AZ Legislature Gives Go-Ahead For 4-Year Community College
The Arizona Legislature has approved a senate bill that would allow community colleges in the state to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees. The legislation passed the Senate yesterday with strong bipartisan support in a 24-to-6 vote. The bill, originally proposed by Republican State Rep. Becky Nutt, now heads to Gov. Doug Ducey’s desk to be signed into law. The support comes as President Joe Biden proposes free community college nationwide —concerning two-year programs.
Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic On Tap For Williams
Coconino County officials plan to hold a COVID-19 vaccine clinic in Williams on Friday, offering doses of the Pfizer vaccine outside Williams Middle School. Officials say no appointments are required for the free vaccine, though people in attendance must wear masks. The county estimates nearly 46% of the population has received a COVID-19 vaccine. The Arizona Department of Health Services estimates 1,864 people have been vaccinated so far in the 86046 zip code, encompassing Williams and Grand Canyon Junction.
Homicide Victim Found North Of Flagstaff, CCSO Says
The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office says the body of a woman was found north of Flagstaff near the Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument; the county is investigating the case as a homicide. CCSO says it received information from police in Oregon stating that a missing 38-year-old woman was known to be traveling in the Flagstaff area. Officials say a camper assisted the sheriff’s office in recognizing a picture of the woman, leading investigators to a campsite near Forest Service Road 776 and Highway 89. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Benjamin Mota, of Oregon, who is charged with second degree homicide. CCSO says an investigation is pending with the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Federal Funds Allocated To Dozens Of Navajo Nation Schools
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez says the tribe’s 68 K-12 schools will receive a total of $171 million from the American Rescue Plan. Diné College and the Navajo Technical University will receive nearly $17 million each. Tribal officials on Wednesday released specific allocations for each school funded by the Bureau of Indian Education, the funds range from $392,000 to $15 million per school; officials say the allocations are based on a weighted student unit.
Cottonwood Public Hearing On CARES Act Funds
The City of Cottonwood will hold a public hearing today to discuss the application of the federal CARES Act Fund to low-income communities in the area. City officials say they plan to apply for up to $1.7 million in funding; the hearing will be held tonight at the Cottonwood Community Clubhouse and virtually.
Flag Fire Diminishes In Size, Evacuation Order Remains Effective
The Flag Fire continues to burn southeast of Kingman in the Hualapai Mountains. The Bureau of Land Management reports the fire has burned close to 1,300 acres, slightly less than previously estimated, and is 13% contained. Just over a third of an inch of rain fell on the Flag Fire this week, helping crews establish containment lines. Fire officials, however, say hot, dry weather in the coming days could present challenges for crews and increase fire activity. An evacuation order remains in place for the Pine Lake community. Atherton Acres and Pinion Pines remain on SET and should be prepared for potential evacuation, according to Mohave County officials.
