Category Archives: News

Coconino Amateur Radio Club holding classes for upcoming exam

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Update 3/19/2016 8:28 p.m.: Classes begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday and run until the class is complete.
final logoFLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Amateur Radio Club of Flagstaff is currently holding classes for the technician class license. The classes are free and open to anyone of any age. The classes are held every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm. They are held at the North Country Health Care facility at 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff.

The technician class license is the first FCC license a person can obtain to operate amateur radio equipment. You must get 26 questions correct on a 35 question examination. The examination fee is $15 and the next test is on April 16. Although anyone can come to the exam and classes, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club requests that you go to their web site and let them know that you are coming so they can provide enough material.

If you pass the examination for a Technician license, you can take the test for the General Class license. This allows you access to more frequencies and privileges. If you pass that exam, you can try for the top license; Amateur Extra. If you fail any exam along the way, you will be required to pay another $15 to retake the examination.

The courses are based on The ARRL Ham Radio License Manual. The manual is available through the Amateur Radio Relay League and other online retailers for around $25. Some may be on hand at the class.

The rest of the course schedule is as follows:

  • March 19 – Chapter 3 – Electronic components, Types of Radio Circuits
  • April 2 – Chapter 4 – Radio Wave Propagation, Antennas and Feed Lines, Practical Antenna Systems
  • April 9 – Chapter 5 – Basic Amateur Radio Equipment, Power Sources and Interference
  • April 16 – Chapter 6 – Communicating with Other Hams
  • April 23 – Chapter 7 & 8 – License Regulations and License Privileges, Call Signs and Operating Regulations (Part 1)
  • April 30 – Chapter 8 & 9 – Call Signs and Operating Regulations (Part 2), Safety and Amateur Radio

In order to take the test, you must bring a picture identification and your social security number. If you do not desire to give your social security number, you can file for an FCC Registration Number (FRN) at the FCC Universal Licensing web site. If you provide your SSN, you will be issued an FRN and listed on the ULS anyway. The benefit of signing up for an FRN before the examination is that you may get your license quicker.

If you pass any level of examination, the Volunteer Examiners take all necessary steps to file for your license. You can download your license as soon as it appears in the FCC database and start operating on Ham frequencies.

Final paving scheduled on US 93 north of Wickenburg

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Drivers traveling on US 93 north of Wickenburg (mileposts 185 to 190) should allow extra travel time for the next two weeks starting Monday (March 21) through Thursday (March 31) as crews prepare for final paving on the project.

Traffic will be guided through the work zone by pilot cars and minimal delays are expected between 4:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday each week. Speed will be reduced through the work zone.

As part of the final paving, crews will mill some of the existing pavement on the northbound lanes and drivers will be on rough road conditions until final paving is complete.

ADOT began this expansion project in February to widen US 93 between State Route 71 and State Route 89 which included the reconstruction of the highway into four lanes. This work will complete the widening project.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations, and to proceed through the work zone with caution and comply with the reduced speed limit.

No time like the present to prepare watercraft for boating season

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PHOENIX — The official start of the boating season is on the horizon and many Arizonans are getting ready to pull their favorite watercraft out from storage in preparation for more fun on the water.

To ensure the season is hiccup-free, the Arizona Game and Fish Department recommends that all watercraft owners thoroughly inspect their vessel to help prevent problems that could keep them off the water. To ensure you encounter only smooth sailing, watercraft owners should conduct the following inspections:

  1. Fuel system – Check the system for any leaks or damages. Give special attention to any fuel lines and connections. Damaged fuel hoses could either be cracked, brittle or soft. Also ensure the engine exhaust and ventilation systems are functioning properly. Before starting your engine, open the engine cover and smell for the presence of fuel vapor. Leave the engine cover off when first starting so you can inspect for proper functioning of the engine.
  2. Belts, cables and hoses – As with fuel lines, inspect all belts, cables and hoses that may have been damaged while in storage. Inactive items can become brittle and may crack. Ensure belts are fitted tightly and that there are no cracks on the outer jacket of the throttle, shift and steering control cables.
  3. Electric system – Inspect all electrical connections to ensure they are clean, tight and corrosion free. All electrical systems should be regularly inspected by a qualified technician.
  4. Fluid levels – Check all fluid levels including engine oil, power steering, power trim reservoirs and engine coolant. Also be sure to change the engine oil, oil filter and drive lubricants.
  5. Propellers and hulls – Ensure propellers are free of dings, pitting, cracks and distortion, and that they are secured properly. On the hull, inspect for blisters, distortions and cracks. Also make sure the vessel’s drain plug is in place before launching.
  6. Safety gear – Check to ensure all life jackets are still in good condition, that they are the right size and fit for your passengers. On average in Arizona, life jackets should be replaced every three to five years. Remember that state law requires anyone 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times when the vessel is underway and there should be one life jacket aboard for every passenger.

    Don’t forget that a throwable flotation device – usually a cushion with handles or a ring buoy – is required for all watercraft longer than 16 feet, except for canoes and kayaks. Also check to ensure the fire extinguisher is fully charged and stowed in the proper location.
  7. Take a safety course – The department offers free courses in Phoenix and Lake Havasu City every month to provide water users the information and tips needed to stay safe while on the water. For more information on boating safety or to register for a hands-on or online safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating and click “Boating Safety Education.”

 

Pavement work scheduled on US 60 in Wickenburg for next two weeks

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This week, crews will be sealing cracks in the pavement on US 60 during the day (mileposts 111-113) through Thursday (March 17) between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day. Drivers can expect minimal delays through the work zone.

Starting Sunday (March 20), crews will seal cracks in the pavement in the same area, but will do the work overnight to minimize impacts to traffic and business access. Work hours at night will be 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. through Thursday morning (March 23).

Motorists should expect some delays and should allow extra time to reach their destinations.

Gilbert man catches state record for native roundtail chub

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AGF Photo

General area of the Verde River where Rudolph Hoffman caught his state record catch-and-release roundtail chub.

CLARKDALE — It’s the native fish with a sporting fight. On Feb. 13 on the Verde River above Clarkdale, Rudolph Hoffman of Gilbert found a large pool of water and began cranking in multiple roundtail chub. The first measured at about 17 inches. Then another at 18 … then 18 1/2 inches …

Typically, the length of a roundtail chub is 8 to 18 inches, weight is 4 ounces to more than 3 pounds, and they potentially reach 8 years of age. George Andrejko/AZGFD

Typically, the length of a roundtail chub is 8 to 18 inches, weight is 4 ounces to more than 3 pounds, and they potentially reach 8 years of age. George Andrejko/AZGFD

Finally, a 19-inch chub took a 1/4-ounce bronze spoon with a spinning rod and 8-pound fluorocarbon line. This Gila robusta set a state catch-and-release record for roundtail chub. (Topping Dave Wagner’s 16-inch roundtail caught 2011, also on the Verde).

“There is really something special about being able to catch and release a fish that has been part of our Arizona waterways for tens of thousands of years,” Hoffman said.

The Department has initiated numerous conservation efforts since the early 2000s. Maintenance of healthy roundtail chub populations were likely influenced by all of these conservation measures in the Verde River.

AZGFD biologists prepare to stock chub. George Andrejko/AZGFD

AZGFD biologists prepare to stock chub. George Andrejko/AZGFD

By 2008, several flood events and conditions aligned to boost their populations. A few high-flow years helped young chub to survive. Conservation efforts by the Salt River Project’s Habitat Conservation Program and the Department have led to healthy populations of chub in the Verde River and across the state. These efforts included the development of a brood stock of chub to be raised at the Bubbling Ponds Hatchery, near Cornville, Ariz., and a stocking strategy to enhance wild populations of chub in the Verde River.

There also are special fishing regulations for the Verde River and its tributaries that likely have benefitted the chub — it’s all catch and release, and downstream from Granite Creek to Horseshoe Dam, anglers can enjoy unlimited daily bag limits for smallmouth and largemouth bass, and channel and flathead catfish.

So why not chase some of these Arizona natives during your next fishing trip?

“These chub fight better than smallmouth,” said Matt Chmiel, Aquatics Program Manager in the AZGFD Kingman office. “I’ve caught both and every one of the chub fought better than the smallmouth. Fishing from a canoe one time I had three chub break me off on 4-pound line.”

Transcon Lane South of Interstate 40 (Winslow) to undergo improvements beginning tomorrow

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The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is administering improvements on behalf of the City of Winslow to Transcon Lane between Interstate 40 and the travel plaza (truck stop) beginning Wednesday morning. Construction will occur during daylight hours, Monday through Friday. No weekend or holiday construction is anticipated; however traffic restrictions will be in place continuously until project completion late July, 2016.

Travel through Transcon Lane and access to the travel plaza will be available at all times.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, obey posted speed limits and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

ADOT signs to remind drivers about $400 HOV-lane violations

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hovviolationsign1loop202redmtnadotphotomarch2016PHOENIX — Drivers along Phoenix-area freeways can expect to see an additional reminder about the cost of being caught cheating in high occupancy vehicle lanes during weekday rush hours.

Over the next year, the Arizona Department of Transportation will add more than 250 signs that say “HOV Violation $400 Minimum” along Valley freeways with HOV lanes.

The new signs will join existing ones listing the weekday rush hours when HOV rules apply: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. During those periods, access to HOV lanes is limited to vehicles with two or more people aboard or displaying Arizona’s “Blue Sky” license plates. Motorcycles and buses are among other vehicles allowed to use HOV lanes during rush hours.

“These signs will remind drivers that violating the HOV-lane law is costly,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “Fines, court costs and the inconvenience of dealing with the traffic ticket are just not worth it.”

The first of the new “HOV $400 Violation” signs have been installed along a 20-mile stretch of the Loop 202 Red Mountain Freeway between Loop 101 and Broadway Road in Mesa. Carpool lanes along that freeway recently were extended between Gilbert and Broadway roads as part of a widening project that is nearing completion.

“We all pay when drivers drive in the HOV lane alone,” said Department of Public Safety Director Col. Frank Milstead. “Even the best excuse is no excuse.”

There are more than 190 miles of HOV lanes along Phoenix-area freeways.

The new signs will continue to be installed in stages over the next year as part of sign-maintenance projects. ADOT expects to install them as part of the Loop 101 widening project between Shea Boulevard and Loop 202 by this summer.

Newest Game and Fish wildlife camera showcases downtown Phoenix falcons

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Phx_peregrine_camPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department added a second wildlife live stream camera to its offerings this week. Now, anyone with a computer, smart phone or tablet can get a peek into the lives of a breeding pair of peregrine falcons living atop the Maricopa County Administration building in downtown Phoenix.

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

“This is a perfect example of wildlife being everywhere. We think people will be fascinated watching this pair of peregrine falcons and getting a glimpse into nesting, incubating eggs and rearing young, all in live time,” said Randy Babb, watchable wildlife program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

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

This February, a nest box previously installed by the department was renovated and state-of-the-art streaming video and audio equipment was installed in anticipation of the falcons using the nest box again this season. Since the renovation, the birds have been spending more time at the nest box indicating they intend to nest there again this year. Peregrine falcons tend to use the same nest sites season after season for many years.

The department also launched a live feed of sandhill cranes earlier this year showing the birds wintering in southern Arizona.

“It’s a priority for the department to connect and engage the public with their wildlife. Live feed wildlife cameras are just one tool for doing that,” Babb continued. “If you check the camera and the birds aren’t present, keep checking. If they lay eggs, viewing will be more consistent and predictable.”

Both the peregrine and sandhill crane live streams can be viewed at www.azgfd.gov/livecams.

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.

ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison Ian Bingham Expands Role as ADEQ Communications Director

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Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

Karin Harris, CEO of eGreen IT Solutions, receives a certificate of achievement from ADEQ Ombudsman Ian Bingham for being an original member of the agency’s Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program (VESP)

PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) officials announced today the appointment of Ian Bingham, ADEQ Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison since 2010, to ADEQ Communications Director. This appointment expands Mr. Bingham’s current service, as he is continuing his role as Ombudsman and Tribal Liaison. In his new capacity, Mr. Bingham will counsel agency executive leadership and direct and manage strategic, proactive marketing and branding activities, internal and external communication and outreach.

Of additional benefit to ADEQ and Governor Douglas A. Ducey’s governmental transformation initiative, Mr. Bingham has designed and implemented processes that remove process waste, increase efficiency and dramatically improve performance since the mid-1990s.

“Widely admired and respected inside and outside of the agency, Mr. Bingham exhibits a true passion for and deep understanding of the value effective communication brings to furthering the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality mission of protecting and enhancing public health and the environment,” said Director Cabrera. “Mr. Bingham leads by example – his commitment to the environment and our community go far beyond his work at the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality in his service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Stewardship Action Council, Arizona Environmental Strategic Alliance Advisor, and mentoring youth by coaching basketball since 1989,” Director Cabrera added.

Now in his 25th year of agency service, his prior experience includes management positions in the Underground Storage Tank (UST) Inspections and Compliance and Corrective Action programs, Waste Programs Division Enforcement Coordinator, technical advisor for UST, Arizona Environmental Performance Track Program Administrator, and most recently, Voluntary Environmental Stewardship Program Coordinator, and Arizona Power Plant and Transmission Line Siting Committee Representative.

Fish kill temporarily hampers angling at Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — A moderate fish kill occurred at Lower Lake Mary in Flagstaff on Thursday, and water quality testing by the Arizona Game and Fish Department has discovered areas of low dissolved oxygen that remained from the past winter.

Lower Lake Mary was stocked with trout Wednesday and Thursday. Although fishing will slow temporarily, be on the lookout for when fish become active on the surface.

The Department will be monitoring the water quality at Lower Lake Mary and will stock more fish once it has improved.

Meanwhile, fishing at Dogtown Lake south of Williams or Frances Short Pond in Flagstaff will be good alternatives.