Category Archives: City

US 60 passing lane project east of Superior starts this week

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The first of a series of planned improvement projects along US 60 between Superior and Globe will start Wednesday, June 17, when the Arizona Department of Transportation begins work to construct a new passing lane from Devils Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233), along with other improvements.

When completed, this $8.8 million safety improvement project will make it easier for motorists to pass large trucks and slow-moving vehicles whose speed drops because of the sustained grades along this stretch of highway from Devil’s Canyon to the Oak Flat area.

There will be minimal impacts to the traveling public during this initial phase of the project prior to Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Construction of the passing lane and some shoulder widening will require US 60 to be closed during blasting, which will start after the Independence Day holiday weekend.

The project will include the following:

  • Construction of a new westbound passing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233)
  • Widening shoulders in the Devil’s Canyon area (milepost 233-234)
  • Improvements to the Waterfall Canyon bridge (milepost 229)
  • Box culvert drainage improvements (milepost 242 just west of Miami)

Work hours will be 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Work crews may also be working at night during different phases of the construction. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2016.

Removing several areas of rock embankment will require blasting during the project. The first phase of blasting is being planned for the week after the Fourth of July holiday weekend during morning hours around 9 a.m. The exact day has not been determined. Blasting will occur about every five to seven days in a five-month period until it is completed. Closures during the initial blasts may be up to three hours. As blasting continues there will be a lesser impact on traffic and delays will be reduced.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project. Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

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.

Arizona Citizens Defense League announces winners

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ACDLlogo3Congratulations to Linda, Larry, Pat and Dean who purchased the winning tickets for the raffle sponsored by the Arizona Citizens Defense League. The drawing was held on June 14.

The raffle, which benefits the pro-Second Amendment activities of the AzCDL, was for a custom AR-15 pistol built by Forward Operating Base in Phoenix Arizona (Yelp). The AzCDL logo is laser etched on each pistol.

The Arizona Citizens Defense League is already working on their next raffle for four Ruger LC9 9mm semi-auto handguns. Only 1000 tickets will be sold and they may be obtained at the AzCDL tables at gun shows and at the online store of the AzCDL.

The AzCDL Independence Day rifle match is already sold out.

Kaibab National Forest manages Jolly fire for multiple objectives

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FREDONIA — Lightning activity on the North Kaibab Ranger District over the weekend resulted in several small fires, one of which is the Jolly Fire.

The Jolly Fire is located approximately 3 miles south of Jacob Lake. The planning area is bound by Arizona Highway 67 on the west, Forest Service Road (FSR) 200 on the east and FSR 634 on the north. The fire is currently less than 1 acre. Fire managers plan to keep the Jolly Fire within predetermined boundaries, and if the fire grows to the maximum boundary area it will reach about 1,514 acres in size. Smoke may be visible from Arizona Highway 67 and Highway 89A.

On Monday, fire managers met to discuss the likelihood of managing the fire to allow the fire to function in its natural ecological role within defined boundaries and reduce Ponderosa pine, aspen, and pine litter fuels within the planned management area.

Benefits of the burn include restoration of a fire-adapted ecosystem, reduction of accumulated fuels on the forest floor, recycling of nutrients into the soil, protection of the greater area from future high-intensity wildland fires.

Currently, the fire is a slow-moving ground fire, and fire managers are considering managing the fire for resource benefits as weather and conditions allow. No road or trail closures are in effect, but hazard signs are posted and motorist should exercise caution.

Perkinsville road gets a facelift

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south-road-15-06-15-18WILLIAMS — Perkinsville road, commonly known as South road, received a much needed re-paving. Today the lines have been added.

Perkinsville road leads to Benham Trail, Dogtown lake, White Horse Lake and a number of other popular camping and day use spots. With the fair winter and recent rains, the trees are full of leaves making this a beautiful drive.

To access South Road, travel south on Fourth Street. Turn right off of Route 66 and left from Railroad Avenue onto Fourth Street.

Coconino Sheriff’s Deputies Respond to Numerous Calls for Service during the Weekend

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coco-sheriff-300pxFLAGSTAFF — Three community events (Too Broke for Sturgis, Firefly, and Made in the Shade) each attracting a large number of attendees occurred in Coconino County this past weekend.

Too Broke for Sturgis was a four day event from June 11-14 that took place at Mormon Lake. Promoters estimated that approximately 1,500 motorcycle enthusiasts attended this event and camped in the area.

Firefly is described by its promoters as a gathering focused on manifesting vision of a co-creative, nurturing and loving community that fosters a healing, healthy lifestyle partnered with conscious celebration and spiritual peak experiences. Promoters estimated the attendance to be approximately 1,400.

The third event was the Made in the Shade Beer Tasting Festival that took place at the Pepsi Amphitheater at the Coconino County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 13 from 1-5 pm.

Calls for service ranged from an accidental shooting at the Too Broke for Sturgis event (report S15-02234) to a one vehicle non-injury rollover collision on a dirt road near Blue Ridge (report S15-02236).

On Friday evening Deputies respond to a campsite at the Too Broke for Sturgis event on the report of an accidental shooting. According to witnesses an intoxicated adult male took a handgun out of a shoulder holster he was wearing and accidentally inflicted a through and through gunshot wound to his left hand. Deputies estimated that after exiting the victim’s hand the bullet continued to travel and missed striking a bystander by less than one foot. The bullet came to rest in the tire of a nearby vehicle. The individual who accidentally shot himself in the hand was transported by Guardian Medical Transport to the Flagstaff Medical Center where he was treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies and Detectives are continuing this Felony Endangerment investigation (report S15-02234).

On Saturday Deputies assigned to the Williams Grand Canyon District assisted U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement officers with the arrest of a violent and combative individual for Aggravated Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer in the area of Forest Service Roads FS17 and FS12 (report S15-02357).

On Sunday Sheriff’s Deputies, Navajo Nation Police Officers, and Arizona Department of Public Safety Officers responded to the report of a fight involving multiple combatants along the side of Highway 89 in the area of milepost 456. Upon their arrival many of the participants were still present and it was determined to be Navajo Nation Police jurisdiction. Deputies arrested one of the participants who was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant (report S15-02263).

During the weekend Deputies assigned to the Blue Ridge, Flagstaff, Forest Lakes, Oak Creek Canyon and Williams/Grand Canyon districts responded or conducted 27 public assists and motorists assists, conducted 222 area patrols and business checks, responded to 14 reports of disorderly conduct, assisted with 18 calls for medical assistance, investigated 7 reports of property crimes and 5 crimes against persons.

They conducted 48 traffic stops, responded to 2 calls involving firearms, investigated 5 non-injury or injury motor vehicle collisions, arrested 2 individuals for DUI, and responded to incidents involving Domestic Violence.

Sheriff’s Deputies and Coconino County Search and Rescue personnel also responded to 8 reports of missing persons, overdue hikers and injured hikers.

Get out of Williams! Bill Williams lookout

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Watch your step in the forest! Some cacti are in bloom and make great photos.

Watch your step in the forest! Some cacti are in bloom and make great photos.

WILLIAMS — With the gun street show, Route 66 Market and other weekend events, everyone knows that there is much to do in Williams during the summer season. This weekend is the Cowpuncher Rodeo, for example, and Wild West Weekend.

Williams is also known for their outdoor activities. Recently Forest Service Road 111 which leads to Bill Williams lookout has been opened. A popular activity is to drive the road to the top of Bill Williams Mountain—the highest point in Williams. Right now the oaks and aspens are green. During the fall, however, the view is spectacular. So do not count Williams out during that season.

300-FR111-15-06-14-04Not only is there camping in the area, but it is a great place to set up for a family picnic. However, you should be aware that everyone with a dog takes them out into these areas. If your dog is not exactly friendly, you need to make sure that they are tethered.

The other thing to remember—and this is very important—fire danger still exists all year around. Lately the high winds have subsided. If there are high winds, however, you should use a camp stove. If you choose a campfire, make sure you take plenty of water to extinguish it COMPLETELY. Make sure it is cold before you leave. If an accidental fire should start, call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Do not wait and try to put it out.

You will, of course, want to return to Williams after your day in the woods to check out one of the days of the Cowpuncher rodeo. Real cowboys doing the job they do daily. The great restaurants in Williams have your evening meal ready.

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ADEQ Awards $48,500 Brownfields Grant to Town of Wellton

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today a $48,500 brownfields grant to the Town of Wellton to remove asbestos and hydraulic hoists from a town-owned building located at 28789 Los Angeles Ave. in Yuma County.

Brownfields are properties with active redevelopment potential hindered by known or perceived environmental contamination.

Formerly a gas station, the town currently uses the 1.6-acre property as a storage facility. The asbestos abatement and hydraulic hoist removal will prepare the property for development of a municipal complex to include the town hall and council chambers and the public safety department.

Town of Wellton Public Works Director Joe Grant shared, “We value ADEQ’s brownfields expertise and assistance in helping us reach our beautification goals for our downtown area.” Grant added, “The first grant we received last year identified what cleanup work needed to be done; this second grant will fund the actual cleanup work.”

“Recovering blighted properties by administering non-competitive grants through ADEQ’s brownfields program is just one way we accomplish environmentally responsible economic growth in our state,” ADEQ Director Henry Darwin said. “Our staff works diligently with grant applicants to create customized solutions that maximize program benefits for each community’s unique needs.”

ADEQ’s brownfields grant program is funded through a partnership with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under the Comprehensive Environmental Resource Recovery Act (CERCLA). Since it began in 2003, our brownfields grant program has funded more than 50 projects assisting local governments and nonprofits in completing environmental assessments and cleanup. For more information about the program, visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/waste/cleanup/brownfields.html or contact ADEQ Brownfields Coordinator Jennie Curé at jec@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-2296.

ADEQ Hosts Free Environmental Roadshows in Bisbee and Benson

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials announced today that they and partners ADOT Adopt a Highway Volunteer Programs and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows” in Cochise County:

  1. Tuesday, June 23, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Bisbee City Hall – Council Chambers, 118 Arizona St., Bisbee
  2. Wednesday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Benson City Hall – Council Chambers, 120 W. Sixth St., Benson.

ADEQ encourages community members, business people, public officials, and school representatives in Bisbee, Benson and the surrounding area to attend these free events.

ADEQ staff will discuss potential recycling funding opportunities, future electronic waste recycling events, food recovery program, and brownfields grants. Adopt a Highway officials will talk about the process for volunteers to adopt sections of Arizona highways for litter cleanup. KAZB officials will discuss their statewide litter prevention and beautification programs. Representatives of each agency will give brief presentations, engage attendees in an open dialogue and answer questions during the two-hour event.

“Bisbee recycled 442 tons of waste materials in 2014 using 100 convenient drop-off locations,” said ADEQ Recycling Coordinator J.B. Shaw. “ADEQ hopes that Bisbee’s successful program, which started with one of our recycling grants, will inspire nearby communities to provide customized recycling opportunities that benefit their citizens.”

“ADEQ’s governmental and non-profit partnerships, like our state-wide roadshow series, provide environmental education and raise awareness by matching available resources with specific needs of our communities,” said ADEQ Director Henry Darwin.

Contacts:

ADEQ Recycling Coordinator J.B. Shaw at shaw.joseph@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-5613
ADEQ Brownfields Coordinator Jennie Curé at jec@azdeq.gov or (602) 771-2296
KAZB Executive Director Jill Bernstein at executivedirector@kazb.org or (602) 651-1227
ADOT Adopt a Highway Programs Patricia Powers-Zermeño at ppowers-zermeno@azdot.gov or (602) 712-4620

Flagstaff and Williams get predicted rain

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64015-06-13-08Flagstaff and Williams received their predicted rainfall this afternoon. Rain, however, was heaviest along the I-40 corridor between Bellemont and Parks Road.
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More rain is predicted tomorrow. The forecast there after is mostly sunny with some clouds through next weekend.

Bill Williams mountain from I-40.

Bill Williams mountain from I-40.

Flagstaff experiences climate change

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IMG_20150613_122030FLAGSTAFF— Flagstaff today received a graphic demonstration climate change. While the Sun brightened up the San Francisco Peaks, it rained in Flagstaff proper.

A few lightning strikes were noticed, and this storm front appears to be moving towards Williams.