Category Archives: Ash Fork

Four Individuals Indicted on Charges for Death of 6-Year-Old Boy

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ash-fork-1ASH FORK — On June 6, 2016 four people were arraigned in Coconino County Superior Court following a May 25, 2016 Grand Jury indictment for the death of six-year-old, Jason Hester. The indictment came after a nearly year-long investigation into the boy’s death by Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Detectives.

On June 22, 2015 the boy was found unresponsive in the home of his aunt and primary caretaker, Lillian Hester. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Kaibab Estates Fire personnel responded and attempted lifesaving efforts but were unsuccessful in reviving the boy. The boy was pronounced deceased later that day at Flagstaff Medical Center.

An autopsy was performed by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. The official cause of death was undetermined, but there were multiple findings suspicious of child neglect. The boy weighed 29 pounds at the time of the autopsy and showed signs of dehydration, multiple bruises and abrasions.

Indicted were:
37-year-old, Lillian Hester (aunt, primary caretaker) – indicted on first degree murder and child abuse
64-year-old, Lenda Hester (maternal grandmother) – indicted on negligent homicide and child abuse
61-year-old, Kimmy Wilson (boyfriend of Lenda) – indicted on negligent homicide and child abuse
36-year-old, Jason Conlee (live-in boyfriend of Lillian) – indicted on negligent homicide and child abuse

All four individuals are residents of an unincorporated area of Coconino County, north of Ashfork, AZ.

Stop and Buy on Route 66 in Ash Fork

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stop-n-buy-01Ash Fork — If you are traveling west on Interstate 40, you might want to make a stop in Ash Fork and shop at the roadside emporium known as the Stop and Buy on Route 66.

Gary is a well-know purveyor of knives, stun guns, ladies bags and other specialized items in the Williams area. He has established his roadside business now in the Flagstone Capitol of the World, Ash Fork, right on historic Route 66.
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He has added some great metal signs and license plates made not just in the USA, but right here in Arizona. They are beautifully made.
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He has added some great knives to his line including the famous Ka-Bar. The advantage of his roadside lease is he can offer great prices. He also carries handbags and magnetic bracelets. He is getting ready to order flags which is another of his popular items.

Of course visiting Gary is a not the only reason to stop in Ash Fork. Lulu Belle’s BBQ restaurant which has been open for about a year is becoming a popular dining spot. The Ash Fork Route 66 museum offers a great view of the history of the area which includes photos and dioramas.

ADOT’s first TowPlow clearing stretch of I-40 faster, more efficiently

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PHOENIX — An innovative new snowplow is allowing the Arizona Department of Transportation to remove snow and ice more efficiently by having one driver clear the width of two lanes.

The first TowPlow to join ADOT’s fleet of 200 traditional snowplows is assigned to 20 miles of Interstate 40 between Williams and Bellemont west of Flagstaff. The device saw its first use during this week’s snowstorm.

The TowPlow is a steerable trailer with a 26-foot blade that’s attached to the back of a regular snowplow truck. The combination, able to plow a 24-foot-wide path, lets ADOT clear more lanes in less time using less fuel.

“It’s been a very busy year for ADOT’s winter operations, and as we work through this latest storm the TowPlow has already been out on the highway plowing snow and ice,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “This new plow is a time-saving and safe addition to the department’s fleet of snowplow trucks and provides a higher level of service to all drivers and travelers.”

When possible, ADOT will run another snowplow truck alongside the TowPlow setup, clearing both lanes and the shoulder at once. To keep vehicles at a safe distance, a flag car will be positioned behind the snowplows traveling side by side.

ADOT will evaluate the TowPlow’s performance this winter before deciding whether to purchase more.

As with any snowplow, drivers need to do their part to stay safe:

Slow down: Stay well behind the safety vehicle that follows the TowPlow.
Don’t try to pass: The flag car and the plows will move over periodically and allow traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
Remember: The road behind the TowPlow and other snowplows is the safest place to drive. For more tips on preparing for travel in snow country, please visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.

Lane restrictions scheduled next week as part of statewide project to install digital message boards

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Motorists travelling across the state on Interstate 40 and State Route 260 should prepare for one lane restrictions and intermittent delays, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. Work is scheduled to be completed as follows:

  • Crews are scheduled to work on westbound I-40 in Ash Fork (milepost 148) from 5 a.m. to noon on Monday, (Nov. 9). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.
  • Crews are also scheduled to work on westbound I -40 in Flagstaff (milepost 197) from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Tuesday, (Nov. 10). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.
  • Additionally, crews are scheduled to work on eastbound SR 260 in Show Low (milepost 335) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, (Nov. 12). Drivers should expect a lane restriction and delays as traffic will be stopped intermittently to install an overhead sign structure.

Drivers are advised to merge safely to one lane and be prepared to stop as crews complete overhead sign installation work.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

I-40 restrictions between Williams and Ashfork begin Monday

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Westbound Interstate 40 will be narrowed to one lane at Exit 149 (County Line) milepost 148 for bridge work.

The lane restriction will begin Monday (July 20) to Thurs (July 23) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Please allow for extra travel time while in construction area and exercise caution while driving in the work zone.

I-40 westbound travel reduced to one lane and on-ramp closure for County Line (exit 148) just east of Ash Fork

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ASH FORK — Westbound travel on Interstate 40 (I-40) at the County Line traffic interchange (Exit 148) just east of Ash Fork is reduced to one-lane of travel and will be in place continuously including nights and weekends until late July while repairs are underway. Construction within the work-zone will be active during daylight hours; however the restrictions will be in place both day and nighttime hours.

The westbound on-ramp at the County Line (Exit 148) will also be closed while work is being performed at the interchange. The recommended detour is to exit at the Monte Carlo traffic interchange (Exit 149) then cross over for westbound travel.

ADOT advises the public to allow for extra travel time while work is being performed and to observe reduced speeds in the area.

Man Arrested on Multiple Counts of Aggravated Assault

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300-stephen-lee-garciaASH FORK — On June 27, 2015 at approximately 10:48 pm Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a single family residence located in Kaibab Estates West which is a rural unincorporated neighborhood located north of Ash Fork, Arizona on the report of an aggravated assault in progress possibly involving an axe and a firearm. Upon their arrival Deputies identified an adult female as the home owner and an 18 year old female who was identified as the home owner’s granddaughter who had her two six month old twin infants with her.

The Deputies approached the home and found the suspect identified as 29 year-old Stephen Lee Garcia of Ash Fork, AZ laying face-down on the ground. Deputies secured him and placed him in handcuffs. The Deputies were assisted with this response by Yavapai County Sheriff’s Deputies and Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers.

According to the homeowner, Garcia was a friend of hers who she had not been in contact with for a number of years. On June 27, the victim gave Garcia a ride and dropped him off at an undisclosed location. Later in the afternoon the suspect arrived at the victim’s residence and she allowed him to enter. According to the victims, Garcia who had been consuming alcohol was holding one of the infants and began to put pressure around the baby’s upper torso and squeezed the child tightly to his chest. They were concerned about the child because they believed he was turning purple. The child’s mother struggled with Garcia until she was able to take her baby at which point she took both infants to a bedroom locking the door behind them.

During the course of this assault Garcia allegedly assaulted both of the adult females to include squeezing their upper torsos making it difficult for them to breath. According to one of the victims, Garcia also struck one of the family dogs three or four times in the head with an axe causing serious injuries to the animal. Garcia began kicking the locked door of a bath room that the granddaughter was hiding in and was able to reach in and grab her by the leg attempting to pull her out. Garcia got to his hands and knees and was threatening the victim with an axe. The homeowner took the axe away from Garcia and struck him in the back of the head with it multiple times rendering him unconscious.

Garcia was flown to the Flagstaff Medical Level One Trauma Center by Native Air. The homeowner, her granddaughter, and the two infants were taken to the hospital by ground ambulance and by Sheriff’s Deputies. The dog that Garcia attacked sustained serious but non-life threatening injuries.

Upon Garcia’s release from the medical center, he was taken to the Coconino County Detention Facility where he was incarcerated for multiple counts of Aggravated Assault, Animal Cruelty, Criminal Damage and Disorderly Conduct. He is currently being held on a $100,000 cash or secured bond.

Please watch out for the deer

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deer-15-05-30-38This picture of deer grazing by I-40 was taken this afternoon. We would like to remind travelers that deer can dart out in the road without warning. This is an invitation of damage to vehicles and possible loss of life. From Ash Fork to Flagstaff, please keep an eye out for animals and slow down if you see them.

Pet services in Williams

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clinic-15-05-22-3WILLIAMS — If you are coming to Williams for this long weekend (or pretty much any time), you probably wonder what pet services are available in town. Apart from the Chinese made toys and treats stocked in the general stores.

Veterinary services are available at the Williams Veterinary Clinic open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. The clinic is located at 122 3rd Street. They provide a full range of pet health care services. They also sell Science Diet dog food products at their store. On certain weekends, they hold a vaccine clinic at the Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique. Their phone number is 928-635-5392.

200-Pets-02They do not, however, have emergency care. There are two locations in Flagstaff that provide emergency pet care. You might want to call ahead to make sure they know that you are coming.

  1. Canyon Pet Hospital, 1054 E. Old Canyon Court, Flagstaff, AZ 928-433-3970
  2. Westside Veterinary Clinic 963 W. Route 66, Flagstaff, AZ, 928-779-0148

Another emergency veterinary clinic is trying to get started in Flagstaff. According to the latest on their web site, the Veterinary Emergency & Specialty Center of Northern Arizona plans to open on May 29. They plan to be open all weekend long from Friday at 5 p.m. to Monday at 8:30 a.m. to provide emergency medical services for pets. The pet hospital will be open 24 hours on holidays when other veterinary clinics are closed.

200-dog-02As an aside to the Williams clinic, Traci started Spoiled Rotten Pet Boutique & Supplies (Facebook) located at 517 E. Historic Route 66 on the east end of town. They sell cat and dog toys and clothing, bedding and the like. They stock Science Diet foods and treats. They include a selection of treats from the Bubba Rose Biscuit Company that are baked treats iced with yogurt.
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On the grooming front, just down the street from Spoiled Rotten at 402 E. Route 66 is Manytails Pet Grooming. They have pet sitting and daycare services. They open Tuesday through Saturday at 9 a.m. You can call 928-635-8897 for appointments.
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If you are traveling from Kingman, Seligman—and all points west—to Williams, you might have a pet that just needs to be groomed. Or, perhaps, Manytails is too busy to get your pet groomed on time for that formal activity. You can call Aunty Abby’s Pet Services and Doggie Day Spa at 928-380-5123. Aunty Abby’s is located at 47125 N. 5th Street in Ash Fork. She provides bathing, grooming, nail clipping and pet sitting.

Interstate 40 traffic in Ash Fork to be detoured May 11

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Ash-Fork-15-04-23-15ASH FORK — Motorists traveling along Interstate 40 between Kingman and Flagstaff should allow for extra travel time on Monday, May 11 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. as the Arizona Department of Transportation works to cleanup diesel fuel spilled from an earlier crash at the east Ash Fork Bridge (Exit 146), approximately 50 miles west of Flagstaff.

Westbound I-40 will be closed between 9 a.m. to noon, May 11 and traffic will be detoured through the town of Ash Fork.

Eastbound I-40 will be closed between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Traffic will be detoured onto the Exit 146 off ramp and then back on the Exit 146 on ramp.

Law enforcement will be assisting with traffic control during the detour. The speed limit will be reduced and drivers are urged to be alert for construction vehicles and flaggers.