Category Archives: News

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

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energy-efficient-license-platePHOENIX — Beginning today, specific hybrid vehicle owners will have another opportunity to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates being made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. ADOT is again offering the opportunity to Arizona owners of qualifying vehicles to obtain a “Clean Air – Blue Skies” plate for unrestricted access to HOV lanes. The maximum limit of 10,000 is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014).

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Only owners of currently registered, qualifying vehicles under the revised program requirements will be able to secure one of the 1,800 plates. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application found online at the MVD Forms Library. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website at azdot.gov/mvd.

Chipotle Mexican Grill bans firearms

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chipotleDALLAS – Chipotle Mexican Grill is the latest large chain to prohibit firearms into their restaurants after the Dallas chapter of Open Carry Texas stopped to eat after a demonstration. The carrying of firearms into the store was not a part of the demonstration according to an article on the Forbe’s web site.

Facebook image showing men carrying arms not in compliance with Open Carry Texas (Forbe's Photo)

Facebook image showing men carrying arms not in compliance with Open Carry Texas (Forbe’s Photo)

A Facebook (Facebook page has apparently been banned by Facebook) photo, according to the Forbe’s article, shows two-men unrelated to the Open Carry Texas event carrying “…SKS rifles, semi-automatic weapons of the kind once used by both the Soviet Army and the Viet Cong.”

A previous incident apparently occurred at a Jack-in-the-Box in Forth Worth. Open Carry Texas member Edwin Harros stated in an interview that their members are required to carry their semi-automatic rifles on their backs. Jack-in-the-Box, to date, has not issued a statement banning firearms in their establishments.

An anti-gun activist group called “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” began a Twitter campaign on Monday against customers bringing guns into Chipotle. The gun control group is backed by billionaire Michael Bloomberg.

The company responded with a statement that read in part,

“The issue of gun ownership or gun rights has become one of the most contentious debates in the country. Chipotle has never taken a position on this issue, as we focus instead on our mission to change the way people think about and eat fast food.

“Recently participants from an “open carry” demonstration in Texas brought guns (including military-style assault rifles) into one of our restaurants, causing many of our customers anxiety and discomfort. Because of this, we are respectfully asking that customers not bring guns into our restaurants, unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.”

Arizona Revised Statute 4-229 requires any establishment not allowing firearms to post a sign in a conspicuous location containing a pictogram of a firearm with a red circle and diagonal red line across the firearm with the words, “no firearms allow pursuant to A.R.S. section 4-229.” A person is allowed to enter a posted establishment in order to seek emergency aid or to determine if the sign is posted pursuant to this law. Any private property owner is allowed to prohibit firearms on their property.

Starbucks also asked people not to bring firearms into their establishment or outdoor seating areas in 2013 which represents a ban on firearms, but did not specifically call it that.

Arizona-based Sprout’s Market is also backing their ban on firearms fifty-percent. They have banned firearms, but apparently do not feel comfortable with conforming to Arizona Revised Statute by posting the required signs.

Discretion being the better part of valor, if a person with a firearm enters an establishment without the required signage and is asked to leave, it is best not to get into an argument. Simply remind them that they are not in compliance with A.R.S. 4-229 and leave the store. Report the violation to the appropriate authority.

Arizona does have so-called Constitutional concealed carry, which means any legal US citizen of Arizona may carry concealed, but only persons with a concealed carry permit may enter an establishment that serves alcohol and no one may drink while carrying a firearm.

According to the article, the anti-gun group stated they

“…support the Second Amendment… In states where no background checks or training are required to buy semi-automatic rifles and carry them openly in public, businesses have a duty to protect their employees and patrons.”

Federal law requires a background check for any person purchasing a firearm in any gun store in the nation.

Arizona Revised Statue 15-714.01 allows schools to conduct firearms safety courses. The courses may provide instruction which includes the rules of firearm safety, basic operation of firearms, history of firearms, marksmanship, the role of firearms in preserving peace and freedom and the constitutional roots of the right to keep and bear arms…

Bradley Manning may be moved to civilian prison

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bradley-manningWhile the Veterans are still reeling from the news of waiting lists that may have been responsible for the deaths of many of their fellow Veterans, the big concern at the Department of Defense is what to do with so-called transgender personnel.

The problem is highlighted by news of what to do with Bradley Manning. Bradley Manning is the PFC that released classified documents to WikiLeaks including a video which shows an air attack on reporters.

Manning was sentenced to 35-years in prison for charges stemming from the release, but the case still has appeals. He has since changed his name to Chelsea and demands hormone treatments.

This has caused a dilemma for the Army. The problem was described in a recent AP article cited by NPR.

“The request was the first ever made by a transgender military inmate and set up a dilemma for the Defense Department: How to treat a soldier for a diagnosed disorder without violating long-standing military policy. Transgender people are not allowed to serve in the U.S. military and the Defense Department does not provide such treatment, but Manning can’t be discharged from the service while serving her 35-year prison sentence.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel gave the Army permission to work a transfer of Manning from a military prison to the civilian prison system which offers hormone treatments at taxpayer expense.

According to Stars and Stripes, Manning’s Lawyer David Coombs fears that such a transfer could pose a threat to the safety of Manning. His desire is to keep him within the military prison system. The article reports:

Coombs said “any military facility would be acceptable.” In a statement, he said “it is common knowledge that the federal prison system cannot guarantee the safety and security of Chelsea in the way that the military prison system can.”

Another problem is that the national security issues related to the charges against Manning would normally prevent such a transfer.

While VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki is trying to find stronger words to express his anger over the treatment provided by VA hospitals, Secretary of Defense Hagel is calling for a review of the transgender ban in the military.

This would entail hiring of doctors within the military and VA medical systems with expertise in providing transgender medical treatment which does not currently exist.

High school text book really does re-write Constitution

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04160E9CCD6B405ABE832FB368757512BreitBart reports that one high school text book publisher literally does re-write the Constitution. It overturns a Supreme Court Decision, as well.

Page 102 of United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (PDF) gives brief descriptions of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Their version of the Second Amendment states:

The people have a right to keep and bear arms in a state militia.

The official Second Amendment reads:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

In 2008, the Supreme Court decided in District of Columbia v. Heller (PDF) that the right to bear arms is independent of being a member of a militia. In 2010, the case of McDonald v. Chicago (PDF), the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment restrictions on government applied to State as well as national government.

The book is authored by John J. Newman and was published in 2003 by Amsco School Publications Incorporated.
Continue reading →

Houston SPCA awarded for murdering pit bulls

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8f5ee725c7022bc49e95756d6a0dd256How many dead pit bulls does it take to win an award? The Better Business Bureau Awards for Excellence luncheon was held Wednesday to recognize quality in the workplace. Businesses and nonprofits were touted by the BBB for ‘service excellence.’

“The BBB Awards for Excellence recognizes businesses and nonprofits for their achievements and commitment to overall excellence and quality in the workplace. Proceeds from the event help fund the BBB Education Foundation, which educates consumers about scams and fraudulent business practices in the Greater Houston area.”

According to Houston SPCA’s own website, “When asked what it means to the Houston SPCA to receive this recognition, Patricia Mercer, President, said: “We work hard to provide top notch service to our customers and clients, and it is truly an honor to be recognized for our efforts.”

Read more at The Examiner

Democrats release attack against veteran of Iraq running for Congress

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zeldin1

Photo – Home of Heroes web site.

NEW YORK – Democrats—who have probably never served in the military—fired off an attack at Major Lee Zeldin who is seeking a seat in the House of Representatives in the State of New York. The attack seems to highlight the fact that he could actually unseat six-term Democrat Congressman Tim Bishop.

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee issued a press release on May 14 complaining That Zeldin will not answer questions over how he would vote on the Paul Ryan budget or the extension of unemployment benefits.

Over a month after his House Republicans passed Paul Ryan’s reckless budget, Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin is still too scared to admit how he would vote for the plan, even though he wants Long Islanders to send him to Congress. Even though every member of Congress had no choice but to vote yes or no weeks ago, what’s taking him so long to decide? There’s only one answer: Zeldin is either woefully uninformed, willfully ignorant or a coward.

The press release went on to state:

To help Zeldin find the courage to take a position on the Ryan Budget and other critical issues impacting Long Island, the DCCC is sending him the same Badge of Courage the Wizard of Oz gave to the Cowardly Lion.

Zeldin responded to the attack on FOX News stating, “You have some liberal Democrat hack who’s hiding behind his Twitter account, stuffing his face with Cheez Doodles, sending out press releases on D triple-C letterhead—shameful attacks—and the fact is Nancy Pelosi, Steve Israel, Tim Bishop, they’ve never served a day.

“And I think when I was sitting at the door on that Blackhawk and the Jump Master hits the back of your head and you do what’s so unnatural, jumping out with your parachute; here you are fast-forward to today, and you have, you know, these Democratic hacks out of Washington who want to change the subject and fling insults saying I’m a coward. It just doesn’t fit.”

According to a New York Times opinion by retired Lieutenant General Karl W. Eikenberry, since obligatory service has not been used since Vietnam, the percentage of the American population serving in the military has dropped to less than 0.5% since WWII.

Less than 0.5 percent of the population serves in the armed forces, compared with more than 12 percent during World War II. Even fewer of the privileged and powerful shoulder arms. In 1975, 70 percent of members of Congress had some military service; today, just 20 percent do, and only a handful of their children are in uniform.

Democrats have, in the past, complained that the military is the only job opportunity for the poor segment of society putting the burden of protecting the country on them. Their main focus to change that is to raise the minimum wage to $15 per hour.

In testimony before the Senate, Congressional Budget Officer Douglas W. Elmendorf stated:

Increasing the minimum wage would have two principal effects on low-wage workers. Most of them would receive higher pay that would increase their family’s income, and some of those families would see their income rise above the federal poverty threshold. But some jobs for low-wage workers would probably be eliminated, the income of most workers who became jobless would fall substantially, and the share of low-wage workers who were employed would probably fall slightly.

It is unclear how many workers would be raised into a higher tax-bracket eliminating any benefit from an increase in the minimum wage.

Lee Zeldin is a New York State Senator who was a member of the 82nd Airborne paratroopers. He also served for a time with the Military Intelligence Corps at Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Zeldin seeks the Congressional seat for the district in New York covering Long Island which could unseat six-term Congressman Tim Bishop.

US 89 paving project north of Cameron underway

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adot-logo3CAMERON – The Arizona Department of Transportation has begun on improvements to a 9-mile segment of US 89 at Moenkopi Wash, starting about 10 miles north of Cameron and continuing north about 5 miles past the junction of US 89 and US 160.

The project includes new pavement and striping, new guardrail, shoulder and drainage improvements.

Work will take place Monday through Thursday during daylight hours, with some night work to occur during the paving portion of the project. There will be reduced speeds and lane restrictions at various locations during work hours and flaggers will be used to guide vehicles through the work zone.

This project is scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2014.

Overnight work on paving project on I-17 continues next week

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adot-logo3The Arizona Department of Transportation will continue with work on Interstate 17 at the State Route 169 traffic interchange starting Sunday, May 18, which will require overnight work and restrictions throughout the week.

At the SR 169 junction (milepost 278), crews will close I-17 in both directions, and drivers will be required to use the off- and on-ramps at SR 169 around the work zone. Traffic using SR 169 will be permitted over the bridge.

Work will occur overnight starting Sunday night through Thursday (May 18-22) between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.

ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, to comply with the reduced speed limit and to be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

State Library of Arizona – nationally recognized as Library of the Year

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azcm-building-photoPHOENIX – The State Library of Arizona, a division of the Secretary of State, has been named as the 2013 Library of the Year by Davita Vance-Cooks, U.S. Public Printer. This regional federal depository library is celebrating its 50th year with this designation for oversight and statewide services within Arizona.

“Under the leadership of our State Librarian Joan Clark, and Janet Fisher, our Director of Collections and External Relations, we have been able to reinvigorate our effort to preserve and provide access to important government documents,” said Secretary of State Ken Bennett. “Their team has done an excellent job and Arizonans should be proud to have such an outstanding resource at their disposal.”

The award from the U.S. Government Printing Office recognizes the library and its staff for their leadership in carrying out the responsibilities of the Federal Depository Library Program’s role in “keeping America informed.” The State Library of Arizona coordinates and connects with Arizona’s libraries (public, community college, and university) around the state to provide access to federal government information for all. The library’s efforts to plan, collaborate with others, and implement the biennial Six-State Virtual Government Information Conference held in 2010 and 2012 is but one example of its leadership in expanding services to engage, collaborate and transform in GPO’s mission to keep America informed.

The State Library of Arizona is a branch of the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, a division of the Secretary of State. The Library holds a collection of 2.5 million government, law and genealogy items, is located in the State Capitol in Phoenix, and serves the needs of state government, businesses and the public. The State Library of Arizona functions as the state library and the state law library for Arizona.

Single Vehicle Roll-Over on Snowbowl Road Resulting in Serious Injury

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DSCN2003FLAGSTAFF – A single-vehicle accident occurred on Wednesday resulting in a serious injury on Snowbowl road.

At approximately 4:58 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a traffic collision on Snowbowl Road in the area of mile post 3.4. Upon arrival Deputies found a Freightliner flatbed utility truck rolled over.

The investigation of Deputies revealed that the truck was owned by Allison Transmission from Indiana, and was being driven to test transmissions installed in commercial vehicles. Both occupants of the vehicle were also from Indiana. One occupant was trapped in the cab and required extrication by Summit Fire District responders.

The 23 year old driver and the 21 year old passenger were transported to Flagstaff Medical Center by Guardian Medical Transport. Forest Service and Arizona Department of Public Safety also assisted in the response to this incident.

The passenger sustained non-life threatening injuries and the driver is in critical condition. No cargo was being carried by the truck. Investigation of the roll-over event is ongoing with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety.