2020 is almost over! Though this has been an unpredictable year we know that our creative community stepped up to the plate. We are looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of 2020 at The Viola Awards on Friday, June 18, 2021, but to do that we need to hear from you! The Viola Awards depend on nominations from our community. The deadline to submit your nominations in Thursday, December 31, 2020.
Gov. Doug Ducey recently named Coconino County Deputy County Attorney Brian Furuya to the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division I.
Furuya joined the Coconino County Attorney’s Office as Deputy County Attorney in January of 2016. During his time with the County, Furuya was responsible for health code enforcement litigation and zoning, among others.
2020 is almost over!
You can still make a tax-deductible donation to
Sedona Arts Center for 2020 through 12/31/20
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.
Here at Sedona Arts Center we just wanted to say thank you for your commitment to our local nonprofit and all that we do. This holiday season is unlike any other, ending a year unlike any other. As we move into a new and better year, we wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, connections with family and friends even if they can’t be in person, the warmth of memories from holidays past, and hope for a better future.
Thanks to our amazing members, supporters, and fantastic patrons like you, we have been able to continue sharing art and arts education throughout these challenging times, and we thank you.
May you have a wonderful holiday season
and a safe and happy new year!
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, various cities and companies suspended utility shut-offs in an effort to help struggling residents. Now, as shut-offs are beginning to resume, residents are being encouraged to seek financial assistance or work with their utility company to develop a payment plan if they are unable to pay their bills.
Contact your utility company as soon as possible if you anticipate being unable to pay your bill for any reason. Your utility company will walk you through available assistance options such as setting up a payment plan, applying to one of their programs, or applying for aid through a local agency.
In a new Public Service Announcement released this week, members of CCC&Y want to wish you a beautiful holiday season, but also be aware the additional challenges facing family members and neighbors this year.
“The holiday season is about joy, peace, giving and gratitude, but not everyone feels the magic. This year COVID fatigue can add stress already brought on by colder weather, shorter days or grief and loss.”
The city of Flagstaff has named Dan Musselman as the new Police Chief. Musselman participated in an open, competitive and thorough recruitment process that attracted 35 candidates.
“This was a very competitive recruitment process, with qualified candidates from across the country,” said City Manager Greg Clifton. “I want to thank everyone who applied and offer my congratulations to Chief Musselman.”
Flagstaff city administrative functions will be closed at noon on Dec. 24, all-day Dec. 25, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
The Flagstaff City-Coconino County Public Library will only be open from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Dec. 24. (East Flagstaff Community Library will be closed on Dec. 24). Both libraries will be closed on Dec. 25, Dec. 26 and Jan. 1. They will resume curbside hold pickup, phone reference services, and computer reservations on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4 after each holiday.
The holidays usually are a time to spend with loved ones celebrating family traditions. As cases of COVID-19 continue at an upward trajectory in Coconino County and many locations across the country, the holidays will require extra safety precautions.
Gatherings with family and friends outside of your household can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. Celebrating virtually or with members of the same household who are consistently taking measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 poses the lowest risk for spread. Travel also increases the chance of getting and spreading the coronavirus. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers to plan for early morning travel delays on Wednesday, Dec. 23, as crews make repairs to two roundabouts on J.W. Powell Boulevard just west of the Flagstaff Pulliam Airport.
ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:
All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Friday, Dec. 25, and Friday, Jan. 1, for the Christmas and New Year Holidays.
While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be open on Thursday, Dec. 24 from 8 a.m. until noon, closed on Friday Dec. 25 and open on Friday, Jan. 1 from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., with limited staffing. 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.
Art Workshops make a great gift to yourself… or others!
*Get 10% off all scheduled workshops when you pay in full at the time of registration. Use coupon code: 10WINTER2020 valid only for registrations between December 16, 2020 and January 6, 2021. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax.
Below are a few more select workshops to represent the diversity of our workshop program – see all the offerings on our website HERE.
A grant from 100,000 Strong in the Americas will give a dozen Northern Arizona University the opportunity for a unique cross-cultural learning experience with peers at both NAU and a university in Sonora, Mexico.
NAU is partnering with Universidad de Sonora (UNISON) in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico to put on The Big IDEA (La Gran IDEA), which will allow 12 students from each university to collaborate on finding solutions to challenges of food security and financial security in the Arizona/Sonora Megaregion. It is based on Jacks Big IDEA, which is put on by boundaryless@nau.
I want to thank you all for your continued support during this not-so-normal year. I know that 2020 threw us all a curveball, but I am grateful to each of you for doing your part in keeping our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thank you for your community spirit during this time.
As we move forward this holiday season, I want to wish you and your family’s a happy holiday! May each of you stay safe, create new memories, and find peace as we move into the New Year.
This will be the last newsletter of the year, however, you can continue to find information from the County and about COVID-19 on our website at https://coconino.az.gov OR by following us on social media here: www.facebook.com/CoconinoCounty.
Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tommy Lewis is seeking applicants for appointment for Coconino Community College District #3.
Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses cannot be an employee of the district.
Application information:
There’s no doubt that 2020 was a year like no other. Despite massive uncertainty caused by the pandemic, our local businesses adapted as best they could, changing operation models, providing curbside services, shifting online where possible and constantly pivoting to match conditions on the ground.
They were supported by highly responsive local and state governments that strove to balance public safety with economic survival.
Based on inquiries received by ECoNA this year, many were looking beyond the current pandemic to a possible future in northern Arizona. We received more than 50 inquiries from companies looking to start or relocate a business here. Together, these companies have the potential of bringing more than 14,000 jobs to the area.
2020 is almost over! Though this has been an unpredictable year we know that our creative community stepped up to the plate. We are looking forward to celebrating the accomplishments of 2020 at The Viola Awards on Friday, June 18, 2021, but to do that we need to hear from you! The Viola Awards depend on nominations from our community. The deadline to submit your nominations in Thursday, December 31, 2020.
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.
The Coconino County COVID-19 Response Team is planning for the arrival of the first COVID-19 vaccine shipment, expected to be delivered in late December. The vaccine roll out in Coconino County is anticipated to begin in early January.
On December 11, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. The Moderna application for EUA for its COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be reviewed soon.
At Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, we’re working towards a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community. We’ll make that vision a reality by igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Many in our community face staggering injustices. Mental, physical, and spiritual trauma are facts of everyday life, made worse by historical oppression and generational poverty. The systems that should provide relief are often ineffectual and overwhelmed; at their worst, they’re racist and demeaning. And in our largely rural community, issues like food inequity, education access, and healthcare provision are exacerbated by structures of power that often look past folks outside metro areas.
We have the power to reverse these injustices, and we are doing so right here in Coconino County. When we approach challenges with a holistic mindset and consider the impact of systemic, generational trauma, we can work with communities at the source of the issue, not just at the symptom.
The fall semester has come to a close, and the holiday season is upon us.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Coconino Community College connects with students to help them realize their educational goals, we have, as our students have, risen to the challenge. This is a time of great uncertainty – for our students, for our faculty and staff at CCC, and for everybody across the country – and we are committed, with absolute certainty, to be here for all who need an education.
When things feel like they are falling apart, we pull together. We forge partnerships and put aside the bureaucracies and red tape so we can make an impact fast.
Nowhere has this need for collaboration been more evident than during our COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve told you a lot about how we’ve forwarded your gifts to the agencies through our COVID-19 Fund, but today we wanted to talk about some partnerships that are making it easier to get PPE to groups here in northern Arizona.
The Coconino County Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) and the United Way of Northern Arizona have been working with our state VOAD organization and Phoenix-based partners like the Valley of the Sun United Way and Phoenix ToolBank to secure masks, gowns, hand sanitizer and other supplies for northern Arizona organizations.
Art Workshops make a great gift to yourself… or others!
*Get 10% off all scheduled workshops when you pay in full at the time of registration. Use coupon code: 10WINTER2020 valid only for registrations between December 16, 2020 and January 6, 2021. Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax.
Below are a few select workshops to represent the diversity of our workshop program see all the offerings on our website HERE.
Coconino Community College graduate April Winters is at Northern Arizona University studying to be an English teacher.
While at CCC, she took American Sign Language courses to fulfill her foreign language requirements for her degree.
“The Deaf community is a smaller community,” Winters said. “And there is a need that isn’t always filled, especially in public schools.”
Coconino County Manager James Jayne will retire on July 2, 2021. Jayne will aid Board of Supervisors in transition to next County Manager.
Coconino County Manager James Jayne announced his retirement from County service effective July 2, 2021. Jayne joined Coconino County in 2017 and previously served as Navajo County Manager.
Operations are ending on the first phase of steep slope treatment on the Bill Williams Mountain Restoration Project.
The Bill Williams Steep Slope 1 Project successfully thinned 300 acres of dense standing trees and removed dead and down trees on the mountain located just outside of the City of Williams utilizing ground-based, helicopter and hand thinning operations.
On any given day, they could be fixing a broken faucet, or a heater that has gone out. Or, they could be repairing a broken window, or fixing a dishwasher on the fritz.
Maintenance Technicians for apartments, hotels and other commercial properties are continually in demand in northern Arizona, and Coconino Community College is offering a course, beginning Jan. 25, in Certified Maintenance Technician to help get people quickly into the workforce.
Greetings!
I am so thankful to serve Coconino County District 5 for another 4 years. My work for all citizens has been the greatest honor and joy in my life. Thank you to all District 5 citizens for re-electing me to the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. I am so excited for new opportunities and possibilities of the next 4 years. In this season of change and transition, I ask you to take care of your mental and physical well-being. Please stay vigilant and safe this holiday season.
Lena
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.
Dear Friends of F3,
As executive Director of F3, I plan to use these Communications to keep you informed of trending issues of importance to our membership. Sometimes decisions that affect us have been made years ago. My goal is to get us engaged in the important conversations before decisions are made, and in this way, ensure that F3 can have a proactive presence in the community.
The Coconino County Health and Human Services has issued a new weekly report entitled COVID-19 Coconino County Weekly Update.
The report is updated weekly on FRIDAY and includes a COVID-19 situation summary, key takeaways, demographic and geographic information, hospitalizations and testing data related to Coconino County residents.
At Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, we’re working towards a world where every person lives in peace and is supported by a thriving, resilient community. We’ll make that vision a reality by igniting collective action that creates better lives for children and families.
Many in our community face staggering injustices. Mental, physical, and spiritual trauma are facts of everyday life, made worse by historical oppression and generational poverty. The systems that should provide relief are often ineffectual and overwhelmed; at their worst, they’re racist and demeaning. And in our largely rural community, issues like food inequity, education access, and healthcare provision are exacerbated by structures of power that often look past folks outside metro areas.
We have the power to reverse these injustices, and we are doing so right here in Coconino County. When we approach challenges with a holistic mindset and consider the impact of systemic, generational trauma, we can work with communities at the source of the issue, not just at the symptom.
The Flagstaff City Council declared a Housing Emergency at their meeting on Dec. 2, 2020 with the passage of Resolution 2020-66. The declaration recognizes the need to make housing a leading priority within city operations and the community. Mayor Coral Evans said, “Flagstaff has simply become used to living with this housing crisis and because of that, our community does not recognize how dire the current the conditions are for our community members.”
The conversation is the same among auto dealerships locally and across the country: Where do we find trained technicians?
“There’s a ridiculous shortage of technicians,” said Mimi Vessey, parts and service director for Findlay Honda of Flagstaff.
Jacob Lundie, general manager for Findlay Honda, added, “We’re in meetings often, and we talk about, ‘where are we finding technicians?’”
In order to meet a gap in trained automotive technicians locally and throughout the nation, Coconino Community College has partnered with Findlay Honda of Flagstaff to create an Automotive Technician program, and it’s scheduled to begin this spring semester.
We are looking forward to this evening’s premier of The Library That Dolly Built, a documentary about how the Dolly Parton Imagination Library started as an effort to honor her father and grew into one of the largest non-governmental literacy programs in the world.
The film, being streamed on Facebook, will be followed by a live Q&A session with Dolly Parton. (We hear she might even sing a song.)
Governor Ducey has announced an executive order designed to allow restaurants to more easily expand outdoor dining facilities as leaders look for ways to help an industry hit hard by COVID-19.
The move, which reduces regulatory hurdles, has been paired with $1 million in grants to help eateries purchase barriers, heaters and outdoor furniture to convert open areas into dining spaces. The spaces do not have to be physically connected to the restaurant, but must be within 60 feet of the dining establishment.
The state began accepting applications for the grants yesterday. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis and will undergo a peer review process to ensure all documentation is submitted and verified. The deadline for applications is January 8, 2021.
“Thru an Artist’s Eyes”
Join us for the John Henry Waddell Virtual Tour
December 16 at 5:00pm MST
Come join us for a rare opportunity to explore several works by artist John Henry Waddell through the lens of his partner in life and art, artist Ruth Holland Waddell. We each have our own ways of looking at the world and at art, Ruth will provide us with tools to deepen our experience when looking at a work of art.
Join the virtual Board of Supervisors Meeting on December 8 at 5:00 PM for a special celebration honoring Supervisor Art Babbott and Supervisor Jim Parks. We will thank them for their contributions to the County and wish them well as they continue their journey of service to the community.
Designated as Arizona’s winter wonderland, Flagstaff accumulates an average of 100 inches of snow annually to partake in a multitude of winter activities. Please stay, play, social distance, and mask while visiting and adhere to required CDC healthcare travel guidelines, business recommendations and varied hours.
Travel safely and know before you go to Flagstaff with these top ten winter awareness tips:
The community is invited to participate in the selection of the Flagstaff Police Department’s next Police Chief at an upcoming meet and greet. The public meet and greet is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2020 at 5 p.m. and will held via Microsoft Teams.
The meet and greet will begin with each of the three candidates providing an introduction about themselves including their previous education and experience and how it relates to the Police Chief position. After all introductions have been completed, participants in the meeting will have an opportunity to submit questions for the Police Chief candidates to answer.
Once Corbin Felsted returned home to Flagstaff after a church mission, he knew he wanted to work with his hands.
“I thought electrician would be great, but nobody would hire me because I didn’t have experience,” Felsted said.
Finally, a local electrical company put him through an apprenticeship program – a grueling process of trade school, homework every night and working 40 hours a week. He finished a four-year program in two years, and he set his sights on college.
Each year, the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office holds a Teacher of the Year, Rookie Teacher of the Year and Ambassadors for Excellence Awards Event, but due to COVID-19, the 2020-2021 event will not be held. The School Superintendent’s Office hopes to continue the annual tradition in the future.
For two decades, NAU has led Arizona GEAR UP—a statewide program aimed at preparing K-12 students for college and a career after graduation with hopes to increase the percentage of adults who hold a postsecondary education credential or degree.
This holiday season looks different for everyone.
This is a friendly reminder to take care of yourself this holiday season.
The Flagstaff City Council adopted the High Occupancy Housing (HOH) Zoning Code Text Amendment at their meeting on Nov. 17, 2020. Effective on March 1, 2021, the adopted amendment is the first Zoning Code Text Amendment to implement the HOH Specific Plan. This amendment impacts most residential and mixed-use (residential and non-residential) developments by regulating the number of bedrooms and the number of dwelling units that are allowed with and without obtaining separate approval (a Conditional Use Permit) from the city. Developments that are required to obtain Conditional Use Permit will be considered a HOH Development or Mixed-use HOH Development.
Moonshot at NACET, the entrepreneurship program based in northern Arizona, is celebrating the spirit of startups during its inaugural Makers & Shakers Week, a series of online workshops, presentations and live Q&A’s with entrepreneurs.
The free week-long virtual event honors current businesses and showcases Moonshot innovators, mentors and instructors. The goal is to educate and inspire viewers who might be considering starting their own businesses, according to Moonshot President & CEO Scott Hathcock.
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.
Dolly Parton, simply put, is a legend. An icon. A cultural touchstone. She’s had phenomenal commercial and critical success. She’s earned an “EGOT,” winning an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony. Her career spans a half century and she’s still going strong. Not bad for a kid born in a one-room cabin in the mountains of east Tennessee.
But before he passed away, her father told her that probably the most important thing she’s ever done was to start her “Imagination Library.”
This pandemic is challenging for all of us. CCC&Y has a weekly virtual meeting for parents and caregivers to connect and share resources. We are also launching “Creativity Calling,” specifically for youth! This monthly virtual opportunity will provide youth a chance to share their thoughts and feelings through the arts. Any youth interested in sharing their music, visual art, poetry, dance, or theater can text Hunter RedDay at 928.221.3688 to register. Each month four youth will have a 10-minute spotlight. Special thank you to our partner Stronger As One for providing a gift card to a local business. We will enter each month’s performers in a raffle for the gift card!
Coconino County Health and Human Services assists many home bound seniors. Please help to make their holidays brighter by providing these households with holiday gifts such as grocery stores and gas gift cards, electric throws, slipper socks and various other items personalized to the senior.
A gift tree is available at the Tourist Home All Day Café at 52 S. San Francisco, Flagstaff from November 30 through December 18. This holiday tree has information cards on it for the taking with information regarding the seniors in need. Take a ticket or contact CCHHS at mbentzen@coconino.az.gov to receive a virtual “senior gift tag.”
After receiving your tag, print it out and attach it to the unwrapped gift(s). Drop off your gifts at Tourist Home or contact mbentzen@coconino.az.gov or robegay@coconino.az.gov to coordinate a gift drop off.
All gifts must be received by December 18, 2020 to ensure time for delivery to our Seniors. All gifts are tax deductible and receipts available.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
The Flagstaff Arts Council is excited to announce our Winter Holiday Auction! This auction features artwork from local artists, gifts from local restaurants, post-pandemic travel packages, and more! This is the perfect place to do some holiday shopping while supporting the Flagstaff Arts Council’s mission to foster creativity in Flagstaff. The proceeds from the sale of most of the artwork included in the auction will be shared between the Flagstaff Arts Council and the artist with each party receiving 50% of the proceeds.
#GivingTuesday is a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide. Following Thanksgiving and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, this year’s #GivingTuesday will take place on December 1, 2020 and will kick off the giving season by inspiring people to collaborate and give back during one of the most challenging years we’ve experienced.
Grand Canyon, AZ – Beginning December 1, 2020, visitors traveling to Grand Canyon National Park this winter season should be prepared for modified changes in operations. Visitors should also plan ahead and anticipate temporary road closures and poor driving conditions whenever winter storms pass through the area.
Would you like to give to a worthy cause? If so, you could donate today to the Coconino Community College Foundation.
Your gift in support of a CCC student scholarship during Giving Tuesday on December 1, 2020 can help a CCC student achieve their educational goals.
Nationally, only 3 in 10 students entering the 4th grade are proficient readers.(1) That’s disheartening enough, but here’s the really scary statistic: children who aren’t reading proficiently by the 4th grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school.(2)
Instilling a love of reading is the key to success for our children. It’s the foundation upon which their education is built.
That’s why United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) is proud to partner with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library (DPIL) to make sure children in Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties discover the world of books in those critical years before they enter school.
The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan ahead for the upcoming closure of Interstate 40 and the Meteor Crater Bridge – about 30 miles east of Flagstaff – as work begins on the bridge rehabilitation project.
ADOT advises drivers to slow down and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place:
He was a bright spirit, lively, adventuresome and extraordinarily kind.
Sean McMullin, a Northern Arizona University graduate, loved the potential of solar energy and hoped to pursue alternative energies as a business.
He passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2020, and his parents, dedicated to keeping his legacy alive, have started the Sean Roarke McMullin Memorial Scholarship through the Coconino Community College Foundation.
