Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino County to hold hearing on user fee increases

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Coconino-County-4FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Regular Meeting and Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 10:00 am in the County Administrative Center First Floor Meeting Room, 219 East Cherry, Flagstaff, Arizona

The Coconino County Board of Supervisors will hold a Regular Meeting and Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 10:00 am in the County Administrative Center First Floor Meeting Room, 219 East Cherry, Flagstaff, Arizona, to hear any taxpayer wishing to comment for or against any proposed fee increase. Following the Public Hearing the Board will consider adoption of a revised fee schedule. Here is a PDF with the proposed changes.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit Solves 22-Year-Old Missing Persons Case

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit has solved the missing persons case of Brian Nez. Nez, a 19-year-old Native American male from Flagstaff, had been reported missing by his family on October 25, 1994.

The information from the initial investigation found that Nez was believed to have last been seen at a party in Winslow, AZ in August or September of 1994. The case went cold after several people were interviewed and no information developed as to his whereabouts. Nez was entered as missing in the national computer database used by law enforcement.

In Spring 2015, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Cold Case Unit brought on volunteer Jana White, retired from NAU Police and Flagstaff Police Departments, to review unsolved missing person cases. Nez’s case was re-opened in March 2016. Investigator Jana White entered Nez into a new database called NamUS (http://namus.gov/about.htm), a website that has developed largely over the last ten years to improve information sharing on missing and unidentified persons throughout the United States. NamUS responded with information that an unidentified victim of a fatal vehicle-pedestrian traffic accident had a similar description to our missing person case. The vehicle-pedestrian accident had occurred in Navajo County about 2 miles north of Winslow, AZ in August 1994. Based on this, further investigation by the Cold Case Unit found that the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office had performed the autopsy on the unidentified pedestrian victim for Navajo County.
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ADOT prepared to keep highways open, safe during snow season

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towplow-in-action_cropPHOENIX –– With winter and the promise of snow in the high country rapidly approaching, preparation throughout the year means the Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to keep highways open and travelers safe.

Through its certification and training programs, ADOT has 400 certified snowplow operators ready for winter storms.

Regular maintenance by ADOT Equipment Services has the agency’s 200 snowplows ready to go. Last winter, ADOT spent $2.2 million, an average of $11,000 per vehicle, to keep its snowplows in top condition.

“It’s always difficult to predict not only how severe winter weather will be but where problems will occur,” said Dallas Hammit, ADOT’s state engineer and deputy director for transportation. “With our operators trained and our snowplow fleet up and running, however, ADOT has the resources necessary to respond to snow and ice around the state.”

ADOT’s snowplows working on Interstate 40 between Williams and Flagstaff will include a second TowPlow, a steerable trailer that allows one driver in a snowplow to clear two lanes. Attached to the back of a snowplow and steered by the snowplow driver, the TowPlow allows ADOT remove snow and ice more efficiently while using less fuel, and it frees another snowplow and driver to work elsewhere.

As with any snowplow, drivers approaching a TowPlow should slow down and pass only when the operator pulls over to allow traffic to get around. Remember: The road behind a plow is the safest place to be when snow and ice are on the highway.

While ADOT is ready to keep the roads open and as safe as possible in challenging conditions, motorists can do their part by preparing for travel in winter weather.

ADOT’s “Know Snow” website at azdot.gov/KnowSnow has tips that include adjusting your speed to conditions, leaving extra room between your vehicle and the one ahead, carrying plenty of food and water, and packing an emergency preparedness kit. Tips include carrying a small bag of cat litter or sand to provide traction if your vehicle becomes stuck along the roadway.

Public forums set for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunt recommendations

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pronghornPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will host four public forums to meet with constituents about developing the 2017 hunt recommendations for pronghorn, elk and population management seasons.

The department annually makes recommendations to the Arizona Game and Fish Commission regarding the management of game species for the annual hunting and trapping regulations, which establish the seasons, dates, bag limits, open areas and hunt permit-tag allocations, based on the framework of the hunt guidelines set by the commission every two years.

The meetings will be conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • Wednesday, Oct. 19: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • Thursday, Oct. 20: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • Wednesday, Oct. 26: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • Thursday, Oct. 27: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

Constituents who are interested in specific game management units within those regions will have the opportunity to discuss management direction. The proposed hunt recommendations will be outlined during a short presentation, which will be followed by an opportunity to submit comments regarding those recommendations. All comments will be reviewed by the department.

After the public forums have been completed, the final proposed draft hunt recommendations will be made available for public review at several regional open houses and posted on the department’s website at www.azgfd.gov/huntguidelines by Nov. 21, 2016.

Open houses will be conducted at the following Game and Fish regional offices:

  • 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Flagstaff, 3500 S. Lake Mary Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 23: Yuma, 9140 E. 28th St.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Tucson, 555 N. Greasewood Road.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Monday, Nov. 28: Pinetop, 2878 E. White Mountain Blvd.
  • 3 to 5 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 29: Kingman, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Road.
  • 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., TBD: Mesa, 7200 E. University Drive.

The final 2017 pronghorn and elk hunt recommendations will be presented to the commission for consideration during its Dec. 3 meeting in Phoenix.

Overnight closures planned on Interstate 17 near Flagstaff Saturday and early Sunday for overhead utility work

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FLAGSTAFF — Five temporary full closures of Interstate 17 near Flagstaff will be required this weekend to accommodate overhead utility work.

North and southbound traffic on I-17 at milepost 337 – located just south of John Wesley Powell Boulevard and west of Flagstaff Pulliam Airport – will be stopped while utility crews are working. Closures are scheduled to begin at 11:00 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, and continue to 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16. Each of the five closures is expected to last approximately 15 minutes.

Drivers should allow extra time for travel, use caution in the work zone and watch for equipment and personnel.

For more information about this project, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer, at 602.501.4899, or email ccole@azdot.gov.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but it’s possible that unscheduled closures or restrictions might occur because of weather or other factors. For the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the

ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov or call 511, except while driving.

Sheriff’s Office Sponsoring Outdoor Recreation Safety Fair Oct 22, 2016

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ccso-sar-outdoor-recreation-fairSave the date Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 10 am – 4 pm for an Outdoor Recreation Safety Fair sponsored by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue – Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment Prepared! Free seminars, booths, food, and fun for the entire family. Seminars on GPS, Hug-a-Tree, and Introduction to Avalanche Safety. Booths by REI, Red Cross, National Weather Service, Snowbowl, Search & Rescue, CERT, USFS, Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center and others. Free hot dogs served from 11:30 am – 1:30 pm. Event to be held at the Law Enforcement Facility (Sheriff / Police) at 911 E. Sawmill Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

SWAT responds to report of an armed and suicidal man

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Flagstaff — Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Northern Arizona Multi-Agency SWAT team have responded to a call involving an armed, suicidal man at a home in the Munds Park area. The incident began about 10 a.m.

At about 11 a.m. the Sheriff’s Office issued a press release that the situation was “resolved safely” with no injuries. The man is in custody and may face aggravated assault and disorderly conduct with weapon charges.

There is no report on the motivation for the incident at this time.

Free fishing clinic October 1 at Kinnikinick Lake

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fishing-clinicFLAGSTAFF — Want to learn about fall fishing in northern Arizona? Join the Arizona Game and Fish Department on Saturday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Kinnikinick Lake for a free fishing clinic. The event is for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Approximately 50,000 rainbow trout and 10,000 brown trout have been stocked into Kinnikinick during the past two months. Game and Fish staff, along with members from the Northern Arizona Fly Casters and Trout Unlimited Flagstaff Chapter, will be on hand to assist all participants.

Those attending will learn fishing basics, types of equipment to buy on a budget, casting and catching, and what species of fish are in the lake. Participants might also get the opportunity to try fly-fishing. Loaner fishing poles and tackle will be available, and fishing licenses will not be required for those participating.

The weekend also marks the opening of fall small game hunting season. So squirrel, rabbit, dove and quail hunting tips and tricks will be shared by the Game and Fish experts. Come on out and learn about great spots for small game hunting — and maybe even pick up a recipe or two.

Participants should bring food and dress appropriately for fall weather.

To get to Kinnikinick Lake, drive 30 miles south out of Flagstaff on Forest Highway 3 (Lake Mary Road) and turn east on Forest Rd. 125, then go 4 miles to Forest Rd. 82. Turn southeast and head 5.5 miles to the lake.

Investigators seek tips to catch cow elk, calf poacher near Happy Jack

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operation_game_thief_footerFLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a cow elk and her calf sometime between Sept. 7 and 9 in Game Management Unit 5A near Happy Jack.

Game and Fish officers received information that the cow elk and calf had been shot from Highway 87 near Happy Jack, which is about 40 miles south of Flagstaff. The poaching was reported in an effort to help the department catch the suspected poacher(s).

“We hope the public will again come forward to help us bring this poacher to justice,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Poaching isn’t hunting. It’s a crime against all Arizonans, and our sportsmen and women have shown a long, committed history of helping the department combat poaching.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700 or use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief. Callers should reference case number 16-003184.

Callers may remain confidential upon request. A reward of up to $1,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). To learn more about Operation Game Thief, visit www.azgfd.gov/thief.

Nighttime paving at Milton Road and Plaza Way intersection in Flagstaff on Thursday

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FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews will be paving the intersection of south Milton Road and Plaza Way from 2 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Thursday (Sept. 22).

During paving, access on Plaza Way will be closed along with one lane of southbound travel on Milton Road. Detours will be in place at Yale Avenue and University Drive, please watch for signage and reduced speeds in the area.

Expect delays during paving. Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction equipment and personnel.

For more information about this project, please call Coralie Cole, ADOT Senior Community Relations Officer at 602.501.4899 or email ccole@azdot.gov .