Category Archives: City

Best advice for blowing dust: Pull Aside, Stay Alive

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PHOENIX – Drivers across Arizona should be prepared for strong winds, possible blowing dust and an increased fire danger on Thursday, April 12.

The National Weather Service has issued advisories covering the entire state forecasting strong winds and low humidity, conditions that could make driving hazardous in areas prone to blowing dust and for drivers with high-profile vehicles.

Statewide, winds of 25-30 mph are forecast, with gusts likely to reach 40 mph. Winds are expected to increase beginning late Wednesday in western Arizona and reach the center of the state by midday on Thursday. The strongest winds are likely in northwest Arizona, including Kingman and Lake Havasu City. Conditions are expected to return to normal on Friday across the state.

The Arizona Department of Transportation encourages drivers to avoid driving into a through a dust storm. Drivers may want to consider delaying travel until Friday.

Drivers should slow down after checking traffic around their vehicle and completely exit the highway if possible. Additional safety tips from PullAsideStayAlive.org:

* Pull entirely off the highway if possible.
* Turn off all vehicle lights, set the parking brake and take your foot off the brake to reduce the likelihood of being hit by following drivers.
* Remain in your vehicle with your seatbelts buckled.
* Wait for the storm to pass.

For current road and weather conditions, passengers should check on Twitter with ADOT (@ArizonaDOT) and the National Weather Service (@NWSPhoenix and @NWSTucson).

Coconino Sheriff’s Arrests 70-Year-Old Suspect for Child Molestation

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 6, 2018, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office arrested 70-year-old Jesse Bernard Watkins, III on three counts of child molestation of a child under 15 years of age.

Investigators learned that Watkins met the victim’s family when he was volunteering for a juvenile rehabilitation facility in the Prescott area. Watkins traveled to Flagstaff, visiting the victim’s family several times before the acts occurred.

Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to contact Sergeant Larry Thomas of the Criminal Investigations Division at 1-800-338-7888.

Campfire Safety Urged This Weekend on Kaibab National Forest

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WILLIAMS – Kaibab National Forest fire managers would like to remind visitors and the public to use extreme caution with campfires and any other activity that could potentially cause a wildfire as the weekend approaches.

Although there are currently no fire restrictions in effect on the forest, a dry cold front will bring stronger southwest winds into the area this weekend. Temperatures will be noticeably cooler however very dry conditions will endure increasing the threat for critical fire weather. A Red Flag Warning has been issued by the National Weather Service for all of northern Arizona beginning Wednesday afternoon. Winds are expected to be up to 23 mph, with gusts as high as 34 mph today and 22 to 28 mph, with gusts as high as 41 mph on Thursday. Although red flag conditions are not yet set for Friday, winds will be 15 to 24 mph, with gusts as high as 37 mph.

“When fuel moistures and relative humidity remain low, fire can spread just as fast even when cold temperatures exist” said Fred Phillips Fire Prevention Officer on the Williams Ranger District. “Historically we have seen more unwanted human caused wildfires occur during this time of year when these type of conditions exist.”

We welcome people to visit and enjoy a wide variety of unique recreational opportunities the forest has to offer, but emphasize the message that there is always a need to be responsible with campfires.

The following tips for ensuring a safe visit to the Kaibab National Forest are recommended:

  1. Never abandon or leave a campfire unattended.
  2. Have a shovel and plenty of water on hand to put it out. “Drown, Stir, and Feel!”
  3. Ensure the area surrounding your campfire is free of any burnable materials.
  4. Use existing campfire rings to minimize impact to the surrounding soil.
  5. Remember fireworks are prohibited on all National Forest Lands.
  6. Dispose of all trash and debris in appropriate receptacles.

    Remember that if a fire starts no matter what precautions you take, evacuate the area immediately. Do not try to pack up your stuff and do not try to fight the fire yourself. When you get to a safe location call 911.

    As weather conditions become warmer and drier, fire managers will continue to assess the need to implement fire restrictions. Forest visitors may call the Kaibab National Forest fire information phone line at (928) 635-8311 for current conditions and the status of fire restrictions. To find out if fire restrictions are in effect anywhere in Arizona, visit www.firerestrictions.us/az.

Prepare now for wildfire season, keep your property and your family safe.

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PHOENIX – The Red Cross is reminding Arizona that wildfire season is here. Red Flag conditions are in effect now and will continue across the region through the end of monsoon season. Now is the time to take action, build an emergency preparedness kit, make a plan and download the Red Cross Emergency app. Yesterday, the Northern Arizona Chapter of the American Red Cross opened a Reception Center in Coconino County in support of the Copley Fire. The National Weather Service predicts an active wildfire season and the Red Cross is ready to respond by providing shelter to people affected by a fire or by evacuation.
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Jail District Board of Directors desire federal judicial decision

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Jail District Board of Directors are named defendants in a pending suit filed by Guillermo Tenorio-Serrano. The Board of Directors view this case as an opportunity to seek a ruling on whether 4th and 14th Amendments of the U.S Constitution supersede that part of a 2010 Arizona State Law known as SB 1070, which discusses local law enforcement’s role in U.S. immigration law.

In effect, the lawsuit calls into question the legality of the current jail policy, and asks the courts to determine whether local law enforcement is required to, or may, enforce federal immigration law through compliance with ICE detainers and warrants.

The question arose when Petitioner, Tenorio-Serrano, filed suit against the Jail District Board of Directors claiming the detention facility is in violation of his 4th and 14th Amendment rights by representing that he will be detained up to 48 hours under an ICE detainer and warrant after posting bond on pending state law criminal charges. The Directors have hired outside legal counsel to represent the Board in this matter.

“There have been other court cases in other states where SB 1070 does not exist,” said Board Director Chair Matt Ryan. “The question regarding the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070 is important to the Directors. We strive to protect the civil rights of all its citizens, regardless of status and follow the law of the State of Arizona. The Directors are asking the Federal Court for a decision relative to the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070.”

Flagstaff Traffic Alert: Lane closures planned on Beulah Boulevard under Interstate 40

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FLAGSTAFF – Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to set lane restrictions on Beulah Boulevard under the I-40 bridge overpass in Flagstaff. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time as crews will have lane closures in both directions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 13. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Additionally, lane widths will be restricted to 11 feet throughout the construction project.

These lane closures and width restrictions are necessary for crews to begin bridge deck replacement and repair work at the I-17 and I-40 interchange in Flagstaff. This project will replace three bridge decks and approach slabs, increase the bridge cross slopes and retrofit one bridge deck with an overlay. The project will also include guardrail and paving work.

Construction began in February 2018 and the majority of the work is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

ADOT is scheduled to host informational sessions for the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on April 9, May 8, June 12 and July 10. These open houses will be at ADOT’s facility at 1901 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff. Project team members will be available to provide information and answer questions on the construction schedule and traffic impacts.

What to Expect:

  • Construction seven days a week with both day and night work, according to project phasing
  • Overnight, one-direction closures on Beulah Boulevard beneath I-40
  • Rolling night closures of I-17, according to phasing
  • Ramp closures
  • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp is scheduled to be closed in two-week increments at the end of June, end of July and end of October
  • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp is closed through December

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more project information, please visit www.azdot.gov/FlagstaffTI. For questions or comments, please contact Mackenzie Kirby, ADOT Northcentral District Community Relations Project Manager at 928-525-6494 or mkirby@azdot.gov. 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.

Kaibab National Forest to offer firewood permits

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will offer firewood cutting permits for the 2018 firewood season beginning April 16 for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts and May 1 for the North Kaibab Ranger District.

The minimum cost for a personal use firewood permit is $20. Firewood cutting permits can be purchased at the following locations and during the specified hours Monday through Friday, excluding federal holidays:

· Williams Ranger District, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; (928) 635-5600
· Tusayan Ranger District, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 638-2443
· North Kaibab Ranger District, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; (928) 643-7395

The 2018 firewood cutting season runs from April 16 to Dec. 31 for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts and from May 1 to Nov. 30 for the North Kaibab Ranger District.

Besides the paid, personal-use firewood permits, free-use permits may also be available for specific areas on the forest. Individuals seeking such permits should check with the appropriate ranger district office for availability, locations and other information. Those interested in free-use permits are also encouraged to check in periodically with the appropriate ranger district office throughout the firewood season, as additional free-use areas may be opened for public use.

It is important that a permit be acquired even for free-use areas because by tracking public demand for the various kinds of permits, the amount of wood removed, and other factors, forest managers are better able to plan for the future needs of firewood collectors and provide greater opportunities for accessing these important resources. Firewood from the Kaibab National Forest is frequently used by local community and tribal members for home heating, cooking and other critical purposes.

“We consider our firewood cutters to be partners in our forest restoration efforts. We have a lot of dead and down trees as well as small-diameter trees that firewood cutters help us remove. This improves overall forest health and reduces the threat of unnaturally severe wildfire,” said Samantha Flores, timber staff officer for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts. “We ask our firewood cutting partners to always get a permit for any wood removed so that we can continue to provide plentiful opportunities for firewood collection across the forest.”

All permits issued by the Kaibab National Forest will include a map and detailed cutting regulations as well as load tags, which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle. The goal of this load tagging system is to ensure accountability for the amount of wood removed from the forest and to inform planning for future firewood cutting areas to meet public need and forest restoration objectives.

The removal of firewood is permitted only from National Forest lands on the district for which the permit is issued. Firewood cutters are reminded to take note of property boundaries and cut only on National Forest lands.

Detailed firewood cutting information and maps for each ranger district will soon be available on the Kaibab National Forest website at www.bit.ly/KNFfuelwood. Please check back for updates as firewood season cutting dates approach.

Members of the public can find additional information on the Kaibab National Forest through the following sources:

Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
Kaibab website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Kaibab Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF

ADOT set to reopen routes to lakes in White Mountains

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PHOENIX – With another winter season in the books, three state highways to lakes in the White Mountains are scheduled to reopen Thursday, April 12, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

They are: State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake; State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake; and State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake.

State Route 366, also known as Swift Trail that runs up Mount Graham in southeastern Arizona, is scheduled to open on April 15.

Another highway that closes for the winter, State Route 67, leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, is anticipated to reopen in mid-May.

Before heading off to enjoy the mountains, motorists should do the following:

  • Make sure all occupants in a vehicle are buckled in.
  • Check tire pressure, fluids and more to make sure a vehicle is in proper running condition.
  • Be patient, including not following other vehicles too closely and building in extra travel time.
  • Get enough sleep before the trip.
  • Bring extra water and food.
  • Never drink and drive.
  • Check for information about highway restrictions and more by visiting az511.gov, calling 511 or following ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT).

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.

Adopt a Highway volunteers put up big numbers in 2017

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PHOENIX ­­­– Almost 1,500 miles of landscape cleaned along state highways. Fourteen-thousand bags of trash collected. Half a million taxpayer dollars saved.

That’s what nearly 11,000 volunteers wearing lime-yellow vests accomplished in 2017 through the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Adopt a Highway program.

With many other highway stretches available for adoption, even more can be accomplished in 2018.

“As a frontier state, Arizona has a long history of self-sacrifice and volunteerism, and these impressive numbers illustrate those values,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Highways provide a first impression of Arizona for many visitors, so we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who are investing time and effort through Adopt a Highway.”

Regardless of how many people volunteer for Adopt a Highway, Halikowski said, everyone has a responsibility for keeping Arizona litter-free.

“We have to continue changing the culture until everyone instinctively knows that littering is absolutely unacceptable,” he said.

Volunteer groups can apply for two-year permits to adopt highway stretches using an application available at azdot.gov/AdoptAHighway. Highways are available in ADOT engineering and maintenance districts around Arizona, and each district has someone available to help groups make selections.

Those accepted for the program get their own instantly recognizable blue sign featuring the name of the organization or group. Groups are expected to clean their stretches of highway at least three times a year.

Volunteers must be at least 12 years old, and cleanup crews should consist of six to 10 people. Groups schedule their cleanups ahead of time with their local ADOT districts, which provides trash bags, scheduled collections and safety training.

Adopt a Highway also has a sponsorship program through which businesses use ADOT-approved providers to clean up along busier highway stretches that tend to attract more litter. Participants in the sponsorship program can have their names and approved logos on blue Adopt a Highway signs.

Mary Currie, who oversees Adopt a Highway volunteer programs, said volunteers include those drawn to service, including retirees, civic organizations and faith groups, as well as families who adopt in memory of a loved one who has passed away. Volunteers tend to have two characteristics: a lot of drive and a love of the outdoors.

“It’s not easy working under the Arizona sun,” Currie said. “But it’s a great way to get exercise and have fun with friends, family or colleagues while providing an invaluable service to Arizona.”

More information on Adopt a Highway opportunities is available at azdot.gov/AdoptAHighway.

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.