Category Archives: City

AZGFD seeks to improve road leading to Northern Arizona Shooting Range

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-AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The Flagstaff Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest is considering a proposal by the Arizona Game and Fish Department to improve, operate and maintain a portion of Forest Service road 128A, which provides access to the Northern Arizona Shooting Range near Flagstaff.

The goal is to improve a half-mile stretch of 128A and provide a simple road structure of adequate strength to support increases to vehicle traffic, while also providing drainage as necessary to prevent unacceptable environmental damage.

The range, which opened in July 2012, has experienced an average of 3,852 user days since 2014. That’s considerably more use than a Maintenance Level 2 road is intended to provide, being that it’s designed for high-clearance vehicles and not for user comfort. In order to provide safer access to the range, the department is requesting the ability to make 128A a Maintenance Level 3 road to be accessible by a standard passenger car.

The public is invited to share comments, concerns or ideas with Jessica Richardson, District NEPA coordinator, at the Flagstaff Ranger District, 5075 N. Highway 89, Flagstaff, AZ, 86004. Richardson can be reached at (928) 527-8219, or email at jessicarichardson@fs.fed.us. Input also can be provided at comments-southwestern-coconino@fs.fed.us. The deadline to submit comments to ensure consideration in the decision process is May 30.

Stay safe on your OHV over Memorial Day

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Buckle up and wear a helmet. Remember to stay on approved roads ONLY.

PHOENIX — As many people are gearing up to spend time outdoors over the Memorial Day weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds everyone planning to ride an off-highway vehicle (OHV) to do so safely and responsibly.

 

Numerous fatal accidents last year involved utility task vehicles (UTVs) that rolled over and pinned the operator underneath. Wearing a seatbelt is critical because it will help keep the operator and any passengers inside the UTV in the event of an accident.

 

If children are a part of the adventure, they must wear a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet. While helmets are required for all operators and passengers under the age of 18, they’re strongly recommended for everyone.

 

In addition, ride safely by following these practices:
  • Only carry the number of passengers recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Many accidents are the result of too many people riding a machine that was designed for fewer passengers.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, first-aid kit and whistle, and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.
AZGFD officers and partner agencies will be out enforcing rules and regulations to ensure the safety of OHV operators and passengers.

 

Citations and warnings are given for issues like failing to have a current OHV Decal and allowing children under the age of 18 to ride without a helmet. It’s also important to remember that OVHs and alcohol don’t mix — operating any vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is always illegal, regardless of what type of vehicle it is.

For more information about OHV riding in Arizona, including a list of locations to ride throughout the state, visit www.azgfd.gov/OHV.

Williams and Tusayan Ranger District offices to offer limited services May 30 – 31

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WILLIAMS – The Williams and Tusayan Ranger District offices of the Kaibab National Forest will offer limited public services on Thursday, May 30, and Friday, May 31, due to scheduled training for front desk staff members.

While both offices will remain open for general public information, services such as the issuance of permits, passes and maps will not be available on the two identified dates. Specific services and products that will not be available include firewood, cinder, and other forest product permits; interagency and other recreation passes and permits; map sales; and any transaction requiring the issuance of official permit documentation.

All normal services offered through the Williams and Tusayan Ranger District offices will resume on Monday, June 3. Forest managers recognize that the limited services on May 30 and 31 may cause inconvenience and appreciate the public’s patience as employees receive critical training.

Kaibab National Forest information is available through the following sources:

Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Flickr: http://bit.ly/KaibabNFPhotos

ADOT: No highway closures over Memorial Day weekend

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If you’re planning a road trip in the state over the Memorial Day weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation has good news about construction-related closures.

ADOT and its contractors will not schedule weekend closures along state-maintained highways, including Phoenix-area freeways, from Friday afternoon through late Monday night, May 27.

Drivers should allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, and be prepared to slow down and use caution in existing work zones. Focus on safe driving, including buckling up and not speeding.

There were seven fatal crashes with a total of eight deaths on Arizona roadways, including local streets, over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Two of those fatal crashes were alcohol-related.

ADOT’s highway safety recommendations include:

  • Never drive while impaired – arrange for a designated driver in advance
  • Buckle up and obey speed limits
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
  • Get some rest before traveling – fatigue is a serious safety risk
  • Allow extra travel time and be prepared for unscheduled closures
  • Avoid distractions – don’t text while driving
  • Pack extra supplies, including drinking water and snack foods
  • Don’t park in areas with grasses or brush – hot vehicle components could start a fire

Work on Interstate 40 in Williams rescheduled because of wintry weather

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WILLIAMS – Unseasonably cold weather has temporarily delayed work on Interstate 40 between Parks and Williams in northern Arizona. Crews had been scheduled to complete work at the Grand Canyon Boulevard westbound off-ramp prior to Memorial Day weekend. Because of inclement weather, the work is now scheduled to progress through next week.

The following I-40 ramp closures and detours have been rescheduled so crews can reconstruct the westbound on- and off- ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard. The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel delays while these closures are in place:

  • Crews will keep the westbound I-40 off-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard closed through Friday, May 31. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Crews will close the westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard from 6 a.m. Monday, June 3, through Monday, June 10, at 6 p.m. DETOUR: Southbound Grand Canyon Boulevard traffic that needs to access westbound I-40 should use eastbound I-40 to State Route 64 (Exit 165) and use the interchange to turn around.

The eastbound and westbound I-40 ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard will NOT be closed at the same time.

No work is scheduled over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

The project schedule still calls for a new layer of asphalt pavement on 17 miles of east- and westbound I-40 between Parks and Williams this summer. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, and installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

Red Cross Memorial Day safety tips

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Phoenix — This Memorial Day, many people will be traveling, firing up the backyard grill and the American Red Cross offers a series of steps everyone can follow to safely enjoy the holiday weekend. “Everyone looks forward to having fun over Memorial Day and the Red Cross wants to make sure people know how to stay safe while enjoying the holiday, “said Jim Gilloon, Regional Communication Manager.

HIGHWAY SAFETY Millions of people will be on the highways over the Memorial Day weekend. The Red Cross offers these tips everyone should do to stay safe while traveling:

  1. Buckle seat belts, observe speed limits.
  2. Do not drink and drive.
  3. Pay full attention to the road – don’t use a cell phone to call or text.
  4. Have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.
  5. Clean the vehicle’s lights and windows to help the driver see, especially at night. Turn the headlights on as dusk approaches, or during inclement weather.

Fire Season typically begins in May.

  1. Avoid parking or driving through areas with grass that would touch your muffler.
  2. Dispose Cigarettes properly
  3. Don’t Drag Chains—One Spark Is All It Takes.

GRILLING SAFETY Every year people are injured while using charcoal or gas grills. Here are several steps to safely cook up treats for the backyard barbecue:

  1. Always supervise a barbecue grill when in use.
  2. Never grill indoors – not in the house, camper, tent, or any enclosed area.
  3. Make sure everyone, including the pets, stays away from the grill.
  4. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
  5. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.

RED CROSS APPS: People can download the all-inclusive Red Cross Emergency app which offers emergency alerts to help keep the user safe. And there is a special mobile app – Monster Guard – designed for kids, teaching them to prepare for emergencies at home by playing an engaging game. Users can find the apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

County tests Emergency Notification System

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Emergency Management is conducting a test of the emergency notification system between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, May 27. This will help ensure that the system is up to date.

County officials are encouraging all residents to sign-up to receive emergency notifications. During the test, residents should receive a message verifying they have been entered into the emergency notification system. People that did not receive a message can sign-up at coconino.az.gov/ready. For questions or assistance call 928-679-8311.

Run For The Wall continuing on to Washington

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A mile of motorcycles line route 66 as the riders of Run For The Wall prepare to continue their trip to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D. C.

WILLIAMS – The motorcycle riders of Run For The Wall travel from California to Washington D. C. to muster at the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall on Memorial Day. Their ride is intended to bring attention to the fact that there are still Prisoners of War (POW) and others Missing in Action (MIA) from wars and conflicts that America has been involved in.

Veterans of Run For The Wall gather in the morning at Wild West Junction for breakfast, snacks and other gifts from the community of Williams.

There are three routes this group takes and the Central Route stops the first night in Williams each year. They are fed dinner by volunteers in the community who assist the American Legion Cordova Post #13. In the morning, volunteers from the community turn out to provide breakfast, snacks and gifts from the City of Williams.

Local high school volunteers and other members of the community turn out to bid a safe journey to the riders.

Each year more people turn out to see the motorcade down Route 66 and welcome the Veteran riders. Each year new, younger veterans take the place of aging Vietnam veterans who are passing or can no longer ride. They continue the tradition of Riding for those who can’t.

Mayor John Moore, who supports the efforts of these Veterans every year, greets the riders of Run For The Wall.


Run For The Wall was started by James Gregory and Carl Rice at the behest of Marion Shelton, wife of Colonel Charle Shelton the last “official” prisoner of war from Vietnam. From humble efforts, the first R4TW left San Diego in May of 1989. Out of the 115 motorcycles in the first effort, only 15 made it all the way to the Vietnam Veteran Memorial Wall. Now hundreds make the journey on the three routes.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputies involved in fatal shooting

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FLAGSTAFF – At approximately 1:13 AM Deputies with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office were involved in an armed confrontation leading to an Officer-Involved fatal shooting south of Parks on County Road 141.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies out of the Williams Substation were called to the Pine Aire neighborhood near Parks, AZ, after receiving a report of domestic violence. The reporting party had called the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Williams Substation to report that her ex-husband had pulled a gun on her while at their residence during an argument. The reporting party told Deputies that he had fled the house in a white passenger car. Deputies immediately began responding to the residence. While in route to the house, Deputies came across a vehicle matching the description given by the reporting party parked along side of County Road 141, approximately 4 miles from the residence.

Upon contact with the vehicle, the occupant immediately exited with a handgun in his hand. Despite multiple commands to drop the gun the suspect continued to advance on the deputies with the gun in his hand, prompting one Deputy to discharge rounds from his patrol rifle. The suspect was hit by at least one round and fell to the ground. Deputies on scene attempted to render aid to the suspect but he sustained fatal injuries during the altercation.

The suspect was identified as Paul Mcvicker, a 43-year-old Parks resident, was later pronounced deceased on scene. This incident is currently under investigation by the Northern Arizona Officer Involved Shooting Team, with the Flagstaff Police Department taking the lead.

The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as further information is available.
The Deputies involved in the incident were not injured. The deceased was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner Office for further investigation.

AZGFD accepting online applications for 2019 fall hunts

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting online applications for 2019 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison and sandhill crane. 
To apply online, visit www.azgfd.gov/draw. All online applications must be received by the department by 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, June 11. As a reminder, applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license to apply online for a hunt permit-tag. That license must be valid on the last day of the online application period (June 11). Licenses are available online and at department offices and license dealers statewide.
AZGFD encourages applicants to consider adding “PointGuard” when applying online for a hunt permit-tag. PointGuard ensures if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated.

All online applicants must sign up for a free AZGFD portal account to purchase PointGuard (visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register). PointGuard is $5 per species, per applicant, purchased at the time of completing the online application or through June 27, which also is the deadline to update credit card or debit card information. For more information about PointGuard, visit https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

AZGFD encourages all hunters to open a free portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results history and bonus points, in their personal “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account is a mobile-friendly, convenient way to access the online license purchase and hunt
draw application systems.
For questions about opening a portal account, call the department at (602) 942-3000 and press “7.”