Tag Archives: Coconino County

Fox tests positive for rabies

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed today that a fox tested positive for rabies. The fox was found in a wooded area north of Interstate 40, west of Milton Road and south of University Ave. in west Flagstaff.

The fox was captured and tested after residents walking in the area reported the animal attacked their dog and bit them when they intervened. The individuals are receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment.

CCPHSD is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; 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.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or have contact with a wild animal.
Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. To report a wildlife emergency call 911.

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

Veterans Stand Down set for May 18

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County, in conjunction with area veteran’s advocacy groups, will host the 6th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. The event connects homeless and at-risk veterans with support services from state and local agencies.

This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N Thorpe Rd. Flagstaff, AZ. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Veterans will have access to hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, information on disability and survivor benefits, and more. Surplus is not for resale and is for individual use only.

“It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to work with so many dedicated organizations helping connect veterans to the services they need,” said District 4 County Supervisor Jim Parks, whose office is helping to coordinate the event. “As a veteran, I hope everyone joins me in sharing this information with fellow veterans across northern Arizona including their families, their neighbors and in local communities.”

Services and logistical support are offered by Coconino County, Flagstaff Courts, Coconino County Superior Court, Williams Courts, Coconino County Public Health Services District, Arizona StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Veterans Administration, the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and many others. This year, food will be provided by Sodexo and Mormon Lake Lodge, and beverages provided by Nackard Pepsi.

The public is also invited to attend the Armed Forces Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in downtown Flagstaff.

The High Country Stand Down was started by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger over six years ago.

Friends of Coconino County Parks awarded Community Impact Grant

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Friends of Coconino County Parks, a non-profit group in support of Coconino County Parks and Recreation, was awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life to provide nature- and literacy-based afterschool programs to area youth.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks received funding to provide a nine-week, nature- and literacy-based program with educators and approximately 15 youth, ages 8-10, from Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School and the K-21st Afterschool Program, with support from volunteers from The Literacy Center (formerly Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County).

The program began in March and runs through May 25. Youth will experience activities that focus on a nature scavenger hunt, nature-based journaling, archery, a ropes adventure course, a guided hike at local open space reserve and gardening. Volunteers from The Literacy Center will read books to the students after outdoor activities to promote enjoyment and achievement in reading. The program encourages students to be physically active and nurtures the need for children to play outdoors, with an educational component delivered through reading.

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations which are championed by New York Life agents and employees to serve the needs of their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 491 grants totaling more than $6.8 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks, Inc. (FCCP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Arizona with the mission of supporting Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts in the areas of land conservation, park development, volunteerism, and recreational activities. More information can be found at: http://coconino.az.gov/695/Friends-of-Coconino-County-Parks.

Partners host community forum on private wells in northern Arizona

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.

CCSO seeks information about human remains

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking the public’s help in identifying a deceased body that was located near Woody Mountain Road.

On April 24 at approximately 5 p.m., Deputies received a report of human remains located near Woody Mountain Road. The remains had been found by a sportsman driving in the area. The body could not be immediately identified due to exposure to the elements, but detectives believe the deceased person to be an adult male of light complexion. It is thought the body had been in the area for several months.

Detectives are currently investigating the death as a homicide. They believe the victim was killed at another location and the body transported to the Woody Mountain Road area to be discarded.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office along with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office are attempting to identify the victim. We are seeking information from the public to help in this investigation.

If anyone has information, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

County declares State of Emergency

Posted on by

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 activates Emergency Operations Center in support of Tinder Fire

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management (CCEM) has activated an Emergency Operations Center in support of the Tinder Fire. The center opened at 8 a.m., April 28 and personnel are preparing and coordinating services in the event the fire spreads.

The Tinder Fire started at 11 a.m. on April 27 in East Clear Creek of the Blue Ridge area, southwest of Arizona State Highway 87. The U.S. National Weather Service expects winds from the southwest to increase to 30 mph throughout the day increasing fire danger.

The communities of Starlight Pines, Moqui Ranchettes, Clear Creek Pines, Tamarron Pines and Blue Ridge Estates are currently under a pre-evacuation notice. If an evacuation occurs, CCEM has coordinated with the American Red Cross and set-up a shelter at the Winslow Junior High School, 1100 N. Colorado Ave. The shelter is operational if residents want to self-evacuate.

As wind conditions increase, smoke from the fire may impact the communities. Air quality monitors from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality have been requested. In the event of smoke, Coconino County health officials are encouraging individuals to take precautions to protect themselves from health effects of wildfire smoke. People with pre-existing conditions should avoid exposure to the smoke as much as possible, and consult their physician if they have any questions.

The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) collects resources necessary to handle a specific emergency. This operation likely has representatives from fire departments, the Coconino County Sheriff’s office and medical personnel who might need to send members of their organizations to assist. There is, also, a finance manager tracking the cost of the operation. The Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) group is providing backup communications.

County enacts Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.