Category Archives: News

Toddler Dies from Injuries Sustained when Hit by Vehicle in Driveway

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FLAGSTAFF — On Thursday, March 31, 2016 around 9:48 am the Flagstaff Police/Coconino Sheriff 911 Dispatch Center received an emergency call from a distraught man in route to the Flagstaff Medical Center with his approximately two-year old son. The man told dispatch that the child had been struck by his truck as he was leaving his driveway.

Officers in the field were notified and Flagstaff Police Department located the vehicle in route and escorted it to the hospital. The child was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

According to the father/driver, he was unaware the child had followed him outside. He further stated he was not able to see the child over the hood of the vehicle. The incident occurred at a resident off of Fort Valley Road.

The Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office are continuing investigation of the incident.

The thoughts of the Sheriff’s Office and Northern Arizona Gazette are with the family, friends and community impacted by this tragedy.

First peregrine falcon egg visible in downtown Phoenix nest

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Phx_peregrine_eggPHOENIX — If you checked on downtown Phoenix’s nesting peregrine falcons Easter Sunday via the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife camera live stream, you’d know there were no eggs. But, around 5:30 a.m. yesterday, the first egg was laid with two to three more expected over the next two to four days.

Once the female lays all of the eggs and begins incubating them, viewers will have a chance to observe the male bringing food to his mate. The eggs will be incubated primarily by the female for 29 to 33 days.

“We hope that viewers get hooked on watching the progress of this peregrine pair as it is a very unique opportunity to have full, live access to the pair’s attempts to reproduce and raise young,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Viewing will be more consistent and predictable now that the female is incubating eggs, and viewers will see new developments consistently as the birds progress through the various stages of raising young.”

Anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can watch the birds that live atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

Game and Fish launched this live stream in early March when the pair was starting to display courtship behavior.

Peregrine falcons have been nesting in the downtown Phoenix area for more than a decade.

Maricopa County partnered with the department and is allowing biologists to monitor the birds and access the nest site when necessary.

Peregrine falcons are one of the world’s most widespread raptors and are found on nearly every continent. The species nearly went extinct in North American from pesticide poisoning, but thanks to recovery efforts, the species was removed from the U.S.’s Endangered Species Act in 1999. This falcon feeds almost exclusively on medium-sized birds such as pigeons and doves, which are plentiful in urban areas.

Closure of Bell Road near Grand Avenue starts this weekend

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PHOENIX — A section of Bell Road near Grand Avenue (US 60) in Surprise will be closed for six to eight months starting Friday night for faster construction of a bridge that will improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

When it opens later this year, the new Bell Road overpass will allow drivers to travel over US 60 and the BNSF Railway tracks and connect with US 60 via new ramps.

The closure of Bell Road between West Point Parkway and 134th Drive starts at 10 p.m. Friday. While the closure is in place, Bell Road traffic will be directed to a primary detour route along Dysart, Greenway and Litchfield roads.

The overpass construction is part of an ongoing $41.9 million project to significantly enhance connections between the two roadways. Access to local businesses located closest to the Bell-Grand intersection will be maintained while construction is underway.

The full closure of Bell Road, timed to start with the end of the Cactus League season at Surprise Stadium, will shorten construction by several months. ADOT’s accelerated schedule means Bell Road will be reopened in time for the holiday shopping season in November.

Initial project work, which started in January, has focused on Grand Avenue. Grand Avenue will remain open to traffic at most times while Bell Road is closed. Any necessary closures of Grand Avenue are currently planned at night or on weekends.

When the new interchange is completed, on- and off-ramps located along the center median of Grand Avenue will connect with the Bell Road overpass. The entire 14-month project is due for completion by spring 2017.

ADOT and the prime contractor on the project, Coffman Specialties Inc., have been working with the city of Surprise and other local organizations on public outreach and traffic-access plans in support of local businesses located in the area of the Bell Road closure.

Additional law enforcement officers will patrol the area while the Bell Road closure is in place. Drivers are urged to obey traffic signage as well as posted speed limits.

The US 60 (Grand Avenue) and Bell Road Interchange project is part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004. Funding sources include a county half-cent sales tax for transportation projects and the MAG region’s share of federal highway funds.

Fierce winds and cold follows a nice Resurrection weekend

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Zip line will likely be closed through Wednesday.

Zip line will likely be closed through Wednesday.

Clouds over Route 66 in Williams.

Clouds over Route 66 in Williams.

WILLIAMS — Fierce and cold winds are expected in Williams and Flagstaff through tomorrow night. Clouds rolled in this morning in Williams and a sprinkling of rain fell in Williams and Parks around 1 p.m.

In the Williams area, there is a slight chance of rain this afternoon raising to 30% overnight. A 30% chance of snow is expected for Tuesday through Wednesday dropping to 20% Wednesday night. It is expected to clear Thursday with temperatures rising to 63-degrees over the weekend. The forecast for Flagstaff is about the same with a 10% higher chance of rain and snow tonight and tomorrow.

Give your trigger finger a workout at 2016 Outdoor Expo

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Expo_-_ShootingPHOENIX — If you’re interested in firearms but don’t know where to start, or just want to take a few shots with the latest firearms from some of the biggest manufacturers, then don’t miss the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s 2016 Outdoor Expo.

For two days – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 3 – the largest outdoor recreation expo in Arizona will take over the Ben Avery Shooting Facility and provide all kinds of fun, hands-on activities and demonstrations, including opportunities to watch, learn and sample everything “shooting.” Admission and parking are free.

The best way to get started would be to attend “An Introduction to Firearms” at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Outdoors Presentations Tent, located in Area 1 (Family Adventure) just west of the expo entrance. Cliff Saylor of Cabela’s will explain the basic types and concepts of firearms, offer tips for choosing a firearm, and suggest places where a novice can learn the basics of shooting.

Then head over to “Introduction to Shooting” (also located in Area 1), where after a brief safety presentation adults and children 9 and older can participate in target shooting using .22 rifles. Adults with children 8 and older are encouraged to give BB gun shooting a try in Area 2 (Main Area). If shooting with a bow and arrow sounds like fun, learn all about it at “Archery for the Whole Family” (in Area 1). This activity is geared for families with children 8 and older.

Other shooting opportunities will include steel target, black powder, air gun, practical pistol, mini gun, clay target, benchrest, rimfire steel challenge, cowboy action and an archery field course. While most are free, keep in mind some venues charge a nominal fee for ammunition.

A few of the organizations that will be sponsoring shooting opportunities include Hassayampa Rod and Gun Club, Arizona Cactus Cappers, Desert Christian Archers, Honeywell Sportsman Club, Shoot Right, Arizona Cowboy Shooters Association, Dillon Aero, Shooter’s World, Cactus Match League and Ben Avery Benchrest Shooters.

Some of the biggest names in the firearms industry, like Sturm, Ruger & Co., Glock, Walther Arms, Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF), Robar Companies, Heckler & Koch (HK), Sig Sauer and Nemo Arms, also will make available their latest products for expo-goers to take a few shots (for a nominal fee for ammunition).

If watching an accomplished shooter in action is more your speed, international trap competitor and Olympics hopeful Tayler McNeil will perform at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. both days in Area 3 (OHV, RV, Mounted Shooting Arena, Shotgun).

The expo is presented by Shikar Safari Club International. Gold sponsors include the National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF), Cabela’s and Arizona State Credit Union. Silver sponsors are Bass Pro Shops, HPR and Sportsman’s Warehouse. Bronze sponsors are the Mule Deer Foundation and Bill Luke Dodge.

Game and Fish conducts the expo to promote wildlife-related and other outdoor recreation activities. The public’s participation in these activities supports the department’s mission and funding. The department receives no Arizona tax dollars, and no tax dollars are used in conducting the expo.

For more information about the expo, visit www.azgfd.com/expo.

Shed antler hunting? Stay on roads and trails

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wln_100507_Shed_PickupPHOENIX — As many shed antler hunters prepare to scour the landscape for the best dropped rack, the Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds those utilizing an off-highway vehicle (OHV) in their search to stay on roads and trails.

“Just like during the hunting season, it’s important for those using an OHV to remember to ride safely and responsibly,” said Matt Eberhart, AZGFD OHV Safety Education coordinator. “That includes always wearing a helmet while operating the machine and safeguarding against habitat damage by riding on established trails. Once you’ve found your search area, all sheds should be packed out by foot to keep habitats intact. ”

Many animals shed their antlers in the spring and spend the summer and fall seasons growing a new set. Many shed hunters begin their search in early spring and utilize OHVs to easily cover more ground.

However, damage caused by those driving off-trail can take more than 100 years to recover, especially if the area travelled is wet. Vehicle tracks can be seen by other users as an open invitation to unknowingly ruin a pristine recreational area.

OHV operators are reminded that riding off-trail is illegal, negatively impacts wildlife and can cause erosion in sensitive areas.

Additionally, excessive noise can cause animals to leave their normal habitat or could startle an animal into defending their territory. Minimizing impact on habitat is key to successful wildlife conservation.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

AZGFD off-highway vehicle demo, safety track returns to 2016 Outdoor Expo

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PHOENIX — Curious about what it takes to ride an off-highway vehicle (OHV) safely and responsibly or just interested in enjoying a bumpy ride?

Then visit the OHV demo track at the 2016 Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Expo from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 2 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday April 3 at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix, located on Carefree Highway just west of Interstate 17.

The popular attraction returns to the family friendly event, which draws more than 35,000 people annually.

OHV_2015_Expo_demo_trackWhile there, riders 21 and older with a valid driver’s license will be given a lesson on how to ride safely by wearing proper protective gear and riding responsibly by staying on established trails to minimize damage to habitat. Licensed drivers will be given the opportunity to drive or ride as a passenger.

In addition to the OHV demonstration track, the department’s “Lake Paddlemore” kayaking pond returns for visitors to take a quick paddle on the lake.

Expo attendees can view live wildlife, enjoy the kids fishing tanks or try their hand at target archery and other shooting sports, in a safe, supervised environment. However, there is a nominal charge for ammunition at some of the target shooting venues.

There will also be wildlife and hunting experts on hand and more than 150 exhibitors. Admission and parking are free, but bring cash for the many food and beverage concessionaires that will be on-site or to purchase outdoors-related goods and services.

The title sponsor for this year’s event is Shikar Safari Club International. Gold sponsors are Cabela’s, Arizona State Credit Union and the National Shooting Sports Foundation.

Annual Procession of the Cross kicks off Easter weekend

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Rt66 procession 2016-03-25 009WILLIAMS — Williams held its annual Good Friday Procession of the Cross down Route 66 starting about 6 p.m. to kick off the Easter weekend festivities. Members of several churches joined together to carry the cross. The Williams Police Department made the traffic directions look routine to ensure the safety of the event.

Rt66 procession 2016-03-25 022
The event started with a prayer of safety by Father Killian of St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church. He followed with the announcement that, since this is a leap year, the ladies would have to carry the cross down the near two-mile stretch. The procession started at the Mustang store on the east end of town and traveled west the length of Route 66.

The crowd lifts the cross in preparation for its journey down Route 66

The crowd lifts the cross in preparation for its journey down Route 66


The Good Friday event precedes the annual Easter Eggstravaganza at the Recreation Center on Railroad Avenue across from Circle-K. The event begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m.
Rt66 procession 2016-03-25 036

Four great horned owlets rescued after illegal shooting of mother out of backyard nest

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160324_Tolleson_rescued_owlets_webPHOENIX — Thanks to a concerned citizen, four young great horned owl nestlings now are safe at a local wildlife rehabilitation center after the mother was illegally shot and had to be euthanized.

In early March, the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Operation Game Thief program received a call from a Tolleson resident reporting that a neighbor had shot a nesting owl out of a tree in their yard.

Liberty Wildlife, a Scottsdale-based wildlife rehabilitation center, took the injured female in hopes of rehabilitating her, but x-rays indicated that the bird’s wing fracture was too severe. The bird was humanely euthanized.

Several days later, Game and Fish biologists climbed the tree to access the nest and remove the young when it was determined that the male parent would be unable to raise four young on his own. The department also was concerned the homeowner might harm the remaining owls since the family believed they were evil and was afraid of the birds.

“If the concerned citizen hadn’t notified our Operation Game Thief program about the shooting of the female owl, we may never have known and the four young would have likely not survived. The male parent was attempting to care for the young, but each nestling can eat up to 15 mice a day so it was a lot for him to keep up with,” said Arizona Game and Fish Officer Lainie Antolik. “Since owls are a protected species, the person was cited for taking wildlife without a license and taking wildlife during a closed season.”

The nestlings were placed with a foster female great horned owl at Liberty Wildlife to raise the young as naturally as possible. The four young will be released back into the wild once they are able to fly and hunt on their own.

As a misdemeanor offense, the homeowner could face penalties from the local justice court. In addition, the homeowner may face civil penalties from the Arizona Game and Fish Commission, and the department will seek restitution for caring for the owlets.

Operation Game Thief is a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about a poaching violation. The toll-free hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to report wildlife violations. Reporting parties may be eligible for a monetary reward.

Poaching is the illegal take of game or fish, trespassing, littering, theft, or destroying property.

State Route 89A improvement project beginning soon

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FLAGSTAFF — Contractor crews began surveying on SR 89A today (March 23) in preparation for improvements to SR 89A between the Vista Point Overlook and the JW Powell Boulevard intersection (PDF).

The Central Federal Lands Highway Division of the Federal Highway Administration, in cooperation with ADOT and the United States Forest Service, will widen and rehabilitate SR 89A in the project area, increasing shoulder width, adding new passing lanes and enhancing clear zones to improve safety and traffic operations.

Access through SR 89A will not be restricted during surveying, however drivers are asked to slow down and watch for workers in the area. Project-related traffic restrictions may be anticipated later in the Spring and Summer months as construction progresses. Please stay tuned for future updates on the SR 89A widening project.