VERMILION CLIFFS, Ariz.––Three condors will be released to the wild in the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument in northern Arizona at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29. The public is welcome to observe the release from a viewing area where spotting scopes will be set up and experts will be available to answer questions.
From Page or Flagstaff take 89a and turn north on to Arizona road 1065 and continue about 3-miles. It is recommended that you bring sunscreen, water, snack and binoculars or a scope.
FLAGSTAFF—A group of Northern Arizona University students will perform Echoes of Flagstaff this Friday, July 27th at 6 p.m. at Heritage Square in Flagstaff.
The play is an off-shoot of a play from May by the NAU College of Arts and Letters. Actors will recreate interviews and stories of some of Flagstaff’s former residents.
The performance is free.
FLAGSTAFF—Flagstaff Attorney Gary Robbins announces his write-in candidacy for Division 5 of the Coconino County Superior Court as a Republican. Republican write in candidates need at least 361 voters to write in their names on the ballot to be listed on the November election ballot.
Mr. Robbins joined the race because he is outraged that Cathleen Nichols would use a technicality to have incumbent Judge Joe Lodge removed from the primary ballot, leaving herself as the only person on the General Election ballot. Mr. Robbins states that the voters of Coconino County deserve a choice, and right now, the voters don’t have a choice.
“Although the Governor, Coconino County voters and Coconino County Superior Court judges have rejected Cathleen Nichols’ quest for Coconino County Superior Court judge on four prior occasions in 2010, Ms. Nichols is again attempting to become a Superior Court Judge. However, this time, to ensure her success, she has successfully knocked the incumbent opponent off of the primary ballot on a technicality,” his press release stated.
A July 13 article in the Arizona Daily Sun, indicates that Joe Lodge, a Democrat, may be running as a write in candidate on the Libertarian ticket.
Lodge would need only 15 write in votes, but unlike the Republican primary only Libertarians can vote in the Libertarian primary. An independent or non-partisan voter may go into the polls August 28th and ask for the ballot of any of the other major parties and vote in that primary. Thus, independents can write in Gary Robbins on the Republican ballot.
“A candidate for judicial office should not take the position to take away the voter’s choice,” Lodge said of Nichols. Cathleen Nichols is currently serving as Justice of the Peace in Flagstaff.
Mr. Robbins, a resident of Coconino County for almost 20 years, has been practicing law for 35 years. Instead of hearing traffic tickets in the Flagstaff Justice of the Peace Court for the last seven years, Mr. Robbins has practiced law in the Arizona Superior Court as a trial attorney for the last 31 years, appearing in thousands of hearings, after serving for nearly two years as a Staff Attorney for the Arizona Court of Appeals where he wrote draft opinions for the Court to issue.
The only other Republican candidate in the county is Glen Davis who is running for the office of Sheriff of Coconino County as a write in candidate.
FLAGSTAFF—As we head into the Fourth of July holiday, Coconino County reminds residents and visitors that while the sale of consumer fireworks is legal in Arizona, the County’s current fire ban prohibits their use.
On May 16, the County Board of Supervisors imposed a ban on open burning in unincorporated areas of the County – including on private property – until extreme fire conditions improve. Included in that ban is the use of fireworks, other pyrotechnic displays, all open fires and campfires (in both developed and undeveloped campgrounds).
“The continued lack of any measurable rainfall has resulted in extremely dangerous fire conditions throughout our county and the state,” said County Board of Supervisors Chairman Carl Taylor. “It’s prudent for everyone to use the strictest caution when using anything that could spark a fire. A wildfire can burn for weeks, but their impact is felt for decades.”
While the fire ban may not specifically ban every type of fire-causing activity, 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.
County Sheriff’s deputies have been patrolling the region looking for those violating the County and US Forest Service fire bans. Those caught violating the County’s 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 with other jurisdictions before using any fireworks. State law allows counties to restrict the use of fireworks when there is a risk of wildfire, but counties are unable to restrict the sale of fireworks.
In addition to the countywide fire ban, the following restrictions have been placed at all public 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 charcoal barbeque grills (with a lid that covers the entire grilling surface) operated in residential yards. Special events may be allowed, with the approval of the County Board of Supervisors.
Coconino and Kaibab National Forests also remain in Stage 2 fire restrictions. The fire ban in both forests includes:
• Open fires, including 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.
• The use of chainsaws between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• The discharge of firearms.
Flagstaff—Coconino County Attorney David Rozema is pleased to announce that his office will conduct a Citizen Prosecutor Academy on Friday, July 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The academy will be taught by various experts from the County Attorneys Office as well as other professionals from the criminal justice system. Attendees will learn how criminal cases are handled from intake/grand jury through trial to appeal. They can also expect a lecture presented by the Medical Examiner and a presentation about the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of real-world prosecution and law enforcement.
“We’re excited to continue our academy which brings the community into the office to share information, exchange ideas, and facilitate a better understanding of how the County Attorney’s Office serves the public. It’s also a lot of fun”, said County Attorney Rozema.
Class size is limited, so interested persons are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. There is no cost for the academy.
Visit the website at www.coconino.az.gov/CountyAttorney to download an application form. Completed forms can be faxed to (928) 679-8201, or mailed to Coconino County Attorney’s Office, 110 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 or contact Tami Suchowiejko at (928) 679-8229 or Email.
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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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.
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
Northern Arizona Authors Association at Bookman's in Flagstaff, Arizona.
The following authors participated:
David Seals, from Flagstaff, screen writer/Director and author of The Powwow Highway,(www.Davidseals.com)
Gary McCarthy, from Williams, author of River Thunder,(www.Canyoncountrybooks.com)
Mike Sheehan, from Valle, author of Dogs in the Hot Moon,(www.inspiredoriginals.net)
Karen Colson, from Williams, author of Murder on Rt. 66,
Ken Dauth, from Sedona, author of Beyond the Battlefield: A Message from the Fallen,
Terry M.T. Hill, from Munds Park and author of The Twisting Path of Life A Collection of Poetry and Short Stories,
Cosette Riggs from Williams, author of The Clade Letters, (www.inspiredoriginals.net)
Nicole McInnes, from Parks, author of Brianna On The Brink, Holiday House, 2013 (www.nicolemcinnes.com).
Along with selling their novels to the shoppers at Bookman’s, the group decided they are going to do a movie trailer for Gary McCarthy’s River Thunder with David Seals directing. We are expecting Gary’s book to be sought after by major motion picture makers.
Also with the group was actor Jaron Druyon. Jaron has successfully recorded an audio book for Cosette Riggs The Clade Letters which is now being distributed by 101distributors. Jaron has also caught the eye—or ear—of a prominent audio book professional in Nashville, Tennessee for the quality of his voice and character portrayal. See Jaron’s website. (www.wix.com/jarondruyon/artist).
The Association was also honored by the presence of Holocaust survivor, Doris Martin, author of Kiss Every Step meet with us. She will be joining the Northern Arizona Authors Association. See her book on Amazon. Doris and her husband Ralph are the founders of the Martin-Springer Institute at Northern Arizona University.
Our next meeting will be in Williams at 9 AM in the City Council Chambers by the Library. The following meeting will be in Bookman’s in Flagstaff on June 23rd. All authors, published and want to be published are invited to join us.
FLAGSTAFF—The Northern Arizona Authors will hold a book signing at Bookman’s in Flagstaff at 2 p.m. on Saturday May 26th.
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.