Category Archives: Flagstaff

Nightime restrictions on Milton Road (SR 89A) for overhead sign foundation work next week

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FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation crews will be preparing foundations for a new overhead electronic message sign on Milton Road (SR 89A) between University and Forest Meadows in Flagstaff.

Monday through Wednesday, southbound travel on Milton (SR 89A) will be restricted in the area to accommodate crews working on the west side of the roadway. Work will take place during evening hours from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. Please observe speed limits and exercise caution while traveling through the work zone.

Electronic message signs span the width of the freeway and are used by ADOT to help keep drivers informed of traffic, road and weather conditions.

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. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511.

Coconino County Detention Facility Receives Donation of a Baptistery

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FLAGSTAFF — The American Rehabilitation Ministry which is a non-profit organization based in Missouri has donated a new full immersion portable heated baptistery valued at $1,700 to the Coconino County Detention Facility. Detention staff will schedule the use of the baptistery on a regular and frequent basis to inmates who request it. Inmates who request a baptism will meet with the full time Jail Chaplin who will explain the process to them and its significance. Once the inmate has a full understanding of the process he or she will be scheduled for baptism.

In the past the Jail Chaplin and other religious volunteers have received requests from inmates to be baptized, but we did not have that capability. The Jail Chaplin contacted other detention facilities to learn what policies they had in place regarding baptisms. He learned that many agencies offer baptisms on a regular basis. He researched the availability of full immersion baptisteries. The Rescued Not Arrested non-profit group that provides bibles to prisons and jails throughout the country including our detention facility assisted our Jail Chaplin in identifying The American Rehabilitation Ministry as a resource and in contacting them. It should be noted that the Rescued Not Arrested organization also provides religious volunteers to minister to inmates in our facility on a weekly basis.

The American Rehabilitation Ministry provided the baptistery to our detention facility free of charge. The Sheriff’s Office paid for the shipping and several upgrades such as the heater.

At the Coconino County Detention facility we strive to provide our inmate population with opportunities to improve their quality of life while they are with us and once they have been released. The baptistery is yet another way we can provide religious services to the inmates in our care.

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.

There is a storm brewing

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Tuesday snow 2016-01-05 003WILLIAMS — In case you had not noticed, there is an increase in cold wind as a storm front moves into the area. Flagstaff and Williams have about the same forecast with wind gusts of around 30-mph expected through Monday. Tonight there is a 20% chance of rain with 90% chance of snow Sunday through Sunday night. Winter storm warnings have been issued through Monday. Up to 13″ of snow is possible over Sunday night with 3 to 5″ more on Monday. Sunny skies are expected to return Tuesday through Friday.

Heavy weekend traffic expected again on US 180 near Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – Those planning to use US 180 near Flagstaff this weekend should budget extra travel time as people head to play in the snow, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

With the latest forecast calling for snow starting Sunday morning and picking up into Sunday night and Monday, drivers should leave prepared for extended time in wintry weather and ready to drive in adverse conditions.

Those preparations should start with having a fully charged cellphone, plenty of gas, drinking water and winter coats, warm blankets or both. Among other helpful items: healthy snacks, an ice scraper, a small shovel, a container of sand for traction and hazard warning lights or reflectors.

On roads with snow and ice, slow down, drive according to road conditions and leave extra room between your vehicle and the one in front of you. Give snowplows plenty of room, starting with maintaining four car lengths behind a plow. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.

For more information on preparing to travel in snow country and driving in adverse weather, please visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.

Don’t pull over on highways or interstates to play in the snow. It’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders. Use designated parking areas.

To avoid congestion heading home through Flagstaff at day’s end, consider taking an alternate route offering a more direct path to Interstate 17 via Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue. Signs direct motorists there from US 180.

Flagstaff police vehicle involved in accident during funeral procession

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10-14 962FLAGSTAFF — On January 29, 2016 at approximately 11:45, a Flagstaff Police Department patrol vehicle was involved in a collision while assisting in a funeral procession traveling west on Butler from Ponderosa Parkway.

The procession was approximately 300 vehicles long and was traveling at a slow pace in the south (inside) lane of west bound Butler Avenue. One of the vehicles in the procession stopped to allow another vehicle who was traveling in the opposite direction, to either turn left or complete a U- turn. This vehicle collided with the police vehicle which was west bound in the outside lane assisting with the procession.

During the collision the air bags were deployed, and both occupants of the SUV and the police vehicle were transported for non- life threatening injuries. The collision investigation is being conducted by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

Neighborhood Watch meetings in Timberline/Fernwood and Downey Park next week

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TIMBERLINE/FERNWOOD — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and Coconino County Supervisor District 2 Liz Archuleta would like to invite residents of the Timberline and Fernwood communities to the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on Tuesday, February 2, 2016. The meeting will be held from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at Summit Fire Station 33, located at 6050 Firehouse Lane, off of Highway 89N. Chief Deputy, Jim Driscoll and his staff will be at the meeting to share information and encourage continued neighborhood participation.

Chief Deputy Driscoll will begin the meeting by discussing some of the accomplishments made by the Sheriff’s Office during 2015 and our goals for 2016. Supervisor Liz Archuleta will give a recap of county government activities.

Representatives of the Summit Fire District will speak about recent activities and discuss changes that have been made to the administrative structure of the department.

Marc Della Rocca the Community Relations Manager for Public Works will give an update on projects and goals for 2016. He will also give a recap of snowplowing operations. Tim Dalegowski who is the Coconino County Public Works Transportation Planner will speak about the change of the posted speed limit on Copeland Lane.

Neighborhood Watch is similar to the Block Watch program commonly conducted in urban areas and goes back to the concept of “neighbors looking out for neighbors” that many people remember from 30 years ago. It is one of the most effective ways to prevent and deter criminal activity, attend to home and personal security, address the safety of our children and the elderly, and to alleviate fear and isolation. Residents learn how to observe and report suspicious activity and reduce the risk of becoming a victim of crime. For more information about the Neighborhood Watch program and the meeting schedule, please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 226-5089.

DOWNEY PARK — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger would like to invite residents of the Doney Park community to attend the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on Thursday, February 4, 2016. The meeting will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Summit Fire District Station 32 and Administrative Offices located at 8905 Koch Field Road Flagstaff, AZ. This will be our first Doney Park Neighborhood Watch for 2016 so we hope to begin the new-year with increased attendance and participation form community members.

Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and Supervisor Mandy Metzger will be available to answer questions and provide support to this partnership between law abiding citizens, law enforcement and county government. Chief Deputy Driscoll will begin the meeting by discussing some of the accomplishments made by the Sheriff’s Office during 2015 and our goals for 2016. Supervisor Mandy Metzger will give a recap of governmental activities in District 4 and in other areas of the county.

Kate Morley who is the Mobility Planner for the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Transportation Authority will speak about the Van Pools program that provides commuter vanpools to and from Flagstaff in vehicles supplied by the Mountain Line Public Transit System. It is believed that this Rideshare Program will save participants money, reduce emissions and cut traffic congestion. The Regional Manager of UniSource will solicit input from neighborhood watch participants to determine if residents in the area of Yancey Lane and Starlight or Koch Field and Hwy 89 might be interested in a natural gas line.

For more information about the Neighborhood Watch program and the meeting schedule, please call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 226-5089.

Sunny weather through the week

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Moon over Williams early this morning.

WILLIAMS — If you have those outdoor chores to do, this week is the week to do them. The long-range forecast show the temperature rising from a high of 39-degrees in Flagstaff and 41-degrees in Williams to the low 50s by the end of the week. That should burn off much of the remaining snow from the storm at the beginning of the month. Winds should remain calm throughout the week with a chance of around 13-mph tomorrow being the highest. A slight chance of showers returns Saturday night.

Missing Person Lawrence Byrne

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lawrence-byrneLawrence Byrne was reported missing by his brother Shawn Byrne to both Phoenix PD and Scottsdale PD. Scottsdale PD has entered him into the Arizona criminal justice database as a missing person. Family is concerned that Lawrence may be suicidal. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was contacted because there is the possibility that Lawrence may be in Northern Arizona near Williams. He is believed to be driving a white Volkswagen Toureg SUV with Arizona plates of BRC2028. Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Search and Rescue have conducted some ground and air searches with negative contact with Lawrence or his vehicle. If anyone has information about the whereabouts of Lawrence Byrne or his vehicle, they are urged to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523 or 1-800-338-7888.

Heavy snow-area traffic expected MLK Day weekend on US 180 near Flagstaff

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PHOENIX — Recent snowstorms combined with the long holiday weekend means winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are expected to see heavy traffic, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Motorists using US 180 during Martin Luther King Jr./Civil Rights Day weekend should expect a long queue into Flagstaff after popular snow-play areas close between 4 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Making an earlier start back may help motorists avoid the heaviest traffic.

To avoid congestion through Flagstaff, consider taking an alternate snow-play route through the city via the Butler Avenue I-40 exit. Signs direct travelers to and from US 180.

In addition to allowing for extra travel time, visitors should prepare as they would for any extended period in a snowy, icy or cold area, starting with a fully charged cellphone, plenty of fuel, drinking water and winter coats, warm blankets or both.

Don’t pull over on highways or interstates to play in the snow. It’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders.

Give snowplows plenty of room, starting with maintaining four car lengths behind a plow. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.

For more information on preparing for travel in snow country, please visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.