You still have time.
The Census deadline was EXTENDED.
Census Bureau Statement on Oct. 1 Court Ruling for extended deadline.
Respond today at 2020census.gov
or call 844-330-2020
Deadline to complete your 2020 Census is October 31, 2020.
There is still time to complete the 2020 Census.
(The Census Bureau has received an extension for the 2020 Census and will complete their counting efforts on October 31)
Coconino County urges all residents to complete the Census which can be done in less than 10 minutes. The Census can be completed in a variety of ways, including online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020.
The current self-response rate in Coconino County is 45.6% as of today, while the rest of Arizona is at 63.2%.
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.
Coconino County’s Wildfire Defense Ordinance remains in effect due to dry conditions throughout the County. The open fire ban has been in place since earlier this spring due to dry conditions and lack of monsoon rains.
The County does wish to clarify that the ordinance and the fire ban do not apply to open fire maintained indoors in a fireplace for providing warmth. As temperatures drop overnight, the open fire ban does not apply to keeping residences warm and safe through controlled open fires in fireplaces or wood stoves.
Persons needing utility assistance for electric, gas, wood, water and propane (100 gallons or more) are asked to call Coconino County Health and Human Services, Community Services at 928-679-7453. Income eligibility requirements apply. Rental assistance is also available. Visit https://coconino.az.gov/149/Social-Services for more information.
Citizens may register to vote by October 5th online or print off a voter registration application at www.coconino.az.gov/elections.
The voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2020 General Election is Monday, October 5, 2018.
To register to vote, an individual must be a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day, reside within Coconino County and have no felony convictions, unless civil rights have been restored.
Candidates for elected office through Coconino County and statewide are addressing youth education and child welfare issues with Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth’s Candidate Questionnaire Webpage.
CCC&Y is once again providing its one-stop webpage featuring information from candidates impacting the county.
Greetings Constituents,
I am writing to you today to spread the word about the need for volunteers to support the American Red Cross response to disasters like Hurricanes Laura and Sally and the wildfires that are raging out west. As you are aware 2020 has presented us with a series of unprecedented disasters with the added challenge of operating during a global pandemic. The Red Cross is up for the challenge to respond to disasters both here in Arizona and across the country, but we need the help of our community to bolster our available workforce.
We have a critical need for volunteers who are licensed healthcare professionals as well as people to help with sheltering. We are operating a little differently this year to provide the safest environment possible for our workforce and the clients we serve, but our mission to provide shelter to people displaced by disasters remains the same.
… Superintendent Dr. Tommy Lewis would like to formally announce the winner of the 2020 Coconino County Teacher of the Year is Kristin Patterson, Flagstaff Junior Academy. The 2020 Teacher of the Year Ambassadors for Excellence winners are Lynn Patton, Mount Elden Middle School and Todd Van Hoesen, Haven Montessori. The 2020 Rookie Teacher of the Year winner is Ashley Curtin, W.F. Killip Elementary. The 2020 Rookie Teacher of the Year Ambassadors for Excellence are Tessa Alexander, Williams High School and Langley Vannoy, Sinagua Middle School.
The Flagstaff City Council declared a Climate Emergency on June 23, 2020. The declaration commits Flagstaff to update its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by the year 2030 while supporting a collaborative climate action mobilization effort that will require full community participation.
The Census Bureau has received a slight extension for the 2020 Census and will complete their counting efforts on October 5.
Coconino County urges all residents to complete the Census which can be done in less than 10 minutes. The Census can be completed in a variety of ways, including online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020.
The current self-response rate in Coconino County is 45.6% as of today, while the rest of Arizona is at 63.2%.
The city of Flagstaff was named to the Alliance for Water Efficiency’s Leaderboard on Sept. 23, 2020. This achievement is due to the city’s efforts developing and running an exemplary water conservation program. The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is the first and only Arizona water utility on the leaderboard.
There are just seven days remaining to complete the 2020 Census. The Census Bureau will complete their counting efforts on September 30.
Coconino County urges all residents to complete the Census which can be done in less than 10 minutes. The Census can be completed in a variety of ways, including online at https://my2020census.gov/ or by calling 1-844-330-2020. The current self-response rate in Coconino County is 45.2% as of today, while the rest of Arizona is at 63.2%.
Coconino County and Flagstaff City Government are hosting a Public Telephone Town Hall to answer your questions about the 2020 Census efforts on Wednesday, September 23rd at 6:30PM.
There are less than 2 weeks left to complete your Census ensuring Coconino County has fair representation and federal funding for the next decade.
Currently only 45.1% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives. It’s important to remember the following when filling out the 2020 Census:
Count everyone who is living in your house on or after 04/01/20 on your census form
The census DOES NOT ask about citizenship
All information collected is required BY LAW to be kept confidential
Make sure to include children and babies when filling out your census
EVERYONE COUNTS!
You count. Your families count. Your neighbors count.
With less than a half-month to go, Coconino County still lags behind its U.S. Census 2010 self-response rate.
Okay procrastinators, time to get going!!!
The time is now to fill out U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and also do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
As of Sept. 17, 2020, Coconino County reported a total self-response rate of 44.9 percent, down from from 51.0 percent from a year ago. The news is event worse for the Navajo Nation, which has reported 19.9 percent self-response rate as of Sept. 17, 2020, down from 29.4 percent in 2010.
Saliva-based COVID-19 testing will be available at Fort Tuthill beginning on September 8th. A few items to note for those seeking testing:
📍Children under 5 years old cannot receive saliva tests.
📍Nasopharyngeal testing will continue to be available for individuals under the required age and those who prefer the swab test.
📍Those seeking COVID-19 saliva testing are asked to abstain from food or drink for 30 minutes prior to the test.
There is a need for volunteers to support the American Red Cross response to disasters like Hurricanes Laura and Sally and the wildfires that are raging out west. As you are aware 2020 has presented us with a series of unprecedented disasters with the added challenge of operating during a global pandemic. The Red Cross is up for the challenge to respond to disasters both here in Arizona and across the country, but we need the help of our community to bolster our available workforce.
Coconino County Community Development was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $920,000 from the Office of Economic Adjustment through the Department of Defense. This grant will allow for the implementation of key strategies to protect the missions of military installations at Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS), and will promote awareness of its activities in the community. These strategies were identified as priorities from a Joint Land Use Study that was concluded approximately one year ago.
Last week, members of the ECoNA Board and Advisory Council met via teleconference with U.S. Senator Martha McSally to talk about the state of our recovery, chances for a new stimulus package and the resurgence of manufacturing in Arizona.
The lunchtime discussion was just one day before a major vote on the Republicans proposed “slimmed” down relief package, a $500 billion plan that ultimately was blocked by Senate Democrats the following day.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers of ongoing lane restrictions on State Route 64 north of Williams.
The work is scheduled on north- and southbound SR 64 during the following times and locations:
Between Valle (milepost 213) and Tusayan (milepost 235) daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Thursday, Sept. 17.
In the town of Tusayan between mileposts 235 and 237 overnight from 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22.
Coconino County Community Development was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $920,000 from the Office of Economic Adjustment through the Department of Defense. This grant will allow for the implementation of key strategies to protect the missions of military installations at Camp Navajo and the Naval Observatory Flagstaff Station (NOFS), and will promote awareness of its activities in the community. These strategies were identified as priorities from a Joint Land Use Study that was concluded approximately one year ago.
Currently only 44.2% of Coconino County residents have filled out the 2020 Census. This is worrisome because this can result in a SEVERE under count if more of our community members do not respond. The Census is important because it ensures that Coconino County receives federal funds for things like Public Safety, Schools, Roads and Infrastructure, Medicare and Medicaid, and more!
The Census also determines how many seats each state gets in the House of Representatives.It’s important to remember the following when filling out the 2020 Census:
Count everyone who is living in your house on or after 04/01/20 on your census form
The census DOES NOT ask about citizenship
All information collected is required BY LAW to be kept confidential
Make sure to include children and babies when filling out your census
EVERYONE COUNTS!
Seasonal influenza vaccine is being offered at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Drive-up and Walk-up Flu Vaccination Clinics will be held every Friday beginning September 11 and every other Saturday beginning September 12 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. No appointment is needed. Masks or face coverings are required.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6 months old and over get a flu shot each year.
The cost for a flu vaccination at the CCHHS Clinic is $30. CCHHS is contracted with most major insurance carriers. As a courtesy, CCHHS will bill the insurance carrier, but those seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered.
As the nation pauses to honor the sacrifices of those who died on Sept. 11, 2001, there can be no better example of how America reacted to the tragic events that day with a renewed sense of patriotism and dedication to the phrase “Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness.”
America came together following that tragic day, as we need to come together again to honor their sacrifices by taking part in American Democracy by filling out U.S. Census forms by Sept. 30, 2020 and doing everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.
Click here to see the Self-Response Rates Map for Northern Arizona and the rest of the United States.
The city of Flagstaff entered Phase 3 of its COVID-19 Reentry Plan. The move to Phase 3 was predicated on the number of new cases, hospitalizations and COVID related deaths continuing on a downward trajectory for four or more weeks, the demonstrated ability to follow CDC guidelines, ability to care for the seriously ill and providing testing, monitoring and contact tracing. Under Phase 3, the city will begin a limited reopening of city facilities and amenities. Face coverings are required in city facilities.
Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project.
Coconino County Parks and Recreation was awarded an Arizona Water Protection Fund grant from the Arizona Department of Water Resources to conduct the Harrenburg Wash Enhancement Project. This project will enhance the riparian habitat at Harrenburg Wash which is part of Pumphouse County Natural Area, located approximately ten miles south of Flagstaff in the community of Kachina Village. The grant award is $129,190.
The premise of self-healing communities is individuals within communities hold the wisdom to transform our most pressing community challenges. When the community at large asks their neighbors and community what would be most supportive, listens to their perspectives, and supports a collective response, we begin the process of healing.
Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) is leading an effort to facilitate a self-healing county! With such a vast county, where do we start? First, acknowledge YOU are a leader!
The Coconino County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation designating September as Suicide Prevention Month. Coconino County pledges to continue supporting suicide prevention efforts across the County, in partnership with @StrongerAsOneNAZ and our other community partners.
For free services, text the 24/7 Crisis Line at 741-741, call the Northern Arizona Crisis Line at 1-877-756-4090, or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
Six stouthearted citizens are running for a seat on Flagstaff’s City Council (in addition to two mayoral candidates). Three will be seated, with the top vote-getter becoming vice-mayor.
Friends of Flagstaff’s Future asked candidates 10 questions, focused on affordable housing, reclaimed water, climate action, policing, building heights, undocumented residents, and the minimum wage.
To read their answers go to https://www.friendsofflagstaff.org/2020-council-candidate-questionnaire/ Click on each candidate or, to compare candidate answers, click on each questio
Never has a September been more important to American democracy than this year with the deadline approaching (Sept. 30) to fill out U.S. Census forms and to do everything possible to make sure your VOTE COUNTS in during the Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 general election
During the next few weeks we will highlight the need for our reading audience to take action as these deadlines rapidly approach.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.
COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
Coconino County Health and Humans Services recommends taking extra precautions when participating in Labor Day activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 safety recommendations include:
Avoid close contact with others, avoid large groups.
Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
Wash hands frequently.
Cover coughs and sneezes.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Practice physical distancing while at social events.
Skip the celebratory events, if sick over the holiday
When we started the COVID-19 Fund back in March, our goal was to quickly turn your donations into support for local organizations meeting the basic needs of our residents during this unprecedented time. Our expertise means we can cut down on the ‘red tape’ and rapidly get money to agencies that are highly skilled at meeting this moment.
Your generosity has allowed us to distribute almost $400,000 to local nonprofits including food banks, child care providers and homeless shelters. Often, your gifts have helped communities and populations that are overlooked or underserved.
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, September 7, 2020 in honor of Labor Day.
COVID-19 testing at Fort Tuthill and the COVID-19 Information Line will also be closed. The County’s COVID-19 response efforts will resume on Tuesday, September 8.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Labor Day, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For nonemergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.
As we head into this holiday weekend, I want to congratulate the organizers of two of the biggest events on the Flagstaff calendar for their ingenuity in bringing us virtual versions of these annual celebrations.
For fans of the Coconino County Fair, it’s not easy to capture the sounds, smells and thrills of the Fair, but the folks at Coconino County Parks & Recreation have done their best to bring the experience into your home.
Would you like to see the 4-H Livestock Show? How about 7-plus hours of steers, pigs, goats and lambs right here. (They’ll also be hosting the auction over these next three days online).
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the following daytime lane restrictions on north- and southbound US 89 between Flagstaff (milepost 435) and Gray Mountain (milepost 442) for pavement maintenance:
Southbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9.
Northbound US 89 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) is pleased to partner with Arizona State University, Arizona Department of Health Services and Northern Arizona University (NAU) to offer free saliva-based diagnostic COVID-19 testing. Testing will be available beginning Wednesday, September 2 at the NAU Fieldhouse and beginning September 8 at Fort Tuthill County Park.
The city of Flagstaff Water Services Division is assembling a volunteer committee on reclaimed water. Only one-third of all reclaimed water generated each year is committed for our current customers. The Water Services Division is faced with about seven options for the remaining, uncommitted supply; input from the community is needed to narrow the options down to three.
The annual Colorado River Days Flagstaff festival is just around the corner and will take place virtually September 1-14. This year’s theme is Generations: Past, Present & Future. Events include: family activities, film screenings, discussions of the Colorado, Gila, San Juan, and Little Colorado Rivers, an art exhibition, live music, and a variety of presentations from diverse voices. These events weave together the importance of history, the implications of prolonged drought, and the uncertain future of the Colorado River.
Colorado River Days Flagstaff launched in 2012 to celebrate and share knowledge about the river. Flowing through the heart of Grand Canyon, the Colorado River is at the core of Flagstaff’s culture and economy; yet, many residents do not experience it firsthand. In response, Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter spearheaded the effort to create a community river festival. Now in its 9th year, the festival is a collaboration between non-profit organizations, scientific researchers, tribal members, artists, businesses, museums, and parks.
The experience was really like trying to grab a small sip from a firehose at full blast.
When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down business across the state, organizations like the Coconino Small Business Development Center at Coconino Community College stepped into breach to lend a needed hand.
“When the COVID-19 disaster started, it was just me and Amanda part time,” said Gina Couillard, Director of the Coconino SBDC, adding that Amanda Hyde moved to a full-time business analyst and operations specialist in short order to assist with the demand from local businesses.
🏠 Quédate dentro
🙅 Cierra las ventanas
🌬 Usa el aire acondicionado, de ser posible
Los niveles de humo pueden cambiar durante el día, permanece en interiores cuando los índices estén más altos.
⚠ ¡Varios condados de Arizona están en alerta por humo!
🏕 Limita actividades al aire libre
🔄 Usa el aire acondicionado, recircula el aire para que no entre aire externo)
🏘 Quédate dentro, cierra puertas y ventanas
📱 Infórmate de las condiciones del aire en www.airnow.gov
⚠ Hasta en las regiones lejos de los incendios puede haber mala calidad del aire.
Algunas personas tienen más riesgo:
• Niños
• Mujeres embarazadas
• Adultos mayores
• Personas con problemas en el corazón y pulmones
¡Manténgase seguro y reduzca la inhalación de humo!
The 2020 Coconino County Fair will move forward this year as an online event with virtual 4-H shows, pictures of entry winners, streaming entertainment, and a virtual vendor marketplace. A “community connections” portion encourages community members to share favorite recipes, gardening tips and tricks, flower growing advice, and to vote for people’s choice awards in fine arts for photography and other art mediums. While the annual Coconino County Fair will look different this year, the public is encouraged to participate and make it a community-wide celebration.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge.
The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows:
Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ
Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot)
Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.
The Flagstaff Water Group published an important editorial in Saturday’s AZDaily Sun on a permit request to conduct acid-fracking operations in the Little Colorado River Basin in areas over the Coconino Aquifer, thereby potentially affecting Red Gap Ranch water, a potential future water source for Flagstaff.
Although this is very short notice, the issue is extremely important and we urge you to read the editorial statement (below) and send your comments to greenslade.maribeth@azdeq.gov. NO LATER THAN EARLY A.M. AUGUST 26th.
Coconino County Health & Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff, will reopen on Monday, August 31. Services will be offered Monday through Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm. Appointments are required and are available by calling 928-679-7222.
Health and wellness services, including wellness exams, sports physicals, STI testing and treatment, pap testing, pregnancy testing, birth control and IUD/Nexplanon insertion and removal, will be available Mondays and Thursdays from 8 am to 5 pm by appointment only.
Vaccinations required for Arizona school entry and vaccinations recommended for children and adults by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are available by appointment on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) in partnership with the Federal Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will extend its COVID-19 Testing Surge. The testing sites offer self-administered nasal swabs and are operational as follows:
• Fort Tuthill County Park, 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through September 4, daily, noon – 8 p.m.
• University Union Fieldhouse at NAU, 1050 Knoles Drive, Flagstaff, AZ, Now through August 30, daily, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m
• Motel 6, 831 W. Rt. 66, Williams, AZ (parking lot), Now through August 24, daily, noon – 8 p.m. o August 25 – September 3, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, noon – 5 p.m.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
2020 Emergency Preparedness Guide
Virtual Master Gardening Class for Northern Arizona
Don’t forget to fill out the 2020 Census!
Coconino County COVID-19 Testing Surge registration
COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report Available
AZDHS COVID-19 Website
Stay Connected with Us!
The Fall semester is a week away.
How is it that time seems to move so very quickly and yet so very slowly during a pandemic? I think it is because we so very much miss seeing our students and our communities up close and in person. And yet, Coconino Community College is moving right along.
This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CCC have chosen Remote Delivery methods for our courses in the interest of the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and the community. Our motto for this time is “Be Stellar, Be Safe.” Going to remote delivery was a difficult decision because all of us, especially our faculty, want to have that personal contact with our students, and some of our students would absolutely prefer to learn that way.
Thank you for taking COVID-19 seriously. The sacrifices you’re making during this time – closing of businesses, cancelling of gatherings and social distancing from those you love are not in vain. These are incredibly important as we are doing all we can to slow the spread and flatten the curve. Remember Coconino County to mask up!
Although many county offices are closed to the public, we are still working for you. I am still working for you. I am excited to continue my work with, and for, the residents of Coconino County District 5. I am please to share this weekly e-blast with you to provide you with a weekly update on my efforts, the latest COVID-19 information, and share resources from other community partners. We are in this together.