Fatal Collision Between a Motorcycle and a Tractor Trailer

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FLAGSTAFF – On August 4th at about 9:40 AM, a fatal collision occurred between a Motorcycle and a Tractor Trailer. The collision occurred as both vehicles were exiting the Interstate 40 freeway and making a left turn onto westbound Country Club Drive. While making the turn the motorcycle was struck by the back of the turning truck’s trailer. The motorcycle was being operated by 49 year old Sheri Gustafson of Phoenix. Sheri was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver remained on scene until police arrived. Officers and medical personnel arrived on scene. Detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Team were called the scene as well. The truck driver was transported to the Flagstaff Police Department for tests, where he exhibited no signs of impairment. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

Plan for daytime lane closure on southbound I-17 near Camp Verde Augugust 1-4

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CAMP VERDE – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for a lane closure along Interstate 17 near Camp Verde, as a project to install fiber-optic cable continues.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following daytime restrictions are in place from Monday, August 1, to Thursday, August 4:

  • Southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed) from the Cornville Road to Middle Verde Road (mileposts 293-290) daily from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. beginning Monday morning, August 1, to Thursday evening, August 4.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.

For the most up-to-date information, visit az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

ADOT is installing high-speed fiber optic infrastructure along 67 miles of I-17 between the McGuireville Rest Area (north of Camp Verde) and Anthem Way. Work is expected to continue through mid-2022, and will proceed along I-17 in segments of several miles per week. Crews are installing conduit and pull-box systems, fiber optic cables, node buildings and load centers. Learn more on the project website or call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530.

Plan for lane restrictions on US 89A near Fredonia starting August 1

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FREDONIA – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for daytime lane restrictions on US 89A between Bitter Springs and Fredonia starting on Monday, August 1, as work begins on a paving project. The work is expected to extend into early September.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 6 a.m. to noon Fridays:

  • US 89A will be narrowed to one lane only with alternating north- and southbound travel, in two-mile segments, from milepost 579 – 594.
  • Drivers should be prepared to stop near the work zone.
  • Flaggers and a pilot car will direct motorists through the work zone.
  • A vehicle width limit of 14 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph.

Overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (Milton Road) in Flagstaff July 31-Aug. 5

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (known locally as Milton Road) in Flagstaff during the final stages of work on a pavement rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zones with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Sunday night, July 31, and ending Friday morning, Aug. 5:

  • Portions of north- and southbound SR 89A will be narrowed intermittently to one lane in each direction between Forest Meadows Street and Phoenix Avenue.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.


The restrictions are needed as crews continue working on sidewalks, driveways and curb ramps. Crews have completed the most significant work on the project, which was to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. For more information, visit the project web page.

Bill Williams Mountain and Sitgreaves Fire

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WILLIAMS – As of yesterday, the Bill Fire, located on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain is currently 3/10th acre in size. Crews hiked back to the fire today, improved the fireline perimeter and are now mopping up. The fire is 100% contained as of today. Smoke may still be visible as interior fuel and downed logs continue to burn.

The Mountain Fire, located on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, is 4 acres in size. Smoke is visible from Interstate 40, Highway 64, and the communities surrounding Sitgreaves. The Mountain fire is in mixed conifer with many dead, standing trees and steep slopes that pose a significant risk to firefighter safety. We are currently monitoring the fire and implementing a full suppression strategy. Firefighter and public safety is our highest priority.

Warm weather with 20% precipitation and the chance of isolated to scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue across the area through Saturday, which will allow continued spread and production of smoke. A 70-90% chance of precipitation and monsoon moisture is expected to return Sunday and into next week bringing cooler temperatures and more rain, likely reducing fire spread and smoke.

Two New Fire Starts on the Williams Ranger District

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WILLIAMS – This morning, crews are responding to two new fire starts on the Williams Ranger District.

A lightning storm passing through the area last night started a new fire on the northeast side of Bill Williams Mountain’s steep slope area. It was reported at approximately 5:45 a.m. this morning. The Bill fire is currently at 3/10th of an acre. Smoke is visible from town. Crews hiked up from the ski area early this morning and responded with a full suppression strategy. Six firefighters built line around the fire and are now mopping up.

Additionally, a new start was reported last night on the southwest side of Sitgreaves Mountain, above 8000 feet elevation. Two engines are responding this morning to assess this fire and are implementing a full suppression strategy.

Lower Sycamore Creek, Parsons Trail to close Saturday due to flash flooding risk

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SEDONA – A portion of the Coconino National Forest surrounding Sycamore Creek will temporarily close at 6 a.m. Saturday due to an increased risk of flash flooding.

The closure area includes Parsons Trailhead, Parsons Trail north (including Parson’s Spring), and the confluence of Sycamore Creek and the Verde River.

The purpose of the temporary area closure is to protect the public from increased risk of flash flood events during the monsoon season due to the post-fire debris that has accumulated in Sycamore Creek due to the Rafael Fire.

The Rafael Fire burned through the Sycamore Creek drainage in June 2021, leaving large amounts of debris within lower Sycamore Creek. Monsoonal rains occurring locally or within the border watershed may cause flash flooding due to steep canyons located around the creek. Due to the span of the creek’s watershed, storms that can create flash floods in the Sycamore Creek area can occur miles away and may not be easily visible.

The Coconino NF will coordinate with the National Weather Service in determining when to lift this temporary closure. The closure will remain in place until monsoonal precipitation decreases enough that the area can be safely reopened.

The Coconino NF will continue monitoring the status of debris in the closure area and will determine when and whether to close the area again due to risk of flash flooding.

Plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (Milton Road) in Flagstaff July 10-15

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The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising motorists to plan for overnight lane restrictions on State Route 89A (known locally as Milton Road) in Flagstaff during the final stages of work on a pavement rehabilitation project.

Drivers should slow down, proceed through the work zones with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment while the following restrictions are in place daily from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. starting Sunday night, July 10, and ending Friday morning, July 15:

  • Portions of north- and southbound SR 89A will be narrowed intermittently to one lane in each direction between Forest Meadows Street and Phoenix Avenue.
  • A vehicle width limit of 16 feet will be in place.
  • The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph.

The restrictions are needed as crews continue working on sidewalks, driveways and curb ramps. Crews have completed the most significant work on the project, which was to remove the existing pavement and replace it with new asphalt. For more information, visit the project web page.

Virtual public meeting slated for ADOT Electric Vehicle Plan

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation has scheduled a virtual public meeting on Thursday, July 14, to provide information and gather input about the ADOT Electric Vehicle (EV) Plan currently being prepared. The event is scheduled from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and can be accessed online or by phone.

The EV plan is being developed in response to funding made available through the recently-approved federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) to deploy publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) chargers along alternative fuel corridors. In Arizona, those routes are currently identified as the state’s interstate highways and, if approved, $76 million would be available to begin implementing this project.

To participate:

  • 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14.
  • Online: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85853613254
  • By phone: +1 669 900 6833
  • Webinar ID: 858 5361 3254
  • For those unable to attend, the meeting will be recorded and posted to the ADOT Electric Vehicle Plan website.
  • There is also a survey to help guide the development of the statewide plan.

English: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AZEVPlan

Spanish: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AZEVPlanEspanol

For more information: azdot.gov/evplan

In-Custody Inmate Death-Apparent Suicide

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FLAGSTAFF – On Monday July 4th at approximately 7:51 AM, while conducting a security and welfare check, a Sergeant discovered an inmate hanging by a bed sheet which was tied around the neck and tied to the ladder attached to the bunk in the cell. The Sergeant immediately called for additional staff for assistance and began Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and other lifesaving measures. Additionally, they requested a response of Emergency Medical Services. CPR was conducted by staff until personnel from Guardian Medical Transport and the Flagstaff Fire Department arrived and took over lifesaving efforts. Emergency medical personnel performed CPR until 8:26 AM, at which time, the individual was declared deceased.

The individual has been identified as Clayton James Thornburg, 36, of Phoenix, Arizona. Mr. Thornburg was housed in a cell by himself. Mr. Thornburg was not on suicide watch at the time. At this time no foul play is suspected and it appears that Mr. Thornburg died by apparent suicide.

Mr. Thornburg had been arrested on June 25, 2022 by the Williams Police Department and currently being held on a Felony charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon/Dangerous Instrument with a $15,000 bond. He also was being held on three Felony Warrants out of Maricopa County.

The death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner.