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.
Virginia Watahomigie, executive director of the Coconino Coalition for Children & Youth, recently sat down with KAFF Country for a recent Pete’s Community Cafe interview on childhood trauma issues impacting youth and families in the region and the use of techniques to promote healing, growth and build resiliency.
During the interview, Watahomigie discussed how CCC&Y tackles the issue through a variety of online training programs on its https://coconinokids.org/prevention/ webpage.
Twenty-five years in a row and counting.
Coconino Community College received recognition for its financial responsibility to the public by being awarded the Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting for its 2019 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. The award is issued by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada.
“Receiving this recognition for 25 years is an amazing accomplishment,” said CCC’s Executive Vice President Dr. Jami Van Ess. “First, I want to thank the District Governing Board for their dedication to being good stewards of public funds.”
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.
Flagstaff was selected to receive a grant of approximately 17,000 new children’s books to help local families promote reading and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The donation was from The Molina Foundation as part of its Book Buddies 2020 program to promote literacy and is one result of the partnership between LAUNCH Flagstaff and Read On Arizona. Flagstaff’s receipt of this large number of new books and ability to provide them to local children and families is a result of the strong collaboration between community literacy organizations.
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.”
As the United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) grows in its commitment to Step Up for Our Youth, it’s important to ensure that the work we do aligns with our three core areas of focus: early childhood development, positive youth development, and supporting families in need.
With that in mind, we’ve been working diligently to transition the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant program to trusted partners so that thousands of local tax filers who have relied on VITA services in the past will continue to have access to them.
We are pleased to announce that United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona (UWTSA) and Northland Free Tax Assistance (NFTA) will be coordinating efforts to provide VITA services this year in our region. We are grateful to these two organizations for continuing our work so that northern Arizonans will keep receiving the tax refunds and credits they are entitled to.
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.
Community members are preventing type 2 diabetes together with the FREE PreventT2 lifestyle change program offered by North Country HealthCare. Guided by a trained lifestyle coach, groups of participants are learning the skills they need to make lasting changes such as losing a modest amount of weight, being more physically active, and managing stress.
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 findings of the study, of which assistant professor Jason Ladner was a lead author, may also explain how previous exposure could partially account for differences in severity between old vs. young patients.
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/
NOW FEATURING:
Nancy Black, Christine Debrosky, John Foster, Chikako Myers, Joan Roberts, and Julie Ronning Talbot
The Center’s Fine Art Gallery showcases the largest selection in Sedona of artwork by local artists. If you are seeking a rare piece of fine art, a gift of exquisite jewelry, appreciate stunning photography, or looking for a lovely keepsake from your visit to Sedona, the Arts Center has it all and more. The Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax – almost a 10% savings.
The Fine Art Gallery is currently open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Sedona Arts Center is located at 15 Art Barn Road in Uptown Sedona.
Our new online gallery represents a full spectrum of the diversity of artists represented by the arts center. Visit us today!
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.
The virtual presentation, which will feature keynote speaker Marc Lamont Hill, will reflect on the racial injustices affecting the nation in a time when the Black Lives Matter movement remains prevalent.
Williams resident Eric Eikenberry has been appointed to the Coconino Community College District Governing Board.
“All of my adult life, I’ve been a huge advocate and supportive of the community college mission,” Eikenberry said. “And since I’ve been living here, I’ve supported the CCC mission in particular. I’m delighted to be appointed and can’t wait to serve our students and community.”
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 CCC Foundation Annual Fund Drive is now the CCC Comets Caring Campaign.
The change of name reflects who we are at CCC and our commitment to caring for our students, faculty, staff and the community.
Your financial support provides the opportunity to help CCC students write their own success stories in the year ahead and beyond.
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.
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 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.
In This Newsletter:
Quote of the Day
Supervisor Matt Ryan Named Coconino County Board Chairman
Get Tested for COVID-19
NEW COVID-19 Daily Dashboard
COVID-19 Weekly Report
Stay Connected with Us!
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.
I have had the blessed opportunity to work with at-risk youth in Flagstaff for over 20 years. I first learned of the Coalition when I attended the Child Abuse Prevention Conference over 15 years ago. Since then, the Coalition has been such a wonderful resource for me. They provide support, education, and have helped connect me to individuals and other organizations that advocate for youth.
Not only have I been able to share useful information with my family and friends, but my work circle has also benefited.
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.
The city of Flagstaff, city of Sedona, and Coconino County, the nonprofit group Solar United Neighbors (SUN) announced the launch of the Northern ArizonaSolar Co-op to help area residents go solar.
“The co-op will enable northern Arizona homeowners and business owners to join the growing community of people saving money by harnessing solar power,” said Bret Fanshaw, Arizona program director for SUN. “Together, we’re building a movement to create a more sustainable electricity system that directly benefits households and small businesses in the community.”
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.
Research shows that mentally invigorating activities heighten brain power and help preserve our brains sharp as we age, forging new neural pathways in the process. Facing another birthday and having been cordoned off for the past 10 months, I decided to take a solo road trip to Bisbee, an old mining town of 6,000 or so inhabitants located in southeastern Arizona, United States. I was very pleased to find a welcoming town, somewhat surreal, filled with historic architecture and creative and culturally rich people. With the same purpose I decided to challenge myself with a different approach to my traditional cultural anthropology photography, this time using different subjects and filters to better capture the feeling of the town as I strolled through its winding, narrow streets and alleys.
Online learning opportunities are perfect for students who are interested in taking one of our educational opportunities, but prefer to work at home. These learning opportunities provide a well-rounded experience in various visual art mediums.
Our workshops are live online learning experiences with one-on-one interaction between student and instructor. Visit us Here to learn more about all of our online learning opportunities!
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.
Those in the social service industry are worried about our families. Coconino Coalition for Children and Youth (CCC&Y) Executive Director Virginia Watahomigie says isolation, depression and anxiety – all conditions that can be made worse by the pandemic – are increasingly having a negative effect on children in Arizona, particularly in rural areas where resources are less available than in larger cities and distances to travel for support are far greater. She’s encouraging individuals and communities to resolve to make a difference in children’s lives in the New Year.
Read more
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.”
As we look back at the many events of 2020, I am reminded of the importance of participatory action. At both the national and local levels, we made our voices heard about issues of importance this past year, from the presidential campaign, to the BLM movement, to the need for Flagstaff to declare a climate emergency.
These Communications from F3 are designed to make it easier for you to participate in our community. They provide an easily accessible way for you to track what’s going on in Flagstaff and to participate in the discussions and local decisions that affect you. Join us and help make 2021 a year of joyful participation in our Flagstaff community. Happy New Year!
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.”
Join Jen Puzey & Adam Shimoni for a discussion on Youth and their Wellbeing from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021.
Jen has over a decade of experience counseling clients with addiction, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, and eating disorders, specifically among athletes and young adults.
