Category Archives: News

Horse Fire in Bradshaw Mountains near Crown King started Thursday.

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PRESCOTT — The Horse Fire, 7-miles NW of Crown King and 18 miles south of Prescott in the Prescott National Forest grew 3,500 acres over this evening. The fire started Thursday and the cause is under investigation.

Airtankers and helicopters were essential in slowing the spread of the fire as firefighters gained access. The fire is in a remote section of the forest with steep, rugged terrain. The strategy for the Horse fire is full suppression as crews continue to use aircraft to slow the rate of spread and scout for holding features to use as containment lines.

Goodwin, Senator Highway at Palace Station, and County Road 59 from Cleator have been closed.

Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Code Red ‘Go’ for the communities of Crown King, Minnehaha, Horsethief Cabins and any private inholdings in and around the fire area. There are evacuations currently in effect. For information on the Code Red alerts issued you can visit the Sheriff’s Office Facebook page for updates or call (928) 771-3321 or to sign up for Code Red notifications visit Yavapai County Code Red Notification.

Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope open with limited services October 23

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Christine Stamper sleeping area.

BULLHEAD CITY — The 57-bed Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help and Hope, a homeless and day resource center serving Bullhead City and the surrounding area, will open with limited services under strict health and safety protocols for individuals and families experiencing homelessness beginning Oct. 21.

At full operation, the 10,000-plus square foot facility will offer overnight rest, relief, basic necessities, case management and health services with the ability to shelter 57 individuals each night. Private rooms will be available for families and veterans.

“Catholic Charities has been monitoring state and local data and predictive models to ensure a safe and healthy opening with a phased approach, which has begun. The shelter will remain at limited capacity while COVID-19 still remains a risk,”said Cathy Peterson, Executive Director of the Northern Arizona Region of Catholic Charities. “In the meantime, we know how important it is to provide these critical services, resources and support to the community.”

A family has already moved into one of the three units designated for families. A second family is scheduled to move in the week of Oct. 21. “Because of the need for social distancing, we are keeping occupancy to two families at this time,” Peterson said.

Day services will be provided two days a week (Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) beginning October 23 and expanded to three days a week, including Mondays, on November 4. Day services include access to laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, lunches and meetings with case managers as needed.

Dinners will be served three nights a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 4-5:30 p.m.) beginning November 11 and expanded to all five weeknights on November 23.

In December, staggered overnight stays will begin for veterans and individuals with appropriate distancing protocols.

Family Center and Play area.

STRICT SAFETY PROTOCOLS ARE IN PLACE

“We have done a lot of work to ensure that this phased, limited opening will be as safe as possible. Homelessness is a growing issue in the community, and unfortunately, this pandemic is likely to be a long-term challenge,” Peterson said. “Our staff members have done a great job of pivoting to ensure they were still providing critical outreach while we worked to figure out this plan, and we look forward to serving the community to a greater extent.”

Masks and social distancing will be required for everyone and congregating in groups outside the shelter is strictly prohibited

Other protocols include:

• On arrival, all clients will be screened for potential COVID-19 symptoms, temperatures will be taken and needs will be assessed under a pop-up tent outside the building.
• Once screened, no more than 15 individuals will be allowed in the shelter at a time. Lingering will not be allowed. Once a client is screened and uses the services they need, they must exit the building.
• Only two volunteers will be allowed in the shelter at a time and they will be assigned to the kitchen to assist with meal preparation and delivery.
• Staff will conduct multiple deep cleaning and sanitizing throughout the day and after use by each client.
• Three ultra-violet (UV) light sanitation systems will be used each night.
• The facility also will use the open-air patio in the back of building as needed.

Outreach services, including delivering hygiene supplies, food, water and other resources will continue, Peterson said, adding that nearby North Country Health Care has agreed to provide COVID-19 testing as needed for both clients and staff members.

Additional donations for the Legacy Foundation Christine Stamper Center for Help & Hope in the 1500 block of Oatman Road can be made online at www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/donate-to-BHC. Additional information about shelter services, along with a video tour of the shelter, can be found at www.catholiccharitiesaz.org/bhc-shelter.

Commission supports expanded hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges

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AZGFD website details amended state regulations on four refuges

PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission recently approved amendments in support of new federal guidelines that expand hunting opportunities on four national wildlife refuges in southern Arizona.

The amendments, unanimously passed by the Commission during a public meeting Sept. 25 in Greer, broaden opportunities to hunt several species of small game, migratory birds and predators/furbearers for the 2020-2021 seasons at the following wildlife refuges: Cabeza Prieta, Cibola, Buenos Aires and Leslie Canyon.

For complete details about the amended Arizona hunting regulations, visit:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently expanded hunting opportunities on national wildlife refuges for the 2020-2021 seasons. Hunting opportunities are authorized and provided on USFWS-managed lands in accordance with federal, state and tribal (where applicable) regulations and seasons.

Route 66 On-The-Air again

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Route 66 is on the air.

FLAGSTAFF — Once again the amateur radio operators along Route 66 take to the air waves for the annual Route 66 On-The-Air event. Amateur radio operators, also known as “Hams,” will try to make contacts with other amateur operators from around the world. The event runs from 5 p.m. this Friday, September 11 until 3 p.m. Sunday, September 20 MST.

Glen Davis, KG7YDJ, on the air in Bellemont in 2019.

Amateur radio operators conduct contests and events throughout the year to test equipment by trying to make as many contacts as possible in a specified amount of time. Operators who make contact with all of the Route 66 stations can receive a “QSL” card from each. When they are put together, they make a map of Route 66.

Ron Gerlack and Andrew Gissel WA7DPS work Route 66 On-The-Air in Bellemont last year.

Some of the stations are stationary at the homes of various amateur radio operators and some are rovers that go to different places along Route 66. In the Flagstaff area, Ron Gerlack KG7OH of the Northern Arizona DX Association—the amateur radio club that works the event—takes the Coconino Amateur Radio Club trailer with various amateur radio equipment to various locations along Route 66. The call sign for this roaming station is W6T.

In the past, Ron has set up at Williams, Bellemont, the Grand Canyon Caverns, Twin Arrows, Seligman and a number of other places. This year he plans to set up at Bellemont, again, and along the “S” curve in Parks, Arizona.

At Twin Arrows in 2018.

Habitat for Humanity wall raising Saturday

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WILLIAMS — Habitat for Humanity is hosting a Dedication and Wall Raising on Saturday, August 15th at 8:30 a.m. for the Windham family house. The site is 910 Hereford Drive in Williams.

Attendees can congratulate the family and leave a “Forever Message” on the newly raised wall. Anyone wishing to help further can stay and help paint the siding and trim until 3:30. Lunch will be served.

Pop Sensations Jason Derulo & Rachel Platten to Headline the MI Charitable Foundation’s Annual Summer Concert

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GRATZ, Pa. – Featuring chart-topping singer-songwriters Jason Derulo and Rachel Platten, the MI Charitable Foundation’s sixth annual summer concert will be streamed online Saturday, August 15, from 8-10 pm EST.

This is a free event with opportunities for viewers to donate if they choose. All funds raised will benefit the MI Foundation’s local, regional, and national beneficiaries. Additionally, MI Windows and Doors will be matching all donations dollar-for-dollar up to the first $100,000.

“We are elated to have Jason Derulo and Rachel Platten performing this year,” MI Windows CEO Matt DeSoto said. “They’re both fantastic singers and great performers.”

A Florida native, Derulo has 11 platinum singles to his credit, including “Whatcha Say,” a 2009 hit that reached No. 1 in the U.S. During his decade-long career, he has collaborated with Snoop Dogg, Nicki Minaj, and many other pop music superstars.

Platten, whose 2015 hit, “Fight Song,” reached No. 6 on the American charts, won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2016 for her live performance on “Good Morning America.” She has also appeared on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The X Factor,” and “American Idol.”

“Smooth Like Clyde,” a popular group out of Harrisburg, Pa., that has been called the top cover band in Central Pennsylvania by multiple outlets, is also going to perform. Additionally, the concert will feature inspirational videos from some of the MI Foundation’s beneficiaries, including Homes for Our Troops, Four Diamonds, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

“When we first started planning the 2020 summer concert, we had no idea that we wouldn’t be meeting in person,” DeSoto says. “But I think we’ve put together a fantastic program – one that will give our team members, customers, suppliers, and friends from around the country a chance to learn about the many wonderful causes the MI Foundation supports. And we think it will be a lot of fun, too.”

Update on Flagstaff inmate death July 31

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FLAGSTAFF – Next of kin notification has been confirmed by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The inmate, who died on July 31, is 32-year-old David Depoe whose last address is unknown. The autopsy and cause of death results are still pending by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Mr. Depue was arrested by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and was being held in-custody on a $50,000 bond for 4-Counts of Felony Theft, Felony Criminal Trespass, Felony Burglary, Misdemeanor Driving with Suspended License and Misdemeanor Fictitious Plate.

Initially it was reported that Mr. Depue had refused to answer any medical related questions asked by our Officers while at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Temporary Holding Facility in Page, Arizona. Upon review and further clarification Mr. Depue did answer questions related to COVID-19 contact and the Officer Initiated Medical Pre-Screening form. Mr. Depue did not disclose any medical or health related issues. When Officers noticed the cut on his finger, Mr. Depue stated he was aware of the cut, did not want any treatment for it, believed it to be infected and stated he treats his own wounds.

As stated in a prior media release, medical staff refused the acceptance of Mr. Depue into the holding facility until he was medically cleared for the cut on his finger by a medical facility. It has been confirmed that Mr. Depue did refuse to be treated while at the Page Hospital and when ultimately accepted into the holding facility, Mr. Depue continued to refuse to allow Officers to check vital signs or answer questions when our Officers attempted to get further health history. On July 30, Mr. Depue advised our Officers that he was not feeling well during two different times while they had contact with him. When our Officers asked him, what was wrong and tried to check his vitals he refused to answer and refused the vital check and said he was fine.

On July 31, while on the transport from Page to the Flagstaff Detention Facility, our transport Officer’s noticed that Mr. Depue may have been experiencing anxiety or panic like behavior and advised Mr. Depue to take deep breaths and try to relax. Shortly after that, Mr. Depue was not visible by the Officers so they pulled over and notified dispatch and asked for medics to respond. When one of the Officers went around to open the door to where Mr. Depue was sitting, the Officer said it appeared that Mr. Depue was having a seizure. While the Officer was trying to assess Mr. Depue and communicate with him, Mr. Depue went unresponsive and appeared to no longer be breathing. While the Officer was attempting to find a pulse, medics arrived on scene and the Officer advised that Mr. Depue was not breathing. Medics took Mr. Depue out of the van and began life saving measures to include CPR. Mr. Depue was then transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC) by medics.

The prior media release stated a deputy at FMC advised that Mr. Depue had undergone surgery. Upon further clarification by the Officer and FMC medical staff, Mr. Depue did not have surgery. When medics arrived at FMC, Mr. Depue was moved immediately into a room where medical staff continued life saving measures for approximately one hour.

Due to FMC COVID-19 protocols non-essential individuals and Officers are not allowed to be in the room with the patient. The Officer had to stand outside of the room but could keep a visual of Mr. Depue through the clear curtain in the room. From what the Officer could see, it appeared that Mr. Depue was undergoing surgery, so he relayed that back to staff at the Flagstaff Detention Facility.

At Approximately 1:35 pm. FMC medical staff did advise the Officer that Mr. Depue did appear to be stabilized and would be moved to the Intensive Care Unit. It is confirmed that at 2:11 pm, Mr. Depue was pronounced deceased by FMC medical staff. The death is still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

Eastern Arizona Counties Organization contributes $35,000 to Range Rider Program to reduce Mexican wolf depredations on livestock

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AZGF Photo

PINETOP — The Eastern Arizona Counties Organization (ECO) has made a contribution of $35,000 to support the Range Rider Program managed by the Interagency Field Team (IFT) of the Mexican Wolf Recovery Project.

Created in 1993, the ECO includes Apache, Cochise, Gila, Graham, Greenlee and Navajo counties. The ECO counties have developed a leading role in natural resources and public lands management issues in eastern Arizona, including forest and watershed restoration, travel management and public land access, threatened and endangered species management, rural economic development, and recreation issues.

“The Arizona Game and Fish Department and its conservation partners are grateful to the ECO for their support of the Range Rider Program,” said Jim deVos, AZGFD assistant director for wildlife management. “One of the key activities the department is engaged in is reducing depredations on livestock in the wolf recovery area. This monetary contribution will go a long way toward increasing staff availability to livestock producers and the IFT to haze wolves from areas with active depredation activities.”

A range rider is a person who spends time in areas where wolves and cattle are in proximity and chases wolves from the area. It is a way of proactively deterring conflict between wolves and livestock. The range rider will work in much of eastern Arizona and will be directed to areas where high levels of depredations are occurring.

“ECO is pleased to provide this funding to AZGFD and the IFT,” said Jason Whiting, ECO chair. “Over the past two years, the number of depredations has increased as the wolf population increased, and this is impacting the region’s ranchers. Wolf depredations usually peak in early summer and continue into the fall, so this funding for the Range Rider Program will be put on the ground now.”

Richard Lunt, ECO vice chair, has been actively involved in wolf depredation prevention management. “Finding tools to reduce wolf impacts is important, and I am hopeful that the Range Rider Program proves to be a mechanism that works for a wolf recovery strategy that is compatible with livestock stability,” he said.

AZGFD’s deVos notes that Mexican wolf recovery has seen growth over the last decade, with the 2019 wolf count being 163, nearly a 24% increase from the prior year.

“As the wolf population continues to grow, reducing conflict over depredations is essential and something that the IFT works on daily,” he said. “This financial assistance from ECO will be put directly on the ground.”

Nominations sought for 2020 Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission is soliciting nominations for the 2020 Commission Awards. The deadline for submission is September 4, 2020. The purpose of these awards is to recognize Arizonans who have contributed significantly to the conservation of the state’s wildlife, its outdoor heritage, and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.Nominations may include individuals, organizations, clubs, foundations or government agencies. Arizona Game and Fish Department employees are not eligible for nomination. To nominate someone, download a form (visit https://www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/awards/) and follow the instructions on the form.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will select the 2020 Commission Award recipients at its September 25-26, 2020 meeting. The awards will be presented at the annual Arizona Game and Fish Commission Awards Banquet scheduled for Saturday, January 23, 2021, at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, 11111 N. 7th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020.

2020 AWARD CATEGORIES

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE:
Any individual, group, organization, club, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife, wildlife habitats, or programs of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

YOUTH CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR:
Any individual, 18 years of age or younger, who has excelled in efforts to benefit wildlife and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

MEDIA OF THE YEAR:
Any media source (radio, television, magazine, newsletter, or periodical) that has published articles or materials beneficial to public interest about wildlife or wildlife related topics and the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

CONSERVATION ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR:
Any organization, group, foundation, or agency that has excelled in efforts to enhance the welfare of wildlife, wildlife related recreation, and the mission of the Game and Fish Department.

CONSERVATIONIST OF THE YEAR:
Any individual, not associated with a professional agency, which has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.

NATURAL RESOURCE PROFESSIONAL OF THE YEAR:
Any individual who through a professional agency affiliation has excelled in efforts to enhance, conserve, and manage wildlife or their habitats.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR:
Any individual who, as a registered volunteer with the Department, has excelled in efforts to support and benefit the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:
Any individual whose educational activities have advanced and supported the welfare of wildlife, wildlife related recreation, or the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

MENTOR OF THE YEAR:
Any individual who has acted in the role of a mentor and whose efforts have resulted in the promotion and support of future wildlife conservation efforts and the development of future wildlife conservation leaders in Arizona.

ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR (Two Nominations):
Any individual that has engaged in political advocacy for the betterment of wildlife conservation and in the support of the mission of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE YEAR:
Any business partner that actively promotes Game and Fish through innovative approaches, community involvement and a customer service focus that benefits the citizens of Arizona and supports the Game and Fish’s mission of wildlife conservation.

BUCK APPLEBY HUNTER EDUCATION INSTRUCTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD:
Any hunter education instructor who actively participates in hunter education activities and demonstrates the highest level of customer service, dedication and professionalism during these activities. Award category recently approved by the AZGFD Commission in honor of Buck Appleby, a long time hunter education instructor who passed away in 2010.

Fire restrictions to be implemented Friday for Coconino and Kaibab Forests

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FLAGSTAFF, WILLIAMS –— Due to lack of monsoon precipitation and key criteria being met for restrictions, the Coconino and Kaibab national forests will enter Stage 1 campfire and smoking restrictions Friday, August 14 at 8 a.m. The goal of the fire restrictions is to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.

Under the restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site. Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

Fire officials acknowledge it is rare for restrictions to be applied twice in the same year, however these decisions are based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, a variety of science-based indices, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. With no significant moisture predicted in the long term forecast, additional restrictions may be applied at any time conditions warrant which could include Stage 2 Fire Restrictions and additional closure areas as needed. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area covered by the restrictions receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

An explanation of the different stages of fire restrictions and what is typically prohibited during those stages can be found online at www.tinyurl.com/firestagesexplained.

The Kaibab National Forest will also temporarily close the Bill Williams Mountain watershed just southwest of the City of Williams due to the area’s susceptibility to uncharacteristically severe wildfire and post-wildfire flooding that could result.

There will be a modified boundary of this closure area on the south side of the mountain reducing the southern closure boundary from FR108 north to FR122.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that can carry a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.