On February 29^th 2008 Deputies from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Ash Fork Arizona area to contact a 14 year old white female that was requesting a civil stand by to assist her in moving out of her residence of 2421 W Kerren Dr in Kaibab Estates.  The female reported having conflicts with the 51 year old white male in the residence identified as Donald Leacock. 

After the civil standby the female disclosed to Sheriff’s Office Deputies that Donald Leacock had fondled her and had taken nude photographs of her and other under age females in the home.   It was also reported that Leacock lived in the residence with his 16 year old wife and that Leacock would invite other older males to come over to the house for the purpose of having sexual intercourse with his wife.

Further disclosure to the Sheriff’s Office provided information that Leacock would reportedly take pictures and movies of his wife having intercourse with the older males before and after they were wed and he would also post nude pictures of the girl on the internet for the purpose of meeting new subjects to arrange meetings.  The meetings involved the males having sex with the victim in this case.  Later investigations revealed that the nude pictures of the female were taken as early as 13 years old and included sexual activity at the same age.  Witnesses also provided information that Leacock was sexually active with the female as early as the age of 12. 

The initial information spurred action from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Child Protective Services and Safe Child Center of Northern Arizona.  The now 16 year old wife of Leacock was removed by the Sheriff’s Office and CPS and interviewed by Safe Child. 

Sheriff’s Office detectives served several search warrants in Ashfork and Phoenix and seized computers and other computer media storage devices.  The computers were forensically examined by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and multiple still images and movies of suspected child pornography were found. 

Donald Leacock was taken into custody on March 1^st and charged with 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor after several images were located on his personal computer. Witnesses interviewed reported that Leacock had taken most of the photographs and placed them on the computer for the purpose of displaying on the internet and showing to friends.

Detectives found evidence that allegedly indicates that occupants of the home participated in master/slave relationships, with Leacock acting as the master to female slaves.

 It is alleged that Leacock would set up “sex dates” with his young victims to include truck drivers and internet acquaintances, and then photograph or film the sexual acts.

The investigation by the Sheriff’s Office revealed that Donald Leacock moved from the Phoenix area on September 1^st 2006 to Kaibab Estates. Leacock and his ex-wife lived in the home along with the 14 year old female whom he later married. 

To date there have been two arrests Donald Leacock and Howard Leventhal. The Coconino County Attorneys Office issued an arrest warrant for Richard Rush for Sexual Assault and Vulnerable Adult Abuse in reference to this case.  A fourth suspect is deceased and additional suspects have been identified and are being sought.

All alleged victims have been relocated to safe locations.  Crimes committed against other possible victims were identified to have occurred in Maricopa and Yavapai County area, and the Sheriff’s Office and County Attorney ’s Office are coordinating efforts with those jurisdictions.

To date, Sheriff’s detectives have served two search warrants in Ashfork and two in Phoenix . In excess of 10 personal computers and laptops have been seized and are awaiting forensic examination by Sheriff’s Office Personnel. 

Donald Leacock remains in the Coconino County Detention Facility awaiting trial. On` March 13, 2008, Leacock was indicted by the Coconino County Grand Jury on 24 counts of Sexual Exploitation of Minor. Since most of these counts are alleged as Dangerous Crimes against Children, upon conviction, these counts must run consecutively to one another and the sentencing range for each count would be 10 to 24 years. It is important to note that these charges are only accusations and Mr. Leacock and all other potential defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.  This case is set for trial on August 5, 2008, in Division 3 of the Coconino County Superior Court. Further charges may be pending review by the Coconino County Attorney’s Office.

Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office are continuing the investigation for the purpose of identifying other victims and witnesses and to also identify and arrest other possible suspects as well.

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. - The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of

The Arizona Natural History Association is pleased to sponsor the multimedia presentation of “Artist in Antarctica: Walking among the Emperor Penguins” by award-winning artist and naturalist Sharon K. Schafer.   Schafer recently served as artist in residence for the prestigious Polar Arts Program sponsored by Quark Expeditions and Theme Exhibitions. During her stay on the Antarctic ice, Schafer observed, photographed, and sketched Emperor Penguins and other Antarctic wildlife such as Weddell seals, and Adélie, Chinstrap, and Gentoo penguins.

The presentation “Artist in Antarctica: Walking among the Emperor Penguins” will be FREE to the public on Wednesday, May 21 in Flagstaff at the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S. Thompson Street from 6:00 – 7:00 PM and on Thursday, May 22 in Sedona at the Keep Sedona Beautiful Building, 360 Brewer Road from 6:00 – 7:00 PM.  For more information, contact 928-814-8288.

Schafer’s journey began in South America, where she traveled by Russian icebreaker, the Kapitan Khlebnikov, to Snow Hill Island off the Antarctic Peninsula. From there she took a helicopter inland, and hiked two miles over sea ice to a remote rookery, or breeding colony, where 4,000 pairs of Emperor Penguins are known to reside. 

Schafer has inspired and enlightened many with her Mojave Desert-themed fine art and educational material. After years of revealing the inaccessible beauty of the Mojave, Schafer set her sites on one of the most remote desert regions on Earth. Antarctica is the world’s largest desert: it receives the least amount of precipitation of any continent. In addition, it is the coldest and windiest place on the planet.

On an emotional level, little prepared her for a first glimpse of the Antarctica sight that can’t help but dazzle. “I am truly enchanted by Antarctica and its wild inhabitants and honored to contribute to the human experience of the Polar environment.” Schafer says.

Schafer also notes the profound responsibility she feels to bring awareness for the amazing Antarctic inhabitants to those who may never visit the region in person. “By opening windows to the Antarctic and all wild places through art, these species become real to people who may have never before considered them, their plight, or what they can do to help protect our global natural treasures.” Schafer reflects.

Schafer is committed to scientific accuracy in her work, not only in the anatomy of her subjects but also in depicting their behavior and habitat. Her Antarctic photographic series has captured many finer points of Emperor Penguin behavior, from dancing chicks (yes, they really do have happy feet!), to feeding, mate recognition, and other types of interactions. This information will be preserved within Schafer’s paintings of Antarctic species.

Flagstaff , Az. – On April 29, the State of Arizona Office of the Auditor General issued a report regarding a special investigation of the Coconino County Public Fiduciary office.  The investigation was conducted by the Auditor General’s office at the request of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and County officials. 

In September 2006, the Sheriff’s Office requested that the Auditor General investigate allegations of financial misconduct by Helena Yazzie, former Certified Fiduciary in the Coconino County Public Fiduciary’s office.  The investigation concludes that Yazzie embezzled $16,757 of public monies, which were entrusted to the Public Fiduciary’s office on behalf of persons who are unable to manage their own financial affairs.  Yazzie is currently under indictment by the State Attorney General’s Office.

All clients of the Public Fiduciary have been notified of the incident.  Steps are also being taken to reimburse the affected clients for the loss of any funds.

“In one of my previous positions here at the County, I served as the Public Fiduciary and I know firsthand the challenges these clients face,” said County Manager Steve Peru.  “I also realize that an indictment is not a conclusion and, therefore, I look to the justice system to expeditiously consider and close this matter.”

In addition to the Auditor General’s investigation, a compliance audit of the Public Fiduciary’s office was conducted by the Arizona Administrative Office of the Courts.  The onsite fieldwork took place from July 2006 through August 2006.  A thorough review of the office’s policies and procedures was completed, resulting in a variety of changes designed to ensure that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent this type of occurrence from ever happening again.

Additional modifications have been made to the Public Fiduciary policies and procedures to address segregation of duties, clarification of required documentation to substantiate expenditures, approval of all expenditures of $100 or more by the Public Fiduciary, and periodic internal audits of client records.

Finally, the staffing level of the Public Fiduciary’s office was increased by one full-time employee in fiscal year 2007, and by 2.25 full-time employees in mid-year FY2007.  This increase resulted in a staffing level of one Public Fiduciary, three Certified Fiduciaries, one Certified Accountant, and three administrative support positions.  The resulting Certified Fiduciary-to-client ratio is 1 to 40.  The additional staff provides for more checks and balances to the methods of support provided to clients.

“We are all saddened by the results of the Auditor General’s report, particularly when it affects our most vulnerable population,” said Peru .  “We are also confident that the measures we have taken to address this situation will prevent this from ever happening again.  We appreciate all the work done by the Sheriff’s Office, the Office of the Auditor General, and our own Community Services and Public Fiduciary offices.”

— Roadway and Storm Sewer Improvements —

Flagstaff , AZ ) May 2, 2008 – The Coconino County Public Works Department is currently overseeing the roadway reconstruction and storm sewer installation on Pinewood Boulevard in Munds Park . The utility construction began in October 2007 and is nearly complete. On Monday, May 5, the roadway asphalt will be milled and removed to prepare for the storm sewer construction that will start on Monday, May 12. Work will begin at 6 a.m. and end at 6 p.m. daily. Haden Construction is the construction contractor for this project.

The storm sewer installation will begin on the east end of the project and the work will continue through weekends until complete. During construction, traffic will be restricted to one lane at times during the work day due to the underground construction. At times, access will be limited to driveways on the south side of Pinewood Boulevard as the crews move west. Residents in the area should keep all vehicles and equipment off the street during construction so that the work can be completed efficiently.

After the installation of the storm sewers, the roadway improvements should be complete by September 2008.

We are committed to improving safety, roadway and drainage conditions in this area and appreciate your support during construction activities. The county maintains a toll-free project information line at 866-593-2877. Residents should call this number for any project-related problems or questions.

— Featuring New Alamo Scouts Exhibit —

Flagstaff , Az. (May 2, 2008) – On Saturday, May 3, the Fort Tuthill Military History Museum will open its doors for the 4^th season.  The museum walks visitors through the distinguished history of Arizona ’s 158^th Infantry Regiment—from its organization in 1865—to the recent Afghanistan deployment of the 1^st Battalion 158^th Infantry.

The new featured exhibit this year is the story of the Alamo Scouts, their unique organization, and combat exploits in the South Pacific.  The Alamo Scouts were formed with soldiers assigned to units under 6^th Army Commander General Walter Krueger, and were an independent force that often operated behind Japanese lines.  Members of Arizona ’s famous 158^th Infantry Regimental Combat Team (Bushmasters) served in this elite unit.  The quick and silent movements of these “Special Forces” troopers earned them the nickname “Ghost Soldiers”.

Another new exhibit illustrates the service of the 158^th Infantry’s WWI Regimental Band.  Led by 1^st Lieutenant Albert Etzweiler, the band was selected as the Honor Band for President Woodrow Wilson during the Paris Peace Conference.  In addition to the band’s military role, members of the band made a major contribution to American music’s cultural impact on Europe and the history of jazz music.

A number of new displays were available for the 500 plus visitors touring the museum during the 20 weekends of the 2007 season.  A major addition features pictures and documents depicting the organization of the 1^st Battalion 158^th Infantry and its deployment to Afghanistan .  The exhibit illustrates the role the battalion played during its 2007-2008 deployment, while continuing the heritage and combat traditions of the 158^th Infantry Regiment.

Visitors may also view pictures of the first and only Rodeo in Tokyo —which included members of the 158^th Infantry Regimental Combat Team while part of the Army of Occupation.  The vital role and often untold story of the Regiment’s Combat Medics is the subject of another exhibit.  During WWI, these soldiers trained to give immediate battlefield medical aid to the wounded, and were considered to be high priority targets.  Although unarmed, their job often required them to be exposed to enemy fire in order to save the life of an injured comrade.

A mannequin outfitted in the field uniform worn by soldiers while training at Ft. Tuthill prior to WWII was added during the 2007 season and provides visitors a close-up look at the clothing and equipment used by infantry soldiers in the 1930s.

Named after Major General Alexander M. Tuthill, Ft. Tuthill served as the permanent training facility for the 158^th Infantry and related units from the late 1920s until 1949.  Most of the original buildings remain today and will ultimately be restored to accurately represent the original facility.

Museum visitors continue to comment on the “large amount of history contained in the relatively small building”. 

The museum is located on the far west side of Fort Tuthill County Park ; take I-17 at Exit 337.  Enter the park from the north or south entrances and follow the signs.  The museum will be open Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Sundays, noon to 4:00 p.m. and during County Park activities; and may also be open two additional days each week. 

For more information, and additional hours of operation, call the museum (928) 226-0965; or call Lon Wolff at (928) 284-1535; or Jim Warbasse at (602) 944-0359.

Flagstaff, AZ – On April 28, 2008� Coconino County Sheriff Deputy Jason Schneider was made aware of an attempt to locate broadcast that was issued on a missing endangered person and her vehicle, by the Flagstaff Police Department.� Flagstaff Police Officers received the initial call of this missing and possibly suicidal individual on Sunday.�

At about 5:09 am today, Deputy Schneider located the victim’s vehicle abandoned in a pull out near the top of the Snow Bowl Road (Forest Service Rd. 516).� A Coconino County Sheriff’s Sergeant was able to make contact with the victim by calling her on her cell phone. During the subsequent investigation the sergeant was able to determine that the victim had ingested an unknown quantity of sleeping pills and was physically incapacitated to a substantial degree.� During his conversation with the victim the sergeant was able to obtain some information regarding her surroundings. The sergeant conveyed this information to the responding deputy and eventually it led him to her exact location.�

Due to the victim’s incapacitation, her life threatening condition, and the rough terrain the deputy quickly carried her for more than � mile to a waiting ambulance, at which point she was rushed to the Flagstaff Medical Center .� Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil believes that Deputy Schneider’s quick action and his extraordinary efforts resulted in saving the victim’s life.

for Timberline-Fernwood, Doney Park, Leupp Road and

all unincorporated areas of the east side

·         TIRES (TIRES WITHOUT RIMS CAN BE BROUGHT TO THE COUNTY WASTE TIRE COLLECTION YARD ON PENSTOCK STREET IN FLAGSTAFF ON Wednesdays, 8-4:30)

residents’ Refreshment break Supervisors liz Archuleta & Deb Hill are sponsoring a refreshment break at Summit Fire Station #33, 6050 E. Firehouse Lane from 1:00-4:00 pm. After you’ve been to the Community Clean-Up, please stop by for ice cream, popcorn, and a cool drink.

FOR QUESTIONS CONCERNING DISPOSAL OF THE ABOVE MATERIALS, PLEASE CALL JOHN BIEDENHARN, COCONINO COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS , 526-2735 ex. 34

—   Summer Opportunity —

What is the YCC? 

The Youth Conservation Corps (or YCC) is a conservation and service corps program for all 15-18 year olds who want to make a difference in their world. Participants work in small crews (6-8) with the guidance of trained Youth Mentors.  Service projects are usually outside and can include trail construction and maintenance, fence construction, invasive species removal, park maintenance, community landscaping, and much more.

What can I expect?

You can expect to work hard, have fun, and learn about helping out in your community and the natural environment from June 9^th -July 25^th. The summer starts with a paid training, where the crew will participate in a week of fun and educational activities including the N.A.U. ropes course, an introduction to fire ecology and forestry, first-aid and CPR and much more! After the first week crews will work 40 hours per week on service projects on public lands and in the community. Each week includes educational sessions to address community and conservation issues, opportunities for reflection on the summer experience, and interactive opportunities for leadership. No experience is necessary, only the desire to work hard and learn about the environment.

Benefits:

The position pays a living stipend of $270 a week plus, if you are 17 or 18 years old, you are eligible to be an AmeriCorps member and earn a college scholarship of $1000.00 upon successful completion of your term.

Interested in applying? Applications can be requested by email or phone using the information below. 

Get your application in NOW!

http://www.crecweb.org/ycc/jobs.php

COMPLETED APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MAILED, FAXED, OR DROPPED OFF AT THE ADDRESS BELOW

Please contact Matt Mrazek @ 679-8167 or Monique @ 679-8173 immediately if you are interested, to assure a spot on the crew!!!!!!

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CREC ◘ 5410 E. Commerce ◘ Flagstaff , AZ 86004

928-679-8167 ◘  FAX 928-679-8151  ◘  mmrazek@coconino.az.gov

……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

CREC is a program of Coconino County Community Services and an Americorps affiliate

Flagstaff , Az. � Beginning the week of May 12, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors will begin pouring over the County�s fiscal year 2008/2009 budget.  With the announcement last week of a $1.3 billion shortfall in the State�s FY08 budget, and an anticipated $1.9 billion shortfall in the State�s FY09 budget, County officials anticipate budget cuts being passed down to local governments. 

�We have been very responsible with our own budget,� said Chairman of the Board Deb Hill.  �It is disheartening for us to have to balance State and Federal budgets, when they were not fiscally responsible with theirs.  Due to the economic downturn, we are experiencing the same revenue reductions as the State.  To then absorb cost shifts from the State would be a double impact to Coconino County .�

Over the last ten years, County revenues have been forecasted conservatively, both in good times and in times of recession.  By using this conservative budget approach, the County has avoided the need for program cuts of $1 million or more.  Even when the State economy was healthy, State funding of County programs remained flat.

Coconino County has the lowest property tax rate in the State.  Of the property tax bill a citizen receives, only approximately 5� out of every dollar collected goes to the County.  The remainder goes to schools, cities and towns, community colleges, special districts and libraries.

In an effort to mitigate any potential State and Federal budget cuts for FY2008, County staff developed a ten year financial plan that included a revenue and expenditure planning component.  Previously, the County had planned for the future using a five year forecasting model.  Also, the budgeting process now includes the alignment of expenditures with revenue types.  By matching the characteristics of funding sources with their uses, the County has more flexibility to adapt to mid-year changes in revenue levels. 

County staff is recommending the hiring of less than one full-time employee (.8 FTE) in the 08/09 budget cycle.  Employee benefits and salary increases continue to be a top priority for County officials, in order to continue efficient service delivery and reduce the high cost of turnover.  Budget considerations for fiscal year 2009 include a 2.5% employee merit increase, and a minimal 1.8% increase in health care costs (well below the national average).  

In addition to cost control measures and leveraging of funds, County officials are exploring all options available, including new revenue sources, to address the current financial situation�balanced with the increasing requests for services from citizens.  Several options to be discussed at the budget hearings include the formation of a public health services district, a transportation tax (voter approval required), a bed tax, and an accommodation school tax.

Coconino County School Districts

Cecilia Owen , County Superintendent of Schools, is pleas ed to announce the following Coconino County school district governing board vacancies for the November 4 General Election:

Flagstaff U. S. D. #1 – 4 seats open (Three 4-year terms; one 2-year term)

Positions are currently held by Chris Bavasi, Beth Heerding , Deborah Harris and Paul Kulpinski.

A minimum of one hundr ed ninety-eight (198) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Williams U. S. D. #2 – 3 seats open (Three 4-year terms)

Positions are currently held by Janet Cothren, David Nenne and Ron Stilwell.

A minimum of twelve (12) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Grand Canyon U. S. D. #4 – 3 seats open (Three 4-year terms)

Positions are currently held by Emmons Berry , Clarinda Vail and Charles Wahler.

A minimum of five (5) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Chevelon Butte S. D. #5 – 4 seats open (Three 4-year terms; one 2-year term)

Positions are currently held by Jean Gilbertson, Michelle King, Deborah Morris and Cheryl Rife.

A minimum of three (3) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Fr ed onia-Moccasin U. S. D. #6 – 3 seats open (Two 4-year terms; one 2-year term)

Positions are currently held by Carmen Bradley, Jim Goodnow and Lamar Heaton.

A minimum of five (5) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Page Unifi ed School District #8 – 4 seats open (Three 4-year terms; one 2-year term)

Positions are currently held by Robin Brough, Mark Hansen, Rhonda Lee-Kensley and Dale Tsosie.

A minimum of thirty-four (34) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Maine Consolidat ed S. D. #10 – 4 seats open (Three 4-year terms; one 2-year term)

Positions are currently held by Lisa DiPaola, Ashlee Furstnow, Lloyd LeNormand and Mark Zyniecki.

A minimum of four (4) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Tuba City Unifi ed School District #15 – 3 seats open (Three 4-year terms)

Positions are currently held by Jack Begay, Alvin Harvey and Alan Numkena.

A minimum of thirty-eight (38) signatures must appear on petition forms.

Coconino Association for Vocations, Industry and Technology (CAVIAT) – 9 seats open

(All 4-year terms)

Positions are currently held by:

Lee Treece, David Bowman (and a vacant position) representing Flagstaff USD;

Carl Cluff, representing Fr ed onia Moccasin USD;

Becky Crumbo, representing Grand Canyon USD;

Irene Jones, Jerry Williams, Elouise Goatson, representing Page USD.

A minimum of eleven (11) signatures must appear on petition forms. 

Petitions may be sign ed by any eligible voter in CAVIAT, regardless of the residency district in which the voter or the candidate resides.

Coconino Community College – 3 seats open

            District No. 1 seat is a 6 year term

            District No. 3 seat is a 2 year term

            District No. 4 seat is a 6 year term

Positions are currently held by: Nat White (District 1), Eric Eikenberry (District 3), and Patrick Hurley (District 4)

Candidates from District 1 require a minimum of 63 signatures; District 3 candidates, 74 signatures and District 4 candidates, 67 signatures.  Petitions may be sign ed by any eligible voter in the CCC district, regardless of the residency district in which the voter or candidate resides.

s s s s s

Those interest ed in running for any of these school board positions should contact the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools office locat ed in the Ponderosa High School building, 2384 N. Steves Blvd. , Flagstaff , AZ   86004 – (928) 779-6591.  Nomination packets can be pick ed up from this office or the school district offices.  Packets will be mail ed upon request by calling Corinne Bavasi at (928) 779-6591 or emailing her at < >cbavasi@coconino.az.gov.

All candidates must be register ed voters in the State of Arizona and reside within the boundaries of the residency district from which they are seeking office.

IMPORTANT:  Before circulating signature petitions, distributing literature, receiving contributions or making campaign expenditures, school board candidates must file a $500 Threshold Exemption Statement or a Statement of Organization for a Political Committee with the Superintendent’s office.

Petition forms and the Nomination Paper must be fil ed with the Coconino County Superintendent of Schools on, but not before, July 7, 2008 and not after 5:00 p.m. on August 8, 2008 .