Category Archives: News

Northern Arizona drivers should plan for extended closure of Transwestern Road at Bellemont (Exit 185)

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BELLEMONT — The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff to plan for an eight-day FULL closure of Transwestern Road at Bellemont (Exit 185) beginning Friday, October 4, at 6 p.m., while crews work on replacing the bridges.

During this closure, both directions of I-40 will be re-routed onto the ramps alongside I-40 through the construction zone during the following times:

  • From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning late Friday, October 4, through the morning of Monday, October 7
  • From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., beginning late Monday, October 7, through the morning of Thursday, October 10

DETOUR: Bellemont traffic accessing I-40 ramps across the Transwestern Road closure will be detoured to the next exit to re-enter the interstate.

Motorists should follow signed detour routes and plan for travel delays.

Learn more on the project webpage.

Expect lane closures, up to 30-minute delays on State Route 89A in Oak Creek Canyon through fall

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SEDONA — Drivers who use State Route 89A through Oak Creek Canyon should plan for long delays and lane closures in both directions from just north of Sedona to the bottom of the switchbacks, this fall while crews complete hazard tree removal work and begin pavement preservation work.

Crews are currently removing hazard trees from both sides of SR 89A from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, until late October. Hazard trees are generally identified as dead or dying; pose a danger of falling into the roadway because of high winds, unstable soil or other factors; or otherwise can cause harm to life or property.

Pavement-improvement work will occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., Sunday nights through Thursday mornings, beginning in early October and continuing through mid-December.

After paving work is complete, crews will begin the replacement of over 30,000 feet of guardrail through the project. This work will continue through the spring.

The following traffic restrictions will be in place when crews are working:

  1. SR 89A will be narrowed to one lane only and drivers could experience delays up to 30 minutes.
  2. Flaggers and a pilot car will direct drivers through the work zone.
  3. Speeds will be reduced to 25 mph.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

For more information, visit the project website.

Moisture moving in may bring flash floods

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WILLIAMS — A moist airmass over Arizona with the potential of heavy rain producing thunderstorm complexes caused the National Weather service to issue a flash flood watch in portions of east central and west central Arizona. The areas affected are northern Gila County, Oak Creek and Sycamore Canyons, Yavapai County Mountains, and Yavapai County Valleys and Basins. Rainfall rates can result in strong, rapidly rising water in area washes, which may create hazardous conditions at low water crossings. . Localized rainfall amounts could exceed 1 inch in less than an hour, with storm total rainfall possibly above 3 inches. The Flash Flood Watch runs from September 23 at 3:19AM MST until September 24 at 5:00AM MST.

NOAA warns against crossing flooded roads and low-laying areas. No matter how powerful your vehicle, it does not take much water flow to carry it downstream.

In Williams there is an 40% chance of thunderstorms raising to 80% tonight. Thunderstorms are likely through Sunday.

Flu Shots available at County Health and Human Services

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FLAGSTAFF – The seasonal influenza vaccine is available at the Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Clinic in Flagstaff.

Flu shots are available beginning Monday, Sept. 23 at the CCHHS Clinic, 2625 N. King Street, Flagstaff. Appointments are available Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted as availability permits. Call the CCHHS Clinic at 928-679-7222 to make an appointment.

The cost for a flu vaccination at the CCHHS Clinic is $30. High-dose flu vaccinations are $50. As a courtesy, the CCHHS will bill people’s insurance company, but those seeking a flu shot should check with their insurance provider to determine whether they are covered and are also asked to bring their insurance card. No one will be denied services due to an inability to pay.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccination as the first step in protecting against flu viruses. It is strongly recommended that everyone 6-months old and over get a flu shot each year.

Every year a new vaccine is manufactured to combat circulating influenza viruses during each flu season. While it is too early to determine the effectiveness of this season’s vaccine, immunization reduces the chance of influenza-related complications, such as hospitalization, chronic disease and/or death. The immune system will be better prepared to combat the flu the earlier people get their shot.

The following groups of people are encouraged to get a flu vaccination because they are at high – risk of having serious flu-related complications or because they live with or care for people at high risk for developing flu-related complications, including:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • Children with special healthcare needs
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
  • People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu.
  • Health care workers
  • Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
  • Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, congestion, runny nose, headaches and fatigue. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. In the most severe cases, flu can lead to death.

Seeking Information on Hunting Incident in Tusayan Area

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TUSAYAN – On September 17, 2019 at approximately 8:30 PM deputies were called to the area of Forest Road 328 for a report of a conflict. Upon investigating it was found that a bowhunter was returning to his vehicle in this area when he was approached by a dark colored truck with three white males. The occupants of the truck confronted the bowhunter and asked what his problem was. The conversation escalated and the bowhunter walked away from the truck. The truck began to follow the bowhunter down a sideroad so the bowhunter ran away from the truck and hid down an embankment. The bowhunter then reported that he heard 6-8 gunshots come from the direction of the truck. After hearing the gunshots, the bowhunter continued to run from the area.

Upon arriving in the area, responding deputies were unable to locate the vehicle or the suspects. The vehicle description is as follows:

  • Black or dark colored full-sized truck (possibly a Chevrolet)
  • 4 door or extended cab
  • A matching in color camper shell with a rack on top of the shell
  • Diesel engine
  • An LED light bar on the cab of the truck
  • Possibly a fog light burnt out on the front of the truck
  • Occupied by three white males

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is requesting that any additional witnesses or anyone with information on the truck or its occupants contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at 928-774-4523, option 1 or Coconino County Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

Hikers, Runners and Riders Attempt to Complete Entire Arizona Trail in One Day

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Imagine hiking, biking or riding 800 miles in a single day. Sound impossible? It’s not – if you volunteer to cover one of nearly 100 separate sections of the Arizona National Scenic Trail (AZT), along with others who each choose to travel different sections of the route, which extends from the Mexico border to the Utah border.

Section 67, Snow Bowl Rd to FR 418 – Photo Arizona Trail Association


A Record Setting Endeavor

On Saturday, October 12, more than a thousand hikers, runners, mountain bikers and equestrians from around the world will be staged along the course to participate in AZT in a Day in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Arizona Trail Association.

“We want to get people out to experience the entire length of the trail and set the record for participation in a single day to celebrate our first 25 years of existence,” said Matthew Nelson, executive director of the Arizona Trail Association. “This will be the first time a National Scenic Trail will be completed in this way,” he added.

Choosing Your Section

The 800-mile trail has been divided into sections ranging in length from 2.1 to 15.6 miles. Participants will have 24 hours to complete their portion of the trail. Registration is free and is open to anyone.

Participants can choose between desert, mountain, canyon, forest or urban segments of the path. The AZT passes through eight wilderness areas, four National Forests, two National Parks, one National Memorial, 1 State Park and passes near 33 gateway communities.

“We’re advising that all participants be well-prepared. Several access points require 4-wheel drive or high clearance vehicles,” said Karrie Kressler, Community Program Coordinator.

A few sections of the trail are remote and require extra planning. For these sections, participants familiar with back packing will be required to camp in particular areas at least a day before the actual event to be ready to complete their portion on October 12, according to Kressler.

“So far, we have hikers, bikers and equestrians booked for more than half of the sections, but there are still many sections that need to be covered,” Nelson said.

Fundraising Opportunities

Participants who want to help raise money to support the Arizona Trail Association can appeal to family, friends and others to pledge dollars to support their commitment on October 12. Information about fundraising can be found in the registration information online.

Another fundraising opportunity to support the Arizona Trail Association is provided by Phoenix-area children’s book author Rodo Sofranac. Proceeds from the sales of the award winning author’s most recent book, The Red Tail Tale on the Arizona Trail, will go to support the organization.

The colorful, illustrated book is the story of Rowen, a young red-headed explorer, and Rojo, a clever red-tailed hawk, who meet, bond and experience a wonderful adventure on the fascinating Arizona National Scenic Trail. A list of 22 retail outlets where the book can be purchased throughout Arizona can be found on the author’s website: rodowrites.com.

How to Get Involved

To sign up, get a trail map or for more information about AZT in a Day, visit aztrail.org/events/aztinaday-2019/, email karrie@aztrail.org or call (520) 261-8460.

Inmate dies while incarcerated in the Coconino County Detention Facility

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FLAGSTAFF – On Sunday, September 15, 2019 at approximately 7:16 am, Coconino County Medical Staff were conducting a medical assessment on 63-year old Floyd Jackson when Mr. Jackson became unresponsive in his cell. Detention Medical Staff and Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Mr. Jackson was pronounced deceased at approximately 7:46 am.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. Mr. Jackson was transported from the Maricopa County Jail to the Coconino County Detention Facility on September 12, 2019 and was housed in a cell by himself. Mr. Jackson was in-custody on a $200 bond for an outstanding Failure to Comply Warrant for Driving on a Suspended License out of the Flagstaff Justice Court.

Mr. Jackson’s next of kin has been notified. Further information will be made available as the investigation allows.

ADOT to hold Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Conference

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PHOENIX – An Arizona Department of Transportation conference in October will help owners of small businesses and those qualifying for ADOT’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program to become more competitive within the highway industry.

The ADOT DBE and Small Business Conference, to be held Oct. 22-23 at the Casino Del Sol Resort in Tucson, will include an orientation for new and prospective DBE firms, 15-minute “speed” appointments with agencies and prime contractors, and an opportunity to learn about ADOT programs designed to help you build your business.

The goal: helping small businesses and those owned by members of socially and economically disadvantaged groups compete for transportation projects that receive federal funding.

With a theme of “The Spotlight Is On You,” workshops at the conference will focus on People Power, Smart Transportation and Finding Projects.

Although the conference is geared toward disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses, it’s open to all businesses, public agencies, vendors and community partners with an interest in transportation.

For more information and to register, please visit the ADOT’s DBE Supportive Services Program page at azdot.gov/DBESupportiveServices.

I-40 to be closed overnights for Bellemont interchange improvements

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BELLEMONT – As progress continues on the Bellemont traffic interchange along Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff, the Arizona Department of Transportation will close the highway under the bridge overnight on Monday, September 16, and Thursday, September 19.Eastbound I-40 will close under the overpass for the Bellemont/Transwestern Road interchange from 7 p.m. to midnight on September 16, and the westbound direction will close from 7 p.m. to midnight on September 19.

Traffic will detour along the off- and on-ramps while the highway is closed. Transwestern Road passing over I-40 will be closed both nights.

The project will improve the bridge deck and pavement and widen on- and off-ramps at the Interstate 40 Bellemont/Transwestern Road interchange. An eight-day closure of Transwestern Road will occur later this fall.

During closures, drivers who ordinarily would use the Bellemont/Transwestern Road interchange can use the I-40 interchanges at Parks and A-1 Mountain Boulevard.

Advance notice will be given with the dates of closures.

To learn more about this project, please visit azdot.gov/projects and click on the North Central District.

Officials to Lift Castle Fire Closure on the North Kaibab Ranger District

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Kaibab Forest Photo

FREDONIA — Effective today, the Kaibab National Forest will lift the area closure around the Castle Fire that has been in place since the lightning caused wildfire started in mid-July.

Members of the public can now access the area, which had been closed due to public safety during ongoing fire operations, including areas of active fire, and the presence of firefighting equipment and personnel. The public Is advised to have heightened awareness about potential safety hazards and exercise increased vigilance regarding personal safety.“The district was very successful at restoring fire into a fire dependent ecosystem, which will greatly reduce the risk of future catastrophic wildfire and improve overall forest health,” said North Kaibab District Ranger Randall Walker. “We now believe it is appropriate to lift the closure and allow the public to resume activities in the area such as hunting and fuelwood gathering, but that doesn’t mean hazards don’t exist. We urge the public to understand the potential hazards and to prepare accordingly. We want them to be able to use their public lands but we want them to do it safely, recognizing that any area recently impacted by wildfire will likely have some greater risk than other areas.”

Potential risks in any area recently burned by wildfire include the following:

  • Burned out stump holes that could cause injury if stepped in;
  • Unstable terrain with potential for rolling debris (boulders, logs, rocks, etc.);
  • Unsound burned trees (snags) that could fall or drop large limbs;
  • Storms resulting in flash flooding that could wash out roads, initiate debris flows, and entrap people at flooded stream courses;
  • Eroded and very rough roads that could result in unsafe driving conditions
  • Blowing dust and ash on roads and hillsides.

Visitors to the Castle Fire area are advised to follow these outdoor safety best practices:

  1. Know the weather forecast and check it frequently as conditions can change in a very short timeframe.
  2. Let someone outside the area know exactly where you are and where you will be going daily.
  3. Do not park vehicles or camp in areas with burned snags or where potential flood waters would prevent escape. Know where you are in relation to drainages.
    During windy conditions remain in open areas that are free of trees (both live and burned) as much as possible.
  4. If an area seems unsafe for any reason, leave.
  5. Have good maps and know where you are at all times.
  6. Keep a well charged cell phone with you and check it frequently so you know when you are in an area where there is no coverage.
  7. Understand that there are many areas on public lands that are remote. It can take a very long time before responders can arrive if a rescue is required. The Castle Fire area is very remote.

Visitors can check with the North Kaibab Ranger District office to get the latest Information regarding current conditions:

North Kaibab Ranger District: 928-643-7395, www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab

Jacob Lake Visitor Center: 928-643-7298

For additional information please visit:

Castle Fire Inciweb Page: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6439/
Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
Flickr: http://bit.ly/CastleFire2019