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Progressive - Liberal	Conservative - Libertarian
Dreams From My Father  By Barack Obama The Audacity Of Hope  By Barack Obama
Rules For Radicals By Saul Alinsky

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I am often asked to include political news releases on this page. For those people, I offer these links...

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March 8, 2010

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
 

New forest supervisor for Coconino

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March 8, 2010

Coconino County
 

COCONINO COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING

Coconino County Parks & Recreation announces the meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday, March 9, 2010  at 4:00 PM in the Ponderosa Room, County Health Bldg., 2625 N. King Street , Flagstaff .

The Commission will hold its election of officers.

Work session (discussion items) includes  Kachina Village Multi-Modal  Transportation Study; Board of Supervisors fees presentation;  Board of Supervisors horse race update presentation; and FY10 budget update.

Information update (Director’s Written Briefing) will be available on the following:   Parliamentary procedure refresher;   Raymond County Park construction bid;  Rogers Lake update; and County  Fair update.

County residents, media practitioners and the public are invited to observe the meeting.

The Coconino County Parks & Recreation Commission (PRC) is the citizen body responsive to the communities and the people of Coconino County . The PRC advises CCPR staff and the Board of Supervisors (BOS) on fee and rule promulgation, policy development, legislative matters, budget development, land acquisition, park planning and design, and a myriad of other issues.  Each BOS member appoints two PRC members from his/her district.

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March 5, 2010

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
 

March is Archaeology Month

Sedona, Ariz. – There are events on almost every weekend here at the Coconino National Forest's Red Rock Country Visitor Center.

Roy Julian and Al Cornell will be demonstrating prehistoric skills on some weekend days.              

All events are free and open to the public.
       
March 6, Saturday - Ken Zoll, “Rock Art of the Verde Valley “, 10:00 a.m.  &1:30 p.m.
March 6, Saturday - Prehistoric Skills Demonstration 10-2
March 14, Sunday - Prehistoric Skills Demonstration 10-2
March 21, Sunday - Prehistoric Skills Demonstration 10-2
March 27, Saturday - Prehistoric Skills Demonstration 10-2
March 28, Sunday - Al Cornell & Roy Julian, “Prehistoric World of Agave” l:00 p.m.

For further information contact Genny Riner or Emma Peschke at 203-2900 

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March 5, 2010

Arizona Association
of Counties
 

Joint Statement of AACo & CSA Presidents

Arizona's county organizations unite in opposition to budget proposals seeking to place more unfunded mandates on counties while reducing county revenue.

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March 5, 2010

Arizona Association
of Counties
 

County Impacts of FY10 & FY11 Budget Proposal

The State of Arizona is currently considering the adoption of a budget proposal based on Governor Brewer's Executive Budget Recommendation that would seek to balance a significant portion of the state's budget deficit on the backs of county governments and the taxpayers they serve. Learn more - and get involved today!

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March 5, 2010

Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
 

Flagstaff , AZ –Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested 48 year old Roy Maciejewski and 43 year old Mary Ann Schmidt both of Junipine Estates for Possession of Marijuana, Cultivation of Marijuana, Possession of Marijuana for Sale , Possession of a Dangerous Drug, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.  With the assistance of officers assigned to the Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (METRO) a search warrant was served on their residence during which a cultivation operation was discovered with special lighting for the growth of immature plants.  Deputies and METRO agents also located a hidden room off of the garage containing more than 50 mature marijuana plants.  Numerous and varying amounts of Marijuana in various stages of drying were discovered though out the house.

 On Thursday March 4 2010 at about 1204 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a third party report of a possible domestic violence incident that occurred on the previous evening at a residence located in Junipine Estates which is located North of Williams Arizona off of Hwy 64 within Coconino County.  Deputies arrived at the residence and were able to speak with both suspects on the front porch.  During the investigation deputies detected a strong odor associated with burning marijuana originating from inside the residence. While speaking with deputies both individuals admitted to smoking marijuana prior to the deputies arrival.  Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies placed Roy Maciejewski and Mary Ann Schmidt under arrest and secured the residence until METRO Agents arrived and served the search warrant.

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March 4, 2010

Arizona Sheriff's Association
 

County Sheriffs Across Arizona Oppose Juvenile Corrections Shift

Open Letter to the Arizona State Legislature

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March 2, 2010

Coconino County
 

Join District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger for Coffee & Conversation

For more information, call the Coconino County Elections office at (928)679-7860; toll-free (800) 793-6181.

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February 17, 2010

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
 

Hart Prairie Project Environmental Assessment ready for public comment

Flagstaff, AZ – The Coconino National Forest has released the Hart Prairie Fuels Reduction and Forest Health Project Environmental Assessment (EA) and is accepting public comments until March 17, 2010. 

The Project’s proposed activities will include thinning and prescribed fire treatments to improve forest health and reduce the potential for a large wildfire. Approximately 12,775 acres of land are included in the project, located 20 miles north of Flagstaff on the Peaks/Mormon Lake Ranger District. The EA can be found online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/nepa/index.shtml. 

Submit comments to Environmental Coordinator Harmony Hall by email, hhall@fs.fed.us or by hand to the Peaks Mormon Lake Ranger District, 5075 N. Highway 89 weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. 

For more information or to receive a hard copy of the Hart Prairie EA, contact Harmony Hall at (928) 527-8234, or hhall@fs.fed.us.

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February 16, 2010

Coconino County

 

Flagstaff , Az. – At their regular meeting on February 16, the Coconino County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted mid-year budget reductions proposed by County Manager Steve Peru.  The budget reductions, which total $3 million, offset revenue shortfalls from the continuing economic decline and State cost shifts.

The adopted budget cuts will allow the County to balance their overall budget through June 30, 2010.  These cuts will set the stage for the Board of Supervisors to balance revenues and expenditures in FY11, which will likely result in a decrease in service levels countywide. 

The current recommendations include a combination of departmental budget reductions in the amount of $1.5 million, and the use of $1.5 million in General Fund balances and reserves.  The use of the General Fund balances and reserves follows the County’s financial plan that began in 2007, which sets aside funds for the County to use during recessionary periods to offset revenue shortfalls. 

Remaining fund balances, including emergency reserves and revenue smoothing, will be maintained for potential additional State cuts and cost shifts and future revenue shortfalls.

The departmental cuts consist of operational budget reductions and the continuation of the current hiring freeze through this fiscal year.  The vacancies created due to the hiring freeze will be used to create opportunities for employees who could be moved from reduced programs into programs that will continue into next year, and avoid layoffs whenever possible.  The County’s current vacancy rate is at 12%, or over 110 positions. 

On February 2, the Board of Supervisors, County Elected Officials and the County’s Department Directors convened a budget summit to discuss all potential budget solutions.  There was a follow-up meeting on February 11 to continue discussions and finalize the recommendations that County Manager Steve Peru carried forward for Board consideration.

The Board of Supervisors, Elected Officials and Department Directors agreed to voluntarily take two furlough days between now and the end of June.  Employees may also voluntarily reduce their hours up to 50% for the remainder of this fiscal year.  Other employee solutions considered were mandatory furloughs, retirement incentives, voluntary separation incentives, pay and/or benefit reductions.  In the County’s ongoing effort to keep employees whole and maintain service levels, these solutions were not brought forward in the final recommendation.  However, all solutions, including these, will be considered in the FY11 budget process, which will take into account impacts to citizens countywide. 

The following departmental budget cuts do not reflect position reductions or vacancy savings.  Some department proposals were evaluated and determined to negatively impact citizen services, and were not included in the final recommendation.

For more information, call Deputy County Manager Mike Townsend at (928) 679-7130; toll-free (877) 679-7120.

Summary of Approved General Fund Budget Reductions

Adult Probation

• Suspend the General Fund transfers to the Work Furlough Fund ($1,061) and Community Punishment Fund ($40,619).

• Utilize the Deferred Prosecution Fund balance for existing General Fund expenditures ($37,721).

Assessor

• Temporary wage line item reduction ($25,000)

Board of Supervisors

• Reduction of advisory council budgets by 50% ($3,375)

• Reduction to various Elected ($13,875) and Clerk ($8,961) divisional line items

• 6% reduction to Community Initiatives funding ($15,000)

Career Center

• Elimination of funding for Teenworks ($75,000)

(This was part of the FY10 initial budget reduction)

Clerk of Superior Court

• Utilize the Clerk’s Forfeiture Fund balance ($30,000) and the Superior Court Enhancement Fund balance ($25,034)

Community Development

• Various operating line item reductions ($22,000)

• Suspend budget for contract plan reviews ($30,000)

Community Services

• Shift General Fund salaries to stimulus funds ($76,734)

County Manager

• Various operations and travel line item reductions ($72,919)

Facilities

• Various operational reductions to Resource Conservation, Capital Repair & Replacement, Operations and Maintenance, Capital Planning & Construction, and Administration programs ($107,665)

Finance

• Line item reduction ($2,500)

• Various operational, travel and training reductions ($5,000)

Health

• Various line item reductions ($22,729)

• Homecare program lapse support ($27,000)

• Capture indirect costs from H1N1 grant ($50,000)

• Utilize Birth Certificate Fund balance ($50,000)

Human Resources

• Various operational reductions to Employee Relations, Personnel Administration, EGAD, and Recruitment & Retention programs ($19,483)

Information Technology

• CJI contract support reduction ($22,000)

Justice Courts

• Shift General Fund expenditures to Enhancement Funds:

  • Flagstaff ($61,662)

  • Fredonia ($7,423)

  • Williams ($16,483)

Juvenile Court

• Operational reductions ($50,595)

• Use of Probation and Diversion Fee Fund balance ($37,297)

Parks and Recreation

• Administration travel & training reductions ($2,800)

• Lessee Events line item reductions ($3,696)

• Stables line item reductions ($6,768)

• Capital savings ($7,645)

• Fee increases ($17,091)

Public Defender

• Use of Fees for Services Fund for General Fund expenditures ($108,386)

Superior Court

• Reduction to Integrated Family Court ($2,500)

• Reduction to Law Library ($8,500)

• Utilize Fill the Gap Fund balance ($18,000), Court Enhancement Fund balance ($23,000), and Conciliation Fund balance ($40,000) for existing General Fund expenditures

Treasurer

• Utilize Taxpayer Information Fund balance for existing General Fund expenditures and General Fund line item reductions ($53,471)

For more information, call Deputy County Manager Mike Townsend at (928) 679-7130; toll-free (877) 679-7120.

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February 8, 2010

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
 

Winter recreation reminders from the Coconino National Forest

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January 22, 2010

Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
 

Back Country Advisory

Flagstaff . AZ- As a result of the severe winter storms that have pelted the Northern Arizona back country with as much as 5 feet of snow, the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area is closed to ALL entry.  Other forested areas, backcountry and dirt roads are snow packed and impassable—without exception.  People traveling in these forested or unimproved areas place themselves at an unacceptable risk. 

 Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue members are dedicated to saving lives.  When initiating a rescue mission, consideration will be given to the specific mission and associated hazards to rescuers.  Rescuers will not be sent into a situation when the hazards posed cause grave concern for their personal safety.  The Coconino County Search and Rescue Unit will respond to all rescue missions, however, the degree of danger posed to the rescuers will dictate the degree of the response.  

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January 21, 2010

Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
 

Avalanche Potential Advisory

Flagstaff . AZ- As this severe winter storm continues the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino National Forest are extending the warning to backcountry mountain travelers to be alert for potential avalanche hazards on the San Francisco Peaks .  Due to the predicted heavy snowfall dangerous avalanche conditions may exist and may remain potentially hazardous for long periods.  Snow depths are as much as 60” and individuals have already reported witnessing some natural avalanche activity.   It is important for backcountry travelers to be aware that no avalanche control is conducted in the backcountry outside of the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area boundary.  At this point the majority of dirt roads in the northern portion of Coconino County are snow packed and impassable to vehicles.  The avalanche potential in the higher backcountry is very real and presents an unacceptable hazard to anyone who may travel in the area and will remain a hazard for at least a week. The Coconino County Sherriff’s Office Strongly advises against backcountry travel given the current circumstances.  

Winter backcountry travel into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness Area from Arizona Snowbowl requires a free annual backcountry permit.  This includes the parking areas at FR 522 and Lamar Haines Wildlife Area.  Backcountry permits are available in Flagstaff at the Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, and the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S Thompson St .  Permits will also be available at Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Lodge weekend mornings once the ski area reopens.

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January 20, 2010

Coconino County
Sheriff's Department
 

Winter Driving Safety

Flagstaff , AZ – County officials met with Northern Arizona public safety officials, government  agencies and the media yesterday to discuss the upcoming storm on Thursday and Friday.  The National Weather Service predicts the storm could dump several feet of additional snow and heavy rains in the area.

 Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil would like to remind community members and visitors of some simple safety tips that will make your winter travel safer and more enjoyable. If you find yourself driving in the snow, stay alert, slow down and stay in control. These are the three key elements to safe driving in the snow.

Here are a few other tips for driving in the snow:

• During severe storms or blizzard conditions if your travel is not absolutely necessary or

an emergency, do not travel.  Considering the possibility of a severe storm beginning

on Thursday out of town visitors who plan a trip to Northern Arizona should be aware of

most current weather forecasts and strongly consider not traveling as weather conditions    

worsen.  

• If you think you may be heading into snow or there is a possibility of driving in the snow, make sure you do a maintenance check on your vehicle before making the trip. Check the vehicle battery, belts and hoses, anti-freeze, oil, lights, brakes, heater and defroster and check the exhaust system for leaks which may allow carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle.

• Plan your route ahead of time and give yourself extra travel time. Make sure someone knows your travel plans.

• Wear comfortable clothing that does not restrict your movement while at the wheel. Keep warm clothing available for when you exit the vehicle.

• Always clear any snow and ice from all windows, lights, mirrors and the roof before driving. After starting the vehicle wait for the interior windows to clear of fog so you will have appropriate visibility.

• Make sure there is sufficient windshield washer fluid in the vehicle reservoir and that it is rated for freezing temperatures.

• It takes longer to stop on slippery surfaces, so add additional time to the three-second rule.

• Know the proper handling procedures for a skidding vehicle.

• Slow down in snow and icy conditions, make turns slowly, and make all starts slow and smooth.

• Remember that bridges and overpasses may freeze before the regular travel lanes of a roadway. Watch out for black ice, areas of the roadway that appear black and shiny and where your vehicle can suddenly lose traction. Slow down in these areas and keep your foot off the brakes.

• If you get stuck or stranded, don’t panic. Stay with your vehicle for safety and warmth. Wait for help to arrive. If you have a cell phone and are in an area with cell phone service, try calling for help. Try to always know your exact locations while driving.

• Keep your clothing dry. Wet clothing can lead to dangerous loss of body heat.

• 
  Winter Driving Survival Kit:
  
  It’s a good idea to keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you might be traveling into an area where you could encounter snow. Having essential supplies can provide some comfort and safety for you and your passengers. The following items are recommended for your winter driving survival kit:

• Ice scraper/snowbrush

• Shovel

• Sand or other type of traction aid

• Tow rope or chain

• Booster cables

• Road flares or warning lights

• Gas line antifreeze

• Flashlight and batteries

• First aid kit

• Fire extinguisher

• Small tool kit

• Extra clothing and foot wear

• Non-perishable energy foods, like chocolate or granola bars, juice, instant coffee, tea, soup, and bottled water

• Candles and a small tin can to hold the candle

• Water proof matches

Winter driving can be safe with planning and extra caution.  Sheriff Bill Pribil and the Men and Women of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to wish all community members and visitors a safe and happy Holiday Season.

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December 11, 2009

USDA Forest Service
Coconino National Forest
 

Winter conditions on the Coconino National Forest

Flagstaff, AZ – Winter is here along with opportunities to enjoy the snow. The Coconino National Forest and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office remind visitors:

• Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions with a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight and other emergency items. 

• Pack extra dry clothes, snacks, water and a trash bag. 

• Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highway. Look before you slide. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Bike helmets are recommended for safe sledders.Be patient. Highways through the Flagstaff area may be congested. 

• Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snowplay and sledding is not appropriate.

• Know before you go - Current information about where to go to play in the snow is available daily from the Flagstaff Visitor Center at  877-878-9377. A map is at http://flagstaffarizona.org/documents/WinterRec.map.pdf

Winter recreation locations include Flagstaff Nordic Center, Mormon Lake Lodge, Happy Jack Lodge, and Fort Tuthill County Park. 

Peaks and Mormon Lake Ranger Districts

Road Closures – 

• All forest roads are closed above the rim off of I-17, Hwy 180, Hwy 89, Hwy 89A, Lake Mary Road/Forest Highway 3.

• Forest Highway 3/Lake Mary Road – A detour remains in place around      the west side of Mormon Lake.

• Snowbowl Road - Snowbowl Road is subject to closure when the ski area      and its business office are closed. Snowbowl Road will be open on Saturday, closed on Sunday.

Snowplay Areas – 

• Wing Mountain Snowplay Area is open, located 10      miles northwest of Flagstaff off of Highway 180. This site, managed by Recreation Resource Management, charges $10/car. For conditions at Wing Mountain call 928-226-0493 or http://www.snowplayaz.com/

• Crowley Pit further north on Highway 180 is also open for snowplay.

San Francisco Peaks Backcountry Travel – Winter backcountry travel into the Kachina Peaks Wilderness from Arizona Snowbowl requires a free seasonal backcountry permit, available Monday – Friday at the Peaks Ranger Station, 5075 N. Highway 89, and the Coconino National Forest Supervisor’s Office, 1824 S Thompson St.  Permits will also be available at Arizona Snowbowl’s Agassiz Lodge weekend mornings when the ski area opens. The best source for current avalanche and snow       conditions information in the San Francisco Peaks backcountry is the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center www.kachinapeaks.org.

South of Flagstaff news releases are written and distributed by various government and private entities, and reproduced here as distributed.  

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