Category Archives: Amusement

How could we forget Bearizona?

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Awesome walk thru lights at night low resWILLIAMS — How could we have forgotten the annual Bearizona Backwoods Bash? Some how this slipped our minds in our article on weekend events.

Bearizona is hosting a Backwoods Bash on July 25, from 12:00p.m – 8:00p.m. This event will be held in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru area of the park and is open to the public.

Live country music throughout the day will set the mood for the event. Kids can jump ‘til their hearts content, get a balloon animal, get some Bearizona ink among other things in the Kid Zone. Barbecue food will be available for purchase as well as local drink selections from Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company & all your domestic favorites as well.

Bearizona is excited to welcome the Phoenix Herpetological Society who will be at the event from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with an alligator and an 18’ snake that attendees, who are adventurous enough, can get up-close, touch and get their picture taken with them. There will also be Bearizona’s walk thru animals on exhibit for all to see, as well as program animal encounters throughout the day.

Advance discount tickets for the Bearizona Backwoods Bash can be purchased by going to http://www.eventbrite.com and typing in Bearizona Backwoods Bash. $9 ages (4-12) and $20 (13 & Up). Tickets at the event will cost $11 ages (4-12) and $22 (13 & Up). Tickets will get you into both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas of the park, however the drive-thru closes at 7p.m. Bearizona pass holders get into the event for free.

Weekend begins tonight at 7:30 p.m.

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WILLIAMS — Begin the weekend in Williams by taking in the stars. The Coconino County Astronomical Society will host a stargazing party at the Glassburn Park area near the Zipline.

At 10 a.m. Saturday there will be a meeting at the Wild West Junction on the east end of Route 66 to discuss Community Protection Teams being set up by Oath Keepers. These teams are designed to provide services in a man-made or natural disaster. They are open to anyone; not just veterans, police and so-forth.

Saturday and Sunday is the annual Hamfest located at the rodeo barn at the Bob Dean Rodeo Grounds across the street from True Value hardware.

The forests have remained open this summer for camping and hiking. In recent years the forests were closed due to lack of moisture. So it is a great time to hike the trails and take in the lush green of the oaks and aspens and the beautiful wild flowers.

If you are bored this weekend it is not our fault.

Announcing a New Search Management Training Video

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SAR-Video-1FLAGSTAFF — A new training video which was a year in the making titled “Introduction to Search Management Best Practices” has been released to aid in training search managers. The video project was a joint effort between the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit, a Mountain Rescue Association member team, and the National Park Service Branch of Search and Rescue. To maximize its benefit to the search and rescue community, the video is being distributed free of charge via the internet. The video is intended to be used in conjunction with a comprehensive search management course or as a review of search management concepts for seasoned search managers.

Search management involves a combination of art and science to analyze the situation and then organize responders to efficiently and effectively cover the search area in an effort to find lost or missing persons. The National Park Service has a long tradition of excellence in search management and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has played an active role in search and rescue management training in Arizona for many years and continues that role with the release of this video.

In addition to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the National Park Service, other agencies that participated in the video project included the Arizona Department of Public Safety Aviation Bureau and Guardian Medical Transport.

A premiere showing for public safety agencies will take place at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Building on July 15th at 7:00 pm. The video can be found at the following link. https://vimeo.com/CCSOSAR/Search-Management

Deer a plenty in Williams

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Deer15-07-13-2640WILLIAMS — We are located in the high country where the deer and antelope play. Currently there are a lot of deer and elk foraging the forests around Williams and Flagstaff and all points in-between.

We remind visitors that the deer are very active around Country Club Road which is near the entrance/exit on the west end of town. They are also very active south on Perskinsville Road which leads past the Santa Fe dam. You need to keep an eye out on Highway 64 to the Grand Canyon, as well.

They are generally most active in the early morning, evening and night time hours and they can cross the road or freeway without warning. Please keep an eye on the sides of the roads and watch for them or you could have a very costly accident.

If you are camping, deer may seem tame enough to feed or pet. You might have even pet them at the Deer Farm Petting Zoo just east of Williams. In the wild, however, it is a different story. They can spook easily and attack without warning. Please watch your children while camping in the woods and do not let them explore alone.

You can generally get good photos from your vehicle or from a safe distance. Use your zoom.

Build-a-burger at Old Smokey’s

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300-smokeys013WILLIAMS — Over the Independence weekend, some friends and I went to Old Smokey’s restaurant at 125 on historic Route 66 in Williams under the guise of a birthday party.

(Well, since it was my birthday and Lu Carle invited me. Thanks, Lu)

It was my chance to learn about the new Old Smokey’s from the inside. I have heard ravings about their morning fare of biscuits and gravy. What I was interested in is if 300-smokeys012they were part of the build-a-burger group. I found out that, yes, they are. I went in and built-a-burger myself.

Though I must confess, I didn’t build that. Actually, I ordered what I wanted and the cook actually built it.

The meal was great. I had the burger with jalapeno peppers 300-smokeys014cooked to perfection. The hamburger and came with more than enough fries to satisfy the average diner. TIP: Might want to ask for a few extra napkins.

Lu had the Ruben with fruit and Brenda had the mini-burgers with fries. I actually found myself eying the Ruben, one of my favorite sandwiches. Have to try it next chance I get.

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They even brought me birthday cake.

Of course, the big test is the service. Not knowing what an extremely important person I was (to my Mom anyway), I was able to see how they would treat the average Joe off of the street. They were very pleasant. They continually asked if I needed a refill even though I brought my own drink with me. I noticed that they also went around and made sure other customers were attended to, so I knew my birthday disguise was working.

They even waited until my mouth was full before they asked if everything was all right just like every waitress I have ever encountered in the United States. (Do they have some secret school?)

As you can see, I had a little fun with this article. Seriously I have to say that Old Smokey’s is a great place to eat. The restaurant is clean, the staff is courteous, and the food is good. The prices are on par with other restaurants in Williams. Old Smokey’s is a great addition to the storefront of Williams.
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A little history. Old Smokey’s was one of the favorite breakfast and lunch spots in Williams for years. The original Old Smokey’s was located along historic Route 66 across the street from Dairy Queen. In recent times, however, the old restaurant fell into disrepair and the owners moved to their current location. The Old Smokey’s logo in the window is an actual recreation of the original Old Smokey’s logo that was in the window of the original Old Smokey’s, albeit colorized.

Williams youths open new business over Independence weekend

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Trevor Cookston, Andrew Hughes (pictured) join Mawell Williams as newest business owner.

Trevor Cookston, Andrew Hughes (pictured) join Mawell Williams as newest business owner.

WILLIAMS — Three Williams youths opened up a new video game store and arcade in the mall. Andrew Hughes, Trevor Cookston and Mawell Williams pooled their stock of Atari games through a selection of the latest PS4 games to start the business. The business is located in Suite 109 of the mall at 117 Route 66 (Next to the American Legion).

Trevor pointed out that the distance to Flagstaff and the price of some of the games keep video games out of the reach of some Williams gamers. They hope to keep the prices of games reasonable.

Currently they have a good selection of older video games for the PS and X-Box machines as well as a small selection of the games machines. They will consider trading video games and purchasing working game machines.

In the back room they have installed an arcade with some of the classic video game machines. Andrew said that they plan to trade them out on occasion to keep the selection fresh. He said that when circumstances permit, they hope to have a full arcade on Route 66.

Their current hours are from 10 am to 8 pm daily except Sunday when they close at 6 p.m.

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Coconino County Sheriff’s Office to Conduct OUI Checkpoint at Lake Powell

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Coconino County Sheriff Photo.

Coconino County Sheriff Photo.

PAGE — On Saturday, August 1st 2015 law enforcement agencies in Northern Coconino County will be conducting an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and boating safety checkpoint at Lake Powell from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol and drug involved boat collisions, OUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the waterways as well as to inform and educate the public of the dangers of impaired boating.

OUI checkpoints are a proven-effective method for achieving this goal. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Arizona Game and Fish Department believe boaters can be deterred from operating watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, members of the boating community are encouraged to ensure their vessels are properly outfitted with required safety equipment to ensure a safe voyage.

Traffic volume and weather permitting, all vessels may be checked for safety equipment and operators who are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs will be arrested. Our objective is to send a clear message to those who are considering operating a watercraft after consuming alcohol or drugs-Boat Safe, Boat Smart, Boat Sober! Deputies of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will partner with Officers of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and the Page Police Department. It is our desire that this two pronged approach of public awareness/education and strict enforcement will allow boating enthusiasts to have an enjoyable and safe recreational experience in Coconino County.

Safe boating recreation is a must, and everyone should take a minute and remember to check your boats, personal watercraft and all equipment before launching at your favorite lake or waterway. Make sure you have all required safety equipment, such as proper fitting life jackets and working fire extinguishers.

Another afternoon of rain for Williams

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Rain-15-07-07-7WILLIAMS — A steady rain storm hit Williams again augmented by thunder and hail. The rain began about 1:40 and continued steady for about 40-minutes. It may continue off-and-on throughout the afternoon.

Tomorrow there is a 20%-chance of thunderstorms after 11 a.m. tomorrow dropping to 10% overnight. Otherwise the forecast is mostly clear.

Thursday it is expected to be sunny and breezy and clear on Friday.

The chance of thunderstorms picks up again beginning Saturday.

Northern Arizona Gazette editor takes the Iron Apparel challenge

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WILLIAMS — Glen Davis, editor of Northern Arizona Gazette, learned of the Iron Apparel 22 post traumatic stress disorder video challenge in late June. As a Navy veteran, he decided to accept the challenge.

The original intent was to hike the two miles from Williams to Benham trail. There he would camp and conduct other challenges. The weather changed, however, and he had to get a ride home.

“I want to stress that I did not do it alone,” Glen said. “I hiked with my well-known companion Prince. I also had a friend check on my progress. Because I had planned to camp, I had another friend bring extra supplies and things I forgot. When the weather turned, my friend had to give me a ride home.”

He would have stayed, but he was camped among tall pines and was concerned about pending lightning. There was a recent death from a lighting strike in Flagstaff not too long ago.

Still, he did make the hike and the video follows:

Post Traumatic Stress disorder is a severe problem with returning veterans from the current conflicts. It is estimated that 22 Veterans take their lives each day. The video challenge by Iron Apparel is to bring awareness to the public about the problem and to raise money for the PTSD Foundation. The rules of the challenge are in this video:

“My message to veterans suffering from PTSD, depression or anything is you do not have to take your life. Just don’t do it. Your life matters to veterans and your families. There is too much help for you to take that route,” Glen said.

Glen also ordered the 22 PTSD t-shirt, but shipping is two to three weeks because of the demand. As we reported earlier, there are other sources of assistance.

There are other resources that people with PTSD may not have thought about. For example Run for the Wall is a ten-day motorcycle ride by Vietnam veterans who arrive at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall in Washington on Memorial Day. On the east coast, Rolling Thunder conducts a similar ride. The ride not only brings the plight of POWs to the attention of the public, but is also used as therapy for those suffering from PTSD.

If you are a motorcycle rider, or would like to be, you can contact these organizations. They might be able to link you up with a Vietnam veteran who has gone through what you are experiencing. They can help you train for the ride. The ride does take training because you ride several hundred miles a day. Since Vietnam veterans are passing away or getting too old to ride, you can even take up the gauntlet.

You can also obtain assistance from your local American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans or other veteran service organization.

Glen would like to challenge his friend and talented musician and artist, Gianluca Zanna. “Luca is a true Arizonan who puts out some great music,” Glen said. “He knows more about the Constitution than many Americans I know.”

He also challenges a few of his favorite actors. Texas Ranger Chuck Norris, for one, for the good work of 22 Until None. Kevin Sorbo of the Hercules series and the recent hit movie God’s Not Dead. His final challenge is Brisco County Junior, Bruce Campbell.

“Bruce Campbell has a great sense of humor. I just want to see the video,” Glen said.

If any Williams business or organization desires to accept the challenge, you can use our contact page if you need assistance or desire us to video it for you.

Williams receives good dose of rain overnight

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Wet historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams.

Wet historic Route 66 in Downtown Williams.

WILLIAMS — Williams received a good, steady rain overnight beginning about 8:30 p.m.

On Monday, there is a 40% chance of thunderstorms throughout the day and overnight. Tuesday the chance drops to 20% during the day and 10% overnight.

Wednesday sunny skies return and it is expected to stay clear through Friday with highs around 80.