Category Archives: Flagstaff

Candidates Sought for County’s School Boards

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Up to three seats each on school boards throughout Coconino County will be open for voters to fill on Election Day, Nov. 6.

County Superintendent of Schools Robert Kelty invites residents from throughout the County to consider serving their communities by seeking offices that help shape policies impacting our children’s future. All current terms end Dec. 31 and those elected serve four-year terms.

The following school districts will hold elections Nov. 6 to fill governing board openings:

• The Flagstaff Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Chris Bavasi, Sarah Ells and Paul Kulpinski. A minimum of 201 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Fredonia Moccasin Unified School Board will have two open positions. Two of the positions are currently held by Jim Goodnow and Lamar Heaton. A minimum of five nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Grand Canyon Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Clarinda Vail, Peter Shearer and Luis Garcia. A minimum of six nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Page Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Sandra Kidman, Martha Natonabah and William Justice. A minimum of 39 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Williams Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Herman Nixon, Thomas Ross and David Nenne. A minimum of 15 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Tuba City Unified School Board will have three open positions, which are currently held by Judy Begay, Linda Honahni and Marie Wheeler. A minimum of 46 nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.

• The Chevelon Butte Elementary School District #5 School Board, will have three open positions, which are currently held by Richard Eng, Linda Blosser, and Trina Cooper. A minimum of three nominating signatures must appear on a potential candidate’s petition forms and a nomination paper must be filed to seek one of these seats.
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County Reminds Residents to use Caution During Fire Ban

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The fire ban enacted by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors last month has sparked a flood of questions from community members, visitors and staff.

While the ban approved May 16 specifically bans open grilling, campfires and fireworks, County residents and visitors are encouraged to use their best judgement when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire.

County officials have received numerous questions inquiring whether campfires, open barbecues, barbecue pits, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), chainsaws, firearms and open fires on private property are permissible.

Until extreme fire conditions improve, the County’s fire ban prohibits all open burning in unincorporated areas of the County, including the use of fireworks, other pyrotechnic displays, all open fires and campfires (in both developed and undeveloped campgrounds).

Those caught violating the open fire ban by using fireworks face up to 30 days in jail, one year probation or a fine of up to $500. Citizens are encouraged to check for restrictions in other jurisdictions before using any fireworks. Furthermore, state law allows authorities to charge those caught causing a situation with “conscious disregard for (high fire danger) circumstances & potential risk”.

Meanwhile, the County Parks and Recreation Department has also implemented fire restrictions on County parks. Those restrictions include the following parks: Fort Tuthill County Park, Sawmill Multicultural Art and Nature Park, Peaks View County Park in Flagstaff; Raymond County Park in Kachina Village; Cataract Lake County Park in Williams; and Louise Yellowman County Park in Tuba City.

In addition to the countywide fire ban, the following restrictions have been placed at County parks:

• Camping is permitted only in designated campgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Park;

• Smoking is strictly prohibited outdoors and only allowed in designated areas and/or in enclosed vehicles;

• Parking is prohibited on grassy forested areas and allowed in designated parking areas;

• Open fires are prohibited. This includes campfires, charcoal grills, torches, fireworks and candles. Only liquid gas stoves are permitted in improved areas (cleared of all vegetation, typically on a cinder or gravel surface).

Residents and visitors countywide are allowed to use (with caution) petroleum-fueled stoves or lanterns, and enclosed charcoal barbecue grills operated in residential yards. Special events may be allowed, with the approval of the County Board of Supervisors.

The Board’s decision to impose the ban was done in conjunction with increasingly strict fire restrictions placed on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and the City of Flagstaff. All three agencies have entered into Stage 2 fire restrictions, which prohibits all open fires, campfires in developed and undeveloped campgrounds and smoking outside of vehicles.

The use of any machinery that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws and welding equipment should be avoided during the extreme fire danger period.

Kaibab and Coconino National Forest Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

What: The following Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests.

Prohibited: Open fires; all campfires; charcoal, coal or wood stoves, including in developed campgrounds; the use of explosives; the use of any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device; welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. Also prohibited is chainsaw use between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Allowed with restrictions:
Smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings.
Discharging a firearm unless engaged in a lawful hunt.
Welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

Violation: Punishable with a fine up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to six months.

For more information on restrictions on the Coconino National Forest, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5372020
For more information on restriction on the Kaibab National Forest, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/news-events/?cid=STELPRDB5372439

Northern Arizona Authors Association book signing a success.

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Northern Arizona Authors Association at Bookman's in Flagstaff, Arizona.

FLAGSTAFF—The Northern Arizona Authors Association would like to thank Bookman’s for the wonderful book signing at their store in Flagstaff on Saturday, May 26th.

The following authors participated:
David Seals, from Flagstaff, screen writer/Director and author of The Powwow Highway,(www.Davidseals.com)
Gary McCarthy, from Williams, author of River Thunder,(www.Canyoncountrybooks.com)
Mike Sheehan, from Valle, author of Dogs in the Hot Moon,(www.inspiredoriginals.net)
Karen Colson, from Williams, author of Murder on Rt. 66,
Ken Dauth, from Sedona, author of Beyond the Battlefield: A Message from the Fallen,
Terry M.T. Hill, from Munds Park and author of The Twisting Path of Life A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories,
Cosette Riggs from Williams, author of The Clade Letters, (www.inspiredoriginals.net)
Nicole McInnes, from Parks, author of Brianna On The Brink, Holiday House, 2013 (www.nicolemcinnes.com).

Along with selling their novels to the shoppers at Bookman’s, the group decided they are going to do a movie trailer for Gary McCarthy’s River Thunder with David Seals directing. We are expecting Gary’s book to be sought after by major motion picture makers.

Also with the group was actor Jaron Druyon. Jaron has successfully recorded an audio book for Cosette Riggs The Clade Letters which is now being distributed by 101distributors. Jaron has also caught the eye—or ear—of a prominent audio book professional in Nashville, Tennessee for the quality of his voice and character portrayal. See Jaron’s website. (www.wix.com/jarondruyon/artist).

The Association was also honored by the presence of Holocaust survivor, Doris Martin, author of Kiss Every Step meet with us. She will be joining the Northern Arizona Authors Association. See her book on Amazon. Doris and her husband Ralph are the founders of the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University.

Our next meeting will be in Williams at 9 AM in the City Council Chambers by the Library. The following meeting will be in Bookman’s in Flagstaff on June 23rd. All authors, published and want to be published are invited to join us.

Northern Arizona Authors book signing

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FLAGSTAFF—The Northern Arizona Authors will hold a book signing at Bookman’s in Flagstaff at 2 p.m. on Saturday May 26th.

Windfall showing scheduled for two dates in Coconino County

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The Canyon Country Coalition for Responsible Renewable Energy has scheduled two showings of Windfall by Laura Israel.

Tuesday, April 17th the showing will be at Northern Arizona University sponsored by their “Hot Topics” program. The movie will start at 6pm followed by a moderated discussion. On Thursday, April 19th the movie will show at the Fray Marcos Hotel in Williams in the Santa Fe Room from 7pm to 9 pm.

“We hope to see many of you there, and please spread the word to those who have participated in any way with the efforts to join us. Some of your friends and neighbors who are local might be interested,” the Coalition email stated.

“We have invited the County Supervisors, P&Z Commissioners & Staff, and others to attend either of the viewings, and some have indicated that they are going to try to be there.”

They would like an RSVP if you plan to attend to arrange enough seats.

March 13th election results in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — In the Mayoral race in Flagstaff, Jerry Nabours leads with 3632 votes followed by Al White with 3302. Paul Kulpinski received 1919 votes with Paul Reilly receiving 557. There were 38 write-in votes.

In Williams, Mayor John Moore took 66% of the vote over former mayor Ken Edes. Moore received 439 to Edes 218 votes with 41% of registered voters going to the polls.

When asked about the vote, a voter in Williams commented, “I didn’t know Edes had that much kin in Williams.”

Frank McNelly and James Wurgler were the top two people seeking City Council spots with 488 and 470 votes respectively. Bobby Patricca came in third with 314 and Craig Fritsinger received 297 votes making a run-off election between the two in the next election cycle.

In Fredonia, Alvin Johnson received 57% of the votes for city council over Dustin Riddle; 230 votes to 164.

In the Tusayan recall election, Robert Evans received two more than the 54 votes for Greg Bryan. Clarinda Vail received 54 to the 53 votes received for Al Montoya. In the recall of Cecily Maniaci, Craig Sanderson received 71 votes tallying to 85.54% against 12 votes for write-in candidates.

In the race for board members of the Kaibab Estate W. Fire District, Pat Whitted took 80 votes followed by Douglas Gorniak with 77. Robert Wilkins received 75 votes and Carol Miller and George Wallace tied with 74 votes each. Andy Velasquez received 19 votes.

This county-wide summary is based on non-canvassed results and they could change. For more detailed election results, go to the Coconino County Elections web site.

USGS: Cinder Lake Adequate to Contain Schultz Floodwater

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—– A federal study funded by Coconino County determined Cinder Lake, a dry volcanic cinder bed capable of storing 3,960 acre-feet of water, is adequate to contain floodwater from the 2010 Schultz Fire burn area.

Results from the Cinder Lake Study, compiled by hydrologists and scientists with the US Geological Survey, substantiate that Cinder Lake serves as a significant element of the larger flood mitigation efforts to protect residents and property in the Doney Park area from ongoing flooding.

“Armed with this new information, the County, and our federal and state partners, are in a better position to fine tune projects aimed at ensuring floodwaters travel in the least destructive path as possible,” said County Supervisor Liz Archuleta, whose district includes the flood area.

The study was in response to extensive flooding in the wake of the 2010 Schultz Fire that charred more than 15,000 acres of forest on the eastern face of the San Francisco Peaks. As summer rainfall came, flood waters quickly ran through neighborhoods, decimating properties, roadways, utility lines and claiming the life of a 12-year-old girl.

The scientific geologic study found that flood water is naturally flowing into Cinder Lake and into the subsurface.

USGS subsurface surveys estimate the lake can hold approximately 1.3 billion gallons of water. The flood events during the 2011 summer monsoon season produced about 16 million gallons of water, which eventually made its way into Cinder Lake.

“These events have greatly impacted our residents who constantly have a cautious eye skyward,” said County Supervisor Mandy Metzger, whose district is also impacted by the floods. “This study provides a critical piece of information and reinforces our early belief that Cinder Lake had the capacity needed to develop a comprehensive flood mitigation strategy.

The entire Cinder Lake Study can be found at: http://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2012/1018/ . To view the USGS’s press release, visit: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=3113 .

2012 Coconino County Fair Vendor Applications Available

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — While snow still fills parts of Coconino County’s Ft. Tuthill Park, the Parks & Recreation Department is already gearing up for the 2012 County Fair, held Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

Parks & Recreation officials hope the upcoming fair will surpass the 2011 event, which saw more than 45,500 attendees over four days. To prepare for the upcoming 63rd Annual Coconino County Fair, the County is now accepting vendor applications for food, commercial business and non-profit organizations.

In an effort to promote local products and services, an early bird rate is being extended to County‐based businesses only. Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor application by May 1 to take advantage of a 50-percent early bird discount for midway and outdoor booth locations.

Vendor applications are available on the Coconino County Parks & Recreation’s website at: www.coconino.az.gov/parks.

The following links will take interested vendors directly to the application packet:

• Early Bird Fair Vendor Application: (PDF) http://tiny.cc/xsrrl

• Vendor Application: (PDF) http://goo.gl/qn3bY

Polling Changes for Feb. 28 Presidential Preference Election

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Only voters registered with the Republican party or Green party are eligible to vote in the Feb. 28 Presidential Preference Election (PPE).

Recognized political parties are given the option to participate in a Presidential Preference Election and only the Republicans and Green parties selected to participate for 2012. If a voter wishes to register to vote or change party affiliation they must do so by Jan. 30.

Voters who are registered to vote as Democrats, Libertarians, non-partisans, independents or any other political party are NOT eligible to vote in the PPE. The reason being is that this “preference” election is being conducted by political party rules.

However, all voters no matter what party preference they are registered with, will be eligible to participate in the Aug. 28 Primary Election.

Per state statute for this election, the county is required to consolidate precincts except on reservation land. Based on that, Coconino County Elections has taken 85 precincts and consolidated into 26 polling districts.

Each household with a registered Republican or Green Party voter will be mailed a sample ballot that lists the name and polling place address for this election. Sample ballots should arrive about 30 days prior to the election.

In addition, as provided by ARS (16- 248A) voting precincts containing 300 or less registered voters will be conducted as mail ballot precincts. That means a ballot will automatically be mailed to every eligible registered Republican and Green Party voter in those precincts and there will be no polling place on election day. The following 23 precincts will be conducted as all mail ballot precincts; Bellemont, Parks, Ranches, Blue Ridge, Forest Lakes, Mormon Lake, Meteor, Winona, Kiva, Fort Tuthill, Kachina Village, Pinewood, Fort Valley, Fredonia, North Rim, Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, Tusayan, Kaibab North, Havasupai, Paiute, Sedona North and Sedona South.

Republican and Green Party voters who currently have signed up to be on the Permanent Early Voting list (PEVL) will automatically be mailed a ballot on February 2.

Republican and Green Party voters that live in precincts that will be voting at a polling place but are not on the PEVL listing can still vote an early ballot by either calling the Elections Office at 928-689-7860 or toll free 800-793-6181; send a written request to Coconino County Elections, 110 E. Cherry, Flagstaff, AZ 86001; or submit an on-line request at www.coconino.az.gov/elections and click on “Request Early Ballot.”

Republican and Green Party voters may also vote an early ballot in person at early voting locations throughout the County. The following early voting locations are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, unless noted differently, at the following locations:

Coconino County Elections Office – 110 E. Cherry (first floor), Flagstaff
Ferdonia Town Office – 25 N. Main Street, Ferdonia
Page City Hall – 697 Vista Avenue, Page
Tuba City Elections Office – Tuba City Library – Basement
Williams City Hall – 113 S. First Street, Williams. (Monday through Thursday only)

Coconino County Parks and Recreation to Automate Services

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Coconino County residents waiting until the New Year to reserve picnic ramadas at County parks can make their reservations beginning March 1.

Traditionally, visitors to parks managed by the County Parks and Recreation Department could reserve ramadas beginning Jan. 1, but the County is in the process of switching over to a new recreation-management system to assist in managing the parks.

When up and running within the coming months, the Internet-based system will allow visitors to reserve campsites for the summer season at Fort Tuthill Park between May 1 and Sept. 30. The public can receive information on the entire County Park system at www.coconino.az.gov/parks.

Ramada reservations will begin March 1 and can be done Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ramadas can only be reserved by calling the County Parks and Recreation Department at (928) 679-8000 or in person at Fort Tuthill County Park at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop.