Jail District Board of Directors desire federal judicial decision

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

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.

Coconino County S.O. Locates Missing 9 year old

FLAGSTAFF — On March 25th at 1:15 p.m. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a missing 9-year-old girl. Deputies along with Search and Rescue responded to Elk Meadows area South East of Flagstaff and conducted Search efforts. The Missing 9-year-old was located at approximately 7:00 p.m., cold but apparently in good condition

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue along with Sheriff’s deputies and Family members conducted search efforts for Cheyenne Reynolds a 9-year-old girl who was up from the Phoenix area with family at their Cabin in the Elk Meadows Area. Cheyenne was last seen by her friends at approximately 12:00 p.m. Cheyenne had gotten separated from her friends after heading back to the cabin from a hike.

Search efforts included Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Scent and Tracking dogs, Ground Trackers, CCSO ATV’s, Department of Public Safety Helicopter, CCSO Patrol units, Family members on ATV’s and foot.

At Approximately 7:00 p.m. Cheyenne was located by a Family Member on a ATV miles from the cabin. Cheyenne was cold from falling in some water and is being evaluated for any other injuries.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Public and other Agencies for their calls to assist in this urgent matter.

Public Health Officials identify precautions to protect against rabies

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!”

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

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.

Summer ramada reservations available for County parks

FLAGSTAFF – County Parks and Recreation will begin accepting summer ramada reservations on February 20, 2018. There are 11 ramadas at four County parks available for rent.

Ramadas are used to host parties, reunions and get-togethers. They are available for rent seven days a week, for half or full days. Reserving a ramada for a party or special occasion will guarantee space and ensure utilities are active.

Customers may reserve a ramada online by going to coconino.az.gov/parks/ramadas. People may also reserve them by going to the Parks and Recreation Administration office located at Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff. Regular business hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices range from $46-$114 for ramada rentals. A staff member will follow up with a confirmation within one business day. For reservations less than 24 hours in advance or questions, please call the Administration office at (928) 679-8000.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of President’s Day

FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed February 19, 2018 in honor of President’s Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please dial 9-1-1 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.

In the event of a snow storm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and no staff or services will be available. Drinking fountains and hose spigots have been turned off at all parks, but bathrooms are still available at Raymond County Park, Peaks View County Park, and Sawmill County Park. Water and bathrooms are available at Louise Yellowman County Park, located in Tuba City.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. February 19, 2018. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Free tax preparation available in Tuba City and Fredonia

TUBA CITY – District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler, in conjunction with United Way of Northern Arizona, is hosting free tax preparations in Tuba City and Fredonia, Ariz. until April 16.

IRS-certified volunteers will be available to help qualified taxpayers prepare and electronically file State and Federal tax returns for free. Families and individuals with a household incomes of $75,000 or less are eligible for this service through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

WHO: Families and Individuals with household incomes of $75,000 or less.

WHERE/WHEN:

  1. St. Jude Food Bank 100, Aspen Dr. Tuba City, Ariz. Jan. 29 – April 16
  2. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  3. Saturday March 3 & 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
  4. Moenkopi Senior Center 20 Reservoir Ln. Tuba City, Ariz. Feb. 3 & Feb. 10, 9 – 11 a.m.
  5. Fredonia Public Library 130 Main St. Fredonia, Ariz. Feb. 14, March 14 & April 14, 10 a.m. -1 p.m.

What to bring:

• Valid picture ID for taxpayer (and spouse).
• Social Security or ITIN cards for all household members.
• Income statements including: W2’s, 1099, 1099-R, S.S. Benefits Statement and any other income received.
• 1095-A If you purchased Healthcare from the Marketplace.
• 1098-T tuition statement for college and technical school students.
• Name, address and tax ID# of child care provider.
• Amount of money paid to child care provider last year.
• DEDUCTIBLE EXPENSES: Mortgage interest paid, receipts for property taxes, medical expenses, charitable contributions, etc.
• Account and routing numbers of your financial institution (for direct deposit of any refund)
• Copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available.

For more information, contact Supervisor Lena Fowler’s Office at 928.283.4518 or online at coconino.az.gov/1958/Tuba-City-Vita.

County announces 2018 Spelling BEE

FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County’s top 21 spellers will compete at the County Spelling BEE this weekend. The County BEE will begin at 10 a.m. on February 10 in Coconino High School’s mini-auditorium at 2801 N. Izabel St., Flagstaff.

The 2018 Coconino County Spelling BEE consists of home, public, charter and private school students from throughout the County who won their school or district Spelling BEE. Each year the Rotary Clubs from Flagstaff, Grand Canyon and Williams school districts donate the monetary prizes for the top three spellers. The clubs also provide experienced, qualified judges who determine if the contestants have spelled the words correctly.

The winner of the County Spelling BEE will advance to compete with 26 other top spellers at the state level. The Arizona Educational Foundation State Spelling Bee is scheduled for 1 p.m. on March 24 at AZ PBS, 500 N. Central Ave., Sixth Floor, Phoenix, AZ 85004. The winner of the state bee will represent Arizona at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in late May or early June of 2018 in Washington, D.C.

The County Spelling BEE is coordinated and hosted annually by the County Superintendent of Schools Office. Spectators are welcome to attend.

For information please contact Elizabeth Sorg at (928) 679-8070 or e-mail esorg@coconino.az.gov.