Category Archives: City

Slide Rock and Sunset fires first major fires of the season

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Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

OAK CREEK – High winds and restricted area are making difficult the fighting of a fire in Oak Creek Canyon about a mile north of Slide Rock State park reported just before 4 pm today. It is being fought largely with aircraft. Witnesses reported to KTVK in Phoenix that fire fighting crews responded with amazing swiftness after the fire was reported.

A separate fire near Cordes Junction closed portions of Interstate 17 for about four hours.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is currently estimated to be 20 acres, burning on the north side of Highway 89 in Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.

Multiple firefighting units are responding, including two Hotshot crews, four engines, two helicopters, an air attack unit and Sedona Fire.

Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office told KTVK in Phoenix that they are requesting some evacuations and that he had heard of no fire-related injuries.

Highway 89 may close to traffic near the Slide Rock area, and evacuations are being ordered for areas just north of Slide Rock State Park. It is unknown whether there are any structures threatened at this time.

The fire is currently moving to the north and fuel treatments in the area have kept the fire from aggressive activity.

Cause is unknown at this time.

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter has opened a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, in Flagstaff for those displaced by the fire in Oak Creek Canyon.

The Sunset brush fire near Sunset Point north of Phoenix caused Interstate 17 to be closed for a time. After more than four-hours, Interstate 17 was reopened. according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At 6:30 p.m., both directions of the freeway were reopened. The left lane was closed in each direction for two miles, from milepost 254-256. There is no indication when those lanes would reopen.

The freeway had been closed from near the Sunset Point Rest Area 35 miles north of Phoenix to just south of the Cordes Junction exit at SR 69 beginning about 2 p.m.

State Library of Arizona – nationally recognized as Library of the Year

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azcm-building-photoPHOENIX – The State Library of Arizona, a division of the Secretary of State, has been named as the 2013 Library of the Year by Davita Vance-Cooks, U.S. Public Printer. This regional federal depository library is celebrating its 50th year with this designation for oversight and statewide services within Arizona.

“Under the leadership of our State Librarian Joan Clark, and Janet Fisher, our Director of Collections and External Relations, we have been able to reinvigorate our effort to preserve and provide access to important government documents,” said Secretary of State Ken Bennett. “Their team has done an excellent job and Arizonans should be proud to have such an outstanding resource at their disposal.”

The award from the U.S. Government Printing Office recognizes the library and its staff for their leadership in carrying out the responsibilities of the Federal Depository Library Program’s role in “keeping America informed.” The State Library of Arizona coordinates and connects with Arizona’s libraries (public, community college, and university) around the state to provide access to federal government information for all. The library’s efforts to plan, collaborate with others, and implement the biennial Six-State Virtual Government Information Conference held in 2010 and 2012 is but one example of its leadership in expanding services to engage, collaborate and transform in GPO’s mission to keep America informed.

The State Library of Arizona is a branch of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State. The Library holds a collection of 2.5 million government, law and genealogy items, is located in the State Capitol in Phoenix, and serves the needs of state government, businesses and the public. The State Library of Arizona functions as the state library and the state law library for Arizona.

Single Vehicle Roll-Over on Snowbowl Road Resulting in Serious Injury

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DSCN2003FLAGSTAFF – A single-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday resulting in a serious injury on Snowbowl road.

At approximately 4:58 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a traffic collision on Snowbowl Road in the area of mile post 3.4. Upon arrival Deputies found a Freightliner flatbed utility truck rolled over.

The investigation of Deputies revealed that the truck was owned by Allison Transmission from Indiana, and was being driven to test transmissions installed in commercial vehicles. Both occupants of the vehicle were also from Indiana. One occupant was trapped in the cab and required extrication by Summit Fire District responders.

The 23 year old driver and the 21 year old passenger were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by Guardian Medical Transport. Forest Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety also assisted in the response to this incident.

The passenger sustained non-life threatening injuries and the driver is in critical condition. No cargo was being carried by the truck. Investigation of the roll-over event is ongoing with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.

LATE BREAKING NEWS! Cataract Creek Gang spotted.

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Go 'head, Marshal. Kick o'er my sodie water. I Dars ya!

Go ‘head, Marshal. Kick o’er my sodie water. I Dars ya!

Marshall John B. Goode of Williams has received a telegraph and asked media outlets in Williams to extend this warning.

From: U.S. Marshall, Richmond, Virginia
Five or six polecats identified tentatively as the Cataract Creek gang were arrested Tuesday last…STOP…Were turned over as stowaways on a boat from Bahamas…STOP…Nice tans…STOP…Broke jail and took a stage…STOP…They did not book passage on the stage, they just took it!…STOP…If you are laughing…STOP…They are presumed to be heading your area…STOP…them.

According to the date of this telegraph (for y’all city folks, that is what we call emails), the time of travel and if the wind is agin’ ’em or for ’em, the Cataract Creek Gang could be here toward the end of May, or so.

It ain’t likely they’ll put out a schedule or anything.

Bearizona Wildlife Park Job Fair

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bearizonaWILLIAMS – Bearizona Wildlife Drive Through park is holding a job fair on Saturday starting at 10 am and lasting until 2 pm. The fair will be held at Wild West Junction, 321 E Rte 66 in Williams.

They are interviewing for Buster the mascot, car attendant, maintenance, animal staff, and ambassadors. See website for applications and complete job description.

Bearizona also has volunteer opportunities for teenagers over 15 and adults to assist paid staff while developing skills for a full-time job.

Applications available on their website. They will not consider anyone for an interview with an incomplete application.

Bearizona is an equal opportunity employer and drug and alcohol free.

Improvement project on SR 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott nears completion

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adot-logo3Crews will begin paving the roadway on State Route 89 (White Spar Road) in Prescott starting on Tuesday, May 20.

Next week, paving work will occur Tuesday through Thursday, May 20 to May 22, and be off the road on Friday, May 23 in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

During paving activities drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes over the next two weeks. Work hours are 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Run for the Wall reminds America of POWs and MIAs

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The soldier at the Williams Own Veterans Memorial stands watch with a Road Guard waiting for the riders of Run for the Wall

The soldier at the Williams Own Veterans Memorial stands watch with a Road Guard waiting for the riders of Run for the Wall

WILLIAMS – The riders of Run for the Wall roared into Williams on their annual mission to remind America that we still do not have a full accounting of POWs and those missing in action from the Vietnam war. At least 15 from Arizona are still unaccounted for.

The ten-day journey to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. is also a chance for brothers-in-arms who fought in the conflict to help each other heal. In addition the ride honors those currently serving in the military.

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Staff Sergeant David C. Lee

Although the ride was originally started by and for veterans of the Vietnam conflict, it has always been open for anyone with a desire to honor veterans and military. Recent years it has become more important for veterans and others to start to ride as Vietnam veterans are passing and getting too old to ride. This year there were several obvious non-veterans riding in the group.

Williams was especially honored this year to welcome active duty Army Staff Sergeant David Lee, a recruiter from North Orange County. He said he hangs out with a group of veterans known as the Orange Plaza Patriots where he learned about Run for the Wall. Marine Corp veteran Mark Waylon, a member of the group and annual rider, invited Lee to ride. Staff Sergeant Lee took leave so that he could make the Run for the Wall ride this year.

Officers Jaynes (left) and Humphrey (Right) are thanked for their service.

Officers Jaynes (left) and Humphrey (Right) are thanked for their service.

The riders came in their normal route from I-40 to parade down historic Route 66. Due to an emergency call, the Williams Police Department could not handle the normal duty of escorting the group. Officers Jaynes and Humphrey of the Department of Public Safety stepped in to handle the call.

The Ambassadors of Run for the Wall arrived about 5:45 after the Run for the Wall traveling commissary. The van sells T-Shirts, patches, pins and other items to support the activity.

At the American Legion Cordova Post #13, volunteers started in the morning setting up and cooking for the event. It was particularly gratifying to see young citizens of Williams serving at the event this year.

Volunteers serve the riders at the Cordova Post #13.

Volunteers serve the riders at the Cordova Post #13.

In previous years the riders were divided into two routes. This year the riders were divided into three routes with the Central Route coming into Williams and Flagstaff. Unfortunately this is not a tourist run and the riders will rise early in the morning to depart the city to continue their mission.

The Northern Arizona Gazette wishes them fair winds and following seas.

UPDATED 11:45

2nd Annual High Country Stand Down for Veterans this weekend

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stand-down-logoFLAGSTAFF – The 2nd annual High Country Stand Down for veterans will be held this Friday and Saturday in Flagstaff. The event is a part of the Arizona Veterans Stand Down organization.

The stand down is designed to reach out to homeless veterans and other veterans at risk. Services provided include VA health care, pet services, dental exams and services, mental health services, clothing, meals, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, ID and drivers licenses, court services and legal aide, showers and haircuts and myriad other services and resources.

The Stand Down will be held in two locations in Flagstaff. On Friday May 16 it will be at the Flagstaff Armory at 320 N. Thorpe Road from 10 am to 5 pm. This day is open to the public until 5 pm. After 5 pm only veterans will be allowed.

On Saturday the Stand Down veteran surplus distribution will be held the American Legion Post #2 at 204 Birch from 8 am to 3 pm. On Saturday only veterans will be permitted.

The Stand Down is sponsored by Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Department of Economic Security, American Legion, The Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation.

Flagstaff will hold their annual Armed Forces Day parade beginning at 11 am.

Run for the Wall arrives today

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r4tw-2006-01FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS – The riders of Run for the Wall are expected to start arriving in Williams in two groups today. The first group will arrive and continue on to Flagstaff while the second will stop in Williams.

The first group of Vietnam veterans will start arriving at about 4:30 and will stop for fuel before continuing on to Flagstaff.

The second group will arrive at about 6:30 and start the traditional Run for the Wall motorcycle parade down historic Route 66. They will proceed to the American Legion Cordova Post #13 to be served dinner by volunteers from Williams.

Run for the Wall is an annual event in which Vietnam veterans ride to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. arriving on Memorial day. The event is over twenty years old and the mission is to allow healing for Vietnam veterans and their families and to call attention to the fact that the national government has still not demanded a full accounting of prisoners of war and those missing in action from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Blue Ridge Neighborhood Watch Meeting Wednesday

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neighborhoodwatchBLUE RIDGE – The next Neighborhood Watch Meeting for the Blue Ridge and Happy Jack areas will be held on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 beginning at 6:00 pm at the Blue Ridge Fire Station located at 5023 Enchanted Lane.

Deputy Rick Shouse and Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand to give an update for the Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Shouse will speak about activity in the neighborhood that has occurred during the last month. District 4 Supervisor Mandy Metzger will be at the meeting to give an update on the operation of Coconino County Government and to share information. Marc Della Rocca who is the Public Relations Manager for the Coconino County Public Works Department will give an update on County Roads. Fire District Chief John Banning will give an update on the Blue Ridge Fire Department.

Jeb Koons who is the Fire Management Officer for the Coconino National Forest and Robert Auza who is the assistant Fire Manager will give a current Outlook for the 2014 Wild Land Fire Season. They will also speak about the “Ash Barrel” project.

Zach Ellinger who is a Fire Prevention Technician for the United States Forest Service will speak about the “One Less Spark-One Less Wildfire” program. Fire danger in Arizona is above normal levels. Significantly dry conditions are present due to historically low precipitation and high temperatures. Everyone has the responsibility to prevent human-caused wildfires. “One Less Spark-One Less Wildfire” is a public information campaign designed to inform the motoring public on how to prevent vehicle or equipment caused wildfires. The campaign is in part the product of research conducted by The Forest Service Research Station and the Centers for Disease Control. According to their research, vehicle or equipment caused fires are a major source of wildfires and are among the most costly and damaging fires because they begin near busy roadways and often, interrupt traffic, negatively impact roadside scenery and threaten settled areas.

The goal of the One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire Campaign is to use an all lands, all voices coordinated approach to guide interagency efforts for wildfire prevention to reduce human-caused wildfires in the Southwest.