Kaibab National Forest seeks input on proposed changes to management of grazing allotment on Tusayan Ranger District

TUSAYAN — The Kaibab National Forest is seeking public input on a proposal to make changes to management of the Anita/Cameron grazing allotment on the Tusayan Ranger District.

The proposed action, which is available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48309, includes the proposed number of livestock, period of use, and range improvement infrastructure for the allotment, which consists of 205,538 acres of national forest available for grazing. The allotment is located east and southeast of the Town of Tusayan.

The purpose of the proposed action is to authorize livestock grazing consistent with Forest Service policy and in a manner that maintains or improves resource conditions, promotes ecological resiliency across the landscape, and provides long-term management direction for domestic livestock grazing.

The proposed action also incorporates flexibility into the management of the allotment in order to allow the Forest Service and individual grazing permittees to better adapt management to changing resource conditions and the achievement of management objectives.

Members of the public are encouraged to review the proposed action for the Anita/Cameron grazing allotment and provide comments by Feb. 24. The proposed action and information on how to comment are available on the Kaibab National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=48309.

It is Forest Service policy to make forage from national forest lands suitable for grazing available to qualified livestock operators and to continue contributions to the economic and social well-being of people by providing opportunities for economic diversity and by promoting stability for communities that depend on range resources for their livelihood.

Body of Wing-Suit Jumper Mathew Kenney Recovered

PAGE — On Sunday, January 17, 2016 a private group of professional technical climbers engaged by family members rappelled down to the location where the body of 29 year old Mathew Kenney of Santa Cruz, CA came to rest. Those rescuers lowered the body to a slope where Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter and crew based out of Kingman, AZ performed a one skid landing. The DPS helicopter off-loaded a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue technician and was able to conduct a long line extraction of the body to Lees Ferry where it was released to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Technical Rescue Team members and National Park Service helicopter from Grand Canyon had previously attempted a body recovery by helicopter on Thursday, January 14, 2016. Due to safety issues and incoming weather, the recovery was suspended and additional plans were discussed for a technical recovery.

Mathew Kenney died on January 12, 2016 when he was wing-suiting in the Paria Canyon – Vermilion Cliffs Wilderness area within the BLM Arizona Strip District approximately 15 miles north of Lees Ferry. His body was located in the steep canyon walls.

Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy Issues Voluntary Recall of All Lots of Unexpired Sterile Human and Animal Compounded Products Due to Lack of Sterility Assurance

Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all unexpired lots of sterile compounded products due to concerns of lack of sterility assurance. All unexpired lots are subject to the recall. These include injectable medications, sterile solutions, eye drops, and eye ointments. All recalled products were distributed to patients, physician offices and clinics, and veterinarians within California.

All recalled products have a label that includes the Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy name and expiration date. If unsure, Customers can call the pharmacy to determine the expiration date. This recall impacts all sterile products distributed between 01/01/2015 and 01/14/2016.

The recall was issued after a series of onsite inspections by the FDA. Out of an abundance of caution, Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling all sterile compounded products within expiry. If there is microbial contamination in products intended to be sterile, patients are at risk for serious and potentially life-threatening infections.

To date, Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy has not received any reports of any adverse effects or injuries, and the recalled products were distributed exclusively within the state of California directly from its Berkeley, California pharmacy location.

Customers that have recalled product should immediately stop using it and contact the pharmacy to arrange for the return of unused product. Customers should contact their physician or health care provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using these products.

Customers with questions regarding this recall can contact Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy by phone Monday thru Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm at (510) 548-8777, or email its media representative.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

  1. Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm
  2. Regular Mail or Fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178
  3. For reporting animal adverse drug events: http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ReportaProblem/ucm055305.htm

Abbott’s Compounding Pharmacy deeply regrets any disruption that this voluntary recall and temporary suspension of Sterile compounding services have on its Customers, but notes that safety and quality are its primary concerns.

Blendtech Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk Allergen in Uncle Buck’s Fish Batter Mix – Original

ucm482079BlendTech Inc of Wichita, KS, is voluntarily recalling one lot of Uncle Buck’s Fish Batter Mix – Original due to the presence of an undeclared milk ingredient. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

The recalled Batter Mix was distributed in Bass Pro Shops stores nationwide and through mail order.

The affected product is packaged in a 22 ounce, yellow plastic bottle with black cap, UPC 9222972528, and marked with lot #09241505 on the bottom of the bottle.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The recall was initiated after BlendTech discovered product containing milk was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk.

Consumers who have purchased the affected product are urged to discard it. Consumers who would like replacement or have questions may contact the company at 1-844-265-7354 or at 1-316-941-9660, Monday – Friday 8:00AM to 4:30PM CST.

Queen Creek Tunnel lighting project starting on US 60 east of Superior

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be starting a new lighting project beginning Monday, Jan. 25, to replace the existing lighting system in Queen Creek Tunnel. The tunnel is located on US 60 at milepost 228 just east of Superior.

The $3 million project, which is scheduled for completion by the end of July 2016, will include:

  • Removing the interior lighting and installing a LED lighting system
  • Replacing the exterior lighting at both ends of the tunnel
  • Retrofitting the current electrical control building
  • Cleaning the tunnel walls and ceiling

The removal and installation of the lighting in the tunnel will require lane closures during different phases of the work. Crews will be removing the old lighting system from both sides of the tunnel and installing the new lighting system down the center of the ceiling in the tunnel. During these times, different lanes within the tunnel will need to be closed for crews to work safely in those areas.

The speed limit will be reduced, barricades and barrier wall will be installed and lanes will be narrowed. Officers will be present during these restrictions to strictly enforce all traffic laws. Due to the limited work area within the tunnel it is imperative all motorists obey the traffic control changes for the workers’ safety.

Work hours will be Monday through Thursday from 6:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Toward the end of the project US 60 will be closed in both directions for crews to clean the tunnel walls and ceiling. Those times and dates will be advertised when they get closer.

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

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur.

ADEQ Recognizes Town of Springerville Leadership in Proactive Environmental Protection Programs

SPRINGERVILLE — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today that the Town of Springerville in Apache County is the third municipality in the state to complete a Small Community Environmental Protection Plan (SCEPP).

With a SCEPP in place, Springville is now better positioned to contribute to a cleaner, natural environment and more livable community. The Town also is eligible for up to a 100 percent penalty reduction for future environmental violations.

Steve West, Springerville Town Manager said, “Participation in the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program exemplifies the Town of Springerville’s commitment to continual improvement and environmentally stewardship for the benefit of those we serve.”

A SCEPP is a component of the ADEQ Small Communities Environmental Compliance Assistance Program (SCECAP). Small cities, towns and special water and wastewater districts often lack resources and staff to address their environmental concerns. This program helps them comply with state and federal environmental laws and reduce the number of violations and enforcement actions.

“We are committed to helping small communities in the state affordably protect their public health and air, land and water resources,” said ADEQ Director Misael Cabrera. “We congratulate the Town of Springerville for being a leader in the effort to build environmental cooperation and hope other small towns and wastewater and water districts join the program,” Director Cabrera added.

With completion of this milestone, the Town of Springerville also applied for recognition under Arizona’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP). ADEQ accepted the Town into the VESP at the Silver Level for its superior compliance history demonstrated by at least three years without environmental enforcement action.

The Silver Level recognizes organizations going above and beyond what is legally required to prevent pollution and conserve natural resources. The Town of Springerville has an ongoing commitment to protect air quality through its Branch Cleanup Project, which reduces smoke in residential neighborhoods. Town officials are measuring program participation, working to increase each year.

ADEQ will present the Town with Certificates of Recognition for both proactive, voluntary environmental protection programs at the Jan. 20, Springerville Town Council meeting.