Category Archives: Flagstaff

Capacity Development and Operator Certification Workshop

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Current certified operators can earn professional development hours (PDHs) at our upcoming FREE workshop, featuring three training tracks: Operator Training, Public Water System Management Training and ADEQ Drinking Water Rule Review.

Dates
Oct. 17 – 18, 2017

Location
Little America
2515 E Butler Ave.
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Details

Operator Tracks:
ADEQ Rule Review Sessions – Essential for both operators and owners or managers of PWS. Covers important drinking water rules and regulations applicable to all Arizona PWS. ADEQ staff will discuss reporting requirements; revised total coliform rule; NEW- Wastewater topics; stage 2 disinfection byproducts; common drinking water reporting mistakes and more.

Operator Training – Designed for current water or wastewater operators or those planning to become certified operators. Current operators earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) toward certificate renewals. Topics include: water sources and treatment options; microbiology and water chemistry; well construction; operator math and more.

Manager/Owner Track:
Public Water System Management Training – Designed for owners of public water systems, board members of water-related organizations or municipalities, and superintendents and managers of public water systems. Topics include: emergency planning for water utilities; hazard analysis and risk mitigation; emergency response; water audit/water loss/leak detection; energy management; emerging technologies for small water systems; metering and remote sensing; and more.

Participants are responsible for their own lunch, travel and lodging.

View Agenda PDF
Register at this web site
Questions? Contact Mel Rose, 602-771-4695

Northern AZ prairie dog burrows dusted to combat plague near Williams, Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department, together with the Kaibab National Forest Williams Ranger District, recently applied insecticidal dust Williams and Flagstaff-area Gunnison prairie dog holes for fleas.

Last month fleas tested near the Red Lake area north of Williams tested positive for plague, a potentially fatal disease that could eradicate prairie dog colonies and other infected animals. Plague-infected fleas were also recently found at an AZGFD research plot at Garland Prairie near Flagstaff.

“Unfortunately, it has been a very busy year for plague,” said Holly Hicks, a small mammals biologist with AZGFD. “An infestation can prove detrimental for prairie dog populations because they are highly communal animals, and the disease spreads easily in a colony. That is why it is important for us to identify an infected colony and dust it with insecticide to reduce the risk of infection to other animals and people.”

Crews recently dusted prairie dog holes across 664 acres near Red Lake about 10 miles north of Williams.

On September 3, an AZGFD biologist found a deceased prairie dog, which tested positive for plague near Garland Prairie. To prevent the spread, an additional 800 acres were dusted, including around plots currently being used for sylvatic plague vaccine research.

The disease is carried by fleas which spread the disease through host animals. While prairie dogs are host to fleas, the fleas can remain in the burrow after their host dies and attach themselves to the next host that comes along, which may or may not be another prairie dog.

Badgers, coyotes and foxes are also host to fleas and are more likely to cause a widespread outbreak of the disease because they travel further distances.

Those in areas where plague and/or rodents are known to be present are urged to take the following precautions to reduce their risk of exposure:

  • Do not handle sick or dead animals.
  • Prevent pets from roaming loose. Pets can pick up the infected fleas. De-flea pets routinely. Contact your veterinarian for specific recommendations.
  • Avoid rodent burrows and fleas.
  • Use insect repellents when visiting or working in areas where plague might be active or rodents might be present (campers, hikers, woodcutters and hunters).
  • Wear rubber gloves and other protection when cleaning and skinning wild animals.
  • Do not camp near rodent burrows and avoid sleeping directly on the ground.
  • In case of illness see your physician immediately as treatment with antibiotics is very effective.

More information is available at https://www.cdc.gov/plague/.

Sheriff seeks information on missing person

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Missing Person Travis Butler – 37 years old, 5’8″, 145 lbs, green eyes, brown hair. Travis failed to check out of a hotel outside of the Grand Canyon National Park on August 1, 2017. Vehicle associated with him may be a blue 2017 Nissan Maxima with Ohio license plate FUM5324. If you have any information, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness 928-774-6111.

Please note that the photo is quite old compared to his current age. Anyone with more recent photos is also encouraged to contact us.

CCPHSD offers appointments for Seasonal Flu Shot

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) is offering seasonal flu shots 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.

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.

The cost for a flu vaccination at a CCPHSD Clinic is $30 for adults and children. As a courtesy, the CCPHSD will bill an insurance company, but individuals seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered. For people without insurance, the Vaccines For Adults/Children (VFA and VFC) programs are available to assist those that are unable to pay.

The following groups should 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, 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 health care provider or call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Clinic at 928-679-7222 or toll-free at 1-877-679-7272.

Special Saturday Court in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Justice Court and the Superior Court Clerk of the Court will hold a special Saturday Court, from 9 a.m. to noon, September 16 at the Superior Court/Flagstaff Justice Court building, 200 N. San Francisco Street.

Justice of the Peace Howard Grodman, Clerk of Superior Court Valerie Wyant and Chairwoman of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, Liz Archuleta initiated the Saturday Court services so people can receive court services who normally can’t during the standard operating hours.

Individuals with outstanding warrants can appear before the judge and resolve pending legal issues. Only customers with cases from the Flagstaff Justice Court will be assisted during this event. People with pending warrants from another court should call the appropriate issuing court to discuss options.

Service windows will be open for people to pay court fees and fines by setting up payment plans or reestablishing a payment plan already in place for pending cases.

The Clerk of Superior Court’s Office will also be open to file paperwork, apply for a passport or obtain a marriage license.

For questions please contact Maia Rodriguez at the Flagstaff Justice Court at 928-679-7675.

5 mule deer trophies recovered during search of Flagstaff resident’s home

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Loren McReynolds poses with a nontypical mule deer that he is alleged to have killed within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park.

FLAGSTAFF — Following a multiyear investigation by the Arizona Game and Fish Department into the hunting activities of Loren McReynolds, several state and federal agencies served a search warrant at his Flagstaff residence.

During the search of McReynolds’ home, investigators recovered five mule deer trophies that law enforcement suspects were unlawfully taken, including notable, nontypical mule deer antlers alleged to be from a deer killed within the boundaries of Grand Canyon National Park. The trophy buck was believed to be a well-known resident deer that lived within the park and was very identifiable.

McReynolds has a previous history of alleged wildlife violations, and was arrested in January 2017 for weapons violations and for killing federally protected burros north of Williams, Arizona.

“We have been working on this case for several years and all of the hard work finally paid off with the service of this search warrant,” said Gene Elms, Law Enforcement Branch chief for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “The department has received many complaints about McReynolds’ hunting activities over the years. Thanks to those individuals who came forward and the diligence of our investigators, we have the evidence to pursue criminal charges for McReynolds’ actions.”

If convicted, the violations carry possible jail time and court fines. In addition, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission has authority to seek civil restitution for the loss of wildlife to the state and suspend or revoke McReynolds’ hunting privileges.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages anyone with information about the illegal take of wildlife to call the Operation Game Thief hotline at (800) 352-0700 or visit www.azgfd.com/ogt. The department pays cash rewards to individuals whose reports of wildlife crimes lead to an arrest. Callers can remain anonymous, and their confidentiality is protected. Money for rewards comes from donations, court fines and civil restitution by violators who commit wildlife crimes.

“If you witness suspicious hunting activity, call the Operation Game Thief hotline immediately,” Elms said. “A caller’s quick actions not only increase our chances of apprehending the violator, but they also help protect Arizona’s wildlife.”

Paving continues at southbound I-17 off-ramp at JW Powell Boulevard Monday

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues with a pavement-improvement project on the southbound exit to JW Powell Boulevard from I-17 (exit 337). Crews will work between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28. While paving occurs, the ramp will be closed along with the right lane of southbound I-17 at JW Powell Boulevard.

Motorists looking to access State Route 89A and the Flagstaff airport can use the exit at Kachina Trail.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT senior community relations officer, at 602.501.4899 or email ccole@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit the ADOT Traveler Information site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving.

Supervisors pass anti-hate resolution

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted Resolution 2017 – 50, condemning hate and racial supremacy while promoting tolerance, at their regular meeting Tuesday night. The Board considered the resolution due to recent white supremacy rallies and other displays of intolerance in the U.S.

“I’m very proud that the Board stood up on behalf of Coconino County to declare that we will not tolerate any discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation,” said Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “We’re a county that values diversity and stands up for the rights of all our citizens. I thank my colleagues who voted today to confirm that we will not waiver on these values.”

Supervisors voted to reaffirm that the County upholds the law and serve all people with equal attention and respect. Coconino County strives to provide programs and services that add value and support to the community, and have a positive impact on quality of life to all residents and visitors.

“I want to thank my colleagues for accepting this resolution,” said District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler. “We are all one people who travel on many different paths. Our job at the County will remain to provide services to everyone regardless of their race, religion or sexual orientation.”

The County Board of Supervisors officially resolved to maintain cultural, ethnic, geographic and religious diversity to draw upon the expertise of the community. They further resolved that racist propaganda has no place in the County and unequivocally condemns any advocacy of racial supremacy and any discrimination based on religion, culture or sexual orientation.

Historic Fort Tuthill Quad Dedication

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Parks & Recreation dedicated the Historic Fort Tuthill Quad Tuesday. The dedication celebrated the renovation of the Historic Quad, a site that served as the summer training facility of the Arizona National Guard from 1929-1948, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Renovation of the Historic Quad began in 2016 and was engineered by Peak Engineering and built by Kinney Construction Services.

“I want to thank voters of Coconino County for making the renovation of this historic site possible,” Chairwoman of the Board of Supervisors Liz Archuleta. “This project shows that as a community, we greatly value our parks and open space. I’m proud that we could renovate this historic place to better represent the people who served our country at Fort Tuthill.”

The Historic Quad renovation upgraded the site’s infrastructure, including water, electricity and communication. Crews constructed several major drainage systems to accommodate water flow in the Quad so historic mess halls would be conserved. The electric was upgraded on-site and features connection points for special events. A public announcement system was also installed.

“The renovation of the Historic Quad at Fort Tuthill Park is a beautiful and historic addition to the other attractions and public private partnerships we have here,” said District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan. “I really hope people come out to see and enjoy all the park has to offer.”

The main entrance to the Historic Quad features two sections of concrete stamped with “USA WPA”. These are sections from the Works Progress Administration era of the Quad during the 1930s. Two of the historic fence columns that run along the eastern perimeter of Fort Tuthill County Park were moved to the Historic Quad. The 1930s era columns were salvaged from an ADOT roadway construction project and are located between the two buildings housing the Fort Tuthill Military Museum.

This project used funds from Coconino Parks and Open Space (CPOS) sales tax, a 1/8 cent sales tax approved by voters in 2002 that raised $33 million to acquire open space, develop parks, and make improvements to existing parks. As part of the ballot measure, voters approved to “complete restoration of historic portions of Fort Tuthill and continue fairgrounds improvements.” The project budget is $4.7 million.

For more information on Coconino County Parks and Recreation: http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks

AzCourtHelp.org earns international award

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FLAGSTAFF — The National Association for Court Managers (NACM), in partnership with the International Association for Court Administration (IACA), awarded AzCourtHelp.org top honors for this year’s top 10 Court Technology Solutions Awards.

The awards are given each year to recognize courts that make the best use of technology to improve courts’ service and access to the public. AZCourtHelp.org was selected to receive the award over entries from Dubai, Rwanda and several other states within the U.S.

“I want to congratulate the courts for this great achievement and receiving this worldwide recognition,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “It is the court system’s innovative ideas and dedication to the community which continually make our system more efficient and more accessible for everyone.”

AzCourtHelp.org offers free assistance to people who need help resolving disputes or have legal questions regarding divorce and custody, landlord/tenant issues, civil dispute and criminal charges. Residents outside of Flagstaff can participate due to an onsite and virtual legal self-help program which helps save time, effort and money to more fully understand their legal rights and obligations. It’s also helpful to self-represented litigants who would not have access to legal resources in their area.

Coconino County Superior Court and the Law Library are major stakeholders of AzCourtHelp.org and selected to pilot this program because of available resources and previous success with innovative programs. Other stakeholders that contributed to the development include:

• Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts
• The Arizona Foundation for Legal Services and Education
• Arizona State Library, Archives, & Public Records
• The Office of the Arizona Attorney General
• The Department of Economic Security’s Division of Child Support Services

Free live webinars on popular topics are available at AzCourtHelp.org/public-events or you may attend in person at the Coconino County Law Library.