Coconino County District 5 Newsletter
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Dear District 5 Residents,
As the morning air becomes cooler and more refreshing, it signals that autumn has arrived. Use this opportunity to enjoy a bountiful harvest with your loved ones. Next month is the Navajo New Year -Gháájí, which means ‘The joining of season.’ It is a time for harvesting and getting ready for the upcoming season. This year, preparing for inclement weather during the colder seasons is crucial. It’s critical for our communities to take essential measures to ensure safety, security, and structure. Before traveling, please seek weather advisories. Start preparing your homes for the cold by weatherizing them for safety and comfort.
This year, we are pleased to report that we have made strides in our collaboration with the Navajo Nation to advance broadband development. We recognize the urgent need for dependable internet service in Coconino County’s rural areas. Our community members and workforce require connectivity to stay competitive in today’s economy, pursue education, and improve their overall well-being. Coconino County has taken the lead once again by partnering creatively and responsibly to ensure internet access for all.
Residents of Coconino County can stay informed and prepared for emergencies by signing up for important alerts on our website www.coconino.az.gov. Additionally, our website provides access to various health and assistance programs available from Health and Human Services, as well as updates on Board of Supervisors meetings that can be watched live. Visiting our website is a crucial first step in accessing all of the County’s resources.
Sincerely,
Lena Fowler
Coconino County Supervisor, District 5
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MEETING REGARDING THE ARIZONA DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMIC SERVICE PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
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| Supervisor Lena Fowler, Senator Theresa Hatathlie, Senator Mitzi Epstein – Democratic Senate Leader; Elizabeth Higgins – Democratic Counsel/Policy Advisor, and Paulino Valerio – Senate Democratic Chief of Staff, met with DES Angie Rodgers – DES Director; Anna Hunter – DES Assistant Director; Melanie Richards – Legislative Liaison DES; Kathy Berr – DES Constituent Services, to discuss AZ DES Pandemic Unemployment Assistance regarding overpayment or fraud.
Supervisor Fowler’s office and Senator Hatathlie’s office have continued ongoing efforts to assist those receiving letters from AZ DES PUA regarding overpayment or fraud.
If you or your relatives received these letters from AZ DES regarding PUA overpayment or fraud, please send me an email at lfowler@coconino.az.gov or dlister@coconino.az.gov with a simple request to resolve, review, or waive the overpayment. We are here to help with any claim determinations and resolutions of PUA challenges.
Our office is taking steps to review these cases for waivers or refunds. Don’t hesitate to contact us or share with anyone who may be facing similar challenges. Thank you. |
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES 2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE & EXPO IN AUSTIN, TX.
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District 4 – Supervisor Judy Begay, District 2 – Supervisor Jeronimo Vasquez, District 1 – Supervisor Patrice Horstman, Gregory Nelson, Public Affairs Manager-Government Relations, Billy Francis, Executive Director of the Workforce Board, Coconino County, Keith Brekhus, Government Relation Policy Analyst-Government Relations, District 5 – Supervisor Lena Fowler
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Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler continues to be a dedicated public servant to her District 5 constituents and is a national leader in county government. At the Annual National Association of Counties (NACo) conference in Austin, Texas, last month, Supervisor Fowler was given three presidential re-appointments to leadership positions within NACo. Supervisor Fowler will continue to serve on NACo’s Board of Directors, and she was also re-appointed to be Vice Chair for the Rural Action Caucus (RAC) and Vice Chair for the Community, Economic, and Workforce Development Committee. These appointments demonstrate Supervisor Fowler’s ongoing commitment to public service, and she continues to be recognized nationally as a dedicated leader in county government.
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STARLINK GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS LIAISON
IN TUBA CITY, AZ
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Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler extended an invitation to Erica Myers, the Government Affairs Liaison for Starlink, to visit Tuba City. The purpose was to hold a meeting with the public and discuss the ways in which Starlink can collaborate with tribal governments. The meeting also highlighted the success of the Starlink program that was implemented by Supervisor Fowler’s office in District 5. The program provided internet services to families in Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe, and San Juan Southern Paiute.
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INDEPENDENCE DAY IN TUBA CITY
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| Photo credit: Gilbert Honanie |
| In 2012, Supervisor Lena Fowler in partnership with the Tuba City Police, hosted the inaugural Independence Day celebration. We extend our thanks to the Tuba City Chapter and staff for making the event a fun-filled occasion for everyone. We are proud to sponsor and will continue to sponsor the Fireworks at Tuba City, AZ, in District 5. |
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NORTHERN ARIZONA COUNTIES & TRIBAL TRANSPORTATION SUMMIT IN FLAGSTAFF, AZ
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| Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler coordinated a meeting of all the stakeholders from around the region to meet for a Transportation Summit in Flagstaff, AZ, on Thursday, July 6th, 2023.
The meeting brought together Coconino County and departments, Arlando Teller, Assistant Secretary for Tribal Government Affairs at the US Department of Transportation, Navajo Nation Department of Transportation, representatives from DOT Navajo County, DOT Apache County, DOT Hopi, DOT Yavapai-Apache, DOT Apache, Mountain Line, MetroPlan, Bureau of Indian Affairs Western Navajo Agency Department of Transportation, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
We were able to convey our concerns on Transportation issues that impact Northern Arizona and Tribal communities with each other. “It’s critical to come together and see each other face to face after years of virtual communication and update each other with what’s been happening and what needs to be addressed in our communities.” Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler emphasized at the summit.
If you would like to join our next meeting, please call our Coconino County office in Tuba City at (928) 283-4518 or email my District Director, Deborahe Lister, at dlister@coconino.az.gov |
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COCONINO COUNTY PROVIDES SUCCESSFUL TEST PLATFORM FOR SPACEX STARLINK MOBILE UNITS
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| Coconino County continues to lead the effort in connecting students with SpaceX’s Starlink high speed internet across Northern Arizona, including multiple tribal communities within the region, and now on school buses. With continued focus on education, Coconino County collaborated with Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) and Page Unified School District (PUSD) to identify and select routes with an emphasis on connecting students who must ride the bus more than one hour to and from school. SpaceX provided Coconino County with two of their Flat High-Performance Starlink kits that are installed on the buses, enabling students to stay connected and complete homework during their transit. “The opportunity to deploy new technology to connect underserved rural communities is a tremendous achievement,” commented Supervisor Fowler. “The collaboration between SpaceX and Coconino County illustrates what can be achieved when the right people come together at the right time. We are incredibly thankful to our partners for the opportunities they have enabled by delivering enhanced connectivity throughout our most underserved communities.” Coconino County began conversations with SpaceX when District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler and Coconino County’s Chief Information Officer Matt Fowler both met with the company in 2019. This resulted in securing a private donation for the County to utilize Starlink and make high-speed internet accessible to rural areas of Northern Arizona. Coconino County successfully became an early customer, purchasing and launching Starlink internet in a 45-household trial on May 6, 2021. Shortly after, the County identified K-12 students living on the Navajo Nation without access to the internet or existing speeds less than 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. The County Information Technology Department engaged with the Board of Supervisors and the Flagstaff Unified School District, seeking collaboration opportunities to identify eligible students living on the reservation. To date, Coconino County facilitated approximately 300+ implementations of Starlink internet services for a free 2-year period, which was made possible by private donations. This provides students the ability to connect with education providers and continue their studies remotely. “This journey would not have been possible without the continuous teamwork from SpaceX, County Management, our Board of Supervisors, FUSD and PUSD. We rely heavily on our public and private partners to offer internet where it historically has been unavailable. This is truly an exciting moment,” commented CIO Matt Fowler. “We have amazing community partners, and this opportunity to embrace new technologies has greatly benefitted students in our region,” commented Deputy CIO Helen Costello. |
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GOVERNOR HOBBS VISITS COCONINO COUNTY
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| We were very pleased and honored to welcome Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to Coconino County for two meetings with the Board of Supervisors and County Leadership and with regional Emergency Management leaders.
Our Supervisors were able to discuss several issues important to County residents, including local control of groundwater, forest restoration, flood mitigation, and the assistance of our partners at the State. |
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INDIGENOUS STEELWORKERS IN COCONINO COUNTY
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| Supervisor Lena Fowler met with Indigenous members of the US Steelworkers Union at Twin Arrows. This event brought together union members from District 12, which covers western US states, as well as representatives from different tribes, including the First Nations of Canada. The meeting aimed to establish a positive relationship among Native Union Members, marking the first time they had come together for this purpose. |
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NORTHERN ARIZONA RECOGNITION LUNCHEON IN PAGE, AZ
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| The Northern Arizona Recognition Luncheon is an event to take the opportunity to say a special “thank you” for our colleagues’ dedication to our organization and the citizens of Coconino County. It was so wonderful to be together again! Thank you to our dedicated staff and colleagues! Thank you for all you do for residents of Coconino County. |
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PROUD SPONSORS OF THE 2023 NAVAJO MOUNTAIN É’EHANÍÍH DAY
“Yesteryear, New Frontiers, Tradition Lives On”
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BAAJ NWAAVJO I ’ TAH KUKVENI
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| Coconino County Board of Supervisors President Biden, accompanied by Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, Congressman Raul Grijalva, Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Governor Katie Hobbs, and the tribal coalition signed the presidential proclamation establishing the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – the Grand Canyon National Monument in Arizona.
The new national monument protects nearly 1 million acres of land around the Grand Canyon uranium mining and protects important ancestral sites of Tribal Nations and Indigenous peoples, safeguards wildlife habitats, water and supports the local economy through continued traditional uses like recreational use, grazing, ranching, logging, and hunting. |
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BROADBAND INITIATIVE ON NAVAJO NATION
AT NAHATA DZIL CHAPTER HOUSE IN SANDERS, AZ
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| Thank you, Apache County and Supervisor Alton Joe Shepherd and his team, for hosting the meeting. |
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2023 NATIONAL TRIBAL TELECOMMUNICATION BROADBAND SUMMIT
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| In August, Supervisor Fowler attended the 2023 NTTA Tribal Broadband Summit, which was a great chance to learn how to assist tribes in preparing for a bright future of broadband for their localities. The summit unites tribal owned enterprises and telecommunications experts to promote discussions on making broadband connectivity available on tribal lands. The event features diverse activities, including panel discussions, immersive workshops, and training sessions. Attendees had the opportunity to network with leaders and newcomers in the Tribal telecommunications field. |
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2023 74th ANNUAL COCONINO COUNTY FAIR
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At the 74th annual Coconino County Fair, our Parks and Recreation department made a commendable effort to focus on recycling. The Board of Supervisors even contributed funds to support this initiative. We express gratitude to our recycling attendants this year at the fair, who are helping us reduce contamination in recyclables. Their hard work is truly appreciated.
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GRAND OPENING FOR THE
POWELL MUSEUM & ARCHIVES
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| Supervisor Fowler is dedicated to promoting history and art in Coconino County. She recently contributed to the Manson Mesa exhibit at the Powell Museum & Archives, which had its grand opening on September 2. We encourage you and your family to visit and explore the rich history of Page, AZ. |
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75th ANNUAL NAVAJO NATION FAIR NAVAJO
PEARL ANNIVERSARY
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“To preserve & promote pride in the Navajo heritage and culture for the benefit of the Navajo Nation.”
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| Supervisor Lena Fowler attended the 75th Annual Navajo Nation Fair in Window Rock, AZ. During the event, we had the opportunity to meet with several notable Navajo Nation figures, including Madame Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Council Delegates Brenda Jesus, Carl Slater, Casey Allen Johnson, and Amber Kanazbah Crotty. We also spoke with Navajo Nation Supreme Court Justice JoAnn Jayne and OPVP Chief of Staff Patrick Sandoval about ongoing projects to help constituents in the Navajo Nation and in Coconino County. We are grateful to Apache County and Supervisor Alton Joe Shepherd and his team for allowing us to share a table with them. |
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| PAGE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MIXER HOSTED BY COCONINO COUNTY SUPERVISOR LENA FOWLER & COUNTY MANAGER OFFICE |
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| The September Page-Lake Powell Chamber Mixer was hosted by Coconino County Supervisor Lena Fowler and the County Manager’s office. The event’s purpose was to provide a networking opportunity for local businesses. Coconino County is dedicated to sharing our efforts and commitment to promoting economic development and diversification in the region. As public officials, we understand the importance of supporting sustainable futures for the next generations in their communities. |
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In December 2022, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the disbursement of approximately $5 million in ARPA funds to 19 qualified community organizations evaluated and chosen from a pool of 30 applicants.
COCONINO COUNTY FUNDING RECIPIENTS
Category: Behavioral Health
Funds support Catholic Charities’ homeless services program including for men experiencing homelessness with chronic substance misuse and individuals exiting jail or prison who would otherwise experience homelessness. This population will receive housing and behavioral healthcare and support services for long-term housing stability.
Funds support Hozho Home, a detoxification and residential treatment program for Coconino County individuals with substance use issues and experiencing housing instability.
Funds support Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainer certification sessions; rotating community mental health professionals; and a mobile mental health community response.
Funds provide organizational support and Mindfulness-Based Substance Abuse Treatment (MBSAT) curriculum training for staff working with youth.
Category: Housing
Funds support the town’s sewer line extension construction project.
Funds support health and safety home repairs and energy efficiency modifications for Hopi and Navajo families residing on their Native homelands within Coconino County.
Funds support construction and rehabilitation for Jojo’s Place, which has 44 studio apartments, to increase affordable housing supply.
Category: Business Support
Funds support expansion of Small Business Development Center staff to increase technical assistance, counseling, and business planning.
Funds provide targeted outreach for business support to micro-businesses that are less than five years old; have fewer than ten employees; are in majority-minority neighborhoods; and those small businesses from food services, accommodation, retail, and other sectors hardest hit during COVID-19.
Funds support technical assistance; career and workforce training; and an expanded digital resource lending library for the arts community as well as economic opportunities for entrepreneurial artists through artisan markets, exhibitions, and performances series.
Category: Workforce Development
Funds support expanding Elevate PreK by opening new Elevate classrooms.
Funds support expansion of Construction and Maintenance training program to host five training programs with 15 students each.
Category: Support for Vulnerable Populations
Funds support emergency food boxes, mobile food distribution, youth programs, homebound food boxes, and weekly food boxes on the Navajo Nation.
Funds support expansion of parenting education workshops to families with children aged up to 18 and expanding the scope from Flagstaff. The target population are families experiencing domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect.
Funds assist low-income, vulnerable residents with legal services, with emphasis on housing protection services such as eviction, landlord-tenant mediation, safety and habitability, and deposits.
Funds assist with restarting programs and meals as well as facility repairs.
Funds bring the Basic Needs program to Coconino County. The Basic Needs program provides beds, clothes, shoes, hygiene kits, and more to children within the foster and kindship care system.
Funds support administering financial support to low-income residents impacted by cancer and the hiring of a Cancer Resource Navigator.
Funds provide operational funding and a minivan to transport shelter guests.
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Services & Programs in Coconino County
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The Health Start Program is currently accepting new referrals for pregnant people and parent/s with children under the age of 2-years old for home and virtual visits by Health Start Caseworkers to improve maternal and child health outcomes. They provide education on various maternal child health topics and connect families with resources to meet their social and health needs. The Health Start Program serves individuals from the following northern Arizona communities of Page, LeChee, Kaibeto, Coppermine, Gap-Bodaway, Cedar Ridge, Cameron, Tonalea and Tuba City.
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| If you are experiencing difficulties or a crisis, Coconino County Health and Human Services, Social Services can help. We can help pay for utility bills, provide bus passes, and connect you with other resources in the community. Eligibility for Social Services is based generally on household composition, household income, and current crisis. For more information, please visit: https://bit.ly/3CcW3BF |
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Healthy Families is a voluntary, free support program serving families in their quest to be their best parents. The program offers child development information, group activities, community resources, and ongoing supportive visits in your home for up to five years.
The Healthy Families Arizona program will help you:
- Be prepared for your baby’s birth-
- Be a successful parent-
- Communicate with and understand your baby
- Help your child learn about the world through play.
If you would like more information regarding eligibility and participation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at (928) 679-7216.
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The Aunt Flow Program is now available at the CCHHS Page office. CCHHS supports menstrual equity and is proud to now provide free, organic menstrual products (tampons and pads) in CCHHS facilities.
Through the Aunt Flow program, the County has installed menstrual product dispensers in CCHHS restroom facilities in Flagstaff and Page, AZ.
Many females face what is known as “period poverty.” This means they cannot afford to buy period products or do not have access to them. By providing free and equitable access to menstrual products, unnecessary barriers such as period poverty are removed.
In addition, organic tampons and pads are environmentally friendly and free from potentially harmful chemicals that can lead to skin irritation and illness.
The new CCHHS Aunt Flow program aims to destigmatize menstruation. CCHHS believes that menstrual hygiene products are necessities and should be equitably available. Legislation changes in many U.S. states are improving access to period products making the world better for people with periods. More information is available at https://goauntflow.com/legislation-updates/
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If you are experiencing a crisis or difficulties, we may be able to help you with necessities like transportation and communication. In order to qualify you must:
- Be a Coconino County resident,
- Meet our income criteria, and
- Have a need for these services (including for employment, education, medical,
- criminal justice, etc.)
For more information:
Flagstaff-region | Call 928-679-7258 | Walk-in hours: Tues/Thurs, 9-10:30 AM
Page-region | Call 928-679-7296 | Walk-in hours: Mon/Tues/Fri, 8 AM-12 PM
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| 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. These services provide 24-hour, confidential support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. |
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| Want to be a Firefighter? Come to the community recruitment event on Saturday, August 5, at the Flagstaff Fire Department Fire Training Facility!
This is your opportunity to perform simulated firefighting activities, connect with local firefighter mentors, evaluate financial aid, scholarship, and workforce development eligibility, and determine the best path forward.
To RSVP, visit www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y6RSWZS |
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CCHHS Update:
Every day, Arizona youth are buying counterfeit pills laced with Fentanyl through social media, and they’re overdosing at an alarming rate. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Here’s what you can do to stop it:
- 1. Talk with your child about NEVER taking a pill that’s not prescribed to them.
- 2. Monitor your child’s texts and social media.
- 3. Get the FACTS on Fentanyl at TalkNowAz.com
- 4. Get free Narcan (naloxone)—a medication that reverses opioid overdoses—and learn how to use it from Coconino County Health & Human Services.
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Practice household safety by talking to your kids about medicine safety. Put medicines out of reach after every use. Never refer to medicine as “candy.” Call Poison Control if your child ingests something dangerous at (800) 222-1222.
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| Do your students need reusable water bottles for school?
Flagstaff Water Conservation and Azulita Project are providing students with FREE reusable water bottles!
Let us know how many you need by emailing SaveWater@flagstaffaz.gov |
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| Do you have a broken appliance?
Income eligible individuals can contact Coconino County Health and Human Services for financial assistance to repair or replace broken appliances including:
Water Heaters, Refrigerators, Cooking Stoves
Microwaves, Furnaces, Air Conditioners
Home Telephone (Landline Only), Washers/Dryers
Evaporative Coolers, Electrical Panels
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
Household must be income eligible.
The applicant must be the owner of the appliance or system to be repaired and/or replaced.
Contact us to learn if you are eligible for assistance. Call 928-679-7453 or email communityservices@coconino.az.gov.
For more information, visit: https://bit.ly/3CcW3BF |
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Coconino Community College has been selected by the Women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona (WFSA) as the nonprofit partner to launch the Pathways for Single Moms program in the state’s northern region.
This program is designed to eliminate barriers to higher education for single moms by giving them the necessary resources to secure livable wages and forge a career path.
Taking a holistic approach, the program helps women navigate life’s challenges by supporting the successful completion of a certificate program in growing fields.
The tuition-free certificate prepares these women for careers in growing industries that pay a thriving wage, thus confronting the cycle of poverty in their families.
Pathways for Single Moms was launched in 2020 in Southern Arizona and due to its success, it has expanded to cover central Arizona and now the state’s northern region.
Coconino Community College aims to support 30 to 40 women for the duration of the program. In addition, there will be 11 career tracks determined to pay living wages for
mothers.
“The wraparound support design and holistic approach of Pathways Program for Single Moms is truly a best practice model with a track record of success.” Said Vice President of Student Services Tony Williams, “We are honored to be partnering with the women’s Foundation for the State of Arizona in their fight to eliminate barriers to a higher education and livable wage careers for single moms.”
Pathways Program for Single Moms provides wraparound support in common roadblocks prohibiting single moms from going to school, including tuition costs, equipment expenses, childcare, and transportation. In addition, Coconino Community College will assist program recipients in navigating the enrollment process.
Those accepted into the Pathways program will be awarded 100% paid tuition and Quality-First/Kindergarten-ready childcare. They will also receive a stipend for living expenses, computer equipment, transportation, and more, as well as emergency funds.
Recipients will also receive ongoing coaching, planning, and career services. Pathways for Single Moms make it possible for participants to have support beyond a technical education and truly make an impact for single moms and their families in Arizona,” said Director of Pilot Programs Joanna Marroquin.
Upon completing the certificate program, participants will receive additional resources to ensure women are ready for career advancements, such as application, resume building, interview, work attire, connections to hiring employers, and financial coaching.
Coconino Community College is accepting applications for the Pathways Program for Single Moms. For more information or to apply, visit pathwaysflagstaff.orgShared with permission from Coconino Community College. Important program! Story Provided by Larry Hendricks – CCC
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| Looking for a job in Flagstaff with a full benefits package, a vacation package, and state retirement?
Join our Water Services team!
For additional information, visit Flagstaffcitycareers.com. For questions, please contact our HR team at 928-213-2090. |
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| The Superior Court in Coconino County has recently received several calls from concerned residents regarding phone scams where citizens were contacted by an individual identifying himself as the Jury Commissioner. This person is using aggressive and threatening language, attempting to confirm personal information (addresses, phone numbers, date of birth, and email addresses) and informing citizens a warrant has been issued for their arrest.
We remind everyone that Jury Commissioners do not contact citizens with threatening or aggressive behavior demanding verification of personal information.
Please be vigilant and do not relay or confirm personal information over the phone. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office has been notified of this scam. If you believe you have been contacted by any individual claiming to be a Jury Commissioner or been the victim of consumer fraud, you may file a consumer complaint online at azag.gov/complaints/consumer You can also call 602-542-5763 (Phoenix), 520-628-6648 (Tucson), or toll-free outside of metro Phoenix at 1-800-352-8431 |
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| Now is the time to consider an open door policy!
Cleaning storage areas can pose a risk for hantavirus exposure. Remember to open all doors and windows for at least 30 minutes before cleaning, wear gloves at all times while cleaning cabins, garages, and areas that have been closed up for extended periods. Clean up mice urine and droppings safely. Spray droppings with a bleach solution and wipe up droppings instead of dry sweeping. Do not use a vacuum.
For more information please visit: https://bit.ly/3CVDLpf |
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Thank you for taking the time to read and update for yourself and the community! Please share!
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Contact Lena Fowler
Coconino County Supervisor District 5
Phone: (928) 606-4733
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Contact Deborahe Lister
District 5 Director
Phone: (928) 283-4518
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