Category Archives: Flagstaff

I-40/I-17 interchange restrictions starting Monday, April 9

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FLAGSTAFF – Work requiring closures and detours will start next week on the $10 million upgrade to the I-40/I-17 interchange that serves as the gateway to Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Starting Monday, April 9, the I-17 northbound to I-40 westbound ramp will close for the duration of the project. Traffic heading north on I-17 looking to head west on I-40 should take the ramp for I-40 eastbound and then exit at the Butler Avenue traffic interchange. From there drivers can head back west on I-40.

One-direction closures on Beulah Boulevard are anticipated to occur at various times overnight between mid-April and May and again in October. Traffic should use the I-17 and the JW Powell Boulevard interchange to get around the closure both north- and southbound.

I-17 will also require one-direction closures overnight for bridge construction. Closures are anticipated to occur overnight on various dates in May. During northbound closures, traffic heading into Flagstaff will need to take the I-40 eastbound exit and then use the Butler Avenue interchange to come back and use the I-17 northbound exit to head into Flagstaff.

Traffic heading out of town during southbound closures should take I-40 westbound to the Flagstaff Ranch Road interchange and come back to use the I-40 east to I-17 south ramp.

Intermittent closures of the I-17 south to I-40 eastbound ramp will also be required. Those closures are anticipated to occur from mid- to late-June, late July and late October. Traffic looking to head east on I-40 leaving Flagstaff should take I-17 south to the JW Powell interchange and then head back north to I-40 eastbound.

This project includes replacing the I-40 bridge decks in each direction over Beulah Boulevard, immediately west of I-17, as well as the westbound bridge deck over I-17. The eastbound I-40 bridge over I-17 will get a new concrete surface.

The project will also increase the cross slope of the roadway over the renovated bridges, helping drain water off of the road surface. It also includes guardrail and paving work.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/FlagstaffTI.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

ADOT seeks to keep public informed on projects in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – With multiple paving and improvement projects happening in the Flagstaff area this year, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to keep the public informed on progress and traffic restrictions with open houses this spring and summer.

Throughout April, work will begin on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff with paving and road reconstruction between Parks and Cataract Lake in Williams and reconstructing the westbound lanes west of Williams between mileposts 156 and 161. Paving and reconstruction work will also begin on Interstate 17 northbound between mileposts 312 and 340.

Also, the I-40 bridges over I-17 and Beulah Boulevard at the I-40/I-17 interchange are being revamped, requiring ramp closures and detours around the interchange.

To keep the public up-to-date on these projects, ADOT will host open houses at its facility, 1901 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 9, May 8, June 12 and July 10.

Project teams will present information and answer questions on the construction schedule and traffic impacts.

Preceding the public open houses will be stakeholder meetings from 3 to 5 p.m. on the same dates.

For more information on these projects, visit azdot.gov/projects.

For questions or comments, please contact Mackenzie Kirby, ADOT Northcentral District Community Relations project manager at 928-525-6494 or email mkirby@azdot.gov.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan found

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FLAGSTAFF – The Attempt to Locate for the two women who were reported as missing persons by their families Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan has been cancelled. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper came in contact with the two women in the greater Phoenix area. Nothing was found to be suspicious or to lead officers to believe they were endangered. The families of the women have been notified. The women have asked that their privacy be respected. Thank you to the public for your assistance in attempting to locate these women so that their welfare could be confirmed. They are no longer listed as missing persons.

Coconino County S.O. Locates Missing 9 year old

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FLAGSTAFF — On March 25th at 1:15 p.m. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call for a missing 9-year-old girl. Deputies along with Search and Rescue responded to Elk Meadows area South East of Flagstaff and conducted Search efforts. The Missing 9-year-old was located at approximately 7:00 p.m., cold but apparently in good condition

Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue along with Sheriff’s deputies and Family members conducted search efforts for Cheyenne Reynolds a 9-year-old girl who was up from the Phoenix area with family at their Cabin in the Elk Meadows Area. Cheyenne was last seen by her friends at approximately 12:00 p.m. Cheyenne had gotten separated from her friends after heading back to the cabin from a hike.

Search efforts included Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Scent and Tracking dogs, Ground Trackers, CCSO ATV’s, Department of Public Safety Helicopter, CCSO Patrol units, Family members on ATV’s and foot.

At Approximately 7:00 p.m. Cheyenne was located by a Family Member on a ATV miles from the cabin. Cheyenne was cold from falling in some water and is being evaluated for any other injuries.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Public and other Agencies for their calls to assist in this urgent matter.

Photo of missing persons released by Sheriff’s Office

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The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office released a photo of Carin Lamprakes reported missing by her sister on March 22nd. It is believed that Lamprakes was camping in the Flagstaff area with a friend by the name of Kim Louise McGowan, also pictured. Her sister has not heard from her in three-weeks.

The Sheriff’s office is looking for a white 2007 Chrysler Pacifica 4 door SUV with Arizona plate CEF6957 in the Flagstaff area.

Please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s at (928) 774-4523 should you have any information on her whereabouts. You may also call Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111 or visit their website.

Coconino County S.O. is attempting to locate a missing endangered 51 year old female

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FLAGSTAFF — On March 22nd, the Coconino County Sheriffs Office recieved a missing persons report on Carin Lamprakes, who reportedly was camping around the flagstaff area.

Lamprakes was reported missing by her sister on March 22nd, 2018. It is believed she is camping in her vehicle a 2007 Chrysler Pacifica 4 door SUV, white in color , with AZ plate CEF6957 some where in or around the Flagstaff area. Her sister has not heard from her for over 3 weeks.

Lamprakes is camping with another individual by the name of Kim Louise McGowan. They have 2 small dogs with them . Lamprakes has ongoing medical issues which raises health issue concerns . It is possible Lamprakes may be camping in a Campgournd or in a wooded area around Flagstaff.

We are asking for the publics help in locating Lamprakes . Please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s at (928) 774-4523 should you have any information on her whereabouts. Pictures will be made available as soon as they are obtained .

Coconino County Sheriff warns against phone scams in the area

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FLAGSTAFF – Every few months, scammers re-try their tactics within a community they’ve already hit. Recent reports to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office include receiving a phone call from what the caller ID shows as a local phone number. The person initiating the call fraudulently represents themselves as from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The most recent scam the caller says you need to personally appear at the Sheriff’s Office. Don’t fall victim. Do some research and follow up directly with the agency the scammer claims to represent—do not call back the phone number the suspicious phone call came from.

In most cases, the caller eventually uses scare tactics to compel the person to make a payment for a ticket or warrant that does not exist. The caller may request that you use green dot or a similar a pre-paid card, wire transfer or other means. Sometimes scammers ask for a monetary donation (such as for a fraternal order or police). Others scams include people fraudulently representing themselves as utility companies threatening to shut off services if you do not make immediate payment through a green dot card or some other nontraditional utility payment.

These scammers also make you believe they are legitimate because they have personal information about you. Remember that there are many websites and publicly available databases that unfortunately make your personal information easily accessible to anyone.

Please be aware that scammers can spoof phone numbers and caller ID information to make their scam appear to be from a legitimate source. They may even pretend to be someone who actually works for our agency by using a legitimate employee’s name. If you suspect a call is fraudulent, hang up and call our office. The most recent scam phone number reported is 928-318-8755 and a person with a southern accent calling.

Public Health Officials identify precautions to protect against rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) officials are reminding individuals to take precautions to protect against rabies. Spring brings warmer weather and a rise in outdoor recreational activity, increasing the potential of exposure to wildlife.

CCPSHD urges people to follow the following precautions to protect from rabies:

  • Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual behaviors, such as showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
  • Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
  • Always keep pets away from wild animals.
  • Never pick up, touch or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
  • Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.

CCPHSD advises individuals to seek immediate medical attention if they are bitten or have contact with a wild animal.

Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian and call the appropriate authorities if their pet is bitten by wildlife:

  • Wildlife emergency: 911
  • Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management: 928-679-8756
  • City of Flagstaff Animal Control/Flagstaff Police Department: 928-774-1414
  • To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Coconino County implements fire safety program “Ready, Set, Go!”

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is launching a proactive and collaborative fire preparedness program between local, state and federal governmental agencies focusing on the importance of wildland fire danger. The unusually dry winter and warm temperatures could bring an early start to Arizona’s wildfire season increasing the threat to the safety of residents, visitors and property.

The Ready, Set, Go! (RSG) program educates residents about proactive measures to take before an emergency, such as proper waste management, and actions to follow when communities are threatened. The County adopted the three tenets to encourage citizens to get ready by preparing now for what threatens their community, be set by maintaining awareness of significant danger and to go, or evacuate immediately when the danger is current and life-threatening.

“Fire and post wildfire flooding are the number one danger to the safety of residents and property in Coconino County, especially after this extremely dry winter,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “It’s important that citizens are prepared and ready to protect themselves this upcoming fire season. Signing up for the County’s emergency notification system and contacting your local fire department or fire district for information about wildland fire threat is key to staying informed and safe.”

This program has also been adopted by the Coconino County Sheriff and the Arizona Sheriff’s Association.

The Ready, Set, Go! program highlights actions residents should take during each step:

READY: “Prepare now”

Be aware of hazards that can threaten your community.
Register for the Coconino County emergency notification system (see below).
Create defensible space around your home by keeping grass mowed short and trimming vegetation.
Build an emergency supplies kit. Start with the five P’s: people and pet supplies, prescriptions, papers, personal needs and priceless items.

SET: “Be alert”

There is significant danger in your area.
Consider voluntarily relocating to a shelter or with family/friends outside of the affected area.
This might be the only notice you receive.

GO!: “Evacuate”

Danger in your area is current and life-threatening.
Evacuate immediately to a shelter or to family/friends outside the affected area.
Follow instructions from emergency personnel, and stay on designated evacuation routes.

The Ready, Set, Go! program started in March 2011, when the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) aimed to improve the dialogue between fire departments and the residents they serve.

Sign up for the County emergency notification system at coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management and visit ein.az.gov to learn more about hazards in the state and how to prepare.

Vendors Wanted for the 2018 Coconino County Fair

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks and Recreation is currently accepting vendor applications for the 2018 Coconino County Fair, held August 31 to September 3 at Fort Tuthill County Park. Vendors may submit applications for amusement, food, commercial businesses and non-profits. First review of applications will be in March 2018.

To promote local products and services, an early bird rate is being extended to Coconino County-based, for-profit businesses. Interested business owners and operators are encouraged to submit a vendor application by May 31 to take advantage of a 50 percent early bird discount for non-premium outdoor locations on the fairgrounds. Non-profit vendors and food vendors are not eligible for early bird rates.

Vendor applications are available on the Coconino County Fair website at coconinocountyfair.com. The Coconino County Fair is celebrating 69 years. More than 40,000 people regularly attend the fair, which features exhibits by 4-H and community members as well as national, regional and local entertainment, and food and commercial vendors.

For more information on the County Fair, visit coconinocountyfair.com or call the Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department at 928-679-8000.