Category Archives: News

Tucson Ranger who helped rescue Jessica Lynch dies from wounds received in Afghanistan

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Title corrected: Sergeant Major Barreras passed away in Texas after wounds received while serving in Afghanistan.

barrasAn Army Ranger from Tucson has died after being shot in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced. He was among those who rescued former POW Jessica Lynch from an Iraqi hospital in 2003. The Pentagon said in a statement that Command Sgt. Maj. Martin R. Barreras, 49, died May 13 in Texas after suffering injuries in Afghanistan on May 6.

Governor Jan Brewer ordered all flags to be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset today. In her statement, she said,

I Ask That All Arizonans Hold In Their Thoughts And Prayers the family of U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Martin Barreras, a Tucson soldier who passed away Tuesday, May 13, from injuries sustained while serving in Afghanistan. Command Sgt. Maj. Barreras, 49, dedicated more than three decades to military service, including five years as a U.S. Marine before enlisting in the Army. … As we mourn this American hero, let us always honor all of our nation’s men and women in uniform with our eternal gratitude and admiration.

The Army Ranger helped rescue former POW Jessica Lynch from an Iraqi hospital in 2003 has died after being shot in Afghanistan, the Defense Department announced Thursday. The Pentagon said in a statement that Command Sgt. Maj. Martin R. Barreras, 49, died May 13 in Texas after suffering injuries in Afghanistan on May 6. Barreras, known as “Gunny,” was the top enlisted soldier for a unit based in Fort Bliss, Texas at the time of his death, according to the Army Times. He joined the Army in 1988 after serving five years in the Marine Corps.

Barreras, known as “Gunny,” was the top enlisted soldier for a unit based in Fort Bliss, Texas at the time of his death, according to the Army Times. He joined the Army in 1988 after serving five years in the Marine Corps.

Read more at FOX News

Updated 10:00

17-Yr-Old Girl Who Wants to Actually Represent the People Just Unseated a Politician in W. Virginia

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Saira Blair may become the youngest legislator in West Virginia history.

Saira Blair may become the youngest legislator in West Virginia history.

Saira Blair, who just unseated an incumbent West Virginia state legislator, isn’t thinking about her plans for the summer. She’s thinking about how to defeat Democrat Layne Diehl come November. Because if Saira wins, it will make her the youngest legislator in West Virginia’s history- she’s just 17 years old.

Blair narrowly edged-out the incumbent, Republican state Delegate Larry Klump, by 144 votes. She campaigned on a straightforward platform:

  • Pro-life
  • Pro-gun
  • Pro-family
  • Pro-business
  • Pro-jobs

Blair even gave out her cell phone number to any potential constituents who might want to ask her questions. In addition, Blair has pledged to run only a positive campaign.

Read more at IJ Review

LATE BREAKING NEWS! Cataract Creek Gang spotted.

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Go 'head, Marshal. Kick o'er my sodie water. I Dars ya!

Go ‘head, Marshal. Kick o’er my sodie water. I Dars ya!

Marshall John B. Goode of Williams has received a telegraph and asked media outlets in Williams to extend this warning.

From: U.S. Marshall, Richmond, Virginia
Five or six polecats identified tentatively as the Cataract Creek gang were arrested Tuesday last…STOP…Were turned over as stowaways on a boat from Bahamas…STOP…Nice tans…STOP…Broke jail and took a stage…STOP…They did not book passage on the stage, they just took it!…STOP…If you are laughing…STOP…They are presumed to be heading your area…STOP…them.

According to the date of this telegraph (for y’all city folks, that is what we call emails), the time of travel and if the wind is agin’ ’em or for ’em, the Cataract Creek Gang could be here toward the end of May, or so.

It ain’t likely they’ll put out a schedule or anything.

Bearizona Wildlife Park Job Fair

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bearizonaWILLIAMS – Bearizona Wildlife Drive Through park is holding a job fair on Saturday starting at 10 am and lasting until 2 pm. The fair will be held at Wild West Junction, 321 E Rte 66 in Williams.

They are interviewing for Buster the mascot, car attendant, maintenance, animal staff, and ambassadors. See website for applications and complete job description.

Bearizona also has volunteer opportunities for teenagers over 15 and adults to assist paid staff while developing skills for a full-time job.

Applications available on their website. They will not consider anyone for an interview with an incomplete application.

Bearizona is an equal opportunity employer and drug and alcohol free.

Improvement project on SR 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott nears completion

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adot-logo3Crews will begin paving the roadway on State Route 89 (White Spar Road) in Prescott starting on Tuesday, May 20.

Next week, paving work will occur Tuesday through Thursday, May 20 to May 22, and be off the road on Friday, May 23 in time for the Memorial Day weekend.

During paving activities drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes over the next two weeks. Work hours are 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Bike riders expected throughout Verde Valley this weekend

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adot-logo3The Arizona Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to be alert for bicyclists traveling along the shoulders of state highways throughout the Verde Valley this weekend due to a special event.

More than 1,000 bicyclists are expected to participate in a charity bike race on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Drivers can expect to see bicycle riders on State Route 89A and SR 179. Minimal delays are expected but ADOT suggests drivers be prepared for slower traffic through the area.

State law requires a vehicle to maintain a three-foot gap when passing a bicycle on a roadway.

Run for the Wall reminds America of POWs and MIAs

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The soldier at the Williams Own Veterans Memorial stands watch with a Road Guard waiting for the riders of Run for the Wall

The soldier at the Williams Own Veterans Memorial stands watch with a Road Guard waiting for the riders of Run for the Wall

WILLIAMS – The riders of Run for the Wall roared into Williams on their annual mission to remind America that we still do not have a full accounting of POWs and those missing in action from the Vietnam war. At least 15 from Arizona are still unaccounted for.

The ten-day journey to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. is also a chance for brothers-in-arms who fought in the conflict to help each other heal. In addition the ride honors those currently serving in the military.

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Staff Sergeant David C. Lee

Although the ride was originally started by and for veterans of the Vietnam conflict, it has always been open for anyone with a desire to honor veterans and military. Recent years it has become more important for veterans and others to start to ride as Vietnam veterans are passing and getting too old to ride. This year there were several obvious non-veterans riding in the group.

Williams was especially honored this year to welcome active duty Army Staff Sergeant David Lee, a recruiter from North Orange County. He said he hangs out with a group of veterans known as the Orange Plaza Patriots where he learned about Run for the Wall. Marine Corp veteran Mark Waylon, a member of the group and annual rider, invited Lee to ride. Staff Sergeant Lee took leave so that he could make the Run for the Wall ride this year.

Officers Jaynes (left) and Humphrey (Right) are thanked for their service.

Officers Jaynes (left) and Humphrey (Right) are thanked for their service.

The riders came in their normal route from I-40 to parade down historic Route 66. Due to an emergency call, the Williams Police Department could not handle the normal duty of escorting the group. Officers Jaynes and Humphrey of the Department of Public Safety stepped in to handle the call.

The Ambassadors of Run for the Wall arrived about 5:45 after the Run for the Wall traveling commissary. The van sells T-Shirts, patches, pins and other items to support the activity.

At the American Legion Cordova Post #13, volunteers started in the morning setting up and cooking for the event. It was particularly gratifying to see young citizens of Williams serving at the event this year.

Volunteers serve the riders at the Cordova Post #13.

Volunteers serve the riders at the Cordova Post #13.

In previous years the riders were divided into two routes. This year the riders were divided into three routes with the Central Route coming into Williams and Flagstaff. Unfortunately this is not a tourist run and the riders will rise early in the morning to depart the city to continue their mission.

The Northern Arizona Gazette wishes them fair winds and following seas.

UPDATED 11:45

2nd Annual High Country Stand Down for Veterans this weekend

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stand-down-logoFLAGSTAFF – The 2nd annual High Country Stand Down for veterans will be held this Friday and Saturday in Flagstaff. The event is a part of the Arizona Veterans Stand Down organization.

The stand down is designed to reach out to homeless veterans and other veterans at risk. Services provided include VA health care, pet services, dental exams and services, mental health services, clothing, meals, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, ID and drivers licenses, court services and legal aide, showers and haircuts and myriad other services and resources.

The Stand Down will be held in two locations in Flagstaff. On Friday May 16 it will be at the Flagstaff Armory at 320 N. Thorpe Road from 10 am to 5 pm. This day is open to the public until 5 pm. After 5 pm only veterans will be allowed.

On Saturday the Stand Down veteran surplus distribution will be held the American Legion Post #2 at 204 Birch from 8 am to 3 pm. On Saturday only veterans will be permitted.

The Stand Down is sponsored by Coconino County, the City of Flagstaff, Department of Economic Security, American Legion, The Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, the Hopi Tribe and Navajo Nation.

Flagstaff will hold their annual Armed Forces Day parade beginning at 11 am.

Run for the Wall arrives today

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r4tw-2006-01FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS – The riders of Run for the Wall are expected to start arriving in Williams in two groups today. The first group will arrive and continue on to Flagstaff while the second will stop in Williams.

The first group of Vietnam veterans will start arriving at about 4:30 and will stop for fuel before continuing on to Flagstaff.

The second group will arrive at about 6:30 and start the traditional Run for the Wall motorcycle parade down historic Route 66. They will proceed to the American Legion Cordova Post #13 to be served dinner by volunteers from Williams.

Run for the Wall is an annual event in which Vietnam veterans ride to the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C. arriving on Memorial day. The event is over twenty years old and the mission is to allow healing for Vietnam veterans and their families and to call attention to the fact that the national government has still not demanded a full accounting of prisoners of war and those missing in action from the Korean and Vietnam wars.

Overnight work on two paving projects on I-17 continues this week

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The Arizona Department of Transportation has two improvement projects on Interstate 17, both south of Camp Verde, which will require overnight restrictions for drivers this week.

Drivers will be restricted to one lane southbound on I-17 through the climbing lane project (mileposts 280 to 282) Monday through Wednesday (May 12 through 14) between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. nightly. Minimal delays expected.

At the State Route 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 to continue around the work zone. Work will occur overnight starting tonight through Thursday, May 12 through May 15, 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, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.