Category Archives: Counties

Partners host community forum on private wells in northern Arizona

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Plateau Watershed Partnership (CPWP), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), Coconino County and County Supervisor Art Babbott are hosting a community forum, “Private Wells: Water Regulations, Perched Aquifers and Septic Impacts,” on May 16. The meeting will inform private well owners across Coconino County on how to better understand the relationship between private wells and septic systems in the region and how to protect their wells from contamination.

There will be presenters from the State of Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, the Department of Water Resources, Northern Arizona University, USGS and others to discuss the responsibilities of the State and County regarding people’s water supplies.

Specific questions may be submitted ahead of time using the “Contact Us” link on the Coconino Plateau Watershed Advisory Committee website www.cpwac.org. The link is located on the lower right of the Home Page. Questions should be submitted prior to Thursday, May 10 so they can be distributed to the presenters.

Attendees will also receive a copy of the Arizona Well Owner’s Guide.

WHO: Free and open to members of the public
WHAT: Community Forum on Private Wells in Northern Arizona: Regulations, Perched Aquifers and Septic Impacts
WHEN: 6 – 8:30 p.m. May 16.
WHERE: United States Geological Survey Bldg. #3
2255 N. Gemini Dr., Flagstaff, Ariz., 86001

Tinder Fire evacuation update

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FLAGSTAFF — Evacuations and road closures in the Tinder Fire area remain in effect. As this is still a very dynamic situation, there is no estimated timeline for when closures will be lifted.

Residents of the evacuated areas should call the County Call Center at 928-679-8393 for recovery and evacuation information.

Evacuation notices went out via the Coconino County Emergency Notification System, door-to-door contacts and vehicle loud speaker notification through Sunday, April 29. It’s estimated that 600 people evacuated from the estimated 1,000 homes in the area.

As of Sunday night, at least seven people checked into the Evacuation Reception Center at Twin Arrows Casino. Approximately 20 people refused to evacuate from their homes. The County Sheriff’s Office and public safety partners continue to provide security in evacuated areas. The Sheriff thanks residents for their cooperation and patience.

As County officials begin damage assessments of the area, information will be shared with residents as it becomes available.

County declares State of Emergency

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FLAGSTAFF –– The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has declared a State of Emergency due to the imminent danger to homes and structures. The County is anticipating needing additional resources.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office evacuated communities in the Blue Ridge Area at noon, today, April 29, due to the wildfire. Numerous homes and structures are at high risk.

If the Governor signs the Declaration, then the State of Arizona will offer further disaster assistance through operational efforts and financial support to the County.

The County thanks current efforts by the State of Arizona, Arizona Department of Military and Emergency Affairs, Navajo County, Gila County, Maricopa Arizona Department of Public Safety, the American Red Cross and United Way of Northern Arizona.

The Tinder Fire started at 11 a.m. on April 27. It is currently being managed by a U.S. Forest Service Type 1 Incident Management Team.

Evacuated residents of the Blue Ridge area can call the County Call Center at 928. 679.8393 for evacuation information

County enacts Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors enacted the Wildfire Defense Ordinance Stage 1 fire restrictions, for Coconino County, below the Mogollon Rim, during the regular board meeting Tuesday night.

Restrictions go into effect Friday, April 20 and will remain until fire danger conditions subside and the Board of Supervisors act.

“Currently, we have very dry and dangerous conditions in Coconino County and the weather isn’t forecasted to change,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “The Board unanimously voted to enact Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim, in collaboration with our partners, to help lessen the threat of wildfire. We also hope during this time of heightened awareness, people sign-up for emergency notifications on coconino.az.gov/ready to stay informed when emergencies happen.”

The following restrictions apply on County public lands below the Mogollon Rim (Oak Creek Canyon, City of Sedona and other areas on attached map) as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County below the Mogollon Rim. During Stage 1, the only combustion, open fire and campfire allowed are listed below:

1. By persons with a written permit from a proper governmental authority that specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
2. For personal use of cigarette or other tobacco smoking medium when inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreational site in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
3. For emergency repair of public utilities and railroads and other health and safety mitigation measures when operated by a public utility or railroad and implemented in accordance with an approved agency plan.
4. By any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.
5. By persons whose OPEN FIRE is the result of a device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and turned off (for example a gas grill) when used in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
6. By persons operating internal combustion engines in the course of mechanical or industrial operations that would produce open flames and sparks but containing appropriate spark arresting devices; those welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation; and those using explosives with written permission of an authorized governmental agency.
7. By persons operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
8. By persons operating electric generators or pumps with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
9. Persons engaged in industrial and ranching operations where specific operations and mitigation measures are identified in an operating plan.
10. For cooking of food or for providing warmth for human beings in an area designated by a governmental authority specifically for that purpose; for example – a CAMPFIRE or OPEN FIRE in an established campground with fire-hosting amenities [grill, fire ring].

Stage 1 fire restrictions do not affect recreational activities at County parks.

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 high fire danger period. Be prepared and have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

Residents and visitors are asked to use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Residents and visitors are reminded that they can be held legally responsible for causing any wildfire.

A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at on the Coconino County homepage at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency.

Sixth Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards Event

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County School Superintendent’s Office will be hosting the sixth annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards event at 4:30 p.m. on April 18 at the High Country Conference Center.

Every year, the Coconino County School Superintendent’s Office holds the Teacher of the Year awards event. Superintendent VanderWey will be introducing the new category of Rookie Teacher of the Year this year.

The Teacher of the Year event is a county-wide teacher recognition program that spotlights the contributions of state-accredited teachers of Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade. This year a total of 28 teachers were nominated. The Teacher of the Year, and the runners up, or the Ambassadors for Excellence, are recognized and announced at the awards event. Each of the finalists will receive cash prizes, automatic nomination for the Arizona Teacher of the Year Award and various other prizes. The Teacher of the Year also wins a one-year leased Toyota Tacoma from Flagstaff Findlay Toyota. The event is made possible through sponsorships from businesses and community members.

Superintendent VanderWey would like to formally release the names of the teachers in the running for the 2018 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Award: Mr. Joe Cornett of Flagstaff High School/CAVIAT, Ms. Louise Durant of Williams Elementary Middle School, and Mr. Kelley Smith of Coconino High School. Superintendent VanderWey would also like to formally release the names of the teachers in the running for the 2018 Rookie Teacher of the Year: Ms. Alexa Frechette of Mount Elden Middle School, Ms. Heather Horner of Kinsey Elementary, and Ms. Catherine Kowalksi of Williams High School.

The public is welcome to join in celebrating the outstanding teachers in our county. For more information or for tickets to the event, contact the School Superintendent’s Office at 928- 679-8070 or email Elizabeth Sorg at esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Jail District Board of Directors desire federal judicial decision

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Jail District Board of Directors are named defendants in a pending suit filed by Guillermo Tenorio-Serrano. The Board of Directors view this case as an opportunity to seek a ruling on whether 4th and 14th Amendments of the U.S Constitution supersede that part of a 2010 Arizona State Law known as SB 1070, which discusses local law enforcement’s role in U.S. immigration law.

In effect, the lawsuit calls into question the legality of the current jail policy, and asks the courts to determine whether local law enforcement is required to, or may, enforce federal immigration law through compliance with ICE detainers and warrants.

The question arose when Petitioner, Tenorio-Serrano, filed suit against the Jail District Board of Directors claiming the detention facility is in violation of his 4th and 14th Amendment rights by representing that he will be detained up to 48 hours under an ICE detainer and warrant after posting bond on pending state law criminal charges. The Directors have hired outside legal counsel to represent the Board in this matter.

“There have been other court cases in other states where SB 1070 does not exist,” said Board Director Chair Matt Ryan. “The question regarding the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070 is important to the Directors. We strive to protect the civil rights of all its citizens, regardless of status and follow the law of the State of Arizona. The Directors are asking the Federal Court for a decision relative to the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070.”

Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan found

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FLAGSTAFF – The Attempt to Locate for the two women who were reported as missing persons by their families Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan has been cancelled. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper came in contact with the two women in the greater Phoenix area. Nothing was found to be suspicious or to lead officers to believe they were endangered. The families of the women have been notified. The women have asked that their privacy be respected. Thank you to the public for your assistance in attempting to locate these women so that their welfare could be confirmed. They are no longer listed as missing persons.

Public Health Officials identify precautions to protect against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have contact with a wild animal.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife:

  • Wildlife emergency: 911
  • Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management: 928-679-8756
  • City of Flagstaff Animal Control/Flagstaff Police Department: 928-774-1414
  • To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Coconino County implements fire safety program “Ready, Set, Go!”

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is launching a proactive and collaborative fire preparedness program between local, state and federal governmental agencies focusing on the importance of wildland fire danger. The unusually dry winter and warm temperatures could bring an early start to Arizona’s wildfire season increasing the threat to the safety of residents, visitors and property.

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) program educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency, such as proper waste management, and actions to follow when communities are threatened. The County adopted the three tenets to encourage citizens to get ready by preparing now for what threatens their community, be set by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to go, or evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

“Fire and post wildfire flooding are the number one danger to the safety of residents and property in Coconino County, especially after this extremely dry winter,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “It’s important that citizens are prepared and ready to protect themselves this upcoming fire season. Signing up for the County’s emergency notification system and contacting your local fire department or fire district for information about wildland fire threat is key to staying informed and safe.”

This program has also been adopted by the Coconino County Sheriff and the Arizona Sheriff’s Association.

The Ready, Set, Go! program highlights actions residents should take during each step:

READY: “Prepare now”

Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community.
Register for the Coconino County emergency notification system (see below).
Create defensible space around your home by keeping grass mowed short and trimming vegetation.
Build an emergency supplies kit. Start with the five P’s: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

SET: “Be alert”

There is significant danger in your area.
Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
This might be the only notice you receive.

GO!: “Evacuate”

Danger in your area is current and life-threatening.
Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The Ready, Set, Go! program started in March 2011, when the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) aimed to improve the dialogue between fire departments and the residents they serve.

Sign up for the County emergency notification system at coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management and visit ein.az.gov to learn more about hazards in the state and how to prepare.

Vendors Wanted for the 2018 Coconino County Fair

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks and Recreation is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2018 Coconino County Fair, held August 31 to September 3 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Vendors may submit applications for amusement, food, commercial businesses and non-profits. First review of applications will be in March 2018.

To promote local products and services, an early bird rate is being extended to Coconino County-based, for-profit businesses. Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor application by May 31 to take advantage of a 50 percent early bird discount for non-premium outdoor locations on the fairgrounds. Non-profit vendors and food vendors are not eligible for early bird rates.

Vendor applications are available on the Coconino County Fair website at coconinocountyfair.com. The Coconino County Fair is celebrating 69 years. More than 40,000 people regularly attend the fair, which features exhibits by 4-H and community members as well as national, regional and local entertainment, and food and commercial vendors.

For more information on the County Fair, visit coconinocountyfair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.