Category Archives: Coconino County

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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August 28th primary as important as the November election

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ARIZONA—The primary elections to select those candidates for the November ballot will be held August 28th. Candidates include federal, State legislative and county offices. Although the primaries are to select individuals from the major parties, Independents and Non-Partisan voters may vote in the primaries on that day. The procedure is simple. Voters registered as Independent and Non-Partisan can go to the polls and request a ballot for either of the established parties. The exception is the Libertarian party which has chosen to hold a closed primary election.

Federal offices

As of this writing the Democrats have one candidate for the office of United States Senator to replace retiring Senator Jon Kyl. Richard Carmona of Tuscon is the Democratic candidate.

The Libertarians have Sheila Bilyeu of Flagstaff running for the vacancy.

The Republicans have five hopefuls. Representative Jeff Flake and Wil Cardon of Mesa received the most petition signatures and the choice of the Republicans will probably be one of those. The other choices include Bryan Hackbarth of Peoria, Clair Ban Steenwyk of Buckeye—both of whom are on the ballot having received requisite petition signatures. John Lyon of Glendale is registered as a write-in candidate so those voting for him can write his name in the appropriate slot on the ballot.

Senator Kyl will narrowly escapes a recall attempt by Leonard Clark of Phoenix who has filed recall petitions against Jan Brewer and Carl Seel.

For Representative for Congressional District 1 the Democrats will select between Wenona Benally Baldenegro of Flagstaff and former Representative Ann Kirkpatrick.

The Libertarians have Anthony Prowell of Tuscon on the ballot.

The Republicans will have a choice of Patrick Gatti of Show Low, Jonathan Paton from Oro Valley and Wade Douglas, a business man from Sedona. Gaither Martin survived a court challenge by Jonathan Paton and is still on the ballot.

State Offices

As of this writing, Arizona Legislative District 6 will choose between Democrat Tom Chabin of Flagstaff and Republican Chester Crandell from Heber, Arizona—the only two candidates for State Senator.

For Representative for District 6 the Democrats will choose Doug Ballard of Parks and Angela Lefevre of Sedona. The Republicans will place Brenda Barton and Bob Thorpe as their candidates.
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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

Coconino County Imposes Fire Ban

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has approved a ban on open burning on public and private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. The ban takes effect Wednesday, May 16 at 10 a.m. and will remain in effect until fire danger conditions subside.

The ban includes all open fires, campfires, fireworks and other pyrotechnic displays on private and public lands in the unincorporated areas of the County. Excepted from the ban are petroleum-fueled stoves or lanterns, enclosed charcoal barbeque grills operated in residential yards and special events specifically approved by the Board of Supervisors.

“The continued dry weather has made for dangerous fire conditions throughout the County and much of the state,” said County Supervisor Chairman Carl Taylor. “It’s our hope that imposing this ban will help to avoid additional devastating wildfires that threaten our communities.”

The Board’s decision to impose the ban is in conjunction with fire restrictions placed on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, the City of Flagstaff and Coconino County Parks and Recreation.

Citizens are reminded to use caution when smoking cigarettes outdoors and to completely extinguish them.

The use of any machinery that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws and welding equipment should be used with caution during the extreme fire danger period. Be prepared and have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

Coconino Co. Applauds Initiative Aimed at N. AZ Forest Health

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—Coconino County officials applaud an announcement today by the U.S. Forest Service and Gov. Jan Brewer that a contract has been awarded to restore the health of four overgrown National Forests and reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.

Coconino County and several northern Arizona organizations have been integral in helping shape the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI). The initiative aims to restore forest ecosystems on portions of the Coconino, Kaibab, Apache-Sitgraves and Tonto National Forests.

“This initiative is a once-in-a-life-time project that has the potential to enhance forest health and our rural lifestyle with outcomes that will resonate on a national level,” said County Supervisor Mandy Metzger. “I applaud this long-awaited announcement to restore our forests across northern Arizona. The significance of the 20-year contract is key as it guarantees a steady wood supply and ensures lasting benefits for Coconino County.”

The 4FRI project was selected for funding under the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program (CFLRP), which was established in 2009 to foster collaborative, science-based restoration on priority forest landscapes around the country.

The aim of the program was to establish job stability, achieve a reliable wood supply and restore the forests to good health, which would reduce the costs and risk of devastating wildfires. Metzger added that the project would also work to clean and protect surface and groundwater supplies across Arizona and provide for increased habitat for wildlife.

“I’m really excited to see that this contract has been awarded,” said County Supervisor Matt Ryan, whose district rests in Kaibab and Coconino National Forests. “There has been a lot of work done regionally by multiple stakeholders. We have all been working toward this end and look forward to beginning these healthy treatments to our forests.”

Those stakeholders include conservations, scientists, local governments and industry leaders and others who have worked for years on 4FRI.

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.

Supv. Taylor Named Coconino County Board Chairman

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Coconino County District 1 Supervisor Carl Taylor was named as the County Board of Supervisor’s next chairman during the Board’s regular meeting Tuesday.

Supervisor Taylor, who has served as chairman twice before, said he was honored for yet another opportunity to represent the Board and County residents as chairman.

“It is always a tremendous honor and privilege to serve the County as chairman. I look forward to carry out this duty on behalf of the Board and the residents we represent,” Supervisor Taylor said.

Supervisor Taylor replaces outgoing District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler as chairwoman. The Board also voted unanimously to name District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta as vice-chairwoman, replacing District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan.

Outgoing Chairwoman Fowler thanked her fellow supervisors for the opportunity to lead the Board since being named to the spot in August. Fowler was the first Native American to hold the post in County history.

“The County is well managed and it’s because of the support of our dedicated staff and our fellow elected officials,” Fowler said. “We all work together for the greater good of the residents of Coconino County.”

Supervisor Taylor begins his duties as chairman April 1.

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.

Coconino County Parks & Rec Launches “CocoRec”

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Online site offers registration for recreation programs and campsites

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.–— Coconino County Parks & Recreation Department has kicked off its new web-based registration and reservation system “CocoRec.”

CocoRec allows county residents and visitors to view and register for recreation programs and reserve campground sites and stables at Fort Tuthill County Park through the Parks & Recreation website at http://www.coconino.az.gov/parks/.

“Online registration for programs and campsite reservations are eco-friendly,” said County Parks & Recreation Director Judy Weiss, who noted that registrations and reservations could be made 24/7. “You save gas, reduce carbon emissions, save time and paper.  Plus, you have the added convenience of registering anytime wherever you are with internet access.”

To view a catalog of available programs, campsites and stables visit the Parks & Recreation website and click the link to CocoRec. Before registering for any programs or reserving a campsite, or stable, individuals and families must establish an account by setting up a login and password.

Spring recreation programs include geocaching, navigating the outdoors and camping clinics for the less experienced camper. A list of summer offerings will soon be available as Parks & Recreation moves forward with year round recreation offerings.

Coconino County Offices Closed Monday

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FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – All Coconino County offices will be closed Monday, Feb. 20 in observance of the President’s Day holiday.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Records, Patrol, and Detention will conduct business as usual. Please dial 911 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.

As always, County Public Works Department road crews will remain on standby to ensure roadways are cleared and passable in the event of snowfall.

The seven-day forecast shows a 30% chance of snow for the holiday. Sunday and Sunday night 50% chance is predicted lowering to 20% on Monday. Little snow accumulation is expected.