Category Archives: State Government

Visit the High Country Hummingbird Festival at Sipe Wildlife Area on Saturday, July 30

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting its 13th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, July 30 at Sipe Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. This year’s event will help celebrate the centennial anniversary of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a federal law that has had significant impact on conserving the nation’s migratory bird species. The High Country Hummingbird Festival will be one of the featured events in the state to celebrate this important milestone.

The free, family-friendly festival will include:

  • hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory (SABO)
  • plant displays for attracting hummingbirds
  • live wildlife from the department’s Wildlife Center
  • wildlife walk with a naturalist
  • activities and talks designed for children
  • informational talks about hummingbirds, and
  • a workshop on photographing hummingbirds.

While the festival is free to the public, the department is asking attendees to consider donating new, unopened bags of pure cane sugar to help feed all of these magnificent birds. Every year, Sipe uses up to 700 pounds of sugar to make the hummingbird food for the feeders around the property. A donation station will be set up in the Visitor’s Center.

The event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon. The Sipe Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive south five miles to the Sipe property on a gravel road suitable for passenger cars.

The Round Valley Chamber of Commerce will be providing breakfast items and lunch concessions for purchase.

Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed near live wildlife.

For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/outdoor_recreation/hummingbird.shtml, follow this event and other local wildlife recreation-related events and programs on the Arizona Game and Fish Pinetop Region Facebook page, or call the Game and Fish office in Pinetop at (928) 532-3680.

ADOT advises public to stay vigilant when purchasing used vehicles

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PHOENIX — Because a title establishes who owns and has liens on a vehicle, altering titles is a common way that criminals defraud those purchasing used vehicles in private sales.

That’s why it’s worth noting that in late May, when a robbery occurred at an Authorized Third Party motor vehicle services business in Phoenix, the suspect made off not with cash but with 1,300 blank vehicle titles. That case remains under investigation.

While the Arizona Department of Transportation has checks in place to protect consumers against stolen titles, investigators with the agency’s Office of Inspector General note that blank titles provide many opportunities for criminals to commit fraud.

First, they can be used to retitle stolen vehicles, salvaged vehicles and vehicles deemed totaled by crashes. They can also be used to skip vehicle inspections when one is required.

“Title fraud is a common way to cheat buyers out of their hard-earned money,” said Michael Lockhart, chief of ADOT’s Office of Inspector General. “However, detectives in our Office of Inspector General have highly trained skills in investigating this type of vehicle fraud.”

The Office of Inspector General maintains a list of serial numbers of stolen titles that is regularly shared with law enforcement agencies, MVD offices, Authorized Third Party businesses and other entities.

Meanwhile, here are some things you can do to avoid falling victim to criminals when buying a used vehicle in a private sale:

Conduct the transaction at an MVD office or Authorized Third Party business. Employees at MVD offices and Authorized Third Parties can run the vehicle identification number (VIN) and check the record for liens and other notations that may not be on the title. Don’t hand over that check until you’ve verified you can take complete ownership of the vehicle.

Use good judgment and ask lots of questions. There are no stupid questions when it comes to protecting yourself in a big purchase. Do this:

  • Ask for identification to make sure the seller is the owner listed on the title.
  • Ask to see vehicle maintenance records.
  • Check the VIN on the inside of the driver’s door frame and on the top of the dashboard to make sure they match.
  • Check for VIN tampering such as the door frame sticker peeled off and replaced, and altered rivets on the dashboard plaque.

It’s most important to take time and not rush the process. If the seller is acting suspicious, unwilling to show ID or records or trying to rush the process, walk away. Take the time to find the right purchase.

Use an online service to check the VIN. There are several online services that can perform a vehicle record check to look for salvage notices and other notations. These services can cost money, but it is well worth it when the alternative is potentially paying for a vehicle that can’t be registered, driven or sold.

Seek help if you’ve been scammed. ADOT is here to help victims of fraud involving vehicle titles, registrations and driver licenses. Call our 24-hour fraud hotline at 877.712.2370 or email fraud@azdot.gov.

Save the date: “Respected Access in Arizona” event is Oct. 15

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tread Lightly! will host their third annual “Respected Access in Arizona” fundraising event, presented by RideNow Powersports, on Oct. 15 to help raise awareness of the importance of protecting access and enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities, such as recreational shooting, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use and camping.

A fun-shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles and auctions are planned at the OneAZ  Credit Union Pavilion, located at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. Proceeds will be used to help fund the long-term implementation strategies of the “Respected Access is Open Access in Arizona” campaign.

Tickets are available online at http://tinyurl.com/hchxtg8. The cost of the fun-shoot (which includes targets and two boxes of ammunition) and dinner, catered by Bobby Q restaurant, is $65. The cost of only the dinner, which includes beverages and a door-prize raffle ticket, is $40.  

The department and Tread Lightly!, a national organization that promotes responsible recreation through stewardship, communication and education, along with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service, are helping to keep Arizona’s public lands healthy and open through the successful “Respected Access is Open Access in Arizona” campaign.  

The objective is to implement education, outreach and engagement strategies that promote stewardship and foster site-stewards through volunteerism. It can’t be done alone, however. That’s why the support of outdoor recreationists, and industries that serve them, is important.

For more information about the fundraiser, call (800) 966-9900, Ext. 13, or e-mail respectedaccess@treadlightly.org. For more information about the “Respected Access is Open Access in Arizona” campaign, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org.

Nighttime high tech injection work on southbound Interstate 17 at McGuireville

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PHOENIX — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews are performing nighttime operations on southbound Interstate 17 at the McGuireville exit (milepost 293), using new high tech injection technology to address needed repairs.

ADOT is injecting foam deep underneath the pavement as a way to smooth out dips on Arizona highways. This method is more cost efficient than ripping out old pavement, re-compacting the sub-grade, and placing new concrete or asphalt.

One lane of travel for southbound traffic will be closed in the construction zone from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. nightly on Wednesday (July 20) through Friday (July 22). Work is also scheduled to occur at this location on Saturday (July 23) and Sunday (July 24) from 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.

ADOT advises travelers to observe reduced speeds in the area, watch for crews and equipment in the work zone and allow for extra time for travel. ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

Fall hunt draw results available now for Portal account holders

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PHOENIX — Hunters who have an AZGFD Customer Portal account now can view their draw results for the 2016 deer, fall turkey, fall javelina, bighorn sheep, fall bison, fall bear and pheasant seasons. Simply log into your account, and you will be taken to your personal ‘My AZ Outdoors” page.

Portal account holders have the benefit of being able to view their draw results a day or two before the results officially are released. It’s quick, easy and free to create a Portal account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information.

Portal accounts are mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Meanwhile, the department will post an announcement on its website, www.azgfd.gov, when results officially are released. All permit-tags are scheduled to be mailed by Aug. 5; all refund warrants by Aug. 15.

For more information, call the department at (602) 942-3000.

SR 89A improvements between Sedona to Flagstaff begins Tuesday

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FLAGSTAFF — Travelers heading on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff should allow for extra time for travel as one-lane restrictions will be in effect beginning Tuesday (July 19) at milepost 394, just north of the Vista Point Overlook to accommodate construction on SR 89A between the Vista Point Overlook and JW Powell Boulevard intersection.

The one-lane restriction will be in effect weekdays between 7 am and 4 pm until early October as crews clear trees and perform other work as part of the roadway improvement project. Flaggers will be in place to control travel through the area and a pilot car may be in use to allow for alternating north- and southbound travel through the work zone.

Delays can be anticipated during construction. ADOT advises travelers to allow for extra time for travel in the area, and to watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

The SR 89A improvement project will widen and rehabilitate approximately 8.4 miles of SR 89A between Vista Point Overlook and the JW Powell Boulevard intersection. For more information on the project, please visit the project website at: www.azdot.gov\89A

Public workshop to be held in Flagstaff for Grand Canyon National Park Airport Master Plan

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FLAGSTAFF — The master plan study process for the Grand Canyon National Park Airport, owned and operated by the Arizona Department of Transportation, continues with a public information workshop July 20 in Flagstaff.

The public will be able to review data collected by the study team regarding aviation forecasts and how it relates to current airport facility capabilities. Members of the community will also be able to provide comments and input on the study.

The open house forum will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at Flagstaff City Hall, 211 W. Aspen Ave.

Airport master plans are required by the Federal Aviation Administration. The update for Grand Canyon National Park Airport will evaluate the facility’s capabilities and role, forecast future aviation demand and plan facility improvements to meet that demand over the next 20 years.

In addition to public meetings, comments and questions can be provided to the study team online at azdot.gov/gcnairportmasterplan, by phone at 800.574.6334 or by mail to Grand Canyon Airport Master Plan Study, c/o Coffman Associates, 4835 E. Cactus Road, Ste. 235, Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

For more information on the Grand Canyon Airport and the master plan study, please visit azdot.gov/gcnairportmasterplan.

 

Arrive prepared when renewing a commercial driver license

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dmv-cdlPHOENIX — When it comes to renewing a commercial driver license, having the right documents can save applicants time and trouble.

Commercial driver licenses, which are valid for five years, must be renewed at one of 13 Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division commercial driver license offices around the state. When a commercial driver comes in without the proper documentation, he or she will have to come back and risk the license expiring before it can be renewed.

To renew an Arizona commercial driver license, drivers must bring the following documents:

  • Current Arizona commercial driver license
  • A document establishing citizenship or legal presence such as a certified birth certificate, unexpired U.S. passport or permanent resident card
  • Social Security card
  • Medical examiner certificate
  • Proof of residency in Arizona such as a bank statement, utility bill or Arizona voter registration card

A full list of acceptable documents can be found on the ADOT website, azdot.gov.

It’s also important for commercial drivers to bring documents showing proof of name change if their current name is different from the name on their primary document such as a birth certificate. Hazardous materials knowledge tests are required at time of renewal if the driver has a Hazardous Materials Endorsement and wishes to keep that endorsement.

For more information, please visit azdot.gov/mvd.

Paving scheduled on SR 89 at Perkinsville in Chino Valley Sunday and Monday night

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CHINO VALLEY — Crews will pave the new roundabout on State Route 89 at Perkinsville in Chino Valley on Sunday and Monday nights between 8 p.m. and 4 a.m. each night.

Minor delays are expected during work hours. The final work is expected to begin next week on the inside of the roundabout and crews expect it to be fully functional by mid-August.

Drivers may have minimal impacts during work hours and 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.

This $1.5 million project consists of a new roundabout at the intersection of SR 89 and Perkinsville Road between mileposts 328 and 329. Additional work includes removal and replacement of existing pavement, drainage improvements, new pavement markings and lighting.

Get fall draw results sooner with AZGFD Customer Portal account

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Pronghorn_-_Buck_1_2PHOENIX — Tired of waiting for results of the 2016 fall hunt draw to find out if there’s a permit-tag with your name on it?

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has the solution: Open up a Customer Portal account. It’s quick, easy, and – best of all – it’s free. As a benefit, those who have Portal accounts will be able to view their draw results a day or two before the results officially are released.

The Portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results information and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. It’s easy. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information.

A Portal account is mobile-friendly, which means customers can view their information on their smartphone. The Portal also serves as a convenient way to gain access to the online license purchase and hunt draw application systems.

As for the upcoming fall hunt draw, the department will post an announcement on its website, www.azgfd.gov, when results become available. All permit-tags are scheduled to be mailed by Aug. 5; all refund warrants by Aug. 15.

For more information, call the department at (602) 942-3000.