Only two more Advent concerts left for the season

Posted on by

advent-concert-15-12-12-10WILLIAMS — There are only two more free Advent concerts at St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church this season. The Church is located at 202 W. Grant Street next to the Williams City Christmas Tree.

The next concert is this Sunday at 4 p.m. The choirs of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and St. John’s will join together in a selection of Christmas favorites. If Reverend Marc McDonald is there to sing, you won’t want to miss it.

The last concert will be Sunday, December 20 at 4 p.m. It will feature guest musicians Anthony Flesch on the flute and Joel Rieck on acoustic guitar.

St. John’s hosts a reception after each concert. The concerts are free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

City snow removal ordinances in effect

Posted on by

Saturday Snow 2015-12-12 034WILLIAMS — With the recent snowfall and more expected in the coming months, it seems a good time to cover the snow removal plans and the ordnances pertaining to that plan.

The City of Williams adopted a snow removal plan structured to open most City streets within 7 hours after a major storm. The city workers have, in the past, done an excellent job in getting the street clear after a snow storm.

The city watches the weather report and when snow acumulations 3-inches or more are predicted, they activate the plan and snow ordnances go into effect.

The clearing of streets is based on the following schedule of priorities:


    All emergency routes to include:

  1. hospital, ambulance service, fire stations, and police department. This includes main thoroughfares through town.
  2. Downtown streets, side streets located in the main part of town, residential streets and school bus routes.
  3. Outlying areas to include such places as Echo Canyon, Country Club Drive, South Road and other major collector streets.
  4. Airport Facilities

The ordinances in effect for snow removal are as follows:

SNOW & ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS:

Article 8-7.02 0 Every person in charge of any building or lot of land fronting or abutting on a paved sidewalk shall remove and clear away, or cause to be removed and cleared away, snow and ice from a path of at least 36″ in width. Snow and ice shall be removed from sidewalks in all business districts in the City within 24 hours after the cessation of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain. Snow and ice shall be so removed from all other sidewalks within the same day of the cessation of any fall of snow, sleet or freezing rain within the first 6 hours of daylight after the cessation of any such fall, whichever period is longer. If snow and ice on sidewalk has become so hard that it cannot be
removed. without damaging the sidewalk, sand or other abrasive must be put on the sidewalk to make travel possible. As soon as possible a path must be cleared.

PUBLIC RESPONSIBILITIES

Per the City of Williams Ordinance 626, the public is responsible for the following during snow storms:

PARKING:

Article 8-7.07 No person shall park or be permitted to park any vehicle on any public street, boulevard or alley during snow removal.

FAILURE TO PERFORM:

Article 8-7.08 If a vehicle is parked in violation of this code the Police Department is authorize to remove the vehicle, or cause it to be removed at the expense of the person owning or
controlling such vehicle.

Article 8-7.06 In the event of the failure of any person to perform the requirements stated above, the Public Works Director may cause such work to be done by the City and the responsible person shall be charged the cost of the work plus a 10% charge.

Snow makes for a beautiful Williams morning

Posted on by

640-Snow-15-12-12-01WILLIAMS — If you reserved your tickets for the Polar Express tonight, you picked a winner. With little snow yesterday, Williams woke up to a fine blanket of snow which made for a beautiful morning.
640-Snow-15-12-12-07
Williams received about an inch of snow overnight. By afternoon the city had received about three-inches. It is expected to clear up overnight with the chance of snow picking up Sunday night through Monday night. Another 2-4 inches is possible.640-Snow-15-12-12-04I do not usually wake up early especially on a weekend. I had to take an exam in Flagstaff, however, and was pleasantly surprised by the winter wonderland. If you plan to visit Williams, plan a tour around in the early morning or early evening to check out the city lights.

I-40 this morning was slick and heavy with snow, but amazingly clear of accidents. On the return trip leaving Flagstaff about 12 p.m., we encountered only one accident which did not block or delay traffic.

Flagstaff received about the same amount of snow, but likely Snow Bowl is benefiting from the eight-inches predicted above 8000′. The snow is not finished, however, and an inch or two more might fall before the evening.

More photos on our Facebook page.

US 60 east of Superior to close briefly for blasting operations Dec. 15-17

Posted on by

Motorists traveling along US 60 between Phoenix and Globe next week need to plan ahead or allow extra time as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues blasting work as part of an improvement project to build a new passing lane and widen roadway shoulders east of Superior, approximately 65 miles east of downtown Phoenix.

The construction of the two-mile-long climbing lane from Devil’s Canyon to Oak Flat (mileposts 231-233) will require four full closures of US 60 for up to 90 minutes:

> Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and again from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
> Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
> Thursday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Traffic on eastbound US 60 will be stopped east of Superior (milepost 227) and traffic on westbound US 60 will be stopped at the Top of the World, west of Miami (milepost 235), until the blasting work is completed and the roadway is reopened after all debris is cleared. Law enforcement officers will be stationed at each closure to assist with traffic control.

Approximately 30 minutes prior to each blast, motorists should be prepared for possible delays and lane closures as crews set concrete barrier prior to each scheduled closure.

Motorists seeking an alternate route can consider state routes 77 and 177, which is approximately 68 miles long. Motorists headed to the White Mountains region, including Show Low and Springerville, can also take State Route 87 through Payson and travel east on State Route 260 as an alternative.

ADOT will work to minimize the traffic impacts as much as possible, including scheduling some nighttime work.

There will be narrow traffic lanes, wide-load restrictions and a reduced speed limit through the work zone. Flaggers and pilot cars will be used at different times throughout the project.

Drivers are asked to use caution, watch for construction equipment and personnel, and allow extra time for your commute.

For more information on the project, please visit azdot.gov/us60oakflat.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information System at az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Steward of Children training today at court house

Posted on by

williams-justice-courtWILLIAMS — Sorry for the short notice. Just learned of this through the email. If you cannot make the training, you can call the number and perhaps set up future training.

Kathy Erler is having a training for anyone interested in Stewards of Children. The training will be at the Williams Court house, Fri the 11th, from 3-5 pm. Learn how you can make a difference in your community and help end child sexual abuse. You will learn 5 steps to protecting children, prevention policies, signs of abuse, confronting and stopping abuse. Leave knowing that child abuse can be prevented, stopped and overcome. The fee is $10 which includes the training and workbook. For more information call Kathy Erler at 928-707-0794. With enough interest, other training classes will be held.

Ice at Santa Fe nearly gone

Posted on by

800-Ice-15-12-01-1WILLIAMS — To highlight the warm weather we have been enjoying, the Santa Fe Dam was nearly covered with a thin layer of ice on December 1. Today only a small patch remained near the south end.

Santa Fe nearly covered with a thin sheet of ice December 1.

Santa Fe nearly covered with a thin sheet of ice December 1.


Today the ice is confined to the south end.

Today the ice is confined to the south end.

Of course you could not help but notice the drop in temperature over the last couple of days. A cold front is moving across Arizona bringing the possibility of about 3.5″ of snow from Friday through Saturday. High winds of 35 to 55-mph may be experienced over the period.

Saturday and Sunday are expected to be sunny with a chance of snow returning on Monday due to a second front moving in.

According to the NOAA Hazardous Weather forecast:

A Powerful Cold Front Will Move Through Arizona on Friday. Expect
Strong Southwest Winds 25 to 35 Mph Gusting to 55 Mph Across
Portions of Eastern Arizona Where a Wind Advisory Is in Effect.
Local Areas of Blowing Dust May Develop East of Flagstaff. In
Addition…Rain and Snow Showers Will Develop Friday Afternoon and
Continue Through Saturday Morning. General Snow Accumulations Will
Range from 1 to 4 Inches above 5000 Feet with a Trace Possible as
Low as 4000-4500 Feet by Saturday. Higher Amounts Are Expected
Along Portions of the Eastern Mogollon Rim and Highest Terrain of
The White Mountains. If Traveling in the High Country…Expect
Winter Driving.

Cold Temperatures and Light Showers Will Persist Saturday. Dry
Weather Is Expected Sunday. A Second and Colder System Should
Bring Rain and Snow Showers from Sunday Night Through Monday
Night with Accumulating Snow a Good Possibility.

City Council meeting in Williams tonight

Posted on by

williams-city-logoThe City Council will meet tonight at 7 p.m. It will begin with pledge and inovation. After there is a public participation period for citizens to give input to the council. They must submit a request before the meeting and they have five-minutes to speak.

After approval of purchase orders and check register, the council will disuss three agenda items.
Appointment of lay member from the community to the Williams Volunteer Fire Department Pension Board to replace 30-year member, Marty Glassburn, who has given his notice of retirement, effective December 31, 2015.

Council will review and may approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Arizona for the reconstruction of a portion of Grand Canyon Boulevard.

Council will review and may approve an Intergovernmental Agreement with the State of Arizona for artifact acquisition for the Arizona State Railroad Museum.

Tusayan Ranger District Conducts Russell Prescribed Fire

Posted on by

TUSAYAN — Fire managers for the Tusayan Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest started treatment on the 475-acre Russell Prescribed Fire this morning. The Russell fire boundaries are located near Forest Road 311 and 311A to the west, and Forest Road 310RC to the east. A portion of the Arizona Trail is also within the prescribed fire area. That particular section of the trail will remain open, but visitors should exercise caution when traveling through the area.

A request to burn an additional 475-acres has also been submitted to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and could potentially take place tomorrow in an area adjacent to today’s prescribed burn.

During prescribed fires, community members and visitors may see fire personnel and vehicles in the vicinity. There are no smoke impacts anticipated for Highway 64, the Grand Canyon or the town of Tusayan. Smoke is expected to be carried out to the northeast due to prevailing winds from the southwest.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality and appropriate weather conditions. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorized on any given day, please visit http://www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html.

Additional information, photos and maps are available through the following resources: InciWeb http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4113/; Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311; Text Message – text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404.

Proposed Arizona State Implementation Plan Revision Rescinding Outdated Provisions to Update the State Plan

Posted on by

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) opens a 30-day public comment period today, December 9, 2015, for a proposed revision to the State Implementation Plan (SIP). This SIP revision updates the SIP by removing state statutory provisions, administrative and prohibitory rules, and test methods that have been identified as outdated, irrelevant, or previously repealed.

A public hearing will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016, at 9:00 AM in the ADEQ Building, Conference Room 3100A, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to submit their comments, data, and views both verbally and in writing. Written comments shall state the name and mailing address of the person, be signed by the person, their agent or attorney, and clearly set forth reasons why the SIP revision should or should not be finalized. To request an auxiliary aid or service for accessible communication, please contact ADEQ’s Human Potential Office Department at (602) 771-4791 or at HPO_AZDEQ@azdeq.gov or dial 7-1-1 for TTY/TTD Services.

If you are unable to attend the public hearing, your written comments should be addressed, faxed, or e-mailed to Justine E. Miller, miller.justine@azdeq.gov, (602) 771-6723, Air Quality Division, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007. All comments must be received by January 11, 2016, at 5:00PM.

Copies of the revisions’ proposal are available for review, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., in the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, (602) 771-4712. The proposal can also be accessed through ADEQ’s Website (PDF). The final SIP revision will be submitted to EPA following consideration of all comments received during the public notice period.

2015 ‘No Burn’ Campaign Kicks Off

Posted on by

no-burn_modPHOENIX — Officials from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) and the Maricopa County Air Quality Department (MCAQD) announced the kickoff of their annual Maricopa County ‘No Burn’ campaign.

Smoke from wood-burning fireplaces and chimineas during winter months poses a serious health threat to children with asthma, the elderly and those with respiratory issues. Smoke, which contains soot particles, can be absorbed into the blood stream and lessen lung function, exacerbate bronchitis and asthma and increase chances for heart attacks and premature death.

Left uncorrected, high levels of Particulate Matter-2.5 (PM 2.5) from smoke could cause Maricopa County to exceed the federal health standards, leading to more burdensome and costly federal regulation.

This is the third year of the ‘No Burn’ campaign and this past winter season was its most successful. For the first time in 11 years, Maricopa County residents benefited from no exceedances of the state and federal annual 24-hour health standard for PM 2.5, on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. Maricopa County also met the annual federal health standard for PM 2.5.

“We want to thank the residents of Maricopa County for supporting last year’s ‘No Burn’ campaign, which allowed everyone to enjoy cleaner air,” Maricopa County Air Quality Director Philip McNeely said. “We must remain vigilante, however, because without voluntary compliance, there could be stricter regulations and stronger fines.”

This season, ADEQ and MCAQD are joined by nearly 100 partners and stakeholders including several cities, towns and county agencies, Bashas’ Family of Stores, Arizona Rock Products Association, and the Arizona Chapter Associated General Contractors, all involved since the very beginning. This year, several new partners including the Arizona Association of Community Managers, the Better Business Bureau, Tonto National Forrest, and Lyft also are contributing to this worthy cause.

ADEQ Air Quality Division Director Eric Massey said, “Building on last year’s successful ‘No Burn” campaign, the focus for 2015 is strengthening and expanding our partners and leveraging technology to reach more Maricopa County residents than ever before using innovative and cost-effective ways.”

MCAQD issues no burn days throughout the winter season and asks county residents to refrain from lighting wood-burning fires on those designated days. To find out if it is a no burn day, visit CleanAirMakeMore.com, download the Clean Air Make More mobile app or call (602) 506-6400.

For more information, call Caroline Oppleman with ADEQ at (602) 771-2215 or Bob Huhn with MCAQD at (602) 506-6713.