Category Archives: News

AZGFD to participate in multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

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KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend on the Colorado River, pursuing those who are operating their boats and other watercraft while under the influence (OUI) of drugs or alcohol.

AZGFD, together with the Nevada Department of Wildlife and the National Park Service, will be enforcing Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs, and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“The responsibility for boating safety among watercraft users is critically important,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the department’s regional office in Kingman. “The area is growing quickly, and we share these waterways with California and Nevada. It’s becoming very congested, which lends itself to more potential hazards.”

Carley advises boaters and watercraft users should review all regulations prior to launching. That includes having a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket for every person on board and making sure that anyone 12 and under is wearing one at all times. Boats also must be equipped with a fire extinguisher and a Type IV throwable personal flotation device (PFD).

For more information on boating in Arizona, or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Abbott Initiates Voluntarily Recall of Specific Lots of Three Coronary Catheters

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Abbott has initiated a voluntary recall of specific lots of three catheters: NC Trek RX Coronary Dilatation Catheter, NC Traveler Coronary Dilatation Catheter, and NC Tenku RX PTCA Balloon Catheter.

This recall does not affect patients who have successfully undergone cardiac procedures using these devices. Abbott has already implemented corrective actions to ensure the products perform as intended.

Products from the identified lots may exhibit difficulty in removing the protective balloon sheath, which could cause problems with inflating or deflating the balloon. Potential risks associated with balloon inflation and deflation difficulties include air embolism, additional intervention, thrombosis, and myocardial infarction. In one reported case, failure to deflate the balloon necessitated surgery, which resulted in multiple post-surgical complications leading to death. The FDA has classified this as a Class I recall, where exposure to a device presents a reasonable likelihood of serious adverse health consequences or death. The cumulative frequency of reported events in difficulty of removing the sheath, and inflation and deflation of the balloon, is 0.12 percent worldwide.

Abbott began contacting customers in March who received coronary catheters from the affected lots, and is arranging the return and replacement of all remaining products. The total number of distributed units from identified lots potentially affected is 449,661. Global Health Authorities have been notified of the voluntary recall.

Specific lots of affected product were manufactured between January 1, 2015 to January 2, 2017, and were distributed between January 13, 2015 to March 14, 2017. For more information, please see Abbott’s field safety notice.

For Important Safety Information on NC Trek Catheters see PDF.

National Park Service seeks public comment on initial environmental assessment for bison herd reduction at Grand Canyon

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PHOENIX – The National Park Service (NPS) has made available for public review its Initial Bison Herd Reduction Environmental Assessment (EA), which evaluates management actions related to bison on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim. The public can view the EA on the NPS website and submit any comments through June 7.

Since the 1990s, the bison population on the Kaibab Plateau herd has grown significantly, impacting Grand Canyon National Park resources such as water, vegetation, soils and archaeological sites. While they are negatively affecting habitat at their current numbers, bison can provide exceptional value to the visitor experience, when managed at appropriate numbers and distribution.

The purpose of the actions evaluated in the EA are to (1) quickly reduce bison population density on the Kaibab Plateau through collaborative efforts and (2) protect Grand Canyon National Park resources and values from the impacts of a steadily growing bison population.

According to a NPS news release, the NPS would work together with cooperating agencies and partners through the preferred alternative to reduce the bison herd to fewer than 200 animals using lethal culling with skilled volunteers and non-lethal capture and removal.

A management action that is not included in the Park Service’s preferred alternative is reducing the bison herd through public hunting. The Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department have consistently advocated for a model that uses properly licensed hunters as a management tool and allows the hunter to keep the animal.

“Several of the proposed actions in the Park Service EA will cost taxpayers far more than lethal removal by citizen hunters who would pay for the opportunity to assist the NPS,” said Arizona Game and Fish Commissioner Kurt Davis. “This will provide additional hunting opportunities consistent with the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation and help to properly manage the bison population. This approach just makes sense and supports efforts to alleviate park damage caused by bison, saves tax dollars, funds wildlife conservation and helps protect habitat for other wildlife.”

The NPS will host three in-person open house meetings and one web-based meeting during the comment period. All times are Arizona time (Mountain Standard Time – MST) unless otherwise indicated:

  • 6 p.m. – 8 pm. Tuesday, May 16 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, 1175 W. Route 66 in Flagstaff.
  • 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Thursday, May 18 at the Ben Avery Activity Center, 4044 W. Black Canyon Blvd in Phoenix.
  • 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Mountain Time) (5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Arizona time) Tuesday, May 23 at the Holiday Inn Express and Hotel, 217 S. 100 East in Kanab, Utah.
  • 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 30 online. Registration for the web-based meeting and more information about the open houses can be found here.

Comments can be submitted either electronically or via U.S. Postal Service at Grand Canyon National Park, P.O. Box 129, Attn: Bison Management Plan EA, Grand Canyon, AZ 86023 or at one of the in-person public meetings listed above.

Comments must be received by June 7. Comments will not be accepted by fax, email or by any method other than those specified above. Bulk comments in any format (hard copy or electronic) submitted on behalf of others will not be accepted.

Add time for travel to Page on US 89 Wednesday and Thursday

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PAGE – Motorists traveling on US 89 to Page should allow extra time while surface sealant is applied on a nine-mile segment of the roadway just south of Horseshoe Bend Overlook. Work will occur between mileposts 537 and 546 during daylight hours Wednesday, May 17, and Thursday, May 18.

The roadway will be reduced to one lane with a pilot car guiding alternating traffic through the work zone. Drivers should observe reduced speed limits and watch for construction personnel and equipment in the work zone.

ADOT seeks input on Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking public input on proposed goals for the percentage value of federal-aid contract dollars won by firms certified for its Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.

In an update required every three years, ADOT is proposing that 9.55 percent of total dollars in contracts funded by the Federal Highway Administration go to DBE firms during fiscal years 2018, 2019 and 2020. The agency anticipates that 5 percent will be achieved through small-business programs and other efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender, and that 4.55 percent will be achieved through contract goals.

ADOT’s current DBE goal for Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts is 8.9 percent, and the agency has exceeded that goal during the past two fiscal years.

The proposed goal, which will be submitted this summer to the Federal Highway Administration and go into effect Oct. 1, stems from a recently completed draft DBE Availability Study that also sets goals for DBE participation in Federal Aviation Administration contracts from fiscal 2019 through fiscal 2021 and Federal Transit Administration contracts from fiscal 2020 through fiscal 2022.

For Federal Aviation Administration-funded contracts, ADOT has proposed an overall DBE goal of 8.05 percent, to be achieved through efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender. For Federal Transit Administration-funded contracts, ADOT’s preliminary DBE goal of 2.79 percent, to be achieved through efforts that are neutral when it comes to race and gender, will be re-examined prior to submission to that agency in 2019.

ADOT offers several ways for business representatives and other interested stakeholders to provide input on these proposed goals and the draft DBE Availability Study, and to offer suggestions for improving contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses.

ADOT has scheduled the following public hearings:

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 13, at Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center, 1660 W. Ruthrauff Road, Tucson
4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, June 15, at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, Phoenix

At any time during the public comment period, which begins Monday, May 15, and lasts through Thursday, June 22, the public also can provide comments through:

  • Online: ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, azdot.gov/BECO
  • Email: info@keenindependent.com
  • Mail: ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St. , Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85007
  • Fax: 602-712-8429

During the public comment period, all documents related to the proposed goals and the draft DBE Availability Study are available for review during regular business hours at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, in Phoenix.

All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation Administration and Federal Transit Administration.

Phoenix to host final public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

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Now is the time to comment on the Arizona Department of Transportation’s recommended plan for the next five years of construction projects.

ADOT is getting ready to hold its third and final public hearing this week on the 2018-2022 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program. Comments can be submitted online as well through May 30.

This comment period helps ADOT and the State Transportation Board, which reviews and approves the program, learn which highway projects are most important to members of the public and communities statewide.

The third public hearing for the Tentative Five-Year Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, May 19, in the ADOT Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave. in Phoenix. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Tentative Five-Year Program outlines proposed projects and improvements to the state highway system over the next five years. The program is updated annually and designates how much local, state and federal funding is allocated for projects for highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Many of the major projects in this Tentative Program focus on improving some of Arizona’s busiest corridors. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel for everyone. Improved roads also enhance freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development, all of which benefit the quality of life statewide.

ADOT is also committed to protecting Arizona’s nearly $21 billion investment in the state highway system through dedicated preservation funding. This Five-Year Program meets ADOT’s target of $260 million per year for preservation. Projects like repaving highways, repairing or reconstructing bridges and projects to extend the life of existing pavement all help to preserve the highway system and keep it functioning as it should.

The complete report of all proposed projects is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until 5 p.m. on May 30.

The public comment period for the 2018-2022 Tentative Program began on March 17. It includes public hearings in Tucson (March 17), Flagstaff (April 21) and Phoenix (May 19). The State Transportation Board is expected to make its final decision on June 16 at its meeting in Payson about what will be in the updated Five-Year Program.

The Tentative Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/FiveYearPlan, where a “how to read it” guide is available. ADOT welcomes feedback through Survey Monkey at surveymonkey.com/r/M36583J, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by calling 855.712.8530.

Visit the Tentative Five-Year Program website at azdot.gov/fiveyearplan for more information.

Valley Innovative Services Recalls Meat and Poultry Frozen Entrée Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

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WASHINGTON – Valley Innovative Services, a Pearl, Miss. establishment, is recalling approximately 130,071 pounds of meat and poultry frozen entrée products which included a non-meat ingredient (waffles) that was recalled due to Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The heat-treated, not fully cooked, not shelf stable chicken and waffle, turkey ham & waffle, and oatmeal with waffle and sausage patty frozen entrée items were produced and packaged from May 2016 through May 2017. The following products are subject to recall: [View Labels (PDF Only)]

  • 11.40-oz three compartment tray packages containing “Traditions Creamy Chicken Patty & Waffle with Four Seasons Vegetables and Cabbage” with the following production dates: 6/6/2016, 7/13/2016, 8/15/2016, 10/12/2016, 12/21/2016 and 4/11/2017; and the following sell-by dates: 6/6/2017, 7/13/2017, 8/15/2017, 10/12/2017, 12/21/2017 and 4/11/2018.
  • 11.35-oz three compartment tray packages containing “Traditions Creamy Chicken Patty & Waffle with Rib Meat with Cinnamon Flavored Sweet Potatoes and Seasoned Green Beans” with the following production dates: 10/12/2016, 11/18/2016, 12/21/2016, 1/26/2017, 1/30/2017 and 3/1/2017; and the following sell-by dates: 10/12/2017, 11/18/2017, 12/21/2017, 1/26/2018, 1/30/2018 and 3/1/2018.
  • 12-oz three compartment tray packages containing “Traditions Creamy Chicken Patty & Waffle with Cinnamon Flavored Sweet Potatoes and Four Seasons Vegetables” with the following production dates: 12/9/2016, 12/21/2016, 1/26/2017 and 1/30/2017; and the following sell-by dates: 12/9/2017, 12/21/2017, 1/26/2018 and 1/30/2018.
  • 9.20-oz three compartment tray packages containing “Traditions Turkey Ham & Waffle Cured Turkey Thigh meat Chunked and Formed with Fruit Cocktail and Hash Brown” with the following production dates: 12/12/2016, 1/21/2017, 1/30/2017, 3/16/2017, 3/21/2017, 4/3/2017, 4/5/2017, 4/18/2017, 4/26/2017; and the following sell-by dates: 12/12/2017, 1/21/2018, 1/30/2018, 3/16/2018, 3/21/2018, 4/3/2018, 4/5/2018, 4/18/2018, 4/26/2018.
  • 7.40-oz three compartment tray packages containing “Traditions Oatmeal with Waffle and Sausage Patty” with a production date of 10/14/2016 and a sell-by date of 10/14/2017.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 18350” on the packaging label. These items were shipped to institutions nationwide.

The problem was discovered when Valley Innovative Services was notified by their waffle supplier that the waffle product used in the frozen entrée products was recalled due to potential Lm contamination. There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Jonathan Palmer, Customer Service Representative, at (601) 420-8847. Members of the media with questions regarding the recall can contact Brittany Mayer-Schuler, Vice President for Legal Affairs/General Counsel, at (866) 721-7859.

Green Chile Food Company Recalls Meat and Poultry Burrito Products Due to Possible Listeria Contamination

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WASHINGTON – Green Chile Food Company, a Las Cruces, N.M. establishment, is recalling approximately 252,854 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry frozen burrito products because they may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.The ready-to-eat meat and poultry frozen burrito items were produced and packaged on various dates between March 8, 2017 and May 10, 2017. The following products are subject to recall:

  • 8-oz paper wrap packages containing “am pm & Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, EGG & BACON BURRITO with Cheddar Cheese, Potato, Green Chile, Salsa & Jalapeños” with case code of 833425000900.
  • 8-oz paper wrap packages containing “am pm & Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, POBLANO CHICKEN BURRITO with Monterrey Jack Cheese, Salsa, Rice, Onion, Green Chile and Green & Red Bell Peppers” with case code of 833425000931.
  • 8-oz paper wrap packages containing “am pm & Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, BEEF & POTATO BURRITO with Cheddar Cheese, Green Chile & Salsa” with case code of 833425000887.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, Chipotle Chicken Burrito with Salsa & Monterey Jack” with case code of 833425001426.

  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, CARNITAS Burrito with Salsa, Monterey Jack & Cilantro Lime Rice” with case code of 833425001488.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, EGG & SAUSAGE Breakfast Burrito with HASHBROWNS, Salsa, & Cheddar” with case code of 833425000382.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, EGG & BACON Breakfast Burrito with HASHBROWNS, Salsa, Green Chile & Cheddar” with case code of 833425000368.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, BEEF Burrito with POTATO, GREEN CHILE, Salsa & Cheddar” with case code of 833425000320.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, CHICKEN FAJITA Burrito with Salsa & Cheddar” with case code of 833425000429.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, SHREDDED STEAK Burrito with Salsa, Monterey Jack, Green Chile, Onion, Rice & Jalapeño Peppers” with case code of 10833425008941.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, BEEF & BEAN Burrito with Green Chile, Salsa & Cheddar” with case code of 833425000344.
  • 7-oz paper wrap packages containing “Green Chile FOOD COMPANY, FIESTA Breakfast Burrito with Beef, Egg, HASHBROWNS, GREEN CHILE, Cheddar & Sausage” with case code of 833425000405.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “M-21740 or P-21740” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutions, retail stores and distribution centers in California, Illinois, Oregon, and South Dakota.

The problem was initially discovered by FSIS Inspection Program Personnel (IPP) during a routine Listeria monocytogenes product sample of beef and potato burrito. There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

Consumption of food contaminated with L. monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact Green Chile Concepts, Premiere Response Contact Center, at (800) 695-0843. Members of the media with questions regarding the recall can contact Greg Flack, CEO, at (952) 666-2995.

County and NARBHA Institute host innovative Justice Summit

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County, led by Chairwoman Liz Archuleta, and the NARBHA Institute hosted the Justice Summit Monday, May 15. The Summit brought together leaders from across the U.S. to elevate awareness of criminal justice issues and innovate discussion.

Over 200 participants representing government agencies, non-profit organizations and the private sector attended the day long summit. Speakers and panelists led discussions elevating justice-related best practices and inspired interdisciplinary innovation.

“I’m honored that experts and researchers in criminal justice and mental health from across the country attended today’s summit,” said Chairwoman Archuleta. “The speakers provided excellent learning opportunities that will shape the County’s vision. Coconino County is a nationally recognized leader for our criminal justice policies. We will take the robust ideas from the summit and continue to institute innovative and data driven initiatives that will have positive outcomes for our communities.”

Nationally renowned speakers headlined the Summit including, Miami-Dade County Judge Steve Leifman who gave a presentation regarding mental illness in jails. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman presented on local solutions to justice reform. Speakers and panelists also included representatives from Harvard Law School, the Columbia University Center for Justice and northern Arizona.

During the final panel of the summit, participants were given a unique opportunity to collaborate and identify ways they could inspire local action in their communities.

“We are delighted to partner with Coconino County to host the Justice Summit,” said Mary Jo Gregory, President and CEO, The NARBHA Institute. “The Summit enabled leaders from throughout northern Arizona to hear from national experts on criminal justice and mental illness and engage in robust discussions with their peers. We greatly valued the dialogue.”

The NARBHA Institute is the nonprofit, public-charity partner in Health Choice Integrated Care, the Integrated Regional Behavioral Health Authority (RBHA) for Northern Arizona. Founded in 1967, it is the new name of the Northern Arizona Regional Behavioral Health Authority.

“Today’s summit was an exciting step forward for making our community healthier and safer,” said Superior Court Judge Dan Slayton. “Collaborative efforts such as this and our Criminal Justice Coordinating Council are the reason why we are increasingly recognized as one of the most innovative justice systems in the nation.”

Justice Reform is one of five top strategic goals adopted by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. In the next year, the County will be evaluating existing programs and policies and the impact of those programs on people and the system.

County prepares for 5th annual Veterans Stand Down

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County, in conjunction with area veteran’s advocate groups, will host the 5th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. The event connects homeless veterans and their families with the services they need.

The Stand Down will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, May 19, at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N Thorpe Road Flagstaff. Hundreds of northern Arizona homeless and at-risk veterans are expected to attend. Veterans will have access hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, information on disability and survivor benefits, and more.

“We greatly value our returning veterans from all wars and think they should have access to help and the opportunity to truly stand down,” said District 4 County Supervisor Jim Parks, whose office is helping to coordinate the event. “It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to work with so many dedicated organizations helping connect veterans to the services they need.”

Services and logistical support offered by Coconino County, Flagstaff Courts, Coconino County Superior Court, Williams Courts, Coconino County Public Health Services District, Arizona StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Veterans Administration, the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and many others. This year, food will be provided by Sodexo, coffee provided by Starbucks and beverages provided by Nackard Pepsi.

The public is also invited to attend the Armed Forces Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 20, in Downtown Flagstaff.

The High Country Stand Down was started by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger over five years ago.