Tag Archives: Flagstaff

2020 Homicide Victim Identified

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – In October of 2020 a deceased individual was discovered in a shallow grave north of Flagstaff, off Highway 180 near the Lava Caves. The body was unidentifiable due to advanced stages of decomposition. The ensuing by Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigators and the Coconino County
Medical Examiner’s Office determined the person was a victim of homicide.

During the on-going investigation, a DNA sample was sent to a private forensic genealogy lab in May of 2021. In January 2023 analysis of the DNA sample connected the victim to a specific family tree, one member of which could not be located or accounted for. This family member was identified as David Clark Wilkinson and was known to frequent the Phoenix and Prescott areas in 2019 and 2020.

David was known to have been in northern Arizona prior to the body being located, and a missing persons flyer was issued in an attempt to find him. Shortly after releasing the missing persons flyer, additional DNA analysis was conducted and confirmed David Clark Wilkinson was the homicide victim in this case.

The investigation is ongoing, and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance in this investigation.

In 2020, Wilkinson was a 56-year-old white male, approximately 5’11” and weighing 165lbs. He had graying hair, a graying beard and wore glasses. During the summer of 2020 Wilkinson may have been traveling with one or two dogs and was likely operating a white 1997 Toyota Paseo similar to the one pictured below.

It is believed he was camping in the Prescott National Forest and the Coconino National Forest and may have approached other campers in those areas.

Anyone who has information about this investigation or had contact with David Clark Wilkinson in the spring or summer of 2020 is asked to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office.

Wilbur Fire remains at 10,279 acres

Posted on by

CLINTS WELL — The Coconino National Forest resumed command of the lightning-caused 10,279-acre Wilbur Fire Thursday morning, June 22, which originated 8.5 miles west of Clints Well on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

The Wilbur Fire is being managed with multiple strategies to meet objectives including the release of nutrients back into the soil and the reduction of hazardous fuel accumulations.

Objectives also include protecting critical infrastructure, watersheds, wildlife habitat and culturally sensitive areas from future catastrophic wildfires. Managing low-intensity wildfires such as this reduces the threat of catastrophic fire by reducing the accumulation of dead wood, pinecones, and pine needles, that would otherwise contribute to hotter and bigger fire behavior. This is part of the Wildfire Crisis Strategy recently announced by the Chief of the Forest Service.

All strategic firing operations have been successfully completed, and firefighters are utilizing previously improved holding features and roads to confine the wildfire to a predetermined area. Crews continue to patrol and monitor fire activity and work toward full containment, with current containment at 78 percent.

Suppression repair projects are underway, including mending fences and removing snags (dead standing trees) from high-use dispersed recreation areas and along roads. Smoke is visible at times as interior pockets of unburned forest fuels consume.

Night operations conclude Sunday night and early Monday morning with firefighters and the Arizona Department of Transportation remaining to monitor the fire perimeter and smoke conditions along highways and provide for public safety.

The Coconino National Forest has issued an area closure to protect public health and ensure firefighter safety. The full closure order and map are available online.

In the interest of public and firefighter safety, drivers are asked to travel with caution as fire crews will be entering and exiting roadways during operations.

As temperatures cool overnight smoke may linger in drainages and valleys until daytime winds surface.

Regular fire updates can be found on the Wilbur Fire Inciweb page until it is fully contained.

Fire weather watch issued for Tuesday

Posted on by

FIRE WEATHER WATCH IN EFFECT TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING DUE TO STRONG WINDS AND LOW RELATIVE HUMIDITY FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA
Fire Weather Watch issued June 25 at 1:12PM MST until June 27 at 8:00PM MST by NWS Flagstaff AZ
The National Weather Service in Flagstaff has issued a Fire Weather Watch due to strong winds and low relative humidity, which is in effect from Tuesday morning through Tuesday evening.

* AFFECTED AREA…Locations near Alpine, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Congress, Cottonwood, Paulden, Payson, Strawberry, Pinetop-Lakeside, Prescott, Sedona, Seligman, Show Low and Whiteriver. This includes portions of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, Coconino National Forest, Kaibab National Forest, Prescott National Forest and Tonto National Forest.

* WINDS…Southwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 45 mph.

* RELATIVE HUMIDITY…As low as 7 percent.

* IMPACTS…The combination of gusty winds and low humidity can cause fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
Click HERE to sign up for Coconino County Emergency Notifications and alerts.

Afternoon thunderstorms bring light precipitation over Wilbur Fire

Posted on by

CLINTS WELL – Afternoon thunderstorms moved over the Wilbur Fire yesterday during ignitions, where outflow winds drifted smoke down West Clear Creek into the Verde Valley and along portions of state Route 260.

Although light precipitation was received crews were able to continue with tactical firing operations throughout the operational shift enhancing holding features along the fire perimeter. Naturally-caused wildfires like the Wilbur Fire provide fire managers with great opportunities to treat the area removing accumulations of hazardous fuels. Reducing hazardous fuels will help reduce the threat of high-severity, high-intensity wildfire to the public, adjacent private property, and communities for future generations.

Yesterday firefighters continued with tactical firing operations progressing south along constructed holding features, Forest Road 142B and tying into FR 142, keeping the fire out of West Clear Creek. Operations will be similar to previous shifts where fire resources plan to patrol, monitor, and secure any areas of concern from previous days ignitions, continue with line prep and improve roadways with the use of heavy equipment throughout the planned fire area.

Temperatures are forecasted to be 79-82 degrees. Winds are expected to be from the south at 10-15 mph allowing for excellent ventilation where smoke can disperse out of the surrounding area. Enough moisture will remain over the fire site for a slight chance of afternoon and evening showers though Tuesday. Winds will generally be light at night with southerly breezes during the day.

The Wilbur Fire is burning in an area with an extensive road system that firefighters are using for travel and as control features. For public and firefighter safety, forest visitors should travel with caution as fire crews will be on roadways during operations.

Impacts from smoke can be expected to be light through the weekend and visible from multiple locations including the Verde Valley and along Lake Mary Road and state Routes 260 and 87. Smoke may linger in drainages and valleys overnight as nighttime temperatures cool and will do so until daytime winds surface.

Contact information and daily updates regarding the Wilbur Fire will continue to be posted on Inciweb.

Congratulations Lt. John Jamison and Lt. Adam Simonsen

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Congratulations to John Jamison and Adam Simonsen how have been selected to fill the two vacant Operations Lieutenant positions at the Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Jamison will lead the Flagstaff Patrol District and Lieutenant Simonsen will lead the Administrative Sergeant, Search and Rescue, and PIO/community programs areas.

Lt. Jamison and Lt. Simonsen sworn in by Sheriff Driscoll.

Lieutenant Jamison has an extensive career in law enforcement. Lieutenant Jamison has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since 2006. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, John worked for the Williams Police Department for 14 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and Sergeant.

Lieutenant Jamison has 31 years of law enforcement experience, consisting of 5 years as a deputy/officer, 3 years as a detective, and 23 years as a Sergeant. As a deputy with CCSO, he was assigned to the Northern Arizona GIITEM Gang Task Force for 2 years. He was the community deputy in Munds Park where he forged partnerships with residents and professionals. He was a key part in starting the Munds Park Neighborhood Watch, which is still one of the most active Neighborhood Watch groups today. John took an innovative approach to addressing community concerns, which made a significant difference in the safety of the community.

Lieutenant Simonsen has been with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office since December of 2020. Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Kingman Police Department for 11 years where he held several assignments, to include Police Officer, Detective, and K9 Officer. Prior to working for the Kingman Police Department, Lt. Simonsen worked as a Detention Officer for the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 3 years, where he was promoted to Detention Corporal.

Lieutenant Simonsen has significant experience in several different areas. His training and certifications throughout his career include Bicycle Patrol Training, Supervisor/Leadership Training, General Instructor Certification, Field Training Officer, Taser Instructor, Basic and Advanced Forensic Interviewing, Criminal Interdiction School, K9 Handler School (Narcotics and Patrol), and Pepper Ball Instructor Training. While at the Kingman Police Department, Adam earned the Distinguished Service Award, Department Commendation, Officer of the Year, Lettie Crocker Award (Community Chosen Award), and the Good Conduct Award. Lt. Simonsen is also an Eagle Scout.

We look forward to Lieutenant Jamison and Lieutenant Simonsen’s continued Service to Community in their new role as Lieutenants in the Operations Division at the Sheriff’s Office.

Expect daytime I-40 ramp closures in Flagstaff June 5-9

Posted on by

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising Flagstaff area drivers to plan for I-40 westbound ramp closures at Walnut Canyon Road and Country Club Drive beginning Monday, June 5, through Friday, June 9.

Drivers should allow for extra travel time while the following I-40 ramp closures are in place from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

  • Westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Walnut Canyon Road will be closed Monday, June 5.
  • Westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Country Club Drive will be closed Tuesday, June 6.
  • Westbound I-40 on- and off ramps at Butler Avenue will be closed Wednesday, June 7.
  • Westbound I-40 connecting ramp to northbound I-17 (SR 89A) will be closed Thursday, June 8.

Message boards and roadside signs will be in place to help drivers enter or exit I-40 at the next available traffic interchange.

The restrictions are needed as work continues on the I-40: I-17 to Walnut Canyon Road project. For more information, visit the project web page.

Memorial Day Holiday Closures in Coconino County

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s Administrative Offices and Superior Court will be closed in observance of the Memorial Day holiday on Monday May 29, 2023, and will reopen for business on Tuesday.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) Records Division will be available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) Animal Services office will have an officer available between 7 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Contact them at 928-679-9756 to leave a message for a return call. Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.

Parks and Recreation offices will be closed, but all County parks and natural areas will be open for recreation.

Visitors to the area, especially our National Forests, are asked to always be smart with fire. Even though there are currently no fire restrictions in effect, exercise caution with campfires. Keep them as small as practical. Avoid fires during high winds. And never leave them unattended. Stir a campfire with dirt and water until it’s dead out and douse all charcoal barbecues. If there’s still smoke, there’s still heat.

Notice of Public Hearing Regarding Board Proposal to Incur Long-Term Debt

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — In June, The Coconino County Board of Supervisors (Board) will be considering a long-term debt proposal in Coconino County.

The long-term debt will be used to finance the costs of road, transportation, and public safety projects in and for the County, acquisition of equipment, land and buildings, and construction, maintenance and improvements to County facilities, properties, and infrastructure.

The total estimated financing cost will be $89.9 million consisting of an estimated principal amount of $80 million and total estimated interest of $9.9 million.

The public hearing is scheduled to take place during the Board of Supervisors regular meeting on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Arizona time. The Supervisors will hear this item as part of a public hearing during the regularly scheduled meeting via webinar technology using Zoom Teleconference.

The Board will receive oral comments at the hearing and will receive written comments at any time before 8:00 a.m., Arizona time, on the day which the resolution of intention with respect to the Agreement will be considered, which will be no earlier than June 21, 2023.

The Board’s mailing address is:
Coconino County Board of Supervisors
c/o Lindsay Daley, Clerk of the Board
219 E. Cherry Ave.
Flagstaff, Ariz. 86001

Written comments may also be submitted to the Clerk of the Board at boardcomments@coconino.az.gov. Residents must include their full name for their written comments to be considered.

The full text of the Public Notice follows below:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSAL OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS OF COCONINO COUNTY, ARIZONA, TO INCUR A LONG-TERM
OBLIGATION NOT SECURED BY THE FULL FAITH AND CREDIT OF SUCH COUNTY

 

For purposes of Section 11-391, Arizona Revised Statutes, the Board of Supervisors (the “Board”) of Coconino County, Arizona (the “County”), will hold a public hearing on June 6, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., Arizona time, via webinar technology using Zoom (Zoom information below), regarding a purchase agreement (the “Agreement”) to be secured by a pledge of the revenues from excise taxes that the County now or hereafter levies, except for any taxes hereafter levied for an inconsistent purpose; excise taxes and transaction privilege (sales) taxes imposed and collected by the State of Arizona (the “State”), or any agency thereof, and returned, allocated or apportioned to the County, except the County’s share of any such taxes which by State law, rule or regulation must be expended for other purposes; vehicle license taxes distributed or deposited to the County’s general fund; and amounts remitted to the County by the U.S. Department of Interior (or any successor entity) pursuant to the federal Payment in Lieu of Taxes program, to finance the costs of road, transportation and public safety projects in and for the County, acquisition of equipment, land and buildings, and construction, maintenance and improvements to County facilities, properties and infrastructure.  (More detail about the foregoing will be provided in analysis provided to the Board at the hereinafter described hearing.)  The Agreement is estimated to be in the principal amount of $80,000,000 and, with total estimated interest of $9,941,153, to have a total estimated financing cost of $89,941,153.

The Board will receive oral comments at the hearing and will receive written comments at any time before 8:00 a.m., Arizona time, on the day on which the resolution of intention with respect to the Agreement will be considered, which will be no earlier than June 21, 2023.  The Board’s mailing address is Coconino County Board of Supervisors, c/o Lindsay Daley, Clerk of the Board, 219 E. Cherry Ave., Flagstaff, Arizona 86001.  Written comments may also be submitted to the Clerk of the Board at boardcomments@coconino.az.gov.  Please include your full name with the written comment.

To join the Zoom meeting, please use the following url: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83163671115

Or Telephone: Dial 888 788 0099 (Toll Free), Webinar ID: 831 6367 1115.

Additional information regarding meetings of the Board can be found at the following url: https://www.coconino.az.gov/AgendaCenter.

Dated: May 21, 2023
Lindsay Daley
Clerk, Board of Supervisors

Editor Recommendation: If you use the ZOOM method, use a computer without a camera, disconnect plug-in cameras, disable or cover any built-in cameras. Disconnect microphones unless you plan to speak. Make sure your anti-virus is up-to-date.

Coconino County Provides Successful Test Platform for SpaceX Starlink Mobile Units

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County continues to lead the effort in connecting students with SpaceX’s Starlink high-speed internet across Northern Arizona, including multiple tribal communities within the region, and now on school buses.

With continued focus on education, Coconino County collaborated with Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) and Page Unified School District (PUSD) to identify and select routes with an emphasis on connecting students who must ride the bus more than one hour to and from school. SpaceX provided Coconino County with two of their Flat High Performance Starlink kits that are installed on the buses, enabling students to stay connected and complete homework during their transit.

“The opportunity to deploy new technology to connect underserved rural communities is a tremendous achievement,” commented Supervisor Fowler. “The collaboration between SpaceX and Coconino County illustrates what can be achieved when the right people come together at the right time. We are incredibly thankful to our partners for the opportunities they have enabled by delivering enhanced connectivity throughout our most underserved communities.”

Coconino County began conversations with SpaceX when District 5 Supervisor Lena Fowler and Coconino County’s Chief Information Officer Matt Fowler both met with the company in 2019. This resulted in securing a private donation for the County to utilize Starlink and make high-speed internet accessible to rural areas of Northern Arizona. Coconino County successfully became an early customer, purchasing and launching Starlink internet in a 45-household trial on May 6, 2021. Shortly after, the County identified K-12 students living on the Navajo Nation without access to the internet or existing speeds less than 5 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. The County Information Technology Department engaged with the Board of Supervisors and the Flagstaff Unified School District, seeking collaboration opportunities to identify eligible students living on the reservation.

To date, Coconino County facilitated approximately 300+ implementations of Starlink internet services for a free 2-year period, which was made possible by private donations. This provides students the ability to connect with education providers and continue their studies remotely.

“This journey would not have been possible without the continuous teamwork from SpaceX, County Management, our Board of Supervisors, FUSD and PUSD. We rely heavily on our public and private partners to offer internet where it historically has been unavailable. This is truly an exciting moment,” commented CIO Matt Fowler. “We have amazing community partners, and this opportunity to embrace new technologies has greatly benefitted students in our region,” commented Deputy CIO Helen Costello.

Coconino NF in process of lifting many seasonal road closures, opening campgrounds and recreation sites

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest personnel are in the process of opening numerous forest roads as warmer weather hardens surfaces and roads become suitable for motorized travel.

Even though many forest roads across each district will be open by this weekend, there are still some that will remain closed due to wet and muddy conditions.

On the Flagstaff Ranger District, Ashurst Lake Road (Forest Road [FR] 82E), Marshall Lake Road (FR 128), and Kinnickinick Lake Road (FR 125) are all now open. All campgrounds on the district except Dairy and Double Springs and Lockett Meadow open today. As campgrounds reopen, many fees are changing to coincide with a new contract concessionaire operator, ExplorUS. Concessionaire-managed Coconino National Forest day-use sites are now $12 per vehicle and campground fees range from $24 to $30 per night. Group campground fees range from $95 to $175 per night. Fees have been updated accordingly on recreation.gov.

Lake Mary Narrows Boat Launch and Picnic Area and the Upper Lake Mary Boat Launch and Picnic Area will be free until Friday of Memorial Day Weekend (May 26). The Forest will begin collecting $10 fees per day after that date. Local and Interagency Passes, like the America the Beautiful and Red Rock Annual Passes, will also be honored at these sites.

The Mogollon Rim Ranger District opens forest roads north and west of State Route (SR) 87 and along the east side of the Lake Mary Road corridor today. All forest roads south and east of SR 87, and down to the Rim Road (FR 300) will remain closed until they dry out enough for safe travel. Elks Group Campground opens today, with additional campgrounds planned to open the first week of May.

Motorists should be prepared to encounter wet spots, areas of snowbanks and snow drifts on newly opened roads. Use caution before pulling off main roads to camp and refrain from creating deep ruts in areas of the road that are still wet.

Atypical moisture and strong winds have resulted in a significant number of downed trees as well as inaccessible roads throughout the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts.

Personnel will continue to monitor closed roads and will open them as soon as conditions are safe for travel.

Many lower elevation roads, such as those on the Red Rock Ranger District, are primarily open. This excludes roads impacted by recent significant flooding events as well as Fossil Creek Road (FR 708), which is being resurfaced.

Forest visitors are reminded to visit the Coconino National Forest’s Forest Roads Status web page for more information on which main roads throughout the forest are open and closed prior to planning any forest excursion.

The public should remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on the Coconino National Forest website.