Matthew M. Figueroa Promoted to Commander of Detention Services

640px-FigueroaFLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil is pleased to announce that Lieutenant Matthew M. Figueroa has been promoted to the position of Commander of Detention Services for the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO). Matthew was one of several nationwide candidates who were selected to participate in the intensive testing and interviewing process. In addition, three other CCSO Detention Staff members also completed the testing and interview process. Sheriff Pribil said, “All of our candidates were highly qualified and represented the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at the highest level. I wish to thank all of the candidates for their professionalism and leadership. Matthew Figueroa has served our agency for 18 years and brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the position of Commander of Detention Services.”

Matthew lives in Flagstaff with his wife Kimberly and their three sons Tyler, Tristen and Trace. He began his formal education at Arizona State University and transferred to Northern Arizona University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Matthew’s family has a strong commitment to the corrections profession. His father and his brother both retired from the Arizona Department of Corrections. He joined the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office in 1996, attended the state Correctional Officers Academy and began his career as a Detention Officer I. He served one year in that capacity and was then promoted to the position of Detention Officer II. While a detention officer, Matthew served as a court officer, transport officer, and he also worked in the intake and inmate housing operations. He served as a Detention Sergeant for 8 ½ years and then as a Detention Lieutenant for the past 8 years during which time he managed all aspects of the day to day operations of the Detention Facility.

In 2000 Commander Figueroa was assigned to the team that facilitated the transfer from the old jail located in downtown Flagstaff to the new facility located at 911 Sawmill Road. He assisted with the recruitment, screening and hiring of new detention staff as the demand for detention officers in the new facility was double the amount of officers who staffed the older facility. He was assigned to the construction site six months prior to the completion date and helped insure that all aspects of the project met specifications.

Prior to 2004, Detention Officers were required to attend a six to seven week Correctional Officers Academy at one of several locations throughout the state. This required the officers to be away from their homes and their families for an extended period of time. Lodging and other expenses proved to be quite costly to the Sheriff’s Office. In 2004 Matt led a team that developed a partnership with the Coconino Community College to develop a curriculum for an accredited basic detention officers’ academy. Students who complete the program not only not only are developed for their new job, they also receive 13 credit hours of college instruction which they can apply to professional development. The establishment of a local Detention Officer Academy represented a significant savings to the Sheriff’s Office and prevented participants from being separated from their homes and families, and also instills officers with long term career opportunities.

In 2012 Commander Figueroa attended and successfully completed a 40 hour National Jail Leadership Command Academy for jail commanders at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville Texas. This training is accredited by the American Jail Association and Correctional Management Institute of Texas. Matt also is nationally recognized as a Certified Jail Manager by the American Jail Association.

During his career Matt has received numerous recognitions and accolades for his dedication and service above and beyond the call of duty to include four National Public Service Recognition Awards, a Sheriff’s Citation for Meritorious Service, an Officer Achievement Award, Officer of the Year award and many others.

Commander Figueroa’s career certainly is in line with and exemplifies many of the goals and philosophies of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office mission, vision, and values. We look forward to his continued participation in the leadership and future of our organization and service to the community.

71 Year Old Seligman Area Man Arrested for Homicide

hollman, richardFLAGSTAFF – On Saturday, November 15, 2014 at approximately 10:00 AM, Richard Hollman called and reported he had shot his wife at a home located west of Seligman, AZ . Arizona Department of Public Safety and Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office officers had units closer to the area and responded to the scene first. They detained the suspect and confirmed the victim was deceased while Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies were in route. The suspect in the case is identified as 71 year old Richard Hollman. The victim was later identified as 62 year old Carol Sheansy.

Detectives of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office investigated the scene and interviewed Hollman who implicated himself in the shooting death of Sheansy. Detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence and located a weapon believed to be used in the homicide along with over 20 pounds of high grade marijuana.

Hollman is currently being held in the Coconino County Detention Facility on a First Degree Murder charge; his bond has been set at $1,000,000. This incident is still under investigation and further details are not available for release at this time.

Someone has not forgotten thanksgiving

640-give-thanks-01FLAGSTAFF – While stores and even cities are putting up Christmas decorations, at least one group has not forgotten that there is a holiday in-between. The Federated Community Church of Flagstaff at 400 W Aspen Ave has put up a banner reminding what the holiday is really all about.

The banner uses a quote from Psalm 107, Verse 1

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

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Scott Olson found deceased

scott-01FLAGSTAFF – Lost hiker Scott Olson was found deceased at about 10:50 a.m. this morning on the north-west side of Humpries Peak. A search team assigned to that area spotted recent dog tracks and followed the tracks to where Faith, his dog, remained in close proximity to his master.

Mr. Olson’s body was located at an elevation greater than 10,000 feed downslope from a landmark know as Philomeno Spring. The cause of death was not readily apparen. Inestigators found no signs of foul play.

Faith was in good condition and taken down the mountain and returned to a member of the Scott family.

On Tuesday, November 11, 2014 Scott Olson left his cabin located in the Hart Prairie area and told his neighbors he was going for a hike in the meadow with his mixed breed dog “Faith.” That was the last time that his friends or family members saw or heard from him. Scott’s relatives reported him as a missing person on Wednesday afternoon.

The Sheriff’s Office initiated a ground and air search late Wednesday evening with searchers on foot and in vehicles looking for Mr. Olson all night.

Early Thursday morning a day time search was initiated that include searchers on foot, in vehicles, with scent dogs and in aircraft. Once again the search continued throughout the night.

On Friday morning the search group consisted of more than 50 individuals serving as searchers or support staff and air support provided by the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Department thanked the many friends and relatives of Mr. Olson who assisted in the search or provided valuable information and support.

Scott Olson served as a volunteer in the Coconino County Detention Facility for five years beginning October of 2009 providing ministry services for hundreds of inmates. His dedication and strong sense of community service was greatly appreciated by jail staff and the inmates he served. The investigation will be continued by Sheriff’s Detectives and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Northern Arizona Gazette extends our condolences to the family of Olson Scott.

Coconino County Sheriff seeks information on lost person

scott-01FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information regarding the whereabouts of 63 year old Scott Olson. Scott was last known to be at his cabin in the Hart Prairie area on Tuesday 11/11/14.

Oldon told family/friends he was going for a hike in the meadow. Scott would have taken his dog with him but has not been seen or heard from since. Scott’s car is at his cabin and his cell phone appears to be turned off.

Scott is a white male, 6′ 3″, 195 pound with blue eyes and grey hair.

Anyone who has seen Scott Olson or has information regarding the disappearance or whereabouts of him and his dog is urged to call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774-4523 or 800-338-7888.

Early opportunity to preview 4FRI final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision

350-4friFLAGSTAFF – The Forest Service is providing the public with an early opportunity to preview the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and draft Record of Decision (DROD) for Phase 1 of the Four Forest Restoration Initiative (4FRI).  The FEIS and DROD for the first analysis area on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests will be available by November 21, 2014 at the 4FRI website.

In order to allow additional time for public consideration of these extensive documents, online access to the FEIS and DROD is being made available prior to the official start of the formal objection period.

“This environemntal analysis and the subsequent decision will help shape restoration action on almost a million acres for a decade,” said Kaibab National Forest Supervisor, Mike Williams. “An early preview will give the public extra time to review, understand, and ask questions about a significant step forward for our landscape.”

The FEIS analyzes about one million acres on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona. The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests are proposing 586,110 acres of restoration activities with approximately 355,708 acres on the Flagstaff, Mogollon, and Red Rock districts of the Coconino NF and 230,402 acres on the Williams and Tusayan districts of the Kaibab NF. The completed environmental analysis and a subsequent final ROD for Phase 1, provide the legal authority to accelerate restoration activities.

“The FEIS and DROD incorporate years of stakeholder and public input including key concerns such as the protection of large and old trees. Meaningful collaboration continues to be essential to our success on this project,” added Williams.

In accordance with federal regulations, the Forest Service will offer a 45-day formal objection period on the FEIS, which will begin with the publication of the Notice of Availability (NOA) in the Federal Register.  The NOA is expected to be published in early December 2014.

The vote on local issues

Arizona-electsHere is an unofficial list of the voting for Coconino County based on the reported results. Results must still be canvassed to be final. Offices and Propositions decided on a higher level are excluded. Offices with only one candidate are excluded because, quite frankly, if you cannot figure that out, we do not want you wasting our bandwidth.

OFFICES

Judge of the Superior Court Division 1
Jacquelin Hatch 13,876
Brent D. Harris 9,770
Write-in 72

Mayor City of Flagstaff
Jerry Nabours 6645
Jamse Hasapis 4905
Write-in 30

Council Member City of Flagstaff
Celia Barotz 6,425
Eva Putzova 5,455
Scott Overton 5,359
Charlie Odegaard 5,229
Jim McCarthy 4,814
Mark Woodson 4,313
Write-in 84

Council Member City of Sedona
Scott Jablow 634
Rio Robson 293
Write-in 9

Blue Ridge Fire District Board Member
James Denham 101
Alma Seward 101
Linda Hammer 79
C.E. Buddle 74
Tammy Rosenhagen 71
Rosemary Jaeger 39
Jerry Smith 97
Write-in 1

Tusayan Sanitary District Board Member
Robb Baldosky 30
Tober Evans 46
Yvonne Trujillo 44
Write-in 1

Coconino Community College District 1 Board Member
Nathaniel White 2960
John R. McDonald 1447
Write-in 20

Page USD Board Member
Robert Candelaria 1770
Delores McKerry 1328
Carol Addy 1332
Write-in 32

Tuba City Unified School DIstrict Board Member
Mary Worker 1760
Lee Tsinigine 1661
Roland H. Bennett 1237
Priscilla Kanaswood 861
Write-in 20

Williams Unified School District Board Member
Michael Fleishman 721
Ann Wells 670
Alyssa Dennison 329
Glenna Christiansen 313
Write-in 11

PROPOSITIONS

Proposition 403 Coconino County
YES 18,567
NO 10,573

Proposition 406 – Flagstaff
YES 7,628
NO 4,555

Flagstaff USD Question
YES 11,191
NO 7,077

Tuba City USD Question 1
YES 2,188
NO 1,085

Tuba City USD Question 2
YES 2,057
NO 1,215

Proposition 407 Town of Tusayan
YES 51
NO 26

Flagstaff has chance of snow tomorrow

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS – The long range forecast predicts a 10% chance of rain and snow for Flagstaff while Williams will enjoy a warming trend.

Flagstaff can expect a 10% chance of rain and snow tomorrow and patchy fog before 11 am with temperatures rising to a high of 48. Winds will calm to about 5-mph. On Tuesday the temperature will rise to about 51 with winds from 9- to 17-mph with gusts up to 23. The rest of the week the temperature should rise to the mid-60s during the day lowering to the low 30s at night.

Williams will enjoy milder weather with winds about the same as Flagstaff. Wednesday shows sunny with temperatures in the upper 60s lowering to the mid-30s at night through Sunday.

Beulah Boulevard/SR 89A to be closed for both directions just north of Fort Tuthill County Park to Purple Sage Trail

adot-logo3FLAGSTAFF – Access through Beulah Boulevard/SR 89A just north of the Fort Tuthill County Park will require a temporary full roadway closure beginning at the north park entrance and continuing to Purple Sage Trail, beginning Monday, Oct 27 at 6 a.m. including nights and weekends, until Wednesday, Nov 5 at 6 p.m.

The full roadway closure will accommodate constructing a new roadway transition from the existing Beulah Boulevard /SR 89A alignment to the new roadway intersection being built at JW Powell Boulevard. This work is part of the intersection improvement project currently underway which includes a new roundabout and realignment of SR 89A/Beulah Boulevard.

During construction traffic may still enter and exit the fairgrounds at Fort Tuthill County Road, and also at Purple Sage Trail. For commuters who frequent Beulah Boulevard /SR 89A for travel, northbound traffic may exit onto I-17 from JW Powell Boulevard and take Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road). For southbound travel, traffic may exit at McConnell Drive to Milton/I-17, and take Exit 337 at JW Powell Boulevard.

Recall of Assured™ Brand Naproxen Sodium Tablets due to Packaging Mix-Up

14974962224_4113b8a58b_mGREENSBORO, N.C. – Contract Packaging Resources, a drug repackaging company, is voluntarily recalling 11,640 boxes of Assured™ brand Naproxen Sodium tablets because some cartons actually contain bottles of Ibuprofen, a different pain reliever. The Ibuprofen bottles were placed in the Naproxen Sodium boxes due to a packaging error. The affected products are: boxes of Assured™ brand Naproxen Sodium Tablets 220mg, 15 count (Lot #FH4102A) [SKU #122368/UPC #639277223685] containing bottles of Ibuprofen softgels in 200mg strength.

Consumers who intentionally avoid using Ibuprofen due to allergy, or other medical conditions, should be advised that they may have inadvertently purchased Ibuprofen 200mg softgels, believing it was Naproxen Sodium 220mg tablets. Allergic reactions can range from mild irritation or hives to serious reactions such as anaphylaxes that may be life-threatening. The firm has not received any reports of adverse events related to this recall.

The recalled Assured brand drug products were distributed nationwide to Dollar Tree® and sold via the Dollar Tree® retail stores and internet site. Contract Packaging Resources is notifying its distributors and customers directly and arranging for replacement of all recalled products. Consumers may return the recalled products to the place of purchase or contact the firm by phone at 336-252-3422, on Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm (Eastern).

Consumers should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product. Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.