Monthly Archives: March 2014

Night work this week on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley

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Barrier and restriping work between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. tonight through Thursday night

The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun placing temporary concrete barrier and restriping the roadway for the widening project on State Route 89 between Chino Valley and Prescott.

The work will take place over three nights between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. starting tonight through Thursday, March 27. Drivers can expect minimal delays during work hours.

In addition to this night work, the project’s regularly scheduled work hours are Monday through Thursday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Resident Stabbed During Assault

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives are investigating an alleged assault during which the victim claims he was stabbed while fighting with an assailant who forced his way into the victim’s home. On Sunday, March 23, 2014 at approximately 2:00 pm Sheriff’s Office 911 Dispatchers received a call from an individual who reported he was stabbed by an intruder in his home. According to the victim/caller the suspect left his residence before the victim called the Sheriff’s Office.

Upon their arrival at the residence located in a west Doney Park neighborhood, deputies examined the victim and saw that he had sustained a single stab wound in his abdomen. He received on scene medical attention from Summit Fire District medics and was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center by Guardian Ambulance where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

According to the victim, he answered a knock at his front door and was greeted by an adult male that was unknown to him. The stranger introduced himself as a private contractor and offered to do inexpensive roof repairs on the victim’s home. When the victim declined the offer, the unidentified suspect allegedly forced his way into the victim’s home. The two were engaged in a physical struggle and worked their way into the kitchen. According to the victim he obtained a small knife off of the counter to defend himself, and during the ensuing struggle was stabbed in the stomach.

The alleged intruder is described as an adult male with dark complexion, possibly Native American or Hispanic, with dark very short cropped hair almost giving the impression the suspect was bald, a dark goatee, approximately 5’11” in height, weighing approximately 190 pounds, and approximately 35 to 40 years of age. The alleged suspect was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jean pants and exited the residence through the kitchen door.

Investigators believe this alleged crime is an isolated occurrence; the Sheriff’s Office has not received any reports of similar incidents. Detectives are pursuing this investigation in an effort to identify a suspect and to determine what occurred. If you live in the Doney Park area and have been contacted by a subject claiming to be a private contractor, offering inexpensive home repairs, you are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office.

Community members who believe they may have information regarding this alleged crime or individuals who observe something they believe is suspicious are urged to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523, toll free at 1-800-338-7888, Coconino County Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111 (toll free at 1-877-292-7463). For all emergencies please dial 911.

Governor Pence Signs Bill Taking Indiana Out of Common Core

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mike-penceIndianapolis – Governor Mike Pence today signed Senate Enrolled Act 91, which requires Indiana to adopt its own academic standards. The Governor issued the following statement:

“I believe our students are best served when decisions about education are made at the state and local level. By signing this legislation, Indiana has taken an important step forward in developing academic standards that are written by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers, and are uncommonly high, and I commend members of the General Assembly for their support.

“As the task of writing our new academic standards continues, I am grateful to the more than 100 Indiana educators who have put thousands of hours into a comprehensive, transparent, and rigorous process of academic review and am confident that our state will produce Indiana standards that will prepare our students for success in college, careers, and life.”

Bridge work starting on I-40 in Winslow

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Drivers should expect narrowed lanes and reduced speed limits on I-40 through Winslow

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation begins a project on Monday, March 31 to reconstruct Interstate 40 bridges at Ruby Wash, Maple Street and Transcon Lane in Winslow.

The east- and westbound bridges at each location, six total, will be improved during the $3.8 million dollar project. Work includes replacing the bridge decks, new asphalt and some guardrail and drainage improvements.

All six bridges will be under construction simultaneously and I-40 will be narrowed to one lane between mileposts 254 and 257 through fall 2014, when the project is anticipated to be completed. There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone.

In addition to the interstate restrictions, there are local restrictions as well. Maple Street, which runs underneath I-40, will be closed for six months. Detour signs will be posted for alternate routes during its closure. Also, Transcon Lane, which also runs under I-40, will have intermittent lane closures, but will remain open to traffic. Work hours will be 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT preparing to open roads to lakes in White Mountains for summer season

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State Route 260. ADOT Photo

State Route 260. ADOT Photo

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation will reopen several roads in the White Mountains, which are closed annually for the winter season. The roads will open early, this year, because of the dry winter season.

ADOT will start clearing leftover snow drifts, downed trees and conduct road repair which may affect traffic before opening the roads beginning Wenesday April 16.

Although the safety of all motorists is a top priority for ADOT before allowing traffic on previously closed roads, ADOT encourages motorists to do their part. Do not speed or tailgate other vehicles. Make sure you rest well before your trip and give yourself extra time for the trip.

Check the mechanical condition of your vehicle. Ensure you have proper cooling and brake fluids and oil. Check your tire pressure which also saves you on gasoline. Bring extra water and food in the event of a breakdown.

ADOT will open State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake, State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake

Before you leave, check for information about highway restrictions across Arizona at ADOT’s traveler information web site, www.az511.gov or dial 5-1-1.

Community Meeting on Awareness & Prevention of Serious Injury and Fatality Collisions on Camp Townsend/Winona Road

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is facilitating a meeting to discuss motor vehicle collisions resulting in injuries and fatalities that have occurred on Camp Townsend/Winona Road. The meeting will be held at the Summit Fire District Station Number 31 located at 6425 N. Cosnino Road in Flagstaff on Thursday, March 27, 2014 beginning at 6:00 pm.

During the years of 2008 to February 4, 2014 Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives have investigated 49 motor vehicle collisions resulting in injuries and five collisions that have resulted in fatalities on Camp Townsend/Winona Road. Investigations have revealed that a large number of the collisions are the result of driver error with the most predominant violations of “Speed in Excess Of the Posted Limit” and “Failure to Control Motor Vehicle.”

Representatives of the Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Public Works Engineering Department will present information to the community and discuss possible solution to include increased enforcement of traffic violations on Camp/Townsend Winona Road with emphasis on violations that may result in serious injury and fatality collisions. Representatives of the Public Works Department will discuss the possibility of additional signage.

The Sheriff’s Office is seeking information and suggestions from the public that create a collaborative effort to reduce collisions in the area. We cordially invite you to join the Sheriff’s Office in a partnership of trust and shared responsibility with the ultimate objective of increasing motoring-safety on Camp Townsend Winona Road and throughout our community.

Shame on Subaru of Wichita

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Wichita, Kansas – Subaru of Wichita should be ashamed for having such unbeatable prices.

The Subaru dealer of Wichita responded to a protest sign of the Carpenters Local 201 with a sign of their own. Scott Pitman posted their take on the protest on their blog. The dispute apparently started earlier this month over some construction on their site.

KWCH television published an unflattering article on the tactics of the union.

Their YouTube video below was posted with the notice, “We fully support every American’s freedom to exercise their First Amendment Rights, but when we disagree, we’re going to exercise ours and have fun at the same time.”

Lego donations requested for cancer patient.

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11-year old Fionn is undergoing cancer treatment at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.

11-year old Fionn is undergoing cancer treatment at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

WILLIAMS – Local youth Story Schmitz is seeking donations of Legos for his friend Fionn who is undergoing cancer treatment at the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

Story started his drive last week and has received eight sets with over 1600 pieces. He is going to see Fionn at the end of the week and hopes to take all of the Legos he has collected to Fionn.

Schmitz is passing out a circular which states, “Fionn loves Legos and I think that this will really help him keep his chin up through chemo and radiation therapy.”

To find out how you can donate Legos you can email Story at legosforfionn@gmail.com.

“Help me make this terribly scary and painful time in Fionn’s life a bit better and easier for him by letting him know that, not only do we want him to have cool Legos, but also that many people, even people that he doesn’t know, are praying for him and want him to pull through this and come out on top,” Story wrote.

Roundabout work on US 93 in Wickenburg begins Sunday night

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Night work will require the closure of the south roundabout; delays of up to 15 minutes are expected

WICKENBURG – The Arizona Department of Transportation will smooth and resurface the south roundabout in Wickenburg on US 93 starting Sunday night, March 23. Overnight work, requiring the full closure of the south roundabout, will occur Sunday through Thursday between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

Northbound US 93 traffic will be directed to use the north roundabout to Tegner Street for access into Wickenburg. Southbound US 93 traffic will be directed onto Tegner Street to eastbound US 60 and through the work zone with flaggers.

Until work is complete on the roundabout, one lane will be closed during the day starting on Monday, March 24 through Friday, March 28 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Restrictions for wide loads (maximum 10 feet wide) and a 75-foot length restriction will be in place until the work is completed.

Construction to widen State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley begins

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Four-lane divided highway to improve travel times for drivers

PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation will start a widening project this week on State Route 89 in an effort to improve travel times and enhance safety for motorists traveling between Chino Valley and Prescott.

Upon completion of the $17 million project, ADOT will expand the two-lane roadway to a four-lane divided highway along a five-mile segment of SR 89 (mileposts 320-325) between Road 4 South in Chino Valley and Deep Well Ranch Road in Prescott, north of the SR 89/SR 89A junction.

The new southbound roadway will be parallel to the existing highway between Prescott and Chino Valley and will include the construction of two roundabouts at Deep Well Ranch Road and Kalinich Avenue.

Project work hours are Monday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and minimal impacts to the traveling public are expected as the majority of the work will not be performed on the existing roadway.

This project is expected to be completed by summer 2015.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.