Category Archives: News

Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down May 19

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Editorial by Supervisor Jim Parks

The great philosopher Plato said, “Only the dead have seen the end of war.”

Unfortunately, centuries later, this statement still holds true. Accessing basic human services can be extremely difficult for returning veterans, especially those who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the effects of Traumatic Brain Injury.

The National Homeless Veterans Association estimates there are 1.4 million homeless and at-risk veterans currently in the U.S.

These veterans are a part of our community—Our friends, our family and our neighbors. Connecting homeless and at—risk veterans and their families with the services they need is a top priority.

This is one of the many reasons I’m proud to be a part of a large coalition of local public and private sector organizations that are organizing the 5th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. This year’s Stand Down will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday May 19 at the Flagstaff Armory.

The local coalition of heroes, in coordination with the Arizona Stand Down Alliance, works all year arranging services, planning logistics and coordinating volunteers for the event day. Hundreds of veterans from across northern Arizona are expected to attend.

During this event, veterans will be offered hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, and information on disability and survivor benefits.

The Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down began over five years ago by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger. They started the High Country Stand Down because they wanted to give back to those who fought for our nation.

The term “Stand Down” is used in the United States military to denote a time when military actions are temporarily halted to rearm, reassess, and renew the troops and the terms of engagement in the battle at hand.

I greatly value our returning soldiers and think they should have access to help and the opportunity to truly stand down. As a community, it is imperative we come together and support those who sacrificed their lives in defense of our freedom.

It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to help bridge the gap between veterans and the services they need during this celebration of their service. Please help me spread the word to veterans, their families and in your communities about the Lance Davison High Country Stand Down on May 19.

Page Unified School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Page Unified School District Governing Board. Effective May 4, one seat became vacant due to the resignation of Irene Jones.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:
· Download the application here http://www.coconino.az.gov/schoolboardapplication
· Deadline to submit is 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 30.
· Submit by email rvanderwey@coconino.az.gov (Live signature original required)
· Submit by fax 928-526-1469 (Live signature original required)
· Mail/drop off Coconino County School Superintendent, 2384 N Steves Blvd, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: rvanderwey@coconino.az.gov.

Supervisors update Wildfire Defense Ordinance

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors updated the Wildfire Defense Ordinance during a special session Wednesday, May 3. The updates clarified language in the ordinance and strengthened the coordination of fire-related activities between fire management jurisdictions within the County.

The largest wildfires in Coconino County, the Schultz and Slide Fires, were human caused. The total economic impact of the Schultz Fire alone estimated at between $133-147 million. The Schultz Fire in 2010 claimed 15,000 acres and 2014’s Slide Fire claimed 21,000 acres.

“Residents of Coconino County know too well the damage wildfire can cause,” said Chairwoman of the Board, Liz Archuleta. “The updated language in the Wildfire Defense Ordinance will clear up confusion, specify roles of agencies and provide better communication with residents and visitors. This will help keep our communities safe from fire and protect the well- being of our forests.”

The updated changes to the Wildfire Defense Ordinance (2017-05) are effective May 3, 2017 and the following updates will be incorporated:

• During fire restrictions, people can’t initiate, facilitate, maintain, cause or contribute to a campfire, an open fire, or use of fireworks; or knowingly engage in an activity likely to result in combustion.
• Narrowly defined exemptions during fire restrictions. Permits for exemptions are requested through the local fire district. People living outside of a fire district can request a variance through Coconino County Emergency Management.
• Fire restriction stages are in line with the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management and the U.S. Forest Service.

The Wildfire Defense Ordinance guidelines are enacted by the Board of Supervisors with recommendations by the Emergency Management Director.

“Thank you to the Board of Supervisors for their input and hard work on updating the Wildfire Defense Ordinance,” said Coconino County Emergency Management Director Todd Whitney. “I also want to thank our local, state and federal partners for working with us to make updates to this ordinance. We look forward to keeping constituents and visitors informed during fire restrictions.”

The full ordinance and a complete list of changes can be found at: www.coconino.az.gov/207/Emergency-Management

Passage of Voluntary Emissions Bank HB 2152 Creates Incentives for Arizona’s Business Economy and Improved Air Quality

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PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials today thank Governor Ducey for signing House Bill 2152, Emissions credits; voluntary emissions bank, into law, which provides both new and expanding Arizona businesses added opportunity in meeting mandatory federal Clean Air Act requirements to improve air quality, and may serve as a draw for new industries to locate to our state.

Prior to the passing of HB 2152, surplus emissions reductions deposits to Arizona’s emissions bank, which can be purchased by new or expanding businesses to meet Clean Air Act permitting requirements, were accepted only from permitted industrial facilities (traditional sources). Surplus emissions reductions are generated when a company reduces its air emissions below legal limits.

Representative Russell Bowers, R-25, sponsor of the bill, said, “With the demands of the EPA pressing upon our unique desert environment and its ambient production of ozone constituents, we have not been able to find permit space for new industry needs for air permits. While I have concerns about intruding into mobile sources, this voluntary approach could prove a great benefit to industry growth in Arizona.”

Enactment of this legislation expands the emissions bank to accept deposits from “non-traditional sources,” such as reductions generated through electrification of vehicle fleets. Allowing deposits from non-traditional sources will significantly increase the number of credits that could be deposited. For example, Maricopa County reports that 86 percent of contaminants that contribute to ozone generation come from non-traditional sources, mostly vehicles. This bill provides both an economic and environmental opportunity because it supports business growth in Arizona and incentivizes further air emissions reductions through a voluntary free-market sale process.

ADEQ Air Quality Division Director, Timothy S. Franquist, said, “The enactment of HB 2152 is consistent with Governor Ducey’s vision for agencies to be actively looking for ways to increase economic growth in Arizona. The enhanced voluntary Arizona emissions bank achieves both economic and environmental benefits by allowing new types of emissions offset credits to be used.” Franquist further explained that, “Arizona’s model is not a ‘cap and trade’ regulatory structure used elsewhere in the country.”

“These changes are a win-win for business and air quality,” Maricopa County Board of Supervisors Chairman, Denny Barney, District 1, said. “The emissions bank allows the County to keep and attract desirable high-tech companies while working toward achieving air quality standards.”

ADEQ and Maricopa County officials worked cooperatively with stakeholders throughout the legislative session to develop and refine key provisions of the bill as follows:

  • Clarifies that the State does not receive any new authority to establish emissions limits for stationary or mobile sources, participation in the emissions bank is voluntary and credits do not expire
  • Prohibits banked credit sweeps by ADEQ or any other entity
  • Allows non-traditional credits to be banked

Monument review could help Arizona

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Opinion By Larry D. Voyles, Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department

President Trump’s Executive Order calling for a review of expansive executive land designations under the Antiquities Act of 1906 has predictably generated a volume of debate and dire predictions. Missing from the discussion is thoughtful dialogue about the critical role of multiple-use management in natural resources conservation and the sometimes dire consequences to our natural resources of removing such tools from the pallet of management actions and possibilities. This is all done in the name of “protection,” but sometimes we literally love our most special places to death.

In Arizona, when the 2011 Wallow Fire burned 538,000 acres of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, it initially reached crown fire intensity in the “protected” Bear Wallow Wilderness Area. “Protected” is in quotes because a wilderness designation, supposedly our highest level of protection, can actually prohibit many forest health management practices that reduce wildfire risk and protect our public lands. We all knew the overgrown Bear Wallow Wilderness would burn, and burn catastrophically.

The National Forests destroyed in the Wallow Fire, like those across the country, were established in the 20th century primarily to protect watersheds, timber, wildlife, and grazing lands, allowing these natural resources to benefit American communities. Catastrophic wildfires cause erosion that can shorten the lifespan of dams, robbing us of water, the lifeblood of our cities, towns, farms and industry.

This was the reason the Arizona Game and Fish Commission and Department opposed the Grand Canyon Watershed National Monument proposal. The President’s Order doesn’t eliminate any monuments or restrictions on the use of monument lands and waters, but the review may help highlight the stark difference between symbolic designation and real conservation.

Protected areas are an important part of our conservation landscape, but multiple-use lands are essential to our conservation future. Let’s restore balance to our conservation dialogue. A national conversation about the connections between multiple-use management and healthy forests and waters is long overdue.

Versions of this article have been published as guest columns in the Arizona Capitol Times, Arizona Daily Star and Arizona Daily Sun.

Binational initiative wins economic development award

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YUMA – A binational initiative to increase commerce and tourism in southwestern Arizona and the neighboring region in Mexico, stemming from a collaboration involving border communities and state entities including the Arizona Department of Transportation, has been honored for excellence in economic development.

The American Planning Association’s Economic Development Division selected the 4FrontED Initiative for its Donald E. Hunter Excellence in Economic Development Planning Award, saying the public-private partnership “is adding economic value to a multi-jurisdictional region where it may not have otherwise occurred.”

The 4FrontED region includes Yuma, Somerton, Wellton and San Luis in Arizona, as well as San Luis Río Colorado, Mexico. The Cocopah Indian Tribe is a recent member of the initiative.

In 2013, ADOT, the Arizona-Mexico Commission, the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Office of Tourism worked with the border communities of Douglas, Nogales and San Luis/Yuma County to create the Arizona Border Communities Roadmap identifying assets and strategies to generate economic development.

The 4FrontED Initiative stems from a binational work program, the Border Business Case, that is the first step of the Border Communities Roadmap. Through the 4FrontED Initiative, communities and businesses in southwestern Arizona and in Mexico formed alliances to increase international commerce and tourism and develop strategies to connect investors with opportunities.

“ADOT recognizes that border communities, because of their binational nature, have unique needs but also present a number of valuable opportunities for growth and development,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “The collaborative approach through the Border Communities Roadmap ensures that we maximize the efforts to promote the region and foster new investment and job creation.”

Yuma Mayor Douglas J. Nicholls, who initiated 4FrontED’s launch, said the initiative’s successes have only just begun as participants unite behind its shared vision.

“We are doing so, in unison, with short-term and long-term goals, to put the region on the global map,” Nicholls said.

The award will be presented Monday, May 8, at the American Planning Association National Planning Conference in New York City.

Drivers should plan extra travel time on SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon this weekDrivers should plan extra travel time on SR 89A in Oak Creek Canyon next week

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SEDONA – Motorists traveling on State Route 89A north of Sedona should allow extra time Monday, May 8, and Tuesday, May 9, while roadway striping is underway.

A rolling lane-striping operation is scheduled during daylight hours, weather permitting. Although no travel lanes on SR 89A will be closed, drivers should be patient and watch for slower-moving equipment between mileposts 375 and 386 in Oak Creek Canyon.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions and closures, but it’s possible that unscheduled impacts might occur because of weather or other factors. For the most current information about highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except while driving

Sheriff meeting at High Country Fire stresses community

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RED LAKE – Sheriff Jim Driscoll held a forum of over 200 people at the High Country Fire Station on Highway 64 concerning the recent murders of 67-year-old Michael and his 64-year-old wife Nora Dimuria. The crowd was so large they had to move the fire truck out of the station to make room for the standing-room-only audience. Sheriff Driscoll was joined by the County Supervisor for District 3, Matt Ryan who also called for a community response to assist in the efforts of the Sheriff’s Department. [Video at web site.]

“We need you as a community. The Sheriff needs you as a community to help, to be the eyes and ears, to bring in support for one another,” Ryan said.

Sheriff Driscoll began his comments by encouraging everyone in the community to get to know their neighbors and share information. He then laid out a chronology of the events leading up to the arrest of a suspect.

To see communities come together; to see communities experience tragedy, you can make the best of it or you can make the worst of it.” Sheriff Driscoll said later in his talk. “You can use this as an opportunity to pull together or you can use this as an opportunity to become divisive. You know there’s great concern when a tragedy occurs and there’s bad guys out there that we don’t resort to going vigilante. ”

On Tuesday, May 2nd, at approximately 9:00 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a neighbor of the victims reporting he had found his neighbor dead. Sheriff’s deputies from the Williams District responded to the location and upon further investigation in the residence found two deceased adults, one male and one female who had resided at the home. The Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Unit out of Flagstaff was contacted and responded to the location. The victims were identified as the home owners, 67-year-old Michael Dimuria and his 64-year-old wife Nora Dimuria. The couples’ white 2006 Jeep Liberty 4 door vehicle was missing from the home.

The morning of May 6, 2017, the Sheriff’s Office received a tip from an area resident that a potential suspect was fleeing to Colorado. Throughout the day, Sheriff’s Office conducted interviews and worked with Colorado agencies. The Dolores County Sheriff’s Office located the missing Jeep Liberty in South Western Colorado near Dolores after they received a call from a community member who reported the vehicle as suspicious and possibly abandoned.

The possible suspect obtained a different vehicle and later in the evening the suspect fled the area and a high-speed chase ensued, with the subsequent firing on pursuing law enforcement. Law enforcement performed a pit maneuver on the suspects’ vehicle, rolling it. The suspect, 29 year-old, Derrick Shawn Barnett, from Grand Junction, Colorado, was arrested on outstanding Colorado warrants and is in-custody in Montezuma County, Colorado. The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is comfortable that this suspect is a suspect in our Red Lake area double homicide. Sheriff’s Office detectives are in route to Colorado to continue the investigation.

There was some concern about the lack of information flow to the public. Sheriff Driscoll explained that they only want to release information that they know as fact.

Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project starts next month

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FLAGSTAFF — The contractor for the Federal Highway Administration’s Central Federal Lands Highway Division (CFL) will break ground Monday, May, 8 on an $8.2 million renovation project on Lake Mary Road.

Crews have mobilized and are ready to start construction. Electronic message boards are in place on both sides of the project corridor. Work is scheduled during daylight hours, Monday – Saturday. Flaggers, signage and other traffic control measures will be in place and pilot cars will also be used to guide vehicles through the construction zone.

Drivers along Lake Mary Road should expect delays of up to 30 minutes and are encouraged to use extra caution and obey posted speed limits though the construction zone.

The CFL-managed Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project includes widening five miles of the roadway for multimodal use, which will help the Lake Mary Road Corridor become an international destination for major cycling and triathlon events.

The five miles of widening will be between milepost 312.5 and milepost 317.5. Another two miles of Lake Mary Road between mileposts 310 and 312.5 will be milled and overlaid. In addition, the superstructure and decking of the Willow Valley Creek Bridge at milepost 297.5 will be replaced. The project is expected to be completed this fall, weather permitting.

A key route between Flagstaff and Payson, Lake Mary Road is a vital economic generator. Between 1,200 and 1,300 vehicles travel the road each day. It is also a high-use recreational corridor with access to camping, hiking, hunting fishing, road and mountain biking, cross-country skiing and wildlife watching. In 2015 the U.S. Forest Service estimated that 70 percent of all travel along the road was for recreation including a daily average of 161 bicyclists.

The Lake Mary Road Reconstruction Project is largely funded by a Federal Land Access Program (FLAP) grant that was awarded in April 2013. The County’s portion of the project is being funded by Proposition 403 revenues. CFL awarded the contract for the project to Glendale, AZ-based Stormwater Plans, LLC earlier this month.

Grand Canyon Unified School District seeking Governing Board applicants

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey is seeking applicants for appointment to the Grand Canyon Unified School District Governing Board. Effective May 4, one seat became vacant due to the resignation of Jennifer Allen.

Applicants must be Arizona registered voters and residents of the school district for at least one year prior to the date of appointment. Applicants or their spouses can’t be an employee of the district.

Application information:

An advisory committee, consisting of district residents and a current board member will be assembled to conduct interviews and advise Superintendent VanderWey on the appointments.

For more information, please call the Office of the Coconino County School Superintendent at 928-679-8070 or e-mail: rvanderwey@coconino.az.gov.