Tag Archives: Holiday

Make safety a priority if driving over the Independence Day weekend

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With no closures scheduled on state highways over the extended Independence Day weekend, the Arizona Department of Transportation is joining other agencies, including first responders, in asking drivers to focus on safety and staying alert during holiday road trips.

Allow extra time during peak travel periods, including Thursday afternoon, July 3, and Sunday afternoon and evening, July 6.

ADOT and its contractors will be giving motorists a break by not scheduling state highway closures between Thursday afternoon and Sunday night.

Drivers should still expect the unexpected, including unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles, wildfires or other incidents.

ADOT anticipates heavy traffic and possible delays on highways in and out of the Phoenix and Tucson areas during peak holiday weekend travel times. That includes the Interstate 17 Improvement Project work zone between Anthem Way and the Sunset Point Rest Area north of Phoenix.

Other highways expected to be busy at times include State Route 87 between Fountain Hills and Payson; US 93 between Wickenburg and Hoover Dam; I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix; and I-8 and I-10 between the Phoenix area and the California state line.

For summer travel, ADOT recommends preparing an emergency kit including extra drinking water. Other items to consider are blankets, a first-aid kit, a flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cellphone and charger, snacks, diapers if necessary and a small tool kit. More information about traveling in hot weather is available on the ADOT website.

Because travel delays are possible, don’t forget other important items such as prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. Other road trip safety recommendations include:

  • Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving. Eyes up, phones down.
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure and engine fluid levels.
  • Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk.
  • Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits.
  • Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary.
  • If towing a trailer, secure chains so they are not dragging on pavement and creating sparks that might start a brush fire.
  • Avoid stopping in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire.

ADOT will have personnel ready to respond to incidents along highways over the holiday weekend. In addition to on-call statewide maintenance crews, the ADOT Incident Response Unit (IRU), sponsored by GEICO, patrols Phoenix-area freeways in Maricopa County from 4 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. The IRU operators assist state troopers as well as drivers in need of help.

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, the az511 app (download for Apple or Android devices) or by calling 511. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its X feed, @ArizonaDOT.

AZGFD to step up patrols over holiday weekend, promote sober boating

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will be patrolling Arizona’s waterways over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to provide heightened enforcement and awareness about the dangers of drinking alcohol while boating.

Once again, AZGFD will be participating in “Operation Dry Water,” a national boating under the influence awareness and enforcement campaign. The goal is to reduce the number of alcohol and/or drug-related fatalities and accidents by spreading this important message to the public: Drinking and boating is a potentially deadly combination.

“Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone who is out enjoying Arizona’s waterways,” said Major Danny Rodriguez, watercraft law enforcement programs coordinator/boating law administrator. “If alcohol is being consumed on your boat, always designate a sober operator.”

During last year’s Operation Dry Water campaign, almost 500 local, state, and federal agencies contacted 296,190 boaters and made 584 arrests nationwide for boating under the influence. A total of 10,008 citations were issued, as well as 33,546 safety warnings.

In Arizona, five agencies — AZGFD, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, Bullhead City Police Department, National Park Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — contacted a total of 2,822 boaters statewide during last year’s campaign, made four arrests for boating under the influence, and issued 89 citations. The agencies also combined to issue 588 safety warnings.

“It’s no different from driving a car on the highway; the operator is responsible for everyone on board the boat,” Rodriguez said.

While the main focus of the campaign is geared toward those who operate a boat under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, officers may also give warnings or write citations for other violations, including not having proper safety equipment, failing to slow down in no-wake zones, operating too close to another vessel, and riding on areas of a vessel that are not allowed, such as the bow or transom.

Arizona state law requires that children 12 and under must wear a life jacket at all times while the boat is underway, and there must be one life jacket on board for every passenger. In addition, a throwable flotation device, usually a cushion with handles or a ring buoy, is required for all watercraft longer than 16 feet (except for canoes and kayaks).

Operation Dry Water was launched in 2009 by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard. The initiative is credited with removing 7,453 impaired operators from the nation’s waterways.

AZGFD has been an Operation Dry Water partner since the beginning. “Any outreach that helps bring awareness to prevent fatalities and injuries in Arizona is a valuable investment of our time and resources,” Rodriguez said.

For more information on boating in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.com/Boating/.

Coconino County Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will also be closed. There will be an Animal Services officer available on Monday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies.

Parks and Recreation offices will be closed however, County parks and natural areas are open for the public to enjoy. Please observe all posted road and trail closure notices.

The Coconino County Sheriffs Records Office will also be closed. CCSO would also like to remind all residents and visitors of the County’s seasonal parking ordinance regarding parking on county roads and rights of way, effective through April 1, 2024, and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday three-day weekend.

The full ordinance can be found here: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/54497/Ordinance-2022-06-Seasonal-Parking

AZGFD to step up patrols for impaired boaters over holiday weekend

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To keep the public safe from watercraft-related accidents this upcoming Fourth of July weekend, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) and partner agencies will increase patrols on Arizona’s waterways from July 1-3 during Operation Dry Water.

This nationwide campaign focuses on decreasing the number of alcohol and drug-related incidents and fatalities and educating recreational boaters about the dangers of boating under the influence.

Law enforcement officers will remove dangerous and impaired operators from Arizona’s waterways during the holiday weekend. Officers may also give warnings or issue citations, including but not limited to safety equipment and life jacket violations.

“Boating or driving a car under the influence of alcohol or drugs are equally dangerous,” said Danny Rodriguez, AZGFD’s watercraft law administrator. “Our top priority is to create a safe environment for everyone enjoying Arizona’s waterways.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, the Fourth of July and Memorial Day holiday weekends account for more than one-third of all boating-related accidents and fatalities in the nation. One person died and six others were injured in watercraft-related accidents during the Fourth of July weekend last year in Arizona.

Happy Flag Day and Honor America Days

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NATIONAL — While listening to President Donald J. Trump speak on June 6, 2023 at North Carolina, he mentioned a few interesting things. One thing he said he would hold a year long celebration to honor America. I’m not sure, but I think I recall that he said he would start in on July 4th. I guess that is as good a day as any. Though I still cringe when people say “July 4th” instead of the appropriate “Independence Day,” July 4th was not the true Independence Day. It was the date the proclamation was issued for a vote that was taken on July 2nd. Thus, July 2nd was the date that Independence was actually declared.
36 United States Code §110 designates June 14th as Flag Day. The law “requests” that the President issue a proclamation calling on “…United States Government officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings…” The President is also supposed to urge “…the people of the United States to observe Flag Day as the anniversary of the adoption on June 14, 1777, by the Continental Congress of the Stars and Stripes as the official flag of the United States.” That is the flag that has thirteen red and white stripes with stars on a blue background. That is the ONLY flag that is supposed to be displayed and honored. Whether it be the current flag with fifty stars or thirteen, it should not matter. The so-called Betsy Ross flag was, of course, the original honoring the thirteen colonies.

Most people do not know, however, that there is an actual “Pride” month celebration during this period. 36 USC §112 designates the 21-day from Flag Day to Independence day as “…a period to honor America.” 36 USC §112 (b) is a declaration in which “…Congress declares that there be public gatherings and activities during that period at which the people of the United States can celebrate and honor their country in an appropriate way.” It is not “appropriate” to loot and burn. That is not appropriate at anytime no matter what the current “administration” says. Likewise, drag queen hour and grooming of children.

What we suggest is that you take the time to review history. One thing you can do is watch the mini-series John Adams. The Patriot is another good selection (not the 1928 version). There are others; pick your favorite. You might be able to find these movies on line for free or they might be available through one of your streaming subscriptions, such as Prime or Sling.

How about doing a little study? Check out The Federalist Papers. These are the arguments by John Jay, James Madison and the first corrupt official in our government, Alexander Hamilton. Hilldale college has a free course on the Federalist Papers. I strongly recommend No. 29

You might find some interesting things on the Archive.org web site. It is packed with Public Domain videos, audio books, old magazines. Even donated video and audio from around the country; e.g. “home movies.” You might want to listen to this selection.

We hope that what ever you do to celebrate will bring you to the conclusion that you should never show your total ignorance by wishing some one a “Happy Fourth of July.” You should reply to that greeting with “Happy Independence Day” without slapping them in the face though you are very tempted to do. There is a reason that the current government wants you to celebrate the date on the calendar rather than what it represents. Be a rebel. Go ahead and say Happy Independence day.

The flag of my Country.

Recreate safely and responsibly this Memorial Day weekend

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest managers anticipate a busy Memorial Day weekend and offer forest users the following reminders to help make the visit as safe and enjoyable as possible.

· Monitor the weather with the National Weather Service Flagstaff, find forest information and conditions on the Kaibab NF website or by contacting your local ranger station, and always be prepared for sudden changes.
· When recreating near rivers, creeks, streams, or in canyons, be aware of high ground and escape routes in case of flash flooding.
· Always look up, look down, look all around for potential hazards such as falling branches, trees, or rocks.
· Bring extra water, food, and clothing layers. Let someone know where you’ll be, and when you plan to return.
· Remember that you’re not the only person using the forest; be respectful of other forest users – drivers, pedestrians, equestrians, and bicyclists.
· Drive with caution as some roads still have hazards such as fallen trees, snow and deep mud.
· Vehicles must stay on designated roads. A free Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM) is available at our offices and GPS-enabled versions can be downloaded from our website. These show you the roads you’re allowed to travel and indicate the areas where you may pull further off the road for dispersed camping. The MVUM is the only official reference – don’t rely on map apps and don’t expect blockades or signage on every “off-limits” route.
· Along those lines, please don’t use our signs as your practice target, canvas, or home decor.
· Don’t mess with history. Our forest is rich with artifacts that tell the stories of the people who inhabited this land long before us. You might be lucky enough to come across evidence of more recent settlements like old containers and remnants of railroads and homes, or something from the earliest civilizations like rock art, pottery, and sharps. If you do, “oooh’s” and “ahhh’s” are OK; painting, breaking, and taking are not. In fact, it’s all illegal.
· 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 your campfire with dirt and water until it’s dead out. You’ll know it’s fully extinguished when it’s cold to the touch. If there’s still smoke, there’s still heat.
· Pack it in, pack it out. Responsible recreation includes packing out all your trash and everything you brought with you. Practice the Leave No Trace principals and leave the forest healthy and beautiful.

Bottom line: Plan ahead, make safety your priority, and respect the natural resources and fellow forest visitors.

Santaland leads off festive events

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WILLIAMS – Petey is out to remind everyone that Santaland is in full swing at the Recreation Center at 300 W. Railroad Avenue. Kids can get pictures with Santa and his nemesis, the Grinch. They can also pick up some goodies.

Petey also reminds everyone that parking along Route 66 will not be allowed beginning at 4:30. Vehicles may be towed from about 1st Street through 4th Street. This is the parade route and people will want to pack in and be able to see the parade.

The Parade of Lights will start at 6:30 and will be followed by the tree lighting ceremony.

What is today?

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If one were to ask the average passersby what today is, they might take a hint from the flags lining the street. Oh, they might say. Today is Flag day, of course. June 14 is definitely Flag day (36 USC 110). The more learned might even say, Well it’s Flag week. Flag Week (36 USC 122) started on Sunday June 12 and will end on June 18. You will have to search far and wide to find anyone that can go much beyond that.

I hope that I have you questioning me in your mind. Just what the Sam Hill am I talking about.

Flag Day is June 14 and Flag Week is the week that contains Flag Day. There is, however, another holiday period “hidden” in this day. You certainly weren’t taught about it in school recently. I do not remember being taught about it in the 60s and 70s. It is a holiday period that – as far as my research can reveal – only one city in America acknowledges. That city is Rome, New York.

The 21-days from Flag Day to Independence Day (which is held on July 4) is Honor America Days (36 USC 112).

Now you might say to yourself, Of course THIS administration won’t recognize that. Yet, how many “Republican” administrations have transpired without any acknowledgment of this holiday?

Most do not know that September 17 is Constitution Day and the week of September 17 to September 23 is Constitution Week. Why? The proverbial “they” do not want you to know. There is no inclination from to so-called left or right to get you to honor America in anyway.

America has done some bad things. Slavery should have been abolished with the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The conservative Democrat slave owners of the South at the time were too powerful and important to the Revolution. After all, Virginia was the most important colony to the cause at the time. It even provided the commanding general and the first President under the Constitution – George Washington.

It is important to recognize our faults. In 1905 George Santayana expressed this in these words, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

We hope to lead you, during this period, to reading material that is important to you. We also recommend that you pull out your copy of (or find a copy to watch) the mini-series John Adams. If you have Tubi or one of the other video apps on your phone, tablet or television stick, you can find a myriad of videos on the American revolution and American history. Read a copy of the Constitution. Even skipping all of the mathematical formulas and boring detail, you can find all sorts of interesting stuff. For example that the Federal Government is supposed to ensure that each state has a Republican form of government (Constitution, Article IV; Section 4, Clause 1). Even Wikipedia got that right. Read the Federalist Papers. You do not have to read them all. Concentrate on those that interest you (HINT: Federalist Paper No. 29 should interest you). Read the anti-Federalist arguments If the schools are going to teach you nothing, learn on your own. You have that so-called “smart” phone, use it for something smart!

ADOT: Drivers should focus on safety for Memorial Day road trips

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PHOENIX – Drivers who are planning road trips over the Memorial Day weekend should prepare ahead of time for hot weather in areas, stay alert and bring along essential items in case of an unscheduled stop in traffic.

The Arizona Department of Transportation is not scheduling any full construction or maintenance closures along state highways from Friday afternoon, May 28, through Monday night, May 31, to limit impacts on holiday weekend travel.

Drivers should allow extra time, especially during peak travel periods, and be prepared for unscheduled highway closures due to crashes, disabled vehicles or other incidents such as wildfires.

While no full construction closures are scheduled over the three-day weekend, drivers should prepare to slow down and merge safely when approaching and traveling through existing work zones.

Motorists also should pack extra drinking water and other items including blankets, a first aid kit, flashlight, extra batteries, a fully charged cell phone and charger, healthy snacks, baby diapers if necessary and a small tool kit.

Since travel delays are possible, don’t forget an adequate amount of prescription medicines. A hat, sunglasses and umbrella – to help with rain or shade – also are good items to remember.

Be prepared for changing weather conditions, including blowing dust. ADOT’s holiday weekend safe driving recommendations include:

  • Never drive while impaired. Buckle up and obey speed limits
  • Arrange for a designated driver or ride service if necessary
  • Check your vehicle, including tire pressure
  • Get some rest before traveling. Fatigue is a serious safety risk
  • Avoid distractions. Don’t text while driving
  • Don’t park in areas with grasses and brush. Hot vehicle components could start a fire

Real-time highway conditions are available on ADOT’s Arizona Traveler Information site at az511.gov. ADOT also provides highway condition updates via its Twitter feed, @ArizonaDOT. When a highway closure or other major traffic event occurs, our free app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information directly to app users in affected areas – where possible, in advance of alternate routes.

Kaibab Forest Service selling Christmas tree permits

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest is selling Christmas tree permits through Recreation.gov. Permit holders will be allowed to cut November 16 through December 24.

A total of 2,500 permits will be available for purchase through the Recreation.gov webpage for Kaibab NF Christmas Trees, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and sizes of trees that may be cut. Five hundred permits will be designated for cutting areas on the Tusayan Ranger District, while the North Kaibab and Williams ranger districts will each have 1,000 permits available.

Permits are limited to one per household and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Each permit costs $15.00 per tree. Permits designated for the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts will be good for one tree each. For the North Kaibab Ranger District, up to 5 trees may be purchased on a single permit. A processing fee will be applied to each transaction.

When purchasing an online permit, it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing. Visitors will also need to set up or login to a Recreation.gov account to complete the transaction.

Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas Tree through the Every Kid Outdoors Program by entering their pass ID on Recreation.gov. For additional information about the initiative and how to obtain a pass, visit www.everykidoutdoors.gov.