Category Archives: Recreation

Cool Country Cruise In in full swing

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CCCIn-15-08-08-01aWILLIAMS — Lime green, canary yellow, cherry red—all colors of the classic car spectrum are represented today in Williams. Although Williams is visited by classic cars all year, this is the event where they are lined up waiting for your cameras.

The annual Cool Country Cruise In—centered around Arizona Highways award winning restaurant, Twisters—is in full swing. Classic cars from every era of route 66 are packed in for display and some are for sale.

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Today is the day to check out the event because most will be gone tomorrow.

Springs Fire continues to meet management objectives

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Smoke from Spring fire visible from Williams, but County 73 currently unaffected.

Smoke from Spring fire visible from Williams, but County 73 currently unaffected.

WILLIAMS — The 410-acre, lightning-caused Springs Fire continues to meet fire management objectives, allowing natural fire to play its part in the ecosystem, improving both wildlife habitat and overall forest health. Crews are monitoring growth and evaluating the need for actions to keep the fire at a low to moderate intensity. The potential for continued growth depends on a variety of factors to include weather conditions, potential fuel continuity and winds.

Fire managers performed blacklining operations, yesterday, on the south side of County Road 73, also known as the “South Road” between Forest Road 354 (near Kunde Knoll) to Forest Road 3117. County Road 73 will now serve as a boundary to stop or eliminate fire growth to the north. Today blacklining may be conducted along boundaries near private lands, as the Springs Fire moves closer to sections of private land within the fire area.

Light impacts of smoke can be expected in the Garland Prairie and Sherwood Forest areas as winds are forecasted out of the southwest. Smoke may be visible in the Bellemont and I-40 area, Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake vicinity. Over the next several days the wildfire is expected to move up Summit Mountain, where smoke may be more visible from a greater distance.

The fire, which started July 2, is located 9 miles southeast of Williams, near Davenport Knoll, to the west of Summit Mountain. No closures exist at this time, however campers are advised to be cautious when selecting campsites along Forest Road 354 and Forest Road 110. Although smoke was visible from Williams today, camp sites along County 73 are unaffected.

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.

Multi-Agency Response to Injured Hiker in Sycamore Falls

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640sycamore-sheriff-01FLAGSTAFF — Yesterday at 12:00 pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Coconino County Search and Rescue personnel responded to the report of a rappelling accident at Sycamore Falls. According to the reporting party a 56 year old male had been struck by a falling rock and was at the bottom of the canyon. Due to the remote location, treacherous terrain and the unknown extent of injuries assistance was requested from Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue who responded from Kingman, AZ, Ponderosa Fire District, and Lifeline Ambulance.

300sycamore-sheriff-02Once on scene a search and rescue team member rappelled to the patient’s location and conducted an assessment. It was determined that the patient suffered isolated injuries to his left knee and foot however he did not have any serious or life threatening injuries. At that point it was determined that a helicopter rescue was not necessary and a ground based rope rescue system was constructed to raise the patient and a rescuer to the top of the cliff so he could be transported by ambulance personnel to the Flagstaff Medical Level One Trauma Center.

This incident was an unfortunate accident however the victim was wearing the appropriate safety equipment. It is important for all outdoor recreationists to tell someone where they are going, carry the “Ten Essentials”, and use the appropriate personal protective equipment for the activities they are engaged in.

Ten Essentials

1. Water
2. Food
3. Extra warm clothing
4. Navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS)
5. Headlamp/Flashlight
6. First Aid Kit
7. Shelter Material (space blanket or large leaf bag)
8. Fire Starting Kit (use extreme caution in the dry summer months)
9. Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool
10. Whistle/Signal Mirror

Flag Military Surplus offers surplus tents

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Kelty tents (left) and Stansport tents (right) now available at Flag Military Surplus.

FLAGSTAFF — Summer is coming, but camping has already started around northern Arizona. If you need a tent, you might check out Flag Military Surplus (Facebook/Google+).

Flag Military Surplus has a lot of other military surplus items perfect for camping and hunting, such as mosquito netting, camouflage netting and sleeping bags. You have to be aware, of course, that they are a military surplus store so the stock changes.

Flag Military Surplus recently acquired a stock of used tents. They have Kelty and Stansport Tents for $39.95 and $19.95 respectively. We picked up one of each and a convenient spring rain assisted us in the test.

I do not know if the store has a “satisfaction guarantee” policy, but having dealt with the store in the past, the staff has worked hard to ensure my satisfaction. You might ask if you can set up the tent, for example, to make sure the one you choose is in good shape. These tents do not come with instructions, but if you cannot figure them out, you probably shouldn’t be playing with matches.
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Save MTR Golf tournament this weekend

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mtr-golfWILLIAMS — This Saturday, Save Meant to Rescue will host thier Balls for Dogs golf tournament at the Elephant Rocks Golf Course.

The tournament will include:

  • 2 man scramble
  • $75.00 per person
  • Hole in One – $10,000
  • Million $ Shoot Out