Kaibab National Forest plans prescribed burn near Tusayan

Kaibab National Forest fire managers plan to conduct a prescribed burn this week just northwest of Tusayan in order to remove accumulated pine needles and light, scattered slash that was generated during recent thinning projects.

Implementation of the 242-acre Flying J prescribed burn could begin as early as Wednesday and continue through Saturday, if weather conditions are appropriate. Fire managers are looking for northeast winds that will carry low-intensity fire through the area and push smoke to the southwest and away from Tusayan and the Grand Canyon National Park.

The purpose of the Flying J project, which is strategically located around the town of Tusayan, is to reduce hazardous fuels, provide community protection and restore forest health. Typically, fire managers focus on burning slash piles during the winter because of snowy conditions. However, recent dry weather is creating conditions appropriate for larger-scale, broadcast burning across the landscape.

Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Inc. Issues Voluntary Recall Nutrisca Dry Dog Food

ucm434026PERHAM, MN – Tuffy’s Pet Foods, Inc. of Perham, MN is voluntarily recalling specific lots of 4 lb. bags of Nutrisca Chicken and Chick Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Tuffy’s manufactured the product for Nutrisca.

The recalled product was distributed in the 4 lb. bags nationwide to distributors, brokers, retail stores, and internet retailers. The recalled product is limited to Nutrisca Chicken and Chick Pea Recipe Dry Dog Food in 4 lb. bag sizes, bearing UPC Code “8 84244 12495 7” (found on lower back of the bag). Products included in the recall are identified by the below first 5 digits of the Lot Code (found on upper back of the bag) and “Best by Dates” (found on upper back of the bag). No other bag sizes or other Nutrisca dog food, cat food, biscuits/treats, supplements or other products, are affected by this announcement.

First five digits of Lot Codes:
4G29P, 4G31P, 4H01P, 4H04P, 4H05P, 4H06P

Best By Dates:
Jul 28 16, Jul 30 16, Jul 31 16, Aug 03 16, Aug 04 16, Aug 05 16

The recall was initiated after a routine sampling program by the Ohio Department of Agriculture revealed the presence of Salmonella in one 4 lb. bag of product. The company is coordinating this voluntary recall with the FDA, and is issuing the recall action out of an abundance of caution.

Salmonella can affect animals eating the products and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products. Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers. Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian. No Salmonella-related illnesses in people or animals have been reported to date in association with these products.

Consumers who purchased the 4 lb. bags of the dry dog food product subject to the voluntary recall (as identified above) should stop using the product, discard it in a safe manner (example, a securely covered trash receptacle), and contact Nutrisca at the number below for further information.

For consumer information or questions regarding this voluntary recall, please contact Nutrisca at 1-888-559-8833.

Roundabout construction begins on SR 89 at Road 4 North in Chino Valley this week

800-150128-052PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin construction this week of a new roundabout at the intersection of State Route 89 and Road 4 North in Chino Valley.

For the next three weeks, crews will begin building a temporary detour on the east side of SR 89 at Road 4 North and drivers should be aware of shoulder work and increased truck traffic through the work zone, weather dependent.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

This $2.1 million project consists of a new roundabout at the intersection of SR 89 and Road 4 North between mileposts 330.48 and 330.78. Additional work includes removal and replacement of existing pavement, drainage improvements, new pavement markings and lighting.

This project is expected to be complete by August 2015.