More than 100 captive desert tortoises need forever homes

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PHOENIX — For some, a dog or cat will do just fine. But for others who are considering adopting something truly unique to Arizona, say hello to your next family member:

A Sonoran desert tortoise.

“Many people don’t even consider opening up their homes to desert tortoises, but they make fantastic and personable pets,” said Tegan Wolf, desert tortoise adoption program coordinator for the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD).

“It’s rewarding to hear stories from those who have adopted a captive tortoise and made them part of the family, because they’re a unique alternative to traditional family pets. They offer many of the same life lessons to children, and they can provide just as much companionship and personality as a dog or cat.”

Due primarily to illegal breeding, AZGFD has more than 100 tortoises of various ages and sizes available for adoption. Captive tortoises grow up to about 14 inches long and can live upward of 100 years. They cannot be released back into the wild, however, because they could spread diseases that harm wild populations.

Arizona residents interested in providing an adoptive home should review the Tortoise Adoption Program page on the department’s website. How to properly care for a desert tortoise, including instructions on how to build an enclosure/burrow, also are included.

Once the burrow is completed, potential adopters can submit an online application at www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. All applications will be reviewed, and applicants will be contacted by the department. Adopters must have a securely enclosed yard and construct a separate enclosure/burrow to protect the tortoise from potential hazards, such as a fire pit, unfenced pool or dogs.

The enclosed area must include an appropriate shelter for the tortoise to escape Arizona’s extreme summer heat and a place to brumate — a seasonal period of inactivity similar to hibernation — during winter.

AZGFD allows for one tortoise to be adopted per person, per household, but an additional tortoise of the same sex can be adopted if it is placed in a completely separate enclosure, as these reptiles can be territorial. Federal law prohibits desert tortoises from being transported across state lines.

While it is illegal to remove Sonoran desert tortoises from the wild, it’s also illegal to allow them to breed in captivity. AZGFD and its partners must spend valuable resources and time each year to find homes for dozens of captive tortoises.

“One female tortoise living to 80 years old can produce more than 800 babies in her lifetime,” Wolf said. “This is why it is crucial that we work together to ensure that tortoises are not only placed in proper homes, but with responsible owners.”

For more information about AZGFD’s Tortoise Adoption Program, or to provide a donation to help the department cover costs for tortoise food, shelter and medical expenses, visit www.azgfd.gov/tortoise. Or listen to the “Wild About Arizona” episode on desert tortoise adoption, the official podcast of AZGFD.

If you suspect someone is illegally breeding Sonoran desert tortoises, contact the department’s Operation Game Thief hotline at 800-352-0700. Those submitting a tip can remain anonymous.

Arizonans can now renew driver licenses online

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PHOENIX – Renewing a standard Arizona driver license and a commercial driver license can now be completed with a few clicks on a website.

As Governor Doug Ducey’s Executive Order on deferring standard driver license expiration dates ends on February 28, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is giving many Arizonans the ability to renew their driver license online. Previously, renewals could only be processed during an office visit.

“Most Arizonans with a standard driver license must renew their license when they turn 65 years of age and every five years thereafter,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “During the pandemic, ADOT wants to continue Governor Ducey’s efforts to help protect our most vulnerable and we’re pleased to be able to offer a contactless renewal option so people can continue making healthy choices.”

An in-office visit will be required to renew a standard Arizona driver license if an individual’s photo of record was taken more than 12 years prior to renewal, but most Arizonans will be able to renew their driver license without visiting an MVD office. Driver license-holders can log-in to their account at AZMVDNow.gov to see their eligibility for online renewal.

To renew a CDL online at AZMVDNow.gov, an individual’s address must remain the same, a valid primary document is on file with MVD and their current credential must be in good standing. CDL holders with a hazmat endorsement will not be able to renew their license online.

This new, streamlined renewal option was made possible, in large part, when MVD implemented a state-of-the-art computer operating system last spring. That change replaced an obsolete system that contained elements that were older than 35 years and no longer sustainable. The new system has made it possible for MVD to offer customers the ability to complete most services online at AZMVDNow.gov, eliminating the need to visit an MVD office for many Arizonans.

“We’ve all seen a lot of change over the last year, but this is something new that everyone can embrace,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “The website AZMVDNow.gov has added convenience for customers and made it easier for Arizonans to conduct their business with MVD. Adding driver license renewals to the long list of other services, like registration renewals, change of address and ordering a replacement license, will help keep Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

When renewing online, an individual’s official driver record will be updated with the new expiration date in the MVD system when the application and payment are submitted electronically.

When it comes time to renew a driver license, individuals can follow the below steps to renew online.

  • Go to AZMVDNow.gov and sign-in to your account. If you need to activate your account – everyone with an Arizona driver license has an account – follow those steps.
  • After logging in, select “Renew Now” in the “My Credential” section and follow the instructions.
  • Allow about 15 days for processing and mail delivery of your new driver license.

Upcoming closure of eastbound ramps on Interstate 40 at West Flagstaff Bridge beginning March 15

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers on Interstate 40 in Flagstaff to plan for closures of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) beginning Monday, March 15. The closures will be in place through October. ADOT reminds drivers to slow down and observe posted speed limits and other construction signs while the following closures are in place:

Eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at the West Flagstaff Bridge (Exit 191) and the crossroad under the bridge will be closed.
DETOUR: Eastbound I-40 drivers accessing I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 will be detoured to Flagstaff Ranch Road (Exit 192). I-40 Business Loop/West Route 66 drivers accessing eastbound I-40 will be detoured east to A-1 Mountain Road (Exit 190) to turn around and re-enter eastbound I-40.

The closures are needed so crews can begin work to replace the West Flagstaff Bridge over Business 40, which connects the interstate to Historic Route 66 in west Flagstaff. The work consists of removing and replacing the existing east- and westbound bridges’ substructure and superstructure.

The project, which is about 3 miles west of the junction with Interstate 17, is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.

Zipline fire quickly extinguished

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1961 Thunderbird used for display at Zipline.

WILLIAMS — At approximately 7:30 p.m., Williams Police and Fire units were dispatched to a reported vehicle fire at the Zipline in Williams. Before they arrived, it was reported that the vehicle fire was extinguished, but WFD responded to ensure that it was out.

The vehicle was the red 1961 Thunderbird that is used as a display when the Zipline is open. The owners were attempting to start it when a fire occurred in the engine. The owner quickly extinguished the flame with a fire extinguisher the Zipline has on hand. Their quick action prevented the vehicle from becoming a total loss.

The Williams Fire Department responded to ensure the fire was completely out and stayed on hand for safety.

There were no injuries.

Williams Fire Department called in to make sure fire extinguished.

CDC EVICTION MORATORIUM REMAINS IN FORCE IN ARIZONA DESPITE RULING BY TEXAS FEDERAL DISTRICT COURT JUDGE

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PHOENIX — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) moratorium on evicting renters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic remains in effect in Arizona and across the U.S. despite a Texas Federal District Court judge’s ruling that the protection is unconstitutional, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC).

The ruling by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Baker in Terkel v. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention only applies to the specific plaintiffs in the suit “and has no impact on other renters,” said Cynthia Zwick, executive director of the anti-poverty organization Wildfire. “The suit was not brought as a class action, meaning that the district court decision is not binding on any other landlords, tenants or courts.”

In filing a notice of appeal, the U.S. Justice Department announced that “the moratorium remains in effect.” Without an extension, the moratorium is scheduled to end on March 31

Three other Federal district court judges in Georgia, Louisiana and Ohio have issued rulings rejecting claims by landlords that the moratorium was unlawful or unconstitutional.

“The CDC eviction moratorium provides vital protections for struggling renters during the pandemic, and is an essential public health measure,” Zwick said. “Evictions put lives at risk and strain our already overstretched public health system. We all have a stake in ensuring that tens of millions of renters don’t lose their homes.”

The Census Bureau reports that nearly one in five renters are behind in their rents, with the numbers disproportionately high among Black and Latinx renters. Congress has approved $25 billion in emergency rental assistance and is expected to approve another $20 billion.

“The CDC’s eviction moratorium has helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but the recent Texas ruling adds more confusion to an already stressful time,” said Joan Serviss, Executive Director of the Arizona Housing Coalition. “What we really need is Congress to put an end to these disputes and pass meaningful rental assistance to scale with the crisis.”

“The $1.9 trillion aid package that the U.S. House of Representatives passed this weekend includes $26 billion in additional emergency rental assistance, among multiple forms of housing-related support,” she added.

Wildfire is coordinating efforts to distribute funding to qualifying renters. For information about qualifications, go here.

For more information about Wildfire, go to www.wildfireaz.org. For more information about the Arizona Housing Coalition, go to www.azhousingcoalition.org.

Join Us for a Virtual Creating Calmness Workshop

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PHOENIX — The American Red Cross, Service to the Armed Forces (SAF), offers virtual stress-management and relaxation workshops to help guide military members, veteran communities, and their families through stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Join us for a chance to discuss your biggest concerns and learn and practice healthy coping strategies.

Sign up for a Virtual Workshop!

Each small group session is organized by a Service to the Armed Forces staff member in your community. Our next session will be March 10, 2021, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm AZ time (Mountain Time).

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/red-cross-service-to-armed-forces-stress-management-workshop-tickets-141486579167

Game and Fish Commission to meet February 19

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PHOENIX — The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be Friday, Feb. 19, in the Willcox City Council chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive, in Willcox, Ariz. The meeting begins at 8 a.m.

A complete agenda and more information on viewing the meeting, or speaking to the commission, can be found here or at https://www.azgfd.com/agency/commission/meetingagenda/.

Note: New commission member Clay Hernandez, who was confirmed February 2 by the Arizona Senate, will be seated for his first commission meeting.

February 25 is last day to update credit card information for elk, pronghorn draw

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters who applied for 2021 elk and pronghorn hunt permit-tags that 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Feb. 25, is the deadline to update credit card or debit card account information.
The same deadline applies for purchasing PointGuard, which ensures that if a successful applicant is unable to participate in a hunt for any reason, the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. The cost is $5 for each species.
Applicants are encouraged to keep their credit card and debit card account information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer calls applicants to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards or debit cards have failed. Also, if a credit card or debit card has been used to pay for more than one application, the applicant is responsible for notifying their financial institution that multiple charges could be simultaneously processed from AZGFD.
No action is needed if the credit card or debit card used at the time of application is still in good standing. Otherwise, applicants who have been issued a new credit card or debit card, a new expiration date, or had a change to their card’s number should visit draw.azgfd.gov/. Scroll down the page, select “Update Credit Card” and follow the prompts. Note: It is important to update payment information for each species for which an online application has been submitted.
Meanwhile, applicants can purchase PointGuard through 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Thursday, Feb. 25. While a free AZGFD portal account is not needed to purchase PointGuard, draw results will be posted to portal accounts. It’s quick and easy to create a portal account — just visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and complete the required fields.
AZGFD will post an announcement on its website and social media channels when draw results are available. All hunt permit-tags will be mailed by April 2.  

Information sought in illegal killing of multiple mule deer north of Congress

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WICKENBURG – The Arizona Game and Fish Department’s (AZGFD) Operation Game Thief program is offering a reward of up to $1,500 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the illegal killing of several mule deer near Congress, Ariz. With the generosity of several sportsmen’s groups, including the Arizona Mule Deer Organization, Christian Hunters of America and the Arizona Mule Deer Foundation, these organizations are offering an additional combined reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest.

Between October 18-29, 2020, AZGFD officers found the remains of several fresh deer, including bucks and does near the intersection of Date Creek Road and OX Ranch Road northwest of Congress. Officers determined that the deer had been skinned out and the meat taken. There were no open deer hunts in the area during this time. Evidence found at the scene suggests this was not a one-time event and that the suspect(s) frequented the area and spent considerable time there.

AZGFD Wildlife Manager Brian Dietz states, “The location is near a well- traveled area along Date Creek Road. Anyone out scouting, recreating or just passing through may have witnessed something that could help us resolve this case. Poachers are not hunters; they are criminals stealing from the residents of Arizona.”

Anyone who may have information is encouraged to call the Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at 1-800-352-0700. Caller identities will remain confidential and callers can report anonymously if needed. You can also report online at https://www.azgfd.com/ogt/. Callers should reference OGT #20-003449 when reporting information on this case.

Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits schedule capacity building workshops throughout 20201

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PHOENIX — The Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits has scheduled training workshops in 2021 for nonprofit organizations to build capacity and measure social return on investment and social impact and for business professionals to learn how to be effective in service on nonprofit boards of directors.

“One of our most-important contributions is to leverage the expertise, knowledge and experiences of the state’s diverse professional networks to benefit the nonprofit community’s growth and well being,” said Michael Barry, Director of Capacity Building at the Alliance.

In addition to capacity-building trainings that include Business on Board, Social Return on Investment and Nonprofit Lifecycles, the Alliance provides monthly sector updates and has scheduled complementary events this year in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson as well as the annual statewide conference in August. More information can be found at www.arizonanonrprofits.org.

Also, the Alliance will be scheduling webinars under the following themes: “Marketing Your Mission” in February; “Advocating for your Organization” in March; and “Volunteerism” in April. More information will be available on the website.

The three main capacity building opportunities are:

• Business on Board.

Whether you are thinking about committing to board service or already serve on a board, this workshop will give you the tools you need to be effective in your role. Business On Board (BOB) is designed to teach professionals and community members what they need to know before joining a nonprofit board or to give a much-needed refresher to current board members and other organization leaders.

Expert speakers provide attendees with critical knowledge about nonprofit board service, including nonprofit overview, fiduciary role, legal role and fundraising role. Dates for the Zoom-based trainings are May 6, Sept. 23 and Nov. 4. Cost is $59 for Alliance members and $89 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available courtesy of Vitalyst Health Foundation. Register: https://arizonanonprofits.org/page/BusinessOnBoard.

• Social Return on Investment.

As donors and funders become increasingly focused on evaluating their investments based on outcomes, not just inputs and outputs, it is critically important that nonprofits understand how to effectively calculate and communicate the social return on investment (SROI) of their programs to bring their storytelling to life and their fundraising and grant writing to another level.

This hands-on, half-day session takes a closer look at what Social Return on Investment (SROI) is, why it is important to communicate, and how to begin formulating your own unique SROI message.

The session will be conducted by Dr. Anthony Evans, Staff Director and Senior Research Fellow at L. William Seidman Research Institute. Dates are April 29 and Sept. 16. Cost is $39 for Alliance members and $69 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available. Register: https://arizonanonprofits.org/page/SROI.

• Nonprofit Lifecycles.

Based on the award-winning book, Nonprofit Lifecycles: Stage-based Wisdom for Nonprofit Capacity, the workshop is ideal for executives and board members of nonprofits small and large, seasoned, or just-starting out.

In addition to learning about your organization’s capacity using the four “table legs” and developing your own Capacity Improvement Plan, you will work on a case study that reinforces the morning’s educational content, and receive a do-it-yourself diagnostic tool for assessing each organization’s own capacity.

Workshop dates are March 24, May 11 and Sept. 29. Cost is $69 for Alliance members and $99 for nonmembers. Scholarships are available. Register: https://arizonanonprofits.org/page/Lifecycles.

For more information about the Alliance of Arizona Nonprofits, go to www.arizonanonprofits.org.