Monthly Archives: June 2015

For The Love of Spock

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Photo from Kickstarter web site

Photo from Kickstarter web site

Leonard Nimoy, best known for his role as Mr. Spock on Star Trek, was approached by his son on the possibility of doing a film on Spock for the 50th anniversary of Star Trek next year. They worked on the project until his unfortunate passing in February. Adam Nimoy now seeks to complete the film not only as a tribute to Spock, but as a tribute to his father.

Adam is a director in his own right having directed episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Babylon 5, Sliders and other non-science fiction shows.

In order to complete the film in time, Adam turned to the Kickstarter funding web site. The father and son team had already chosen 455 Films to produce the film and had contacted several of the Star Trek actors to be interviewed for the film. Zachary Quinto, the current Spock in the recent feature films, has agreed to narrate the film.

Kickstarter offers several donation levels from $5 on up, but some of the higher level offers are already sold out.

Widening project on US 93 north of Wickenburg will affect traffic next week

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WICKENBURG — For the past several months, a five-mile widening project on US 93 approximately three miles north of Wickenburg has been under way. Next week, beginning on Tuesday, June 30 through Wednesday, July 1, crews will be working on the existing roadway of US 93 at both ends of the project (mileposts 185 and 190) which will require a single lane restriction between 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected. US 93 runs north and south, not east and west as previously mentioned.

Crews will place temporary concrete barrier, shift the traffic lanes and restripe the roadway so they can continue the widening project. Drivers will be in this temporary configuration for the next three months. An 11-foot width restriction will be in place during that time.

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.

Overnight paving work on SR 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley this weekend

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CHINO VALLEY — Overnight paving work has been scheduled on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley this weekend starting Friday night, June 26 through Sunday, June 28, weather permitting. Work will take place on the south end of the project at the new Deep Well Ranch Road roundabout.

Motorists traveling on SR 89 between 4 p.m. and 5 a.m. Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 (no impacts on Friday night) should allow extra travel time through the work zone. A detour will be in place redirecting traffic in both directions onto the new Deep Well Ranch Road to Ruger Road.

Delays of up to 15 minutes at a time are expected. Flaggers and law enforcement will be present to guide motorists through the detour safely.

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, just north of the SR 89/SR 89A junction. The project is scheduled to be complete by August.

Drivers are reminded to ‘Pull Aside, Stay Alive’ this monsoon season

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PHOENIX — Where will you be when the dust settles?

That’s a question the Arizona Department of Transportation is asking motorists this year as another summer monsoon season begins.

For the fourth consecutive year, ADOT is rolling out its “Pull Aside, Stay Alive” dust storm public awareness campaign in an ongoing effort to educate drivers about the year-round threat of dust storms as monsoon season officially begins in Arizona today. Dust storms pose a serious public safety risk because they can strike out of nowhere. Motorists can protect themselves if they plan ahead and know the safe actions to take when the dust hits.

This year, ADOT – and partners at the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the National Weather Service – has created new television and radio public-education announcements that ask drivers if they know what to do if they get caught in a sudden dust storm event. The new TV public service announcement depicts a young driver following all the safety recommendations when she sees a dust storm while driving along a highway.

ADOT’s mission is to provide useful and memorable safety information to drivers before they get caught in a low-visibility dust storm. This year, the agency’s top recommendation is to avoid driving into a wall of dust at all costs.

“We hope motorists have heard the message that driving into a dust storm is dangerous and should be avoided,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “But every day we have new-to-Arizona drivers, and young drivers, who may not yet know about ‘Pull Aside, Stay Alive.’ If you know a new driver, take a moment to remind them about dust storm safety.”

Halikowski added, “As the monsoon arrives, this year we’re asking drivers to do the smart thing, the safe thing and plan ahead for possible blowing dust and limited visibility along the highway. It’s better to alter travel plans rather than attempting to drive through dust storms. It’s a risk you don’t have to take.”

Dust storms develop quickly and dust-related crashes can occur, particularly along the Interstate 10 corridor between Phoenix and Tucson. To advise drivers of approaching storms, ADOT employs a range of strategies – including electronic highway message boards, social and traditional media, communication with ADOT staff and law enforcement officers in the field, television and radio advertising, and close coordination with partnering agencies – to keep information flowing to motorists.

Please visit PullAsideStayAlive.org for the new public-education video, along with videos from past years. The website also includes a safety tip sheet.

During Arizona Monsoon Awareness Week, ADOT will be using social media to engage Arizonans in spreading the word to “Pull Aside, Stay Alive.” In addition to blog posts (azdot.gov/media/blog) and Facebook posts (Facebook.com/AZDOT), the “Haboob Haiku Challenge” is back for a fourth year at twitter.com/ArizonaDOT: use #HaboobHaiku. Anyone can channel their inner poet, but this year ADOT is asking the public to show off their creativity by providing poems about safe driving tips in dust storms.

Tips for drivers who encounter a dust storm:

  • Avoid driving into or through a dust storm.
  • If you encounter a dust storm, check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
  • Do not wait until poor visibility makes it difficult to safely pull off the roadway – do it as soon as possible. Completely exit the highway if you can.
  • Do not stop in a travel lane or in the emergency lane; look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
  • Stop your vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and away from where other vehicles may travel.
  • Turn off all vehicle lights, including your emergency flashers.
  • Set your emergency brake and take your foot off the brake.
  • Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts buckled and wait for the storm to pass.
  • Drivers of high-profile vehicles should be especially aware of changing weather conditions and travel at reduced speeds in high wind.
  • A driver’s alertness and safe driving ability are always the top factors in preventing crashes. It is your responsibility to avoid distracted or impaired driving.

Locust Fire update: Firefighters manage unplanned and planned ignitions

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FREDONIA — The operational period for Monday was unique for North Zone fire managers on the Kaibab Plateau. Firefighters were managing unplanned ignitions and planned prescribed fire ignitions simultaneously; the lightning-caused Locust Fire which was determined to be appropriate to manage for protection and resource management objectives, and at the same time, firefighters implemented prescribed fire in the vicinity of Mile-and-a-Half campground.

Although two distinctly different operations with separate management teams, both fires were managed to achieve similar objectives such as returning fire to a fire-adapted ecosystem, reducing fuel loads and the threat of uncharacteristic wildfires in the future while improving overall forest health.

On Tuesday, the Locust Fire increased slightly in size and is being managed in a predetermined area north of Forest Service Road (FSR) 293, east of FSR 250, south FSR 214, and west of FSR 206, and the Moquitch 4 prescribed fire consumed approximately 90 acres in pine litter and down woody debris fuels.

“Today’s accomplishments included extending our black-lining to the west and finishing up prep work along the boundary lines,” said Locust Fire Incident Commander James Pettit. “Managing natural ignitions allows us to do some good fuels reduction and help bring the forest back to a healthy state.”

Fire managers designed the Moquitch prescribed burn plan with similar goals in mind; to improve forest health and wildlife habitat on the Kaibab Plateau.

“All environmental prescriptions were within the parameters for the Moquitch burn and our objectives were met; however, fire managers decided not to move forward with additional burning until later in the year,” said North Zone Fire Management Officer Ed Hiatt. “Success was achieved, public and firefighter safety was achieved, fuels were reduced and adverse impacts to cultural and natural resources were prevented.”

In terms of benefits to forest health, prescribed fire and managed fires perform very similar roles. The difference is that managed fires are naturally caused, whereas prescribed fires must be planned, analyzed and approved as outlined by the National Environmental Policy Act. In the case of the 10,000-acre Moquitch Wildlife Habitat Improvement project area, a detailed burn plan was written and approved in 2013, which took several years to develop.

The Locust Fire operational plan for today is to continue monitoring weather and fire behavior while scouting and preparing for additional blacklining opportunities along the perimeter boundary. Firefighters on the Moquitch 4 prescribed fire will continue to monitor the planning area; no additional firing on this project is planned for the near future.

Overnight work on Interstate 17 continues south of Camp Verde this week

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CAMP VERDE — Overnight paving work continues this week on Interstate 17 just south of Camp Verde (mileposts 280 to 286) between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. from Wednesday, June 24 through July 9.

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane and drivers will be guided through the work zone with a pilot car for the protection of workers and the traveling public. Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected.

Crews will not work on Thursday, July 2 or Sunday, July 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

This $7.5 million project consists of the removal of a layer of the existing pavement, repaving the roadway, bridge work and shoulder improvements. Work is expected to be complete by September.

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.

Utility relocation work on State Route 89 at Perkinsville Road in Chino Valley

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CHINO VALLEY —Relocation of utility lines on State Route 89 at Perkinsville Road in Chino Valley is scheduled to begin on Thursday, June 25 and continue through Thursday, July 2 at noon in observance of the Fourth of July holiday.

Work hours are Monday through Friday between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

Utility work will require a single lane restriction northbound (milepost 328) at the SR 89 and Perkinsville Road intersection during work hours.

This work to relocate utility lines is in advance of a roadway improvement project estimated to begin in the fall.

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.

Salt River Project and National Forest Foundation address critical aspen restoration on the Kaibab National Forest.

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Aspens mix with oaks in fall on Bill Williams Mountain to create an image of stunning beauty.

Missoula, MT — Two trees that give Williams and Flagstaff their most beautiful fall image are the oak and the aspen. The Kaibab aspen lines Perkinsville Road—also known as South Road in Williams—and Forest Road 111 which leads to the top of Bill Williams Mountain. The road to Dogtown lake has a number of aspens and oak.

In the spring and summer, the fully-leaved oaks and aspens provide shade for many of the hiking trails and camping spots. In the fall, the color of the leaves of the aspens mix with the changing color of the oak to create images of beauty.

Last March, Neil Weintraub—Kaibab National Forest Archaeologist—held a field trip to the Keyhole Sink. The trailhead to the Keyhole Sink is across from the Oak Hill Snow Play area along Route 66 east of Williams. There are a few aspens at the Keyhole Sink and during the tour, he brought to light the plight of the endangered Kaibab aspens. The aspens are dying off for a number of reasons.

There are groups, however, attempting to bring the aspens back to life.

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National Forest Foundation photo

The National Forest Foundation (NFF) [Facebook] recently expanded its partnership with the Salt River Project (SRP) to restore imperiled aspen forests on the Kaibab National Forest in Northern Arizona. A leading partner of the NFF’s reforestation efforts, SRP has been supporting landscape-scale reforestation in Northern Arizona through their Trees for Change program since 2009. This year, customer contributions collected through SRP’s Trees for Change program will restore aspen stands, a unique and imperiled forest type in Northern Arizona.
Aspen forests currently comprise less than one percent of forests on the southern half of the Kaibab National forest. Aspens provide particularly high ecological value and diversity, but these important biodiversity hotspots have declined in recent years due to competition from ponderosa pine, browsing damage from elk and deer, and fire exclusion. To improve the health of these important ecosystems, the NFF and the Kaibab National Forest have partnered on an ambitious two-year long, comprehensive aspen restoration project across 200 acres of the Kaibab National Forest.

With funding from SRP, the NFF and the Kaibab National Forest are constructing temporary fencing to exclude elk and deer, which allows aspen forests to regenerate. Additionally, the partners are planting young aspen seedlings to expedite aspen stand restoration. The project, now halfway completed, is expected to regenerate approximately 200,000 young aspen seedlings.

300-apsen-2“Last year, the Forest Service on the Williams Ranger District was successful in reforesting thousands of aspens with the Salt River Project’s contributions. The funding that SRP and the NFF provided was put towards work that would have taken many years to get completed with the regular budget,” said Richard Gonzalez of the Kaibab National Forest.

Since 2009, SRP has been a leading tree planting partner of the NFF, expanding the Forest Service’s capacity to accomplish critical reforestation projects following wildfire. To date, SRP has planted nearly one million trees on the Kaibab, Coconino and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Northern Arizona. Native seedlings planted through this unique partnership help re-establish wildlife habitat, sequester carbon dioxide and stabilize watersheds after wildfires.

“As a long-term partner of ours, the Salt River Project’s commitment to support important reforestation projects is helping restore Treasured Landscapes in Northern Arizona. We are proud to partner with SRP and admire their commitment to improving Northern Arizona’s National Forests through innovative partnerships,” said Bill Possiel, President of the National Forest Foundation.

Across the country, the forested headwaters of our National Forests and Grasslands provide water for 123 million Americans in more than 3,400 communities. The Phoenix metropolitan area is no exception, relying on water that is captured by National Forests in the Salt and Verde River watersheds. Recognizing the importance of these forested headwaters, SRP has invested in critical restoration projects on these National Forests. In addition to the Trees for Change program, SRP and the NFF developed the Northern Arizona Forest Fund. Dollars contributed through the Northern Arizona Forest Fund are invested in other important forest health projects on National Forests in the Salt and Verde River watersheds.

“Thanks to the generosity of our customers and their commitment to reforestation efforts, we are proud to support the efforts of the National Forest Foundation,” said Lori Singleton, Director of Emerging Customer Programs.

How can you celebrate Honor America Days?

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729px-1885_History_of_US_flags_medWe are in the time frame established by Congress in which they declare:

…that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.

The City of Rome, New York takes Honor America Days to heart. Many are unaware of it because it does not specify picnics, barbeques or drinking green beer.

So what could one do to honor America during this time? There are several things and they do not take up too much of your time.

You can start by practicing using the term Independence Day instead of July 4th. July 4th is just a date on a calander. Independence is what it is all about. The Declaration of Independence is readily available online. Why not take time to read what the causes of Independence were? Read them with your family. Why not study the Bill of Rights? [Oddly enough the government archives web site gives a 400 error on these topics.]

One important fact of the Bill of Rights is often overlooked; perhaps purposely. The main effect of the anti-Federalist arguments was to get a Bill of Rights attached to the Constitution in the form of the First Ten Amendments. A Bill of Rights was not a popular idea among the Federalists. They argued that if a specific list of rights were added to the Constitution, the Congress would trample on other rights of American citizens. It was felt that the Constitution fully protected the rights of citizens from the evils expressed in the Declaration of Independence. People knew their rights. For example they knew that people had the right to private property which could never be taken away for any reason (except for public purposes such as roads as expressed in the Fifth Amendment). They knew that people had the right to do with their property what they wanted so long as it did not affect the property of their neighbors.

They did not bank on Woodrow Wilson.

James Madison was most adimant against a Bill of Rights. Yet in the first Congress under the new Constitution, he—among others—proposed 12 amendments. Ten were added forming the unalienable Bill of RIghts—meaning they could never be revoked. Because it was proposed as law, it came with a Preamble. That Premable read, in part:

Preamble

Congress OF THE United States
begun and held at the City of New York, on Wednesday
the Fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine.

THE Conventions of a number of the States having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best insure the beneficent ends of its institution

Incidentally, the Bill of Rights were not written in order of importance. The government of the United States—the people—cannot enforce a First Amendment without utilizing the true intent of the Second Amendment.

The government approved Federalist Papers were used convince the people to accept the newly written Constitution. These are the most cited in court cases and so-on. There were others who argued for the Constitution as well as those who argued against. Essays on the Constitution of the United States by Paul Leicester Ford represents several arguments from both sides. The Federalist Papers Project has some anti-Federalist arguments on their site. Infoplease has a more extensive listing on their web site.

If you prefer a more regimented course of action, Hillsdale College has free online courses that you can sign up for. They have courses on the Constitution, the Federalist Papers, American Literature and more. The courses feature a video lecture, required reading and examinations to test what you have learned.

Another source of information is Archive.org which has many old videos used in American schools through the sixties. They also have a number of audio books and audio read by volunteers you can download. Such as 1984 by George Orwell who became disillusioned by Communism. Project Gutenberg has hundreds of thousands of books online which you can download and print. These two sources have thousands of other entertainment selections, as well.

The one thing that is commonly misunderstood is that liberty and freedom does not mean the freedom to do whatever you want. The volume on your stereo stops where another has to listen, for example. One cannot dump toxic chemicals into a stream that runs through the property of another.

It is highly unlikely that you will get through all of the references we have presented here by Independence Day. The purpose of this article is simply to show that resources for self-education do exist. You do not have to have a time frame specified by Congress to use them.