North Kaibab Ranger District to open campgrounds on May 15

FREDONIA – Recreational campgrounds on the North Kaibab Ranger District will open May 15 and remain open until Oct. 15.

Both the Jacob Lake campground and the DeMotte campground will be open and available for public recreation and overnight camping. The Jacob Lake campground is located 30 miles southeast of Fredonia, Ariz. on U.S. Route 89A at roughly 7,900 feet. The DeMotte campground is located about 25 miles south of the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on Arizona Highway 67 at roughly 8,700 feet.

A complete list of amenities may be found at Recreation.gov by searching for the specific campground. Campers are reminded to be mindful of any rules associated with the campground and always maintain fire safety when making a campfire. To stay current with any fire restrictions in Arizona go to firerestrictions.us/az.

Additionally, the Kaibab Camper Village, which is privately owned and managed but surrounded by Kaibab National Forest, is also scheduled to be open from May 14 through Oct. 15. Kaibab Camper Village offers full RV hookups and tent sites, and is located just 40 miles from the Grand Canyon National Park North Rim. For more information on Kaibab Camper Village, please visit kaibabcampervillage.com or call 928-643-7804.

To make reservations at the Jacob Lake campground or the DeMotte campground, please visit Recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. For additional information on all of the Kaibab National Forest recreational sites please visit fs.usda.gov/recmain/kaibab/recreation.

Stormy weather possible through Wednesday

WILLIAMS – The temperature is expected to rise to near 80o tomorrow and be sunny which may be the last good day through Wednesday. NOAA is calling for light and variable winds up to 15-mph with gusts of 23-mph tomorrow.

Saturday the temperature is expected to drop to 69o with winds increasing up to 25-mph and gusts as high as 41-mph. There is, currently, a 10% chance of thunderstorms. It should clear up and be breezy on Sunday with temperatures around 58.

On Monday there is a chance of rain and snow with some thunder possible continuing overnight. Tuesday and Wednesday a slight chance of showers continue with temperatures rising to about 60o.

Currently there are no hazardous weather warnings for the period. Campers should be aware of high winds when building camp fires, however.

U.S. Deer Antler EX. & IM., INC. Announces The Recall Of Herbal Tea Varieties In Pouches

U.S. Deer Antler Ex. & Imp., of Los Angeles, CA is recalling a variety of Herbal Teas prepared on premises between 4/1/17 and 4/30/17 in cooperation with an inspection made by the California Department of Public Health. The aforementioned Herbal Teas, especially those with low-acidity held at room temperature, were not produced according to approved guideline, making them susceptible to contamination by Clostridium botulinum.

Below are the product descriptions and photographs:

Products Packaging Cases
Herbal Tea Variety Batches prepared on premise between 4/1/17 – 4/30/17 120 ml/ Pouch 40 Pouches / Case

The Herbal Teas were distributed to individual customers and acupuncturists in California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, North Carolina, Texas, and Virginia.

Symptoms of Clostridium botulinum typically begin with blurred or double vision followed by trouble speaking, swallowing; and progression to muscle weakness starting in the upper body, moving downward.  Botulism can lead to life-threatening paralysis of breathing muscles requiring support with a breathing machine (ventilator) and intensive care. http://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Botulism.aspx

People experiencing these symptoms who have recently consumed these Herbal Teas should seek immediate medical attention.

In its ongoing cooperation with the California Department of Public Health, U.S. Deer Antler Ex. & Imp., Inc. has immediately segregated its entire inventory of Herbal Tea varieties, and is notifying consumers and customers not to consume potentially-contaminated product. Furthermore, U.S. Deer Antler Ex. & Imp. Inc. is voluntarily recalling all varieties of general Herbal Teas prepared on-site in the period of 4/1/17 to 4/30/17 to ensure consumer safety.

Consumers in possession of these products are to stop consumption and return unconsumed product to their original place of purchase.

U.S. Deer Antler Ex. & Imp., Inc. will be sending recall notices to all of its direct customers.  Please contact Joong W. Park (323) 735-9665 for further information.

ReFlow Medical Issues Recall of Specific Lots of Wingman35 Crossing Catheters

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On April 22, 2017, ReFlow Medical initiated a lot-specific voluntary recall of the Wingman35 Crossing Catheters.

The FDA is classifying this as a Class 1 recall, the most serious recall situation where the patient is exposed to a reasonable likelihood of death or a serious injury. The Wingman35 Crossing Catheters have been found to exhibit tip splitting or separation, which has resulted in two adverse events. ReFlow has received 2 complaints of catheter-tip splitting and/or separation. A total of 2327 Wingman catheters are in distribution.

Tip splitting has the potential to lead to loss of device function. Tip separation may require medical intervention to retrieve a separated segment or may occlude blood flow to end organs.

The Wingman Crossing Catheters in this recall were distributed between January 2015 and March 2016.

ReFlow Medical has notified its customers and distributors by recall notification letters. The letters requested that all customers and distributors quarantine and discontinue use of all potentially affected units and return the affected product to the company as soon as possible for credit.

FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world have been notified of this action.

Consumers with questions may contact ReFlow Medical Customer Relations at 1-949-481-0399, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific time or by email at info@reflowmedical.com.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax. Complete and submit the report Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch/report.htm Regular mail or fax: Download form www.fda.gov/MedWatch/getforms.htm or call 1-800-332-1088 to request a reporting form, and then complete and return to the address on the pre-addressed form, or submit by fax to 1-800-FDA-0178.

Names of victims of double homicide released

WILLIAMS – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office released what most people in Williams, sadly, already knew. The victims have been identified as the home owners, 67-year-old Michael Dimuria and his 64-year-old wife Nora Dimuria.

The investigation of a double homicide in Red Lake north of Williams is continuing. Sheriff’s detectives as well as a team from the Arizona Department of Public Safety comprised of investigators and crime scene technicians are on their second day of processing the scene. No other details are being release at this time.

The couples white 2006 Jeep Liberty 4 door bearing Arizona license plate of 123-VDL is missing from the home. The Sheriff’s Office is asking the public to be on the lookout for this vehicle and to contact law enforcement immediately if they see the vehicle.

Superior Court hosts Law Day

FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Superior Court and DNA Legal Services are hosting Law Day at the Coconino County Courthouse. The proceedings will begin at 8:45 a.m. Friday, May 5, 2017.

This year’s theme is “The Fourteenth Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.” The theme provides an opportunity to explore the ways the Fourteenth Amendment has shaped American law and society. During Law Day, legal professionals and community leaders educate students on how the Fourteenth Amendment contributes to the freedoms and equal protection for all Americans. The theme is selected by the American Bar Association each year.

Throughout the day, local middle and high school students will participate in Moot Courts. Students prepare, present and argue cases with the assistance of local attorneys in front of a Superior Court Judge.

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation during the April 18 regular meeting declaring May 5, 2017 as Law Day in the County. This was in accordance with the nationally recognized day for commemoration.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate in all activities for this year’s Law Day.

Motorcycle skills courses help new, experienced riders

PHOENIX – Are you an experienced motorcycle rider looking to learn advanced techniques? A new rider learning the basics? Maybe you have to dust off your motorcycle before the occasional weekend ride?

If any of those situations sound familiar, consider taking a motorcycle rider course. And there’s no better time than now because May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

“Educated riders are safe riders,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Whether you’re new to riding, need a refresher or want to learn advanced techniques, a rider course can help keep you safe on the road.”

Not only will the skills and knowledge gained from a driving school keep riders safe, they can help you skip written and road tests when applying for a motorcycle license or endorsement. It’s simple: Attend an approved motorcycle training school and receive a Motorcycle Safety Foundation card from the school, and you’ll be exempt from written and road tests.

There are more than 30 approved motorcycle driving schools across the state. More information on motorcycle licenses and approved driving schools is available at azdot.gov/motorcyclelicense.

Drivers of four-wheeled vehicles can help keep motorcyclists safe by being aware that blind spots can hide motorcycles. To increase awareness, the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is running a statewide campaign in May with radio and billboard advertisements featuring the message, “It came out of nowhere.” Additionally, overhead signs will display messages that encourage drivers to look twice for motorcycles.

“All motorists – drivers of vehicles and motorcycle riders – need to be aware of their surroundings on the road,” GOHS Director Alberto Gutier said. “If we look out for each other, we’ll keep each other safe and make sure everyone makes it home.”

Williams Emergency Communications Group meets Friday

WILLIAMS – The Williams Emergency Communications Group will be holding an organizational meeting this Friday, 5 p.m. at Anna’s Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. The Cafe is located at 137 Railroad Avenue in Williams across from the Visitor Parking.

The group is attempting to form a social club bringing together citizens who use any of the radio services offered by the FCC. The Emergency group will be a part of the club.

The group is interested in recruiting any citizens from Williams and the surrounding area who desire to learn how they can participate in, or use, emergency radio communications when all other means fail. They will discuss how to obtain a GMRS or Amateur Radio license if you desire. There is no age limit to obtain an Amateur Radio license, so youth are welcome. People not wanting to get a license can participate using the FRS, CB or MURS radio services.

Other emergency group members—such as neighborhood watches, CERT, Animal Response Team members—are welcome to attend to learn how emergency communications can be used by their organizations.

Pentagon Exhibit Showcases Wounded Warriors’ Therapeutic Art

By Paige LaPlant

MSgt (Ret) Justin Jordan discusses the art process with U.S. Navy VADM Raquel Bono, Director, Defense Health Agency, at the opening of the Wounded Warrior Healing Arts Exhibit at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, on April 12, 2017. (DoD photo by Roger L. Wollenberg)

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2017 — Healing arts therapy for wounded warriors can have a profound impact on those who have post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury, and it also educates the medical community on treating such signatures of war, the director of the Defense Health Agency said today at the opening of the 2017 Wounded Warrior Healing Arts exhibit at the Pentagon.

Navy Vice Adm. (Dr.) Raquel C. Bono spoke at the kickoff of the Pentagon Patriotic Arts Program’s newest display, which will grace the walls of Apex 1 and 2 on the Pentagon’s second floor for a year.

The exhibit reflects the therapeutic artwork of service members who have suffered such maladies and found an outlet in many forms of art to help in managing their symptoms.

The military has used therapeutic arts programs since the inception of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence healing arts program in 2010 at Walter Reed National Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. It’s an expanding program across the nation’s military facilities, with numerous such programs in place or under way.

Signature Wounds

“One of lessons we took away from 15 years of war … is we realized there’s much more than fixing a person’s physical ability and injury,” Bono pointed out. And often, coping with such disorders with art therapy involves the community around the affected service member, she said. “l see it has a profound impact not only on your own healing, but to rest of community in terms of understanding and appreciation,” the admiral said.

Caring for a Network

“We learned we must be able to take care of the entire family and the entire network of our wounded warriors, and that was a real signature lesson we carried forward,” Bono noted.

But another piece of that equation, she said, is that military medicine learned to take care of spiritual, intellectual, mental, physical and religious domains that are important as wounded warriors transition from the military.

The DHA director told the numerous artists from the program who were in the audience that their ability to display their art in the halls of the Pentagon is an incredibly powerful way to express their messages that often cannot be put into words.

Likewise, she added, the artists’ sharing of their work with a broad audience will help others understand that complexities exist in everyone, and the complexities can exceed simple treatment and therapy.

“I want people to know who you are and what you’ve done,” Bono told the artists. “I thank you all for sharing, because I know this is a deeply personal part of who you are and what you’ve experienced.”

For more information, visit Healing Arts and the Military Health System and Pentagon Patriotic Art Program: Wounded Warrior Healing Arts Exhibit. View more photos from the opening event on Flickr and follow @WarriorCare on Twitter and Facebook for the latest in adaptive reconditioning events and updates.

By Terri Moon Cronk, DoD News, Defense Media Activity
Originally published on Defense.gov

Sheriff’s Office Investigates Double Homicide

WILLIAMS – Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating a double homicide in the Red Lake Community located 8 miles north of Williams AZ.

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.

We are asking for the public’s help in attempting to locate the couple’s vehicle missing from the home. We are looking for a 2 door, 2006 Jeep Liberty white in color, bearing AZ plate 123-VDL.