Williams says good-bye to Run for the Wall

Corrected 5/14/2015, 11:59 p.m.
640-AL-15-05-13-02WILLIAMS — The sun was lower than normal as The Riders of the 2015 Run For The Wall event rolled into town later than usual. They even managed to miss the snow predicted for this weekend.

Run for the Wall has stopped exclusively in Williams in the past. For the last two years, the group has split with some proceeding to Flagstaff as the popularity of the event grows. The Williams group conducted their normal parade down historic Route 66.

After which they formed up at the American Legion Cordova Post #13 where volunteers from the community served dinner and deserts for the riders.

The American Legion dedicated the event to the memory of the late Richard Aguilar. Richard was a member of the post and worked hard every year to make this event successful.
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Rain did come the next morning as they gathered to have breakfast at the Wild West Junction. Mayor John Moore has been supportive of the event since he took office. He even came out in the blizzard of 2011 that met the group when they arrived.

640-RunWall-15-05-14-11The annual event is run to keep the memory of prisoners of war and those missing in action alive. There was some good news in 2014 with the remains of 14 Vietnam Veterans located and returned and their names removed from the Vietnam Veterans memorial.

Walt “Detour” Reichard is a Vietnam Veteran from Virginia and the Virginia State Coordinator for Run For The Wall. His motorcycle reflects the dedication of the rider of this event right down to his license plate. It reads simply “R4TW.”

Walt said that he makes the ride from Virginia to California only to return on this ten-day ride because he appreciates the dedication of this group. He is a seven-time veteran of the ride.

Sadly, many of the Vietnam veterans are either getting too old to ride or are passing away. The event organizers have opened up the event and active-duty military and some civilians have been making the memorial ride.

Run for the Wall motorcade arrives today

UPDATED 5/13, 9:21 a.m.
WILLIAMS — The motorcycle riders of Run for the Wall will arrive today as their first stop on their ride to the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington. The riders goal is to bring attention to the plight of those real prisoners of war and missing in action from all wars. They also honor those active-duty military who carry on the tradition.

On the east coast, Rolling Thunder serves the same function.

Each year the riders plan their journey to reach the Vietnam Memorial in Washington on Memorial Day meeting up with Rolling Thunder.

The riders will stop in Williams tonight to eat at the American Legion Cordova Post #13. They will depart early tomorrow morning after a breakfast provided by Wild West Junction and served by the Kiwanis Club of Williams.

The event was formed by Vietnam Veterans and included them and their families on the ride. The last few years, however, others—including active-duty military—have joined in the ride. The organizers of the event now invite everyone to ride for those who can’t.

METRO Flagstaff arrests man on drug and weapons charges

William Brown -Flagstaff Police Photo

William Brown -Flagstaff Police Photo

FLAGSTAFF — The Northern Arizona Street Crimes Task Force (METRO) arrested 20 year old William N. Brown after an ongoing investigation into narcotic activity at 901 S. O’Leary. This investigation led to a search warrant at Brown’s residence at 901 S. O’Leary # 82.

METRO was assisted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the United States Marshall’s office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Seized during the search warrant were approximately 90.5 grams of Cocaine, 6 grams of Molly (MDMA), over 1,000 pills believed to be Xanax, and a variety of other illegal prescription medications including Morphine 30mg, OxyContin 20 mg, Clonazepam 2 mg. Alprazolam 2mg, as well as several other random pills.

Also seized during the search warrant of his apartment were 5.1 grams of marijuana and various items of drug paraphernalia. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated to be over $25,000.

Police seized a firearm and ammunition, belonging to Brown, found in the search of his apartment.

William N. Brown was taken into custody and charged with

  • Weapons Misconduct
  • Possession of Narcotics for Sale – 2 counts
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – 2 counts
  • Possession of Marijuana
  • Possession of Dangerous Drugs for Sale
  • Possession of Narcotic Drug
  • Transport of Dangerous Drugs
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Possession of Marijuana

 

This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.

If you have any information regarding any criminal drug activities please call 928 779-4549, or if you have any information regarding any Felony crimes please contact SILENT WITNESS at 928 774-6111.

Flagstaff Police Department to participate in services in Washington

police-image009FLAGSTAFF — The Flagstaff Police Department is honored to be participating in the 2015 National Police Week ceremonies which will be held in Washington DC during the week of May 11-15th. National Police Week takes place each year in Washington, D.C. to pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice. The series of events is attended by tens of thousands of law enforcement officers and their families leading up to Peace Officers Memorial Day on May 15th.

The Police Unity Tour is an awareness and fundraising bicycle ride in support of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The 250-mile, four-day ride begins in Portsmouth, Virginia and ends in Washington D.C. at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. In 2014, more than 1,800 members participated and raised more than 1.9 million dollars to support the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF).

Northern Arizona is represented by Officers from both the Flagstaff Police Department and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in the memorial ride. Arizona has lost eight Officers in the line of duty during 2014.

Flagstaff Police Department’s Officer Tyler J. Stewart’s name will be officially memorialized on the national monument in honor of his ultimate sacrifice. Members of his squad will be in attendance during the scheduled events during this week.

High Country Stand Down for Veterans next Friday

stand-down-logoFLAGSTAFF — The 3rd Annual High Country Stand Down for Veterans will be held Friday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event provides services to homeless and at-risk veterans and their families.

Along with a hot meal, the volunteers of the event will provide hygiene kits, Haircuts, clothing and survival gear. For pets they will provide pet food and pet care. Legal assistance, notary services will also be available along with dental, vision and medical care.

The High Country Stand Down will be held at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N. Thorpe Road in Flagstaff next to Thorpe Park.

Multi-Agency Response to a Wild Land Fire Results in the Arrest of Two 13 year-old Suspects

FLAGSTAFF — On Sunday, May 3, 2015 at about 2:20 pm Coconino County Emergency Dispatchers received multiple reports of suspicious smoke from motorists who were traveling on I-17.

The responding Deputy arrived in an area located north of Tovar Trail in the Kachina Village Community. U.S. Forest Service and the Highlands Fire Department personnel were in the process of suppressing the fire that the deputy estimated to be 150 square feet in size. The deputy observed that the fire appeared to be advancing in a north direction with a burnt structure that appeared to be a child’s fort at the south end.

The Deputy recalled investigating a similar incident that occurred at the same location in 2014 that resulted in the arrest of two 13 year-old boys. He drove to the residence of one of the two boys that had been arrested as the result of the 2014 fire but was unable to make contact with him there.

As he was driving on Tovar Trail he observed two boys riding bicycles in the middle of the street in the opposite direction of the fire. He made contact with the two and identified one of them as being involved with the 2014 fire. The second boy admitted to being in the area when this fire started and identified a second suspect who was not present. The second subject lived in the City of Flagstaff and the Deputy asked that a Flagstaff Police Officer contact and interview him.

As the result of statements made by the two suspects and items of evidence that were discovered and collected by the Deputy, one 13 year-old boy was arrested for the charges of Reckless Burning and Disorderly Conduct and booked into the Coconino County Juvenile Detention Facility; the other 13 year-old boy was referred to Juvenile Court for the same charges.

Doney Park Neighborhood Watch Meeting

FLAGSTAFF — 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, May 7, 2015. 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.

Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger will be available to answer questions and provide support to this partnership between law abiding citizens, law enforcement and county government.

Our guest speaker will be Rick Emry who is the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist for the City of Flagstaff. He will speak about how the project applies to rural unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Coconino County Treasurer Sarah Benetar will speak about Coconino County Property Tax and tax exemptions.

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.

Two day of sun this week

rain-15-05-04-4WILLIAMS — Williams and Flagstaff share identical weather patterns through the week with Ash Fork receiving a slightly less chance of rain.

Williams and Flagstaff share an 80% chance of rain today lowering to 60% through Tuesday. Tuesday night there is a 40% chance of rain. Wednesday is expected to be sunny with Thursday being breezy. Thurday night the chance of thunderstorms picks up again and lasts through Saturday during the day.

Ash Fork has a similar pattern except that the town has a 10% less chance of rain through Tuesday night. The chance of rain picks up on Thursday through Friday during the day becoming sunny Saturday during the day and partly cloudy at night.

SR 89A travel reduced to one lane south of switchbacks beginning Monday

FLAGSTAFF/SEDONA — Motorists traveling on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff should allow for extra travel time as the Arizona Department of Transportation starts a safety improvement project next week to improve erosion protection along the eastern bank of Oak Creek at milepost 385, just south of the switchbacks.

Beginning on Monday, May 4, SR 89A will be reduced to one lane during daytime Monday through Friday, from the early morning hours to 4 p.m., as northbound and southbound traffic will alternate driving through the work zone.

No nighttime, weekend or holiday work is anticipated.

The repair to the creek bank will fortify support to the roadway and prepare for strong stormwater flows expected during the monsoon season. Following last year’s Slide Fire in Oak Creek Canyon, water flow in Oak Creek is expected to increase and could undermine the east bank of Oak Creek and roadway support at this location without the scheduled improvement work.

The bank protection work is anticipated to be fully completed this summer.

Flaggers will be on-site to provide alternating north- and southbound travel through the work zone. Please allow for extra travel time as delays up to 15 minutes can be expected while work is performed.

Timberline/Fernwood Neighborhood Watch Holiday Meeting

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll and Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta would like to invite residents of the Timberline and Fernwood communities to the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. 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 staff will be at the meeting to share information and encourage continued neighborhood participation.

Our guest speakers Rick Emry who is the Housing Rehabilitation Specialist for the City of Flagstaff. He will speak about how the project applies to rural unincorporated areas of Coconino County. Coconino County Public Works Deputy Director Lucinda Andreani will speak about the ongoing flood mitigation working being done in the Timberline, Fern wood and Doney Park Neighborhoods.

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.