Category Archives: Holiday

Santa freed by Williams Fire Department

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Santa with Williams Fire Department

WILLIAMS — We have been reporting that Santa was stuck on the Zipline and would apparently not be able to make his rounds.

Last night there were several reports concerning break-ins around the area. Reports indicated missing cookies, pastries, milk and hot cocoa with little marshmallows and whipped cream. Oddly, it was reported that left behind were wrapped boxes and bags with various toys and other objects.This morning we learned that the Williams Fire Department apparently saw our Facebook post and responded late in the cold night to free Santa so that he could make his rounds. He was seen this morning driving around in a fire truck handing out a few more gifts with his elves prior to departing on his return trip to the North Pole.

Winter Storm warning issued for weather through Saturday

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WILLIAMS — NOAA has issued a weather storm warning through November 30 and a wind advisory for November 27. Heavy snow above 4500-feet through Saturday will make holiday travel difficult and possibly dangerous. Localized amounts up to 40 inches over the highest peaks are possible.

The main brunt of the storm is expected to hit Thanksgiving Day leaving a possible 21-inches overnight in Williams. Friday there is a possibility of an additonal 8-inches of snow. There is a slight chance of snow Saturday morning. Weather is expected to clear starting Saturday after 11 a.m.

Snow forecast from 6 AM Thursday to midnight Saturday:

Chino Valley 4 to 6 inches
Doney Park 13 to 19 inches
Flagstaff 21 to 27 inches
Forest Lakes 28 to 36 inches
Fredonia 4 to 6 inches
Grand Canyon 14 to 20 inches
Heber-Overgaard 9 to 15 inches
Jacob Lake 15 to 21 inches
North Rim 22 to 30 inches
Prescott 8 to 12 inches
Prescott Valley 4 to 8 inches
Sedona 4 to 6 inches
Seligman 5 to 9 inches
Valle 9 to 13 inches
Williams 20 to 26 inches

Bearizona Welcomes Vernon the Bald Eagle on Veterans Day

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WILLIAMS — Bearizona, a popular drive- and walk-through wildlife park devoted to providing homes to wild animals in need, is introducing its first bald eagle on Veterans Day. He was named Vernon by the winner of the company’s recent naming contest that reached over 30,000 animal lovers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and was shared 124 times in just 24 hours.

The contest called for all Bearizona fans and supporters to submit a name appropriate for such an incredible animal that represents the strength and freedom of America ahead of the national Veterans Day holiday. The winning name was chosen out of 850 fan entries and honors George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Vernon is especially fitting since the first president of the United States and Bearizona’s first bald eagle were both from the great state of Virginia.

After he was seen fighting with another eagle in what was likely a territorial dispute and suffered injuries affecting his ability to fly, Vernon was rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and made his way to multiple facilities over the last decade before finding his forever home at the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where he will have the space and care he needs to thrive.

“He’s very shy, but he loosens up after a few fish,” said Susan Davidson, founder of High Country Raptors. “The staff continues to learn more about him and his likes and dislikes every day, and we are doing our very best to keep Vernon feeling as comfortable and safe as possible in his new home.”

Visitors will be able to visit Vernon for the first time, along with the rest of the Bearizona residents, on Veterans Day, this Monday, Nov. 11. Free admission will be offered to all individuals currently serving in or who have honorably served in the U.S. military.

“Eagles are becoming more common here in Virginia and I see them a couple of times a month. My heart still jumps in excitement when I see one,” says contest winner, Laurinda Bowling of Bland, Virginia. According to Savannah Carleton, a second contest winner who chose the name Vernon, “Since the bald eagle is from Virginia, it seemed perfect for his name to be Vernon. But when I saw someone else had suggested it, I just decided to ‘second’ their vote. It’s always fun to participate and vote when an Arizona park gets a new member and the community gets a voice in the process.”

Christmas tree permits on sale November 22

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of over-the-counter Christmas tree permits to the public beginning Noember 22 (Friday) that will be good for cutting in designated areas of the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts until December 24.

A total of 1,200 permits will be available at $15 each, which can be paid for by cash, credit card, or personal check at the locations listed below. The permits will be issued one per household on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Permits cannot be reserved. Last year permits sold fast, so the public is encouraged to purchase their permit as soon as possible beginning November 22.

This year, the Flagstaff Ranger Station will be selling 150 permits for Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas on the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 100 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. A map will be provided with each permit as well as the stipulations and limitations regarding the size of tree that can be cut. This office is not open on November 23 or 24 (Saturday and Sunday).

The Mogollon Rim Ranger Station will have 550 permits for sale for areas within the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, which includes Fir, Pinyon Pine, and Ponderosa Pine trees in three designated areas located approximately 1 to 2.5 hours south of Flagstaff. This office will be open November 22 and November 23 (Friday and Saturday) to sell permits, but will be closed November 24 (Sunday).

The Forest Supervisors Office will be selling permits this year. There will be 100 permits for the Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas in the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 200 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. This office is not open on November 23 or 24 (Saturday and Sunday).

The Red Rock Ranger District will sell a limited number of permits November 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday only), or until all permits are sold. There will be 50 permits for the Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas in the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 50 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

10 Ways to Help Keep Trick or Treaters Safe this Halloween

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PHOENIX – Halloween is just days away. Fast becoming one of the most popular holidays in this country, masses of little superheroes, cartoon and television characters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun. The American Red Cross has ten tips parents can follow to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities.

Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
– Use face makeup instead of masks which make seeing difficult.
– Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
– Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
– Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.

Use flame-resistant costumes.

Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.

Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

Walk, don’t run.

Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
– If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
– Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
– Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
– Don’t cross between parked cars.
– Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.

A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
– Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
– Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
Light the area well so young visitors can see.
Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.

Coconino County Offices closed in honor of Memorial Day

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Monday, May 27, 2019 in honor of Memorial Day.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed on Monday, May 27, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be operating under normal schedules. Records will be open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. May 27. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open Monday, May 27, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill County Park will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. Coconino County parks and natural areas’ trails, ramadas, picnic areas and watchable wildlife sites/viewing platforms are open. Fort Tuthill Campground and Flagstaff Extreme Adventure Course will remain open.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer available from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday, May 27. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756 and leave a message and an officer will respond. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies.

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

Coconino County offices closed for winter holidays

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FLAGSTAFF — All Coconino County administrative offices will be closed Tuesday, December 25, 2018 and Tuesday, January 1, 2019 for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

While the administrative offices at the Sheriff’s Office will be closed, Dispatch, Patrol and Detention will be open. Records will be closed on Tuesday, December 25 and open Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with limited staffing. Please dial 9-1-1 for emergencies. For non-emergencies, dial 928-774-4523 to connect with the non-emergency Dispatch number or to leave a message for one of the administrative offices.

In the event of a snow storm or other impactful weather during the holiday, County Public Works crews will be deployed to keep County roadways open and passable.

Coconino County’s parks and natural areas will remain open during the holiday, but administrative offices at Fort Tuthill will be closed and limited staff or services will be available. The Fort Tuthill Bike Park is currently closed. Please do not sled on the Fort Tuthill Bike Park or you will damage the features which were built specifically for cyclists to hone their skills on jumps and flow trails. Drinking water has been turned off at all parks, but bathrooms are still available at Raymond, Peaks View and Sawmill County Parks. Water and bathrooms are available at Louise Yellowman County Park, located in Tuba City.

Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) Animal Management will have an officer on call on Tuesday, December 25 for emergencies only. An officer will be working on Tuesday, January 1, 2019 from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCPHSD Animal Management office at 928-679-8756, leave a message and an officer will respond.

Heritage Elementary students prepare food bags for community.

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Arrron, of Hope for the World Ministries instructs Heritage 6th graders in sorting food.

WILLIAMS – Students from the Heritage Elementary at 790 Rodeo Road in Williams prepared food bags, today, at Hope for the World Ministries in the downtown mall. This is the second year the students have worked with Hope for the World in the Christmas Season.

Students sort food and hand it to those who are bagging.

Third and Fifth-graders packed 14-bags Thursday morning and Sixth-graders packed ten more in the afternoon. Seventh-graders will pick up the work Friday morning. Some students are packing up other bags at the school for other purposes.

Students bagged about 24-bags, at this point, to distribute in the community.

The students collected over 500 food items at the school . The bags are to be distributed at the Kiwanis community dinner on Sunday.

Children at the Heritage Elementary school collected over 500 pieces of food to distribute this season.

Hope for the World provides food and clothing for the homeless and needy in Williams. This project is with St. Vincent DePaul, but they work with other agencies to help the homeless and Veterans.