working within the permit unit and the names of any additional cutters. Your written request must be signed and dated.

Firewood cutters should be aware chainsaws can throw sparks and ignite grasses and brush, so please take care when cutting firewood. Always carry a shovel and a fire extinguisher or water in case of a fire start.

Additionally, all chainsaws must be equipped with a stainless-steel spark arrestor screen. Cutters need to ensure they are aware of the current fire restrictions by checking local Forest Service information.

Unless specified elsewhere in the permit or on its accompanying map, or identified as prohibited, motorized off-road travel is authorized to access and load firewood. Please exercise caution when driving off-road and avoid resource damage.

Ripe weather conditions allow Coconino NF firefighters to move forward with large multi-day prescribed burns

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., April 21, 2021 — Favorable weather and wind conditions on Thursday are allowing Coconino National Forest firefighters to move forward with plans for large fire treatments, with the addition of a burn project near Apache Maid Mountain beginning on Friday.
Prescribed burns are conducted on days when the wind is strong enough to move the fire across the landscape under the prescription plan and also ventilate the area of smoke. Thus, the right amount of wind is necessary for all prescribed burn projects to be successful, and fire management officers ensure conditions are suitable by conducting test ignitions prior to the start of any burn projects.
The Peaks and Upper Beaver Creek (UBC) prescribed burn projects are slated to begin Thursday and continue through the week, with the UBC project lasting considerably longer due to its size. Plans have come together for the necessary aviation support to allow the Apache Maid project to begin Friday for several days.
Prescribed burns are one of the most effective tools available to resource managers for restoring fire-dependent ecosystems. These fire treatments mimic natural fires by reducing hazardous fuels accumulations, recycling nutrients, and increasing habitat diversity. Each prescribed burn is designed to meet specific objectives, which includes proactively protecting communities from the threat of extreme wildfires by reducing forest fuels.
Please visit A Better Way to Think About Wildland Fires for a informational video which explains the importance of prescribed fire and the part it plays in restoring forests to healthy conditions.
Peaks Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22) for three to 10 days.
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles north of Flagstaff, just northeast of the San Francisco Peaks. GPS: 35.405, -111.637
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration in areas north of Forest Road 418, while protecting wilderness areas south of FR 418 and private land inholdings northeast of the project area.
  • Size: 4,164 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into seven separate blocks or sections that will be completed over three to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along U.S. Highway 89 northeast of the mountains, as well as Deadman Wash.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though Forest Road 413 and 773 may be impacted with increased firefighter traffic and smoke.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time. If not suitable, the blocks will be burned by hand.
Upper Beaver Creek Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Thursday (April 22), potentially continuing through May 15.
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately 15 miles northwest of Clints Well, 2 miles east of Stoneman Lake. GPS: 34.763494, -111.437873
  • Why: This treatment will provide for forest health and restoration while protecting many private land inholdings near the project area.
  • Size: 13,000 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into 15 separate blocks that will be completed over several weeks, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With southwest winds predicted, smoke should move northeast and be visible for many miles. When burning adjacent to Lake Mary Road and for firefighter and motorist’s safety, firefighters will burn when wind conditions turn easterly, which will push the smoke west during those times. Smoke will likely drain down Jacks Canyon into Beaver Creek and could impact areas of Interstate 17 west of the burn. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas, and along Lake Mary Road surrounding the burn. Smoke could also settle in Rattlesnake Canyon, impacting the Village of Oak Creek, Stoneman Lake, and homes near Double Cabin Park.
  • Closures/Restrictions: No roads or trails will be closed or restricted due to this burn, though firefighters will monitor conditions and work with ADOT if temporary closures become necessary.
  • Note: Firefighters plan to use hand and aerial ignition techniques to accomplish larger burn acres in a smaller time.
Apache Maid Project
  • When: Ignitions planned Friday (April 23), potentially continuing through May 5.
  • Where: Red Rock Ranger District. Approximately 13 miles southeast of Sedona. GPS: 34.754450, -111.597867
  • Why: This burn is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve forage for cattle and wildlife.
  • Size: 4,018 acres total.
  • Duration: This burn is divided into five separate blocks, with a goal to complete a block each day to finish the project over five days. All burns are dependent on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast initial entry burn. Smoke will be very noticeable since this area has not had fire on the landscape in some time.
  • Smoke Impacts: Daytime smoke impacts could include Lake Mary Road toward the east and the community of Stoneman Lake. Nighttime impacts could include the Village of Oak Creek, Rimrock, Montezuma Well, sections of I-17 where low areas cross the Interstate, and Camp Verde.
  • Closures/Restrictions: Stoneman Lake road (Forest Road 213) could be impacted in short durations, and Forest Service patrols will be evaluating the need for short closures during the burn.
  • Note: I-17 will be signed and coordination with ADOT will be ongoing. Night patrols on I-17 may be possible depending on where the smoke will settle overnight. This project will produce high volumes of smoke during ignitions, but the smoke output will be short lived.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and also by the following online resources:

Man Arrested for Starting Wildland Fire in Blue Ridge Area

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BLUE RIDGE – On April 9, 2021 Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Highway 87 near the Hwy 260 junction for a report of a wildland fire.

Upon arrival, the deputy interviewed a witness that said they were driving along the highway and saw a fire in the forested area. Upon seeing the fire, the witness stopped and attempted extinguish the fire.

During this process, the witness noticed a suspicious person, later identified as Adam Gilliam, a 29-year-old man from Oregon, near the fire.

Shortly after, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper arrived and detained the suspicious person.
During the deputy’s interview with Gilliam, he admitted to starting the fire with a lighter he had in his possession. Fire resources were able to successfully extinguish the fire, which was described as approximately 30 feet in diameter.

Gilliam was arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for Illegal Burning of Wildland and Refusing to Provide a Truthful name.

Summer construction season kicks off in northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – With warmer weather coming to Arizona’s high country, the Arizona Department of Transportation is ramping up construction projects to improve safety and extend the life of the infrastructure.

In the Flagstaff area, ADOT has already started projects to replace the Interstate 40 bridges over Business 40 which connects to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The project, which is approximately 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, will replace the east- and westbound bridges on I-40 in their entirety. The project is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Also ongoing in the Flagstaff area is the project to replace the Rio de Flag bridge near Flagstaff City Hall. The work, which involves the use of precast bridge components to significantly reduce the amount of traffic restrictions during the project, will be completed later this summer.

Starting in April, ADOT will begin a project to pave I-40 between I-17 and Walnut Canyon Road in east Flagstaff. Work will include repaving both east- and westbound I-40, including the ramps at four interchanges. Crews will also make repairs to bridge decks within the project area and replace guardrail as needed. This project will last two seasons and is anticipated to be completed by fall of 2022.

Along SR 89 in Chino Valley, ADOT will install a new traffic signal and traffic detection sensors at the intersection with Road 1 North. ADOT will also install a right-turn lane on northbound SR 89 to east Road 1 North, and construct left-turn lanes and widen SR 89 at Road 1 North. The project is set to start later this spring.

In May, a pavement replacement project in the Show Low area will see 6 miles of US 60 and 5 miles of SR 260 repaved with new pavement. The work will take place overnights during the week. Other work includes installing new guardrail, curb and gutter and sidewalks.

This summer, a minor modernization project for the intersection of SR 89A and SR 179 in Sedona will see the replacement of pavement as well as striping and signage to the roundabout. Traffic will continue to have access during construction and work will be completed by the fall.

In the northwest corner of the state, ADOT is currently working on replacing Bridge No. 1 along I-15. Work includes replacing the abutment foundations, piers and the bridge deck of Bridge No. 1. New pavement, pavement markings, guardrail and signage are also included in the project. Work is anticipated to be completed by spring of 2024.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/projects.