Monthly Archives: January 2017

Arizona driver licenses, IDs are valid for air travel until October 1, 2020

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PHOENIX – Arizona driver licenses and state identification cards are valid for air travel until Oct. 1, 2020. Period.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is sharing that message with travelers who may be confused by new Transportation Security Administration placards posted at airports. These notices say that beginning on Jan. 28, 2018, travelers using a driver license or state ID for travel will need one from a state compliant with the federal REAL ID Act or a state with an extension for compliance.

Arizona is among states granted federal extensions allowing valid driver licenses and state IDs to be used for travel until Oct. 1, 2020. That’s because Arizona has started offering a voluntary ID that meets REAL ID Act requirements.

Arizonans have the option now to obtain a Voluntary Travel ID. It’s available by appointment at Motor Vehicle Division offices or without an appointment at an Authorized Third Party provider offering driver license services. It costs $25 and in most cases is valid for eight years.

Please visit azdot.gov/TravelID for more information on the Voluntary Travel ID and the documents required to get one, to schedule an appointment to get a Voluntary Travel ID at an MVD office or to locate an Authorized Third Party offering driver license services. You also can schedule an MVD appointment to get a Voluntary Travel ID via ServiceArizona.com.

County Elected Officials sworn in

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials pledged oaths Friday to uphold the Constitution, the
laws of Arizona and to serve county residents.

Chair of the Board Liz Archuleta led the swearing-in ceremony at the Coconino Center for the Arts in
Flagstaff. Participating in the event were County officials elected and re-elected by county voters in
November.

“It is an honor to serve and help shape the policy of the County,” said Archuleta, who represents
District 2. “It’s also a privilege to work with the other dedicated public servants. In Coconino County,
we have a long tradition of collaborating as a team of elected officials to deliver the best possible
services to our constituents.”

New members include District 4 Supervisor Jim Parks who replaced retired Supervisor Mandy
Metzger; Sheriff Jim Driscoll succeeded retired Sheriff Bill Pribil; County Attorney William Ring
replaced outgoing Attorney Dave Rozema; and Assessor Armando Ruiz replaced retired Assessor
Chris Mazon. Treasurer Sarah Benatar and Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey were
appointed mid-term and were re-elected.

“I have enjoyed working with the outgoing elected officials and wish them the very best in their
retirement,” said County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer. “I also look forward to working with the
new officials as they begin their terms and bring new and innovative perspectives to the County.”

Those sworn in were:

. Art Babbott Supervisor, District 1
. Elizabeth C. Archuleta, Supervisor, District 2
. Matt Ryan, Supervisor, District 3
. Jim Parks, Supervisor, District 4
. Lena Fowler, Supervisor, District 5
. Armando Ruiz, Assessor
. Sarah Elena Benatar, Treasurer
. Patty Hansen, Recorder
. Risha Anne VanderWey, Superintendent of Schools
. William P. Ring, County Attorney
. Jim Driscoll, Sheriff
. Honorable Mark Moran, Superior Court Judge, Division III
. Honorable Cathleen Nichols, Judge of the Superior Court, Division V

Arizona Game and Fish Department seeks input on game management hunt guidelines

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is accepting comments on improving the hunt guidelines to continue the sustainable management of the state’s game animals, while providing as much hunting recreation as possible.

Comments on the existing hunt guidelines (See PDF) may be submitted through Feb. 15, 2017, either by e-mail to AZHuntGuidelines@azgfd.gov, or by mail to Hunt Guidelines, Arizona Game and Fish Department, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086.

“This is your opportunity to get involved in the nuts and bolts of this process, which guides how hunts are set each year,” said Big Game Management Supervisor Amber Munig. “We are seeking your ideas, comments, concerns, or observations on how to meet the many demands by our varied hunting public, as well as fostering new opportunities for continuing our hunting heritage for future generations.”

The hunt guidelines provide the biological and social parameters that make up the “recipes” used by wildlife managers to formulate the annual hunt recommendations (season structures, season lengths, season dates, permits allocated, etc.) and results in the hunts in which sportsmen, women and children participate.

However, wildlife biologists note that while wildlife is held in the public’s trust, and hunting opportunity is important, using science-based principles in shaping the guideline process remains paramount to assure healthy, sustainable, and diverse wildlife populations in perpetuity.

After all the comments are received, reviewed and processed, the department will host public meetings across the state to present the proposed revisions, answer questions, and collect any further public input. A final draft will then be prepared and posted on the department’s website prior to being presented to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission in September.

The existing hunt guidelines (PDF), as well as information on the hunt guidelines process, can be found at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines.

Meetings aim to shape future off-highway vehicle recreation on BLM land

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department encourages off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts who utilize Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands to participate in a series of workshops organized by the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council (NOHVCC).

“Whether you ride to see the countryside, to view wildlife or while hunting or fishing, OHVs are key for thousands of Arizonans and visitors to access the outdoors,” said Josh Hurst, AZGFD Off-Highway Vehicle Program coordinator. “To enhance OHV opportunities and plan for the future, the public is being given the opportunity to work with NOHVCC to help inform the BLM’s Travel Management and Recreation Management plans.”

To gather feedback, NOHVCC will hold a series of meetings around the state, where people will learn about current BLM activities and can offer their experiences on BLM managed land. The public can also provide input on what experiences can’t currently be found on BLM managed lands in Arizona and what could be done to better enhance OHV recreation.

Meetings are scheduled for the following times, dates and locations:

6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23 at the Red Lion Hotel and Conference Center 850 S. Bluff Street in St. George, Utah
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan 24 at the Ramada at 3100 E. Andy Divine Ave. in Kingman
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25 at the Quartzite Community Center at 295 Chandler Street in Quartzite
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26 at the Sheraton Tucson Hotel & Suites at 5151 E. Grant Road in Tucson
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 27 at the Coffinger Park Recreation Center at 175 E. Swilling Ave. in Wickenburg
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 at the La Quinta Inn at 2510 W. Greenway Road in Phoenix

Those unable to participate in one of the meetings, but would like to provide input, can submit comments and questions to trailhead@nohvcc.org.

Feeding wildlife a threat to people and pets in Rim Country

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PINE, Ariz. — People who feed wild animals are creating a public safety problem in Arizona’s Rim Country. Incidents of wildlife endangering people and their pets in this region have increased over the past few months, including:

  • An elk regularly fed by Pine residents reportedly charged several individuals in separate instances. One woman was forced to take refuge in a greenhouse on her property to escape.
  • Also in Pine, a young male elk entered a resident’s yard through an open gate and began stomping on her dog. The dog later died from its injuries.
  • A Pine resident freed an elk that had its antlers entangled in a tire swing (pictured). But the elk returned the next day because residents continued to set out food.
  • In Strawberry, herds of increasingly aggressive javelina have rushed local residents. One man who was charged by a javelina killed it in self-defense.
  • More than a dozen elk and deer deaths have been reported to AZGFD in this region. In each case, residents were intentionally or inadvertently feeding the animals.

Aggressive behavior toward people by elk and javelina is unusual, but feeding increases the frequency of these conflicts. Wildlife that become comfortable around humans lose their natural fear and can become bold and aggressive. In these recent reports to AZGFD, the aggressive behavior by wildlife appears unprovoked. Habituated animals often must be euthanized when they become a threat to human safety.

“The feeding and resulting habituation often causes these bold and increasingly aggressive behaviors, and can lead to animal deaths,” said Arizona Game and Fish Department Wildlife Manager Joseph Sayer. “When you feed wildlife, you’re not doing animals any favors. In fact, you may attracting them to their deaths.”

According to AZGFD Veterinarian and Wildlife Health Program Supervisor Anne Justice-Allen, the inappropriate foods people give to wildlife also can kill them.

“Wildlife are adapted to survive on native vegetation,” said Justice-Allen. “When deer, elk, and javelina eat grain or snack foods such as potato chips or kitchen scraps, they can develop conditions such as bloat, diarrhea, and bacterial infections, all of which can lead to death.”

“Habituated wildlife also attract unwanted attention from both predators and people. When you attract prey animals, you’ll also attract their natural predators and human hunters. We’ve seen an increase in disputes between neighbors when one wants to feed the wildlife, another considers it a nuisance, and still another wants to hunt it,” added Officer Sayer. “When you feed wildlife you change its behavior, putting it, your neighbors and yourself at risk. Please help us keep wildlife wild.”

When encountering wildlife, keep a safe distance and discourage interaction with them. AZGFD urges Rim Country residents to refrain from feeding wild animals to keep wildlife wild. Report aggressive or unusual animal behavior to the Arizona Game and Fish Department at (623) 236-7201 at any time, day or night.

ADOT hosting public meetings about transportation study on SR 89 between Chino Valley and Paulden

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is studying a 13-mile segment of State Route 89, between Road 3 North in Chino Valley and two miles north of Bramble Drive in Paulden. The purpose of this long-range planning study is to identify future roadway improvements as funding becomes available.

ADOT needs your input, and for your convenience the following public meetings have been scheduled:

  • Paulden Area Community Organization (PACO) at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 5, at the Paulden Christian Fellowship Church, 165 Aspen Road, Paulden
  • Chino Valley Town Council Meeting at 6 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 10, at council chambers, 202 N. State Route 89, Chino Valley
  • Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Meeting at 9 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1, 1015 Fair St., Prescott
  • Central Yavapai Metropolitan Planning Organization (CYMPO) Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 15, 1015 Fair St., Prescott

(Note:  The same information will be covered at each meeting.)

Pursuant to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ADOT does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. Persons who require a reasonable accommodation based on language or disability should contact Tricia Lewis at 928.606.2420 or email tlewis@azdot.gov.  Requests should be made as early as possible to ensure the state has an opportunity to address the accommodation. 

De acuerdo con el título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964 y la Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades (ADA por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Transporte de Arizona (ADOT por sus siglas en inglés) no discrimina por raza, color, nacionalidad, edad, género o discapacidad. Personas que requieren asistencia (dentro de lo razonable) ya sea por el idioma o por discapacidad deben ponerse en contacto con Tricia Lewis al 928.606.2420 o por correo electrónico al TLewis@azdot.gov. Las solicitudes deben hacerse lo más pronto posible para asegurar que el equipo encargado del proyecto tenga la oportunidad de hacer los arreglos necesarios. 

For more information about this study, please call Tricia Lewis, Senior Community Relations Officer, at 928.606.2420 or email tlewis@azdot.gov.

Rumour has it there’s a winner for favorite 2016 safety message

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PHOENIX – An Adele-inspired message struck a chord when ADOT Blog followers voted on their favorite safety slogans of 2016.

“Hello from the other side, buckle up & stay alive,” which appeared on electronic message boards in August, had received more than 3,300 votes as of Wednesday, Jan. 4.

The runner-up was “Gobble, gobble go easy on the throttle,” which got roughly 3,200 votes. “Mash potatoes not your head, buckle up,” another Thanksgiving weekend offering, was third with more than 3,000 votes.

The informal online poll launched Dec. 28 had participants give thumbs-up or thumbs-down to 10 safety slogans that appeared on ADOT message boards this past year.

ADOT posted more than 30 targeted safety messages during 2016.

ADOT’s Facebook page offered a chance for participants to sound off on messages that didn’t make the list of finalists. The most common complaint: not seeing Stars Wars-themed messages, including those timed with the release of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” such as “Join the rebellion against distracted driving.”

Other top-rated messages were “Pokemon Go is a no-go when driving” and “Designated drivers make the best New Year’s dates,” both with around 2,800 votes, and “Dumb drivers and smartphones don’t mix,” with about 2,700 votes.

We’re leaving the poll up, and who knows what the future may bring. But since some people have asked us for a winner, here you go.

Kaibab National Forest plans pile burns on Tusayan and Williams districts

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WILLIAMS – Fire managers plan to burn piles on the Tusayan and Williams ranger districts of the Kaibab National Forest tomorrow and Friday. The piles are the result of forest restoration efforts, and the goal of burning them is to further reduce fuels that could feed high-intensity wildfire.

Tusayan Ranger District

Tusayan Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 100-acre area tomorrow and Friday just west of the Town of Tusayan and Grand Canyon Airport. The piles have cured over the last two years and are expected to consume quickly. Winds on Thursday are expected to be from the southwest, which would push any smoke produced toward the northeast. However, fire managers anticipate that any smoke impacts to Tusayan or the airport would be very light. At night, downslope wind is expected to move smoke west away from Tusayan and the airport. On Friday, winds are predicted to be from the northeast, which should push any smoke produced southwest away from developed areas. No smoke impacts are anticipated for Tusayan or the airport Friday. No road or trail closures are expected.

Williams Ranger District

Williams Ranger District fire managers plan to burn piles scattered within a 52-acre area tomorrow and Friday near Kunde Knoll, about 8 miles south of Williams. Smoke is expected to drift to the north and northeast during the day and will be most noticeable in the immediate area surrounding the pile burn during ignitions and for a few hours afterward. Smoke impacts to any developed areas or nearby communities are expected to be light.

Also on Thursday and Friday, Williams fire managers plan to burn the single, large natural debris pile at Three Sisters Cinder Pit, located north of Cataract Lake about two miles northwest of Williams. Smoke is expected to be pushed north and northeast during daytime hours, away from Williams. However, light smoke may be noticeable in the northern portions of Williams during overnight hours.

No road or trail closures are expected with either pile burn on the Williams Ranger District.

General Information

Implementation of any particular prescribed fire, including a pile burn, is dependent on weather and fuel conditions including winds, temperature, humidity, moisture of the vegetation and ventilation conditions for dispersal of smoke. All prescribed fires are subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division and to view prescribed burn authorizations for any given day, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/programs/air-quality-programs/smoke-management.

In the interest of safety, visitors are always reminded to use caution when traveling in the vicinity of prescribed fires, as firefighters, fire-related traffic and smoke may all be present.

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fires are provided regularly throughout the year. Members of the public can find this information through the following sources:

Blasting resumed in January on State Route 77

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PHOENIX – Daytime blasting to remove potentially hazardous rocks resumed yesterday in an effort to protect workers and motorists along State Route 77 south of Globe. SR 77 will be closed in both directions between mileposts 154-161 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Monday through Thursday.

In addition, lane closures are expected each work day from 7-10 a.m. and from 3-5 p.m. Drivers should expect delays of about 15 minutes during those times. The restrictions are expected to remain in place until March.

ADOT crews had been working at night to remove rocks that could have fallen along SR 77 near Dripping Springs. The work was switched to the safer daylight hours after a loosened 18-foot limestone boulder fell 150 feet and landed on the roadway on November 30.

The incident underscored the risk for construction crews and the potential hazard to motorists. In addition to the instability of the rock face that is being removed, blasting creates flying rock that could be dangerous to workers, especially in the dark between sunset and sunrise.

During the closures, drivers can travel SR 177 and US 60 between Globe and Winkelman. That route will add about 20 miles to the trip.

As with any work zone, drivers are asked to drive slowly and cautiously in the work area and watch for construction workers and equipment.

Out-of-State travelers should be aware that Arizona Revised Statute 28-710 §B. provides for double fines for speeding through a marked highway work zone.

CARC Amateur Radio license exam January 21

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will hold a regular amateur radio license examination session on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. The examination will be held at North Country Healthcare, 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff.

You need to bring the following:

  1. Photo ID (Driver’s license, passport, or school ID)
  2. A copy of your amateur radio license (if you have a license)
  3. Federal registration number or your Social Security Number.
  4. Fee: $15
  5. Black ink pen
  6. Pencils

Optional: A simple calculator
A valid email address for your application

A Federal Registration Number is recommended over a SSN. If you use your SSN, you will have to wait until the FCC assigns you an FRN prior to getting your license. If you plan to take the examination and have not filed for a FRN, you should apply on the FCC Universal Licensing System as soon as possible.

Find out more about the license session at the ARRL web site.

The next scheduled license exam will be 22 April 2017.