Coconino County has opened an additional 200 COVID-19 vaccination appointments for the week of Feb. 8 – 12 at the Fort Tuthill County Park vaccination site.
interested in scheduling an appointment can visit coconino.az.gov/covid19vaccine and navigate to the SPECIAL REGISTRATION – Fort Tuthill, Flagstaff First Dose link. Individuals without internet access or those who require assistance can call the Coconino County COVID-19 Information Line at 928-679-7300.
With dreams of becoming a pop star and also changing the world, Guadalupe Hernandez found herself pursuing a bachelor’s in early childhood education and early childhood special education.
Coconino County Vice-chairwoman Lena Fowler issued the following statement, on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, regarding the passing of former Navajo Nation President and Arizona State Legislator Albert Hale.
“We are all deeply saddened and humbled by the passing of Albert Hale, former President of the Navajo Nation and Arizona State Legislator who represented much of Coconino County. Albert was a colleague and friend to many of us and his loss leaves a deep void in our hearts. Navajo people knew him simply as Ahbihay, his grandmother’s name for him. He believed in the Navajo traditions and championed the rights of Native people and tribal sovereignty.”
In Dec. 2020, the Flagstaff City Council approved a Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance, outlining several new regulations for these property types. The ordinance requires all STRs in the community to register so the city can better monitor and track complaints as well streamline enforcement efforts.
The full ordinance can be found at https://www.codepublishing.com/AZ/Flagstaff/ in the City Code (Chapter 3-12). All STRs must be registered with the city by Feb. 7. Property owners and operators of STRs who have not received notice can contact ShortTermRental@flagstaffaz.gov to register the property.
Coconino County congratulates District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta for her appointment with the Biden-Harris Administration. Supervisor Archuleta resigns from the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday evening.
Coconino County congratulates District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta for her appointment with the Biden-Harris Administration.
“I am very honored to take this next step in public service. Serving the people of Coconino County has been a treasure. As I leave the Board of Supervisors, my heart will always remain with the community I call home and which has been so good to me,” said Supervisor Archuleta.
District 2 Supervisor Liz Archuleta has resigned to take position with the Biden-Harris Administration.
“I am very honored to take this next step in my public service. Serving the people of Coconino County has been a treasure. As I leave the Board of Supervisors, my heart will always remain with the community I call home and which has been so good to me,” she stated in a media release Tuesday evening. …
Chairman Matt Ryan expressed the County’s congratulations and gratitude to Supervisor Archuleta. “Coconino County has made tremendous progress over the last 24 years because of Supervisor Archuleta’s leadership and passion for public service. She has served as Chair during our most difficult times, including the current pandemic. We will miss our colleague and friend, but we are happy for her transition to a new level of public service. We know Liz will bring her energy, innovation, and steadfast commitment to public service to the federal government. On behalf of all of Coconino County we thank you Supervisor Archuleta, for your tremendous commitment and dedication to serving our County,” expressed Chairman Ryan.
The Park has reopened after closure over the weekend to the public due to vaccine administration interruptions.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors proclaimed February as National Black History Month.
Coconino County recognizes the rich and diverse history of the African Diaspora, a people who shaped continents all over the world.
Coconino County takes pride in the diversity of its residents and recognizes the many contributions of the past generations of our African Diaspora to our lumber and sawmill industries, and notably in the present generation of entrepreneurs, educators, artists, authors, scientists, athletes, community leaders and public servants.
Fort Tuthill was closed effectively Jan. 30 to the general public with the exception of those who have a scheduled vaccine appointment, a valid Flagstaff Snow Park ticket, or official business at Luke Air Force Base. The public traffic on Jan. 30 for those wishing to use the park for non-ticketed snow play is severely disrupting vaccine administration and traffic flow. Those without a vaccine appointment, a valid Snow Park ticket, or business on the Air Force Base will not be allowed to enter the Park.
Coconino County is bringing you a new series, called the “In the Coconi-KNOW” on Facebook Live today at 12 noon.
Our team will discuss the latest County updates, news and of course, give you a look at the COVID situation in Coconino County. Tune in on the Coconino County Facebook page at noon today!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors has appointed Cheryl Mango-Paget as Coconino County Superintendent of Schools effective immediately.
Mango-Paget has served as the Associate Superintendent for Coconino County since 2012, holds a certificate to teach in schools in the state of Arizona, and holds Arizona administrator and superintendent certifications. Mango-Paget has classroom experience as a teacher and administrator, and expertise and passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Education (STEM).
The Flagstaff City – Coconino County Public Library and East Flagstaff Community Library’s curbside services will not be available Feb. 1 -2 for a library software update.
Phone in reference services and placing holds on library materials will still be available.
One of Flagstaff’s oldest institutions, Lowell Observatory, is working with the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources to draft revised bill language to address the management and development of Section 17, located immediately adjacent and west of the existing observatory campus on Observatory Mesa. Once the bill language is written, Lowell plans to ask Senator Kelly and Congressman O’Halleran to draft legislation through the Legislative Counsel.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors heard the message clearly at Tuesday’s board meeting: Coconino County’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts are hampered by the lack of available vaccine doses.
Coconino County Interim Health and Human Services Director Kim Musselman informed the Board that the County and medical partners have capacity to administer approximately 1,300 doses of vaccine daily but give fewer than 400 doses each day due to the lack of supply.
Coconino County will only administer COVID-19 vaccines approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which currently includes the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. There are similarities and differences between the two:
Pfizer is for those ages 16 years and older, and requires 21 days between doses.
Moderna is for those ages 18 years and older, and requires 28 days between doses.
Both are safe and effective.
Both require two doses.
The Coconino Community College District Governing Board voted Wednesday to name Dr. Nathaniel White as its next Chair.
“It has been a pleasure to work under the calm, steady leadership of Governing Board Chair Patty Garcia and with my dedicated Board members for the past several years,” White said. “It is an honor, and I look forward to being a part of the Governing Board and the CCC family as we optimistically move ahead in 2021.”
Due to an increase in snowfall, vaccination appointments at Fort Tuthill in Flagstaff for today, January 25, from 1 p.m. and onward are cancelled.
Those with cancelled vaccine appointments will be contacted directly via email to reschedule. If you have a vaccination appointment scheduled up to and including 12 p.m. today, your appointment still stands and we are expecting you to arrive. Coconino County intends to operate the vaccination site tomorrow, Jan. 25, as usual. If additional weather conditions impact, the public will be notified and those with appointments will be provided rescheduling instructions.
Trash and recycling collections for both residential and commercial businesses is suspended for Monday, Jan. 25, 2021 due to worsening weather and road conditions. Solid Waste personnel will be redeployed to assist with snow operations. Trash and recycling collection will resume when conditions are safe.
The Coconino County COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff will move to a new location effective Saturday, Jan. 23.
The move to the new site at Coconino Community College (CCC), 2800 S Lone Tree Rd. will allow the County to expand vaccine administration at Fort Tuthill County Park and at mobile sites throughout the County when additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available.
With significant snow forecast for northern Arizona in the coming days, the city of Flagstaff would like to provide information regarding snow operations.
The city’s Public Works division will deploy all available equipment and operators during the upcoming snow events. Snow operations will continue 24 hours a day through the winter event. First priority roadways for treatment are main arterials, major hills, downtown and school and transit routes. All other streets are considered second priority areas.
The Coconino County COVID-19 testing site located at Fort Tuthill County Park in Flagstaff will move to a new location effective Saturday, Jan. 23.
The move to the new site at Coconino Community College (CCC), 2800 S Lone Tree Rd. will allow the County to expand vaccine administration at Fort Tuthill County Park and at mobile sites throughout the County when additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following restrictions on Interstate 40 at the Meteor Crater Road traffic interchange – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project:
Meteor Crater Road will be closed between the east- and westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25, to Friday, Jan. 29.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
As we celebrate a new year and look forward to the recovery of our local economy, I wanted to take a moment to welcome the newest members of ECoNA’s Executive Board. These individuals represent the education, government and private business sectors and we look forward to their leadership and input.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis has resigned for personal reasons effective immediately. The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will announce its process for filling the vacancy by appointment at a later date.
The Coconino County ADAC is now accepting entries for its Black History Month Essay Contest. The essay contest is open to all elementary through high school students in Coconino County.
Essays submissions will center around the theme of the Black family and must be received by Feb. 19.
“This is our ninth year holding the essay contest and it really is such a joy to read these beautifully crafted pieces from children of all ages. This year, our essay prompts center around the Black family, which has been described by some as a microcosm of the entire Black/African-American race. We are offering a number of prompts for students based on their level of school and are eager to hear from them about examples of the Black family and community,” said Khara House Chair of ADAC.
The Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth will present “Igniting Collective Action: Moving Beyond ACEs” at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27 via Zoom. Click here to register.
Imagine a community in which the effects of childhood trauma are clearly understood, the impact of inequitable experience is acknowledged, and people are aligned toward creating equitable access to assets and protective factors that support positive life outcomes. This training will explore the roadmap to creating change at the community and system level by using the findings of both leadership research and today’s thought leaders.
*Recommended one-hour prerequisite available for community members with limited background about the research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is available at https://coconinokids.org/prevention/
The city of Flagstaff will interview two candidates with diverse backgrounds in the water and wastewater industries for the Water Services director position. The public will have an opportunity to listen to introductions and to ask questions of the candidates during a virtual meet and greet on Jan. 20 from 5 – 6 p.m. The public can join the virtual meet and greet here: https://bit.ly/3bIItc9. Participants in the meet and greet are encouraged to fill out a feedback form after the event here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WaterServicesDirector. Brief candidate bios are included below.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 19 reviewed plans from the COVID-19 Emergency Response Team to expand vaccine administration when additional doses of the COVID-19 vaccine become available.
The plans call for expanded administration of the vaccine at Fort Tuthill County Park and at mobile sites throughout Coconino County, along with increased capacity for healthcare and private sector partners to administer the vaccine.
Coconino County will join the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s memorial to remember and honor the lives lost to COVID-19.
Starting at 3:30 p.m. Arizona Time, 5:30 p.m. E.T, Americans will come together for a national moment of unity and remembrance. To participate, individuals should light a candle in their window. They may also tune in at 5:30 p.m. ET for a ceremony with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Harris, featuring the first-ever lighting of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool to honor those who have died.
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Jan. 18, Coconino County invites the community to participate in service. Join Coconino County in creating signs with positive messages for community members and messages of thanks for essential workers and healthcare personnel. Throughout this week, the community is encouraged to hang signs in their windows, yards, or cars to spread positivity throughout the community and to thank essential workers.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, Jan. 18 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The COVID-19 testing site at Fort Tuthill will be open for saliva testing during typical hours from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, however, nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs will not be available.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol, and Detention will be open. 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 This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Get Tested for COVID-19
NEW COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
NEW COVID-19 Weekly Report
Stay Connected with Us!
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for the following restriction on Interstate 40 at the Meteor Crater Road traffic interchange – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work continues on the Meteor Crater Bridge rehabilitation project:
East- and westbound I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19, and Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Speed will be reduced to 45 mph and a 16-foot vehicle width restriction will be in place; however, wider loads can be accommodated with at least 12 hours prior notice.
Thank you, Flagstaff, for your input on the library entry re-design! 176 people responded to the survey. Some of the many themes that emerged include value in the natural environment, an interest in geologic and Native/Indigenous history, the importance of the library for children and families, the library as a gathering and meeting place, and a space that offers free amenities and builds community. This follow-up opportunity is to allow you to share images with the City as well! The tool allows for one photo at once, feel free to provide input several times.
The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.
Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.
The Trump administration announced on January 12, 2021 the plan to release additional doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to states to expand vaccinations to individuals age 65 and older.
Moments after sending a news release about the County awaiting guidance from Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) on this matter, ADHS announced the inclusion of those individuals as priority populations within Phase 1b.
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to name District 3 Supervisor Matt Ryan as its next chairman.
Supervisor Ryan said he was honored for another opportunity to represent the Board and residents as chairman.
Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 18, 2021. City Hall administrative functions will reopen on Jan. 19 with regular hours of 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library and East Flagstaff Public Library will also be closed on Jan. 18. Both locations will resume curbside hold pickup and phone reference services on Jan. 19.
Approximately six hours after Coconino County moved to allowing priority populations within Phase 1b to make COVID-19 vaccination appointments at its Fort Tuthill vaccination site on Jan. 8, all 1,600 available appointments were booked.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) and vaccination partner organizations are working to ensure the swift administration of the available COVID-19 vaccine. The community continues to demonstrate a high level of interest in getting vaccinated; however, the available supply of COVID-19 vaccine remains limited.
On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony. Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.
“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”
Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.
Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.
Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.
Seven days after opening its own COVID-19 vaccination site located at Fort Tuthill County Park to individuals in Phase 1a, Coconino County is opening vaccination appointments at select sites to priority populations within Phase 1b.
Priority populations within Phase 1b include education and childcare workers, law enforcement and protective services, and individuals aged 75 and older.
Vaccination opportunities will open at a later time for other populations in Phase 1b, including essential workers and adults with high-risk conditions in congregate settings.
Dear Neighbor,
The purpose of this message is to inform you that the City of Flagstaff’s Open Space Program proposes to file for a Zoning Map Amendment for the McMillan Mesa Natural Area, application number: PZ-20-00063. The application intends to change the existing Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space Zoning for passive recreation and preservation.
On November 8th, 2016, Flagstaff voters voted in favor of Proposition 413 – Campaign for a Greater Buffalo Park. This proposition restricted the use of approximately 300 acres of City-owned property on McMillan Mesa to public open space and passive recreation. The City Council approved the McMillan Mesa Natural Area major plan amendment (Resolution Number 2018-50) on Tuesday, October 16th, 2018. The next step is to amend the McMillan Mesa Natural Area’s existing zoning from Public Facilities and Rural Residential Zoning to Public Open Space.
A second and final meeting to provide interested community members the opportunity to ask questions about the proposal and provide comments will take place on January 13th.
“The attempted coup at the Capitol was both un-American and unconstitutional. I want to be very clear, the actions of this mob of unhinged extremists do not represent the values of America or Flagstaff,” said Flagstaff Mayor Paul Deasy. “We must denounce these actions and the ideologies fueling them in the strongest terms today and each day moving forward. We cannot let this type of behavior be normalized, to do so would constitute a fundamental threat to our republic. I call on our constituents to reject this type of behavior and work together to protect and defend the United States of America and the values we hold dear.”
Coconino County Attorney William Ring issued the below statement regarding the mob takeover of the United State Capitol in Washington, DC on Wednesday.
“Like many Arizonans, we watched the lawless takeover of our Nation’s Capitol yesterday with stunning disappointment. The purported cause for the protest – that the losing presidential candidate actually won in a landslide – has no basis in fact or law. And there are courts to peacefully settle those disputes. Out of options, the losing candidate lit a match to a mob that invaded the citadel of our democracy. However, with amazing grace the Capitol Police and the Congress put down the violence and finished our Nation’s business, proving our resilience and our confidence in the rule of law.
Discover Flagstaff publishes Flagstaff 365 Happenings on a weekly basis to highlight local events happening in and around Flagstaff. It is distributed throughout Downtown Flagstaff, displayed in kiosks and storefronts, and also available at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. Below are some highlights. For a complete printable pdf list of events click below.
A commercial kitchen that until recently was the catering arm of Thornager’s on Kiltie Lane is finding a new life as an affordable testing ground for food entrepreneurs who do not have access to a fully-stocked professional cookery.
After 30-plus years in catering, including three decades as the owner of Thornager’s, Karen Sorensen was ready to hang up her apron. She even toyed with the idea of selling the Equestrian Estates event venue, but ultimately decided to shut down the catering portion of the her business while continuing to rent out the clubhouse.
On the morning of Monday, Jan. 4, County public health staff vaccinated the first person against COVID-19 at the Fort Tuthill County Park vaccination site and was fully booked for vaccination appointments throughout the day. As part of the vaccine roll out in Coconino County, Phase 1 partners Banner Health Page Hospital, North Country HealthCare (NCHC) and Northern Arizona Healthcare (NAH) began immunizing their frontline healthcare staff in late December. CVS and Walgreens are vaccinating long-term care facility residents and staff directly through a CDC program, Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care. The vaccinations administered at Fort Tuthill and through partner organizations marks a major milestone in Coconino County’s effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the evening of Monday, Jan. 4, Coconino County swore in elected officials during a virtual ceremony.
Elected officials taking a term in office after winning election in November of 2020 include the Board of Supervisors, the County Constitutional Officers and Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols.
“It’s an honor for all of us to serve the residents of Coconino County. Together, we are ready to face 2021 with optimism and action from the most diverse set of leaders the County has ever had,” said Chairwoman Liz Archuleta. “Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to face our community and I know that together we will demonstrate the resilience and leadership our County is known for. The immense commitment of our elected officials to community and public service is something our County residents can be very proud of.”
Coconino County will hold a virtual swearing-in ceremony for elected officials Today, January 4th at 5:30pm. Congratulations to elected officials taking a term in office: Supervisors Horstman, Archuleta, Ryan, Begay and Fowler; Sheriff Driscoll, County Attorney Ring, Recorder Hansen, Treasurer Benatar, Assessor Ruiz, and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Lewis.
Join on Zoom//bit.ly/3rbzzJs
Webinar ID: 994 7622 4476
Or Join Via Telephone: 888 788 0099 (Toll-Free)
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Special Session regarding the COVID Emergency at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan, 18, 2021.
The Board of Supervisors’ meeting will be held via webinar technology using Zoom. The live meeting can be viewed via our YouTube stream link at:
The Flagstaff City Council will hold a live-stream regular council meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the staff conference room, 211 W. Aspen Ave.
The Flagstaff City Council will hold a live-stream regular council meeting at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.26 at the staff conference room, 211 W. Aspen Ave. An executive session will be held at 2 p.m.
The city of Flagstaff’s Sustainability Program will host an online Climate Emergency open house series. The series will discuss the pathway to carbon neutrality, updates to the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and actions the program will take moving forward.
The open house series will take place in two parts. The first part will be on the Open House website, which will host videos from community experts and activists, resources about the Climate Emergency and the framework of the upcoming Carbon Neutrality Plan. This website will launch on Feb. 4, 2021. Community members can use this resource to view and learn at their own pace. Site visitors will be asked to create a free account using their name and email. The site will also include a survey via the Flagstaff Community Forum to collect feedback from residents.
The Flagstaff City Council will live-stream a work session at 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 6 at the staff conference room, 211 W. Aspen Ave. An executive session will be held at 1 p.m.
Join us for a candid unscripted ‘Barber Shop Talk’ conversation about the George Floyd murder trial, Daunte Wright’s Accidental Shooting (& the ongoing accidental gun instead of taser shooting saga) and more at 6 p.m. Monday, April 19 Livestreamed on Facebook @murdochcommunitycenter.
This conversation will focus on the thoughts of Black men on the day that the Nation hears the closing arguments in the George Floyd murder case as well as their feelings about the shooting death of yet another young black man by police that happened this past Sunday in the same city and more.
