Suspicious person causes lockdown in Flagstaff schools

FLAGSTAFF — At about 8:37 a.m. today, the Flagstaff Police Department received a call from a witness who observed a suspicious person who appeared to be carrying a long gun in the wooded area near Sinagua Middle School at 3950 E. Butler.

The witness stated she was driving on the asphalt road which runs from Butler to Sparrow when she noticed a subject between the ages of 16 and 25 walking out of the cul de sac area just to the east of the school grounds (Foxglen) area.

The witness described the subject as wearing a tan shirt, and a tan back pack and he appeared to be carrying a black or brown long gun. The subject had short or buzzed hair. The witness stated what appeared to be a long gun did not have an orange tip, and she observed the subject pointing the object at trees in the area.

No one witnessed the subject entering any of the schools in the area, but as a precaution three schools were advised of the situation. Sinagua Middle School, Knoles Elementary, and Northland Prep and went into their lock down procedures as a precaution.

Flagstaff Police Officers conducted a search of the schools and surrounding areas and did not have contact with any suspicious persons.

Flagstaff Ranger District looking for volunteers to plant trees

download1FLAGSTAFF — FLAGscanner is reporting that the Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is inviting volunteers to help replant approximately 2,000 ponderosa pine trees in the Schultz burn are on Saturday, Aug. 29. Volunteers should arrive by 8:30 a.m. to attend a safety briefing and planting demonstration.

A meeting area has been established at Schultz Pass Road (Forest Road 420) at the entrance to the Vulcan Mine. From Flagstaff, head north on Highway 89 approximately 12 miles. When you see the turn-off for Wupatki-Sunset Crater National Monument, turn left and go across the other side of the highway onto the dirt road. Follow the forest road to a “T” intersection and turn left again. Drive approximately one-half mile until you see signs for the planting event. The road should be suitable for most cars. Persons with low clearance vehicles are advised to drive carefully on the forest road.

More information including contact is available at FLAGscanner.

New Windows scam emerging

phoneA friend of mine on Facebook reports that he received a call from an 800 number from someone purporting to be from “Windows Security.” The person asked if he could go to his computer and type in what the person instructed.

Sadly, my friend could not. He owns a MAC.

With the problems associated with Windows 10, people might be lead to believe this is the real deal. IT IS NOT.

Microsoft will not call you to do anything over the phone. They charge you to call tech support. Why would they give up a cash cow for free? They will continue to force the security updates down your throat through their update mechanism. Since you also agree to allow Microsoft to store your emails anytime they want, they will even check your spelling.

Scams are getting more sophisticated and there are those who will prey on your lack of computer knowledge and scares over viruses and updates. Do not fall prey to any scams. If you are not sure, hang up and call a friend who is more knowledgeable. These people are simply trying to get you to set up a remote link—so convenient with Windows—to steal your personal information.

If your remote access feature is not turned off, you need to do it. Have a person with knowledge do it for you if you do not know how. It is different in each version of Windows.

I just refuse to answer any calls that are not in my book or not identified by caller ID. Some of the scammers will actually leave a message on your phone. There are no “free” trips to Jamaica. If you want to travel, consult a reliable travel agent.

Kraft Heinz Foods Company Recalls Turkey Bacon Products Due To Possible Adulteration

Kraft-2WASHINGTON — Kraft Heinz Foods Company, a Newberry, S.C. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,068,467 pounds of turkey bacon products that may be adulterated because it may spoil before the “Best When Used By” date, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The problem was discovered by the establishment during an investigation into spoilage-related consumer complaints. The turkey bacon was produced between May 31, 2015, and August 6, 2015. The following products are subject to recall:

  1. 56 oz. cardboard boxes (containing four plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer “Selects Uncured Turkey Bacon” bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 4470007633 0, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 24 AUG 2015 through 26 OCT 2015.
  2. 36 oz. cardboard boxes (containing three plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon “Smoked Cured Turkey Chopped and Formed” bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 7187154874 8, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 28 AUG 2015 through 20 OCT 2015.
  3. 48 oz. cardboard boxes (containing four plastic wrapped packages) marked Oscar Mayer Turkey Bacon “Smoked Cured Turkey Chopped and Formed” bearing the plant number P-9070, the line number RS19 and Product UPC 0 7187154879 3, and with “Best When Used By” dates of 3 SEPT 2015 through 30 OCT 2015.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “P-9070” inside the USDA mark of inspection, as well as the line number “RS19”. These items were shipped nationwide and exported to the Bahamas and St. Martin.

FSIS has not received any confirmed reports of adverse reactions related to the consumption of these products. However, the company has received reports of illness related to the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Arizona State Railroad Museum on agenda Thursday

asrm-mapWILLIAMS — The Williams City Council will meet in the chambers at City Hall on 1st Street beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday the 27th.

After public participation they will make a decision on Planning & Zoning Commission’s recommendation to approve an application for rezoning of 21 acres on Rodeo Road (APN 200-12-002F) for use by the Arizona State Railroad Museum.

They will also Ordinance No. 951 that amends the City’s Zoning Map.asrm-graphic

Oath Keepers meeting this Saturday to discuss CPT

WILLIAMS — There will be an Oath Keepers meeting Saturday, August 29th at 10 a.m. at the Wild West Junction.

On the agenda is the continuing efforts to create the Community Preparedness Teams (CPT). We need volunteers in the following areas. Medical, Communications, Preparedness, and Engineering.

The CPTs are open to any member of the community. You do not have to be a member of Oath Keepers to participate. The teams are being designed to assist in natural or man-made disasters which might occur.

For more information, contact Michael (Interim leader of the CP Team) at: 760-840-1956 for any questions you need answered.

Trump takes heat from Bergdahl lawyer for calling him a traitor

Defense attorney for Bowe Bergdahl—Eugene Fidell—is publicly berating Donald Trump for remarks in which he calls Bergdahl a “…dirty, rotten traitor.”

According to a report in the Army Times, Fidell said that Bergdhal cannot respond to the comments because he is currently under an Article 32 investigation to determine if charges should be brought. Fidell said that Trump’s remarks threaten Bergdahl’s right to a fair trial.

The remarks were in response to a video released by the Wall Street Journal of a town hall meeting in which Trump said:

We get a traitor named Bergdahl, a dirty, rotten traitor, who, by the way, when he deserted, six young, beautiful people were killed trying to find him.

Trump has used this example on his campaign trail over the past few months. In July he quipped that he would send Bergdahl back even if they do not want him.

Bergdahl disappeared in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009 and spent five-years in alleged captivity as a prisoner of war. He was traded for five Taliban terrorists. Fidell said that no soldiers were killed searching for Berghdahl.
soldiers-killed1The six soldiers in question are Staff Sergeant Clayton Bowen, 29, Private 1st Class Morris Walker, 23, Staff Sergeant Kurt Curtiss, 27, 2nd Lieutenant Darryn Andrews, 34, Staff Sergeant Michael Murphrey, 25, Private 1st Class Matthew Martinek

Bergdahl is now assigned to a desk job at U.S. Army North at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston, Texas while he awaits charges of once count of desertion with intent to shirk hazardous duty and one count of misbehavior before the enemy.

Swap meet still running

640-SwapMeet-15-08-21-3 WILLIAMS — The Kiwanis Route 66 Street Market is still open and runs through Labor Day weekend. The Street Market is located on Route 66 on the west end of town across from the Williams Memorial Park. The proceeds from the event benefit the projects of the Kiwanis Club such as the scholarship program.

Police in Allentown under fire after wrestling 61-year old to ground

Allentown, PENNSYLVANIA — The Photography is Not a Crime (PINAC) website is reporting on an alleged police brutality incident in Allentown, Pennsylvania against 61-year-0ld Jim Ochse. The incident apparently occurred on Thursday, August 13. Videos were posted a few days later.

Two videos were posted on YouTube which are going viral. The incident has brought out comments from both sides of the issue of police brutality. Supporters of police seem to contend that Ochse should have moved on when told while others wonder why it was necessary to put a 61-year-old on the ground.

A group called Lehigh Valley Copblock shared the video with the claim:

Allentown has been under heavy fire in recent months. The city has become so corrupt that the F.B.I. has even stepped in to investigate. As if things for the city are not bad enough with lawsuits and investigations, within the last week two videos have surfaced showing police brutality and illegal tactics.

The Allentown Morning Call reported that the incident was still under investigation. Mr. Ochse has apparently hired a civil rights attorney.

Workforce Flexibility act may give temporary DOI employees competitive edge

500px-US-DeptOfTheInterior-Seal.svgWASHINGTON — The Land Management Workforce Flexibility act, H.R. 1531, has been signed into law. It is now Public Law No: 114-47. The bill was submitted by Representative Gerald Connolly [D-VA-11].

The Workforce Flexibility act makes an employee of specified land management agencies in the Department of the Interior serving under a time-limited, including a temporary, appointment in the competitive service eligible to compete for a permanent appointment in any land management agency or any other agency if:
(1) the original appointment was competitive,
(2) the employee has served under one or more time-limited appointments totaling more than 24 months without a break of two or more years, and
(3) the employee’s performance has been at an acceptable level.

It also provides that an individual appointed under the provisions of this Act becomes a career-conditional employee and acquires competitive status upon appointment.

The agency determining the eligibility of time-limited employees are required to waive age requirements for these employees unless age is essential to the performance of the duties of the position.

The law defines a former employee of a land management agency who served under a time-limited appointment and who otherwise meets applicable requirements to be a time-limited employee for purposes of this Act if:
(1) such employee applies for a position covered by this Act within two years after the most recent date of separation, and
(2) such employee’s most recent separation was for reasons other than misconduct or performance.

Persons interested in career positions in the Department of the Interior should check with Human Resources for more information.