Category Archives: News

On Saturday’s “Things to Do” list – check out the new Loop 303/I-10 Interchange before it opens to traffic

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ADOT Photo

ADOT Photo.

PHOENIX – Saturday morning (August 16) provides an opportunity for you to get an up-close look at the soon-to-be-completed Loop 303/I-10 Traffic Interchange in Goodyear. The Arizona Department of Transportation and city of Goodyear will provide local residents and visitors with a chance to walk, jog, skate or cycle beneath the elevated ramps that will soon carry traffic between the two freeways in the West Valley.

A Loop 303 dedication event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday along the new westbound I-10 frontage road that also was built as part of the $145 million freeway-to-freeway interchange project. All ramps at the interchange are scheduled to be open to traffic by September.

Governor Jan Brewer is scheduled to be on hand for the event, along with Goodyear Mayor Georgia Lord, ADOT Director John Halikowski and other dignitaries.

Parking will be available on the eastbound I-10 frontage road east of Citrus Road, south of I-10, in Goodyear. Citrus Road, which is west of the new Loop 303/I-10 Interchange, can be accessed from either McDowell Road or Van Buren Street.

After parking, those attending the event will be able to walk or roll through the Cotton Lane underpass beneath I-10 and have an up-close view of the large ramps at the interchange. Local community organizations will be on hand to share information with guests.

For safety reasons, those attending the open house will not be able to go onto the elevated ramps at the interchange. Guests are asked to be prepared for sunny conditions and are discouraged from bringing dogs or other pets because the pavement will get hotter as the morning moves along.

Governor Brewer will speak at a ribbon-cutting ceremony starting at 9 a.m.

In addition to marking the upcoming completion of the Loop 303/I-10 Interchange, the Open House and dedication also will celebrate the completion of ADOT’s recent series of projects to improve Loop 303 from an older two-lane highway to a six-lane freeway traveling north and south from Goodyear to Surprise. The projects are all part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ 20-year Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004.

OUI Checkpoint Detail At Lake Powell Successful

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PAGE – On Saturday, August 9th 2014 law enforcement agencies in Northern Coconino County conducted an Operating Under the Influence (OUI) and Boating Safety Checkpoint at the Wahweap Marina on Lake Powell from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The purpose of the Checkpoint was to identify offenders and get them off the waterways as well as to inform and educate the public on the dangers of impaired boating.

Sixty one vessels were checked to include 48 powerboats and 13 personal watercrafts for safety equipment and impaired operation. A total of 10 citations were issued and two arrests made for Operating Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Drugs. Citations included violations for lack of Personal Flotation Devices, Fire Extinguishers, and boating registration. During a similar boating safety detail in 2013 154 vessels were contacted, 28 citations were issued and 1 impaired boat operator was arrested.
[A.R.S. Title 5, Chapter 3, Article 4]

First time offenders of Operating Under the Influence include a minimum fine of $1508.88 with the possibility of up to 10 days in jail and mandatory alcohol screening. Fines and jail time increase with intoxication levels of the operator and as multiple offenses increase. [A.R.S. 5-395.01 and 5-397]

The objective of the weekend checkpoint was to send a clear message to those who are considering operating a watercraft after consuming alcohol or drugs that Operating Under the Influence will not be tolerated. More than 25 law enforcement officers and deputies from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Arizona Game and Fish Department, National Park Service, and Arizona Department of Public Safety worked together to insure that this was a safe weekend for those who were boating at Lake Powell. Four volunteers of the Coconino County Community Emergency Response Team also assisted with the detail.

More rain for Flagstaff and Williams

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rain-140810-20WILLIAMS – The roar of glasspacks from the Cool Country Cruise-In have been replaced with the rolling thunder of the monsoons. Thunder started sounding about 1pm in Williams and the rain descended shortly thereafter.

Williams and Flagstaff share a similar forecast through next week. 40% chance of showers overnight rising to 50% tomorrow through Wednesday with a 40% chance Monday night. The rain Monday is expected to occur mainly after noon. Winds are expected to be from 5- to 11-mph during that period.

There is a chance of thunderstorm activity from Thursday through next weekend.

Friends of Williams Aquatic Center hold party

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Mike shows off his incredible snow cone making capability.

Mike shows off his incredible snow cone making capability.

WILLIAMS – The action this weekend was not limited to the activities on Route 66. The Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center hosted a Back-to-school free swim with free pizza and snow cones.

The pool will now only operate on Friday and Saturday until the end of the season on August 30. On that day, the Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center will host one last bash. They will accept any volunteer help from the community.

Their next big event after that is a two-person scramble Golf Tournament at the Elephant Rocks Golf Course September 13. The cost is $80 per player. Hole sponsorships are available at three levels.

  • Bronze – $100 includes Bronze level signage at a hole and recognition on their sponsor board
  • Silver – $300 includes Silver level signage at a hole and recognition on sponsor board and two golf registrations
  • Gold – $500 includes Gold level signage at a hole and recognition on the sponsor board plus 4 free golf registrations.

Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the activities of the Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center, an Arizona 501(c)3 public charity organization.
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(Here is a secret saving tip that only we and anyone who read the flier knows about. Register before September 1 and receive $5 off per registration)

You can contact Kris Vasquez to register at 938-863-2467.

Shot me some chipmunks

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640px-140805-25BENHAM TRAIL – While hiking Benham Trail on Tuesday last, my alert hound treed a couple of chipmunk. While I could have used a .22 (which I didn’t have), I decided to use by Fuji instead. Fortunately it was only a stump of a tree, but it still took 20- to 30-minutes to get pictures of the varmints. They don’t hold still for pictures.

Can you see me now?

Can you see me now?


If you are planning a hike from Williams, you can catch a trail head at the picnic grounds at Buckskinner Park. You can also go seven-miles out south road and catch Benham Trail. Both trails are about 9-miles round trip so don’t forget water. Bring extra if you decide to bring your dog.
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If you decide to bring your dog make sure you keep them in sight and have a leash handy. Other people walk their dogs here. It is also the first time my dog tangled with Pepé Le Pew.

If you are lucky you may get a shot of a deer or elk. Again you will want to rein in your dog because elk sometimes turn and it could be disastrous.

There are also some beautiful wild flowers growing since spring finally hit Williams. It is also a great trail for a night time hike, but watch your footing. A good flashlight is a must.

For the latest information on hiking, fishing and boating activities around Williams, stop by the Williams and Kaibab Forest Visitor Information Center on Railroad avenue. You can also check out the Kaibab National Forest web site.

Williams Cool Country Cruise-In on Route 66

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kz640-140808-07ccci-140809-34WILLIAMS – Only a few drops of rain threatened, but did not dampen, the Cool Country Cruise-In this year. The sound of the roaring machines could be heard cruising both stretches of historic route 66 throughout the weekend. The event was a treat for locals and visitors from around the globe.

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Local radio KBZX 92.1 FM provided appropriate music for the route 66 event as well as an entry.

While not an "official" entry, this Marine celebrated his historic military organization and those who have yet to come home.

While not an “official” entry, this Marine celebrated his historic military organization and those who have yet to come home.

The weather was sunny Friday. Saturday produced a few drops near the end of the day. That did not stop the classics from cruising the historic strip.

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Not all of the classics were limited to the area between First Street to the east end of Route 66. On the west end Conoco had their classic truck on display.

Continue reading →

Don’t Text and Drive

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Post by WJBF News Channel 6.

Early risers form up for Cool Country Cruise-In

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ccci140808-04WILLIAMS – Some of the classics in for the Cool Country Cruise-In event on Route 66 in Williams started lining up about 7:30 today. The annual event brings classic cars from several States.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is reduced to 15-miles per hour from First Street east to the end of Bill Williams Avenue (Route 66) for the event. Drivers need to watch for pedestrians and photographers.

The Matthew J. Broehm VFW post will be selling raffle tickets for the tactical shotgun which will be drawn for today.

Cars are not the only events available this weekend. The Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center will host a free swim and party with pizza, snow cones and beverages on Saturday, August 9 from noon to 2 pm. The pool will then go to a reduced schedule open to the public only on Friday and Saturdays through August 30. The Friends are planning one more free swim and party on the last day of the season.
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Bearizona is always open from 8am to 7pm. Cars begin to line up for the drive-through wildlife park even before opening. You will probably find Marvelous Marv’s orange Volkswagen Beetle at the car show, but his orange van will be available to take visitors to the Grand Canyon for his world-famous private tour.

On the west end of town near Safeway, across the street from Memorial Park, the Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market will be open. The Route 66 Street Market replaced the Swap Meet which used to be held in the same area. Proceeds from this event benefit the Kiwanis scholarships offered to local students.

If you are not into the noise and bustle of the downtown activities, the Kaibab National Forest is open for hiking and camping. Anglers should be happy because the Buckskinner Park reservoir is up to its aspens in water. Although the aspens did not flourish this season, the recent monsoon has filled the reservoir to near capacity. It appears that it has recently been restocked as trout are jumping. It should be remembered that a trout stamp is required for fishing in our local lakes.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.


The Williams watershed is open for hiking which means the trail from Buckskinner park is open. Alternatively one could travel seven-miles out Perkinsville Road (continue up Fourth Street past Santa Fe dam) to the Benham trail. Both trails are about 4-1/2 miles so take plenty of water. The Benham trail will probably yield the most views of wild life.

The weather is expected to be clear today with a 10% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow and Sunday. The chance of thunderstorms rises to 50% on Monday. Winds are expected to be from 5- to 10-mph through the weekend.

ADOT issues report and asks for comments on Hell Canyon Bridge

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Hell Canyon Bridge is a steel three-span cantilevered Pratt deck truss with riveted connections. It has a total length of 585’ - 6”, and a width of 35’ - 4”, with a 30’ - wide roadway. - ADOT photo

Hell Canyon Bridge is a steel three-span cantilevered Pratt deck truss with riveted connections. It has a total length of 585’ – 6”, and a width of 35’ – 4”, with a 30’ – wide roadway. – ADOT photo

hell-canyon-bridge-01The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have completed a Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation and Approval for FHWA Projects that Necessitate the Use of Historic Bridges report for the Hell Canyon Bridge project located on State Route 89 at milepost 345.70, Yavapai County 18-miles north of Chino Valley and south of Ash Fork, Arizona.

The report states that the bridge no longer meets minimum FHWA standards. The bridge across Hell Canyon, “…is structurally deficient and is functionally obsolete which rehabilitation cannot address.” Cited examples include the bridge not being wide enough and the inability to handle heavy loads. The bridge also qualifies to be placed in the Arizona Historic Bridge Inventory. That will have to be sorted out before the bridge can be destructed.

The report explains three options used to determine the best course of action: Do nothing, build on new location without using the current bridge or restoration preserving historic status. The first was rejected because it does not bring the bridge up to FHWA standards. The third would still require some reconstruction to widen the bridge and replace the superstructure which would eliminate the historic integrity.

The favored plan is to build a new bridge alongside of the old one and destroy the old bridge. The reason given for destroying the old bridge is that neither ADOT nor Prescott National Forest intends to build a rest stop in the area. In addition there are no bicycle or pedestrian trails in the project area which could utilize the old bridge. The rest area/overlook of Hell Canyon has been closed for several years.

Hell Canyon Bridge will be removed and replaced with a new bridge as part of this project, thus causing impact to a Section 4(f) property. A 103-page pdf of the Section 4(f) report as well as other project information are available at the ADOT web site.

Please send these comments September 8, 2014. Comments can be sent directly to the project team via phone at 602.458.7478, via e-mail at ddunn@aztec.us, and via mail at 4561 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix AZ 85008.

Overnight pavement maintenance on I-17 next week

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adot-logo3The Arizona Department of Transportation will repair damaged segments of Interstate 17 about three miles north of New River overnight next week.

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13 from Rock Springs to Table Mesa Road (mileposts 235 – 240). Then southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from Table Mesa Road to Rock Springs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.

The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction during work hours.

In addition, crews will be working just south of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 235 to 237) during the day on Monday, Aug. 11 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to replace signs. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction during work hours through the work zone. Sign replacement work is only scheduled on Monday, Aug. 11, not including Tuesday as previously mentioned.