Monthly Archives: November 2015

Walmart bomb scare results in arrest

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On Tuesday, November 17, 2015 at 10:52 a.m., Officers were called to the parking lot of Walmart at 2750 Woodlands in regards to what appeared to be some type of explosive device. When Officers arrived they located several propane tanks, an extension cord, and a battery charger.

A witness was contacted and he described two subjects in a white colored Ford Mustang who had taken the tanks out of the car. The passenger then left the parking lot and the driver left the tanks in the parking lot and drove out of the area.

Officers cordoned off the area, and requested the Bomb Squad to respond as a safety precaution. The Bomb Squad arrived and inspected the tanks and determined they were not being used as any type of explosive devices. After speaking with the witness and reviewing parking lot video, an attempt to locate was sent to surrounding officers for contact with the white Mustang.

An Officer located the Mustang and attempted to pull it over and driver did not comply. Other Officers in the area in unmarked vehicles located the car and described it as driving on the grass and driving in a reckless manner. The vehicle was monitored and was followed as it moved towards the Brannen homes area, and came to a stop after driving off the roadway and into the wooded area near the 1000 block of Dogwood. The driver ran from the vehicle and was quickly apprehended by Officers in the area.

The driver has been identified as 53 year old Berel David Stolworth of Durango Colorado. Stolworth was taken into custody and charged with Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Transport, Possession of Narcotic Drugs for Sale, Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale and Unlawful Flight from Law Enforcement. This investigation is currently still under investigation, and further information will be forthcoming.

FDA Orders Recall under Consent Decree for all Custom Ultrasonics Automated Endoscope Reprocessors

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today ordered Custom Ultrasonics to recall all of its automated endoscope reprocessors (AERs) from health care facilities due to the firm’s continued violations of federal law and a consent decree entered with the company in 2007. The identified violations could result in an increased risk of infection transmission. The FDA ordered this recall under the terms of the consent decree. The agency also issued a safety communication today recommending that health care facilities currently using Custom Ultrasonics AERs transition away from their use to alternative methods to reprocess flexible endoscopes as soon as possible.

These actions are part of the FDA’s commitment to patient safety and ongoing efforts to minimize the risk of patient infections associated with reprocessed endoscopes, including duodenoscopes and scope accessories. The FDA has been working with federal partners, manufacturers and other stakeholders to better understand the critical factors contributing to bacterial infections associated with duodenoscopes and how to best mitigate them.

An estimated 2,800 AERs manufactured by Custom Ultrasonics are currently in hospitals and outpatient clinics throughout the United States. The FDA’s recall order applies to all Custom Ultrasonics AERs, including the System 83 Plus, System 83 Plus 2 and System 83 Plus 9. Within seven business days after receiving the FDA’s recall order, Custom Ultrasonics must provide a written recall proposal to the FDA.

“We are taking action because Custom Ultrasonics failed to meet its legal and regulatory obligations,” said William Maisel, M.D., M.P.H., deputy director for science and chief scientist in the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “The FDA’s recall order stemmed from the company’s continued violations of federal law and the consent decree and is necessary to protect the public health.”

AERs are Class II medical devices that require 510(k) clearance and are used to wash and high-level disinfect endoscopes to decontaminate them between uses. AERs are designed to expose outside surfaces as well as interior channels of endoscopes to chemical solutions in order to kill microorganisms and prevent the spread of infection from these reusable medical devices. An endoscope must be thoroughly cleaned to remove any visible debris prior to placing it in an AER, which includes manually scrubbing the elevator mechanism and the recesses surrounding the elevator mechanism.
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Williams gets ready for the tree

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640-1116-treeWILLIAMS — While snow fell, the City of Williams prepared for the reception of the annual Christmas tree on Second Street next to The Gallery in Williams. Williams received light snow throughout the day starting at about 9 a.m. while Flagstaff had already received a significant snowfall of at least 4″ overnight.

There were some reports of vehicles sliding on I-40, but no injury accidents.

The weather forecast shows snow before 8 p.m. tonight clearing up to mostly sunny tomorrow. The temperature will rise through the week to the upper 50s by Friday and lowering to mid-50s over the weekend. The temperatures in Flagstaff are expected to be about the same.

Governor’s Office of Highway Safety grants boost ADOT crash data efforts

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PHOENIX — Grants from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety are enabling the Arizona Department of Transportation to improve collection of crash data from law enforcement agencies around the state.

Grants of $508,600 for federal fiscal year 2015 and $106,000 for federal fiscal year 2016 continue to address what had been a cumbersome process of manually reviewing volumes of documents received and then entering them in a database. ADOT is responsible under state law for compiling crash data and creating comprehensive reports from it that government agencies, nonprofit groups and other entities statewide use to improve traffic safety.

The grant funding is allowing ADOT to help more agencies make use of an online system for submitting crash data.

“The grant awards received from the GOHS supports ADOT’s initiative to improve the process of collecting crash data,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “ADOT is proud to be at the forefront through the use of technology to process the crash data received from reporting law enforcement agencies and create vital reports that become the source for making Arizona streets and highways safer.”

The first grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety directly supports work performed by the ADOT Traffic Records Unit to develop reports from the crash data. The second further supports the agency’s electronic reporting efforts.

“Being partners with ADOT and other agencies in state government produces results that can be used to coordinate highway safety programs throughout Arizona and is a model of cooperation in this administration,” said Alberto Gutier, director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is the focal point for highway safety issues in Arizona. The cabinet agency provides leadership by developing, promoting and coordinating programs; influencing public and private policy; and increasing public awareness of highway safety.

US 60 east of Superior to close briefly for blasting operations Nov. 17 and 19

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PHOENIX — Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require four separate full closures of US 60 for up to 90 minutes:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 19, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235) until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.

The $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.

The project will include the following:

  • Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
  • Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (mileposts 233-234)
  • Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
  • Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242 just west of Miami)

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

SpaghettiOs Original 14.2oz Cans Recalled Due to Potential Choking Hazard

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640-472515Campbell Soup Company (NYSE:CPB) is voluntarily recalling 14.2 ounce cans of SpaghettiOs Original due to a potential choking hazard posed by pieces of red plastic found in a small number of cans. This plastic material is from parts of the can lining which may peel off.

The affected 14.2 ounce SpaghettiOs Original product has a date of February 22, 2017 which is stamped on the base of the can, and a UPC code of 51000 22432 printed under the bar code.

The issue was identified after the company received consumer complaints.

This recall affects 355,000 cans and is limited to the United States.

This product should not be eaten. People who have bought the affected product should return it to the store where it was purchased for an exchange or full refund. For more information call 1-866-535-3774 between 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday or visit Facebook/SpaghettiOs. Campbell Soup Company apologizes for the inconvenience.

ADOT earns ‘Owner of the Year’ award from engineering magazine

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PHOENIX — Noting the agency’s significant contributions to the state’s economy through partnerships with contractors, Engineering News-Record Southwest magazine has honored the Arizona Department of Transportation as Owner of the Year for its management of infrastructure projects.

The honor, presented recently during the publication’s annual awards luncheon in Phoenix, also highlighted how ADOT benefits Arizonans and works with Arizona’s construction industry.

“As an agency we are proud to have received this honor,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Our employees deserve a lot of credit for working through the challenges presented by the economic downturn last decade. Transportation is such an important part of the state’s economic engine.”

The publication cited the ongoing $110 million Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway widening project in Mesa and the $73 million widening of Loop 101 in the Scottsdale area as examples of major infrastructure improvements. Both projects, designed to accommodate future traffic growth, are slated for completion next year.

“ADOT’s commitment to working with the contracting industry to resolve challenges and to build strong working relationships is one of the best in the country,” Sundt Construction Inc. CEO Mike Hoover told ENR Southwest. “In fact, ADOT has led the nation in its innovative partnering strategies since the early 1990s.”

The magazine also recognized ADOT for its $25 million reconstruction of US 89 south of Page after a 2013 landslide, naming it Best Highway/Bridge Project and winner of the annual Excellence in Safety award.

Halo, Purely for Pets® Issues Voluntary Recall of Sensitive Cat Turkey Dry Food Due to Mold

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ucm472417Halo, Purely for Pets has initiated a limited, voluntary recall of its Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey kibble with a Best By date of 09/04/2016 due to reports of mold. No other Halo products are affected.

Consumers who have Spot’s Stew Sensitive Cat Turkey stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” should discontinue feeding, and return the remaining portion to any Halo retailer for a full refund or replacement.

While some pets can ingest mold without incident, others may experience digestive issues. Consumers should consult their veterinarian if their cat experiences digestive issues.
Halo is also instructing its retailers to remove Sensitive Cat Turkey products stamped “Best By 09/04/2016” from their shelves.

The affected product is:

Product name:
Spot’s Stew Wholesome Turkey Recipe Sensitive Formula for Cats

UPC Codes:
745158350231 and 745158340232

Sizes:
6 lb. and 3 lb. bags

Best by Date:
09/04/2016

For more information, contact Halo Customer Care at 800-426-4256 Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. EST, or email customers@halopets.com or visit www.halopets.comdisclaimer icon.

Award honors ADOT’s commitment to diversity in business

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is being honored for its commitment to diversity in business relationships with suppliers and contractors.

The Arizona Million Dollar Circle of Excellence award, presented by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency, recognizes organizations whose practices support small businesses owned by minorities and women.

“This agency is grounded in the values of accountability, integrity and respect,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The commitment to diversity recognized by this award speaks to one core way we hold ourselves to the highest professional standards.”

Gonzalo A. de la Melena Jr., president and CEO of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said Hispanics impact every segment of Arizona’s economy, including the transportation infrastructure.

“So we’re pleased to have a partner in the Arizona Department of Transportation as we promote diversity in hiring, promotion and the supply chain pipeline,” he said.

Those selected for this honor have helped disadvantaged business enterprises earn more than $1 million in the past year. In ADOT’s case, the contracts were worth more than $25 million.

“ADOT employees have worked extensively to connect with the diversity of Arizona’s business community,” Halikowski said. “In addition to informing about potential bid opportunities, they educate firms about how to do business with ADOT.”

ADOT will receive the award today in Phoenix at the Business Diversity Summit organized by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Minority Business Development Agency.