Tag Archives: News

GateWay in Phoenix is the first higher-education institution to fly an ADEQ Air Quality Flag

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PHOENIX – A GateWay Community College student’s personal experience led to the college being the first higher-education institution to join the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s (ADEQ) Air Quality Flag Program. Brightly colored flags will hang on campus to raise awareness of air quality conditions within the community.

“After my grandfather was hospitalized for respiratory complications, I was looking for a way to help inform my classmates and people in the community about air quality and how we can work together to make it better,” said Britain Guliford, Respiratory Care Program student at Gateway Community College. “My grandfather is out of the hospital now, but hanging these flags is my first step in helping him and others stay out of the hospital in the future.”

By staying informed about air quality, people can make choices to protect themselves and their families from the impacts of air pollution. As part of a Service Learning project, students in the Respiratory Care Program will display two flags on the main campus located at 108 North 40th Street in Phoenix. One flag can be seen from the Valley Metro lightrail on Washington Street, also informing commuters and people traveling to and from the Phoenix International Airport. In addition, the daily air quality forecast will be visible on monitors in common areas and an outdoor marquee.

“GateWay Community College is honored to be a part of this milestone for the Flag Program in Arizona,” said Dr. Steven Gonzales, President of Gateway Community College. “Service learning is part of our curricula, but the students here have shown leadership above and beyond what is required by launching this awareness campaign that will benefit not only students and instructors on campus, but the people that live, work and travel in our community.”

Each school day, students will hang a flag matching the colors of the Air Quality Index (AQI). For Phoenix, ADEQ issues a daily AQI forecast that shows concentrations of PM-10 (dust) or ozone. By comparing the colored flags to the AQI, residents will know what actions to take to protect their health. Green signals good air quality, yellow is moderate, orange means unhealthy for sensitive groups (such as children and people with asthma) and red signals unhealthy air for everyone and outdoor exertion should be limited.

Medex Cardio-Pulmonary Recalls Sterile Saline and Sterile Water

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The FDA has identified this as a Class I recall, the most serious type of recall. Use of these devices may cause serious injuries or death

Recalled Product(s):

  • Select serial and lot numbers of Smiths Medical Sterile Saline and Water (listed below)
  • Manufacturing Dates: August 30, 2013, to February 10, 2017
  • Distribution Dates: August 30, 2013, to February 10, 2017
  • Full list of affected devices
  • Devices Recalled in the U.S.: 939,364

Device Use

The sterile saline and water are respiratory humidification products used in patients undergoing respiratory therapy, tracheal wash, or wound cleaning.

Reason for Recall

Smiths Medical is recalling the sterile saline and sterile water products for inhalation due to the potential exposure to infectious agents (bacillus infantis and staphylococcus epidermidis) because of damage to the containers used to package the finished products. Use of these products in patients could result in infection and may require treatment with antibiotics. Serious or untreated infections could result in patient death.

The company initiated a voluntary recall on September 5, 2017. That recall covered several products, including some that are outside the scope of this notice. The FDA is auditing the recall to ensure the company has notified all affected customers and that affected product has been returned. Based on the available information, the FDA is now classifying the action regarding the affected products (listed below) as a Class I recall.

Who May be Affected

  • Hospitals and health care professionals using Smiths Medical Sterile Saline or Water distributed from August 30, 2013, to February 10, 2017.
  • Patients receiving respiratory therapy or tracheal lavage with Smiths Medical Sterile Saline or Water distributed from August 30, 2013, to February 10, 2017.

What to Do

On September 5, 2017, Smiths Medical sent affected customers an “Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice” informing them of affected sterile water and saline product models and directing them to locate, determine the affected sterile saline or water products in their possession, and to complete the “Urgent Medical Device Recall Response Form” attached to the recall notice. Customers were also instructed to return all affected product to Stericycle for processing.

On January 7, 2019, distributer Medline Industries Inc. initiated a sub-recall for privately labeled product models and lots, affected by the September 5, 2017, Smiths Medical recall notice, that were not expired and which may be potentially contaminated with the infectious agents.

The notice asked customers to:

  1. Locate the affected Sterile Water, Saline and Eye Wash in their possession by referring to the specific model and lot numbers listed in the Urgent Medical Device Field Recall Response Form.
  2. Determine the number of affected devices in their possession and complete the Urgent Medical Device Field Recall Response Form attached to this letter within 10 days of receipt and send it to smithsmedicalste00100@stericycle.com. The form must be returned even if customers do not have any of the affected Sterile Water, Saline and Eye Wash in their possession. Product credit will be processed once the Urgent Medical Device Field Recall Response Form and affected product is received. All affected devices must be returned to Stericycle for processing. Pre‐paid shipping labels were included with the Urgent Medical Device Recall Notice.
  3. Package the affected devices and include a copy of the completed Urgent Medical Device Field Recall Response Form inside EACH BOX of the returned devices to obtain credit for the returned devices. Make sure boxes are sealed and labeled with the facility name prior to shipping devices to Stericycle.

Distributors are asked to immediately notify customers who received the affected product of this Recall.

Contact Information

Customers with questions regarding this notification may contact Stericycle via email at smithsmedicalste00100@stericycle.com.

Date Recall Initiated

September 5, 2017

Full List of Affected Devices

  • Portex 350 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt (Model # 352 Lot Numbers: A214, A215, Z263, Z532, and Z555)
  • Portex 550 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt (Model # 552 Lot Numbers: A054, A089, A090, and Z262)
  • Portex 1000 ml Sterile Water USP Pour Bottle (Model # 1065 Lot Numbers: B209 and Z225)
  • Portex 500 ml Sterile Water USP Pour Bottle (Model # 1565 Lot Number: Y371)
  • Intermed 350 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt. (Model # 0352IMJ Lot Numbers: A457, A597, B157, B236, Z589, Z655, Z656, and Z661)
  • Portex 550 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt. (Model # 0552C Lot Number: Z370)
  • Intermed 550 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt. (Model # 0552IMJ Lot Numbers: Z588 and Z597)
  • Medline 300-350 ml Sterile Water Humidifier w/5psi Adapt. (Model # HCS00300 Lot Number: Y576)
  • Medline Prefilled 350 ml Sterile Water (Model # HCS00350 Lot Numbers: A055, A056, A057, A058, A103, A176, A455, B530, B531, B532, B533, Z101, Z534, Z553, and Z554)
  • Portex Unit Dose 5 ml Normal Saline (0.9%) (Model # R0059 Lot Number: B360), K820227
  • Portex Unit Dose 15 ml Normal Saline (Model # R0159 Lot Numbers: A661, B067, A526, A536, A569, and B201)
  • Portex 5ml Normal Saline (0.9%) Unit Dose (Model # UD9005 Lot Number: B515), K820227
  • Medline Prefilled 550 ml Sterile Water (Model # HCS00550 Lot Numbers: A092, B205, B534, and Z205)

How do I report a problem?

Health care professionals and consumers may report adverse reactions or quality problems they experienced using these devices to MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Health care professionals employed by facilities that are subject to FDA’s user facility reporting requirements should follow the reporting procedures established by their facilities.

Tris Pharma, Inc Expands Its Voluntary Nationwide Retail Recall of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops

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Monmouth Junction, NJ, Tris Pharma, Inc. is expanding the scope of its November 2018 recall by adding three (3) additional lots of Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, to the retail (pharmacy) level. Some units from these batches have been found to have higher levels of Ibuprofen concentration.

Infants already susceptible to the adverse effects of ibuprofen may be at a slightly higher risk if they receive medication from an impacted bottle. There is a remote probability that infants, who may be more susceptible to a higher potency level of drug, may be more vulnerable to permanent NSAID-associated renal injury. Some units from these six (6) lots have been found to contain Ibuprofen as high as 10% above the specified limit. Studies have shown that safety issues or toxicity is generally accepted to be a concern in infants at doses in excess of 700% of the recommended dose.1 To date, no serious adverse events have been reported related to this recall.

The product is used as a pain reliever/fever reducer and is packaged in ½ oz. and 1 oz. bottles. This voluntarily recall includes the six (6) lots listed below:

Lot No. NDC EXPIRATION DESCRIPTION COMPANY
4718 59779-925-23 12/19 CVS Health: Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 0.5 oz. bottle CVS Pharmacy
00717005A 49035-125-24 02/19 Equate: Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 1.0 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc.
00717006A 59779-925-24 

(Labeled as: 50428-1252-4)

 02/19 CVS Health: Infants’ Ibuprofen Concentrated Oral Suspension, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 mL, in 1.0 oz. bottle CVS Pharmacy
00717009A
(Previously announced) 		49035-125-23 02/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
00717015A
(Previously announced) 		49035-125-23 04/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
00717024A
(Previously announced) 		49035-125-23 08/19 Equate: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle Wal-Mart Stores Inc
59779-925-23 CVS Health: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops,
USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle		 CVS Pharmacy
55319-250-23 Family Wellness: Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops,
USP, 50 mg per 1.25 ml, in 0.5 oz. bottle		 Family Dollar Services Inc.

Tris Pharma, Inc. manufactures Ibuprofen Oral Suspension Drops, USP for a single customer, who markets and distributes the product to retailers. The retailers should stop further distribution of the affected lots, which are being recalled. Tris Pharma, Inc. has notified its customer by urgent recall notice and has arranged for the return of recalled products from retailers and distributors.

Consumers with questions regarding this recall may contact Tris Customer Service by 732-940-0358 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM ET- 5:00 PM PT) or via email at micc_tris@vigilarebp.com. Consumers, who may be concerned, should contact their physician or healthcare provider if they have experienced any problems that may be related to taking or using this drug product.

Adverse reactions or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

This recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has approved a class II retail level recall for this recall,

Tyson Foods, Inc. Recalls Chicken Nugget Products due to Possible Foreign Matter Contamination

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WASHINGTON DC – Tyson Foods, Inc., a Sedalia, Mo. establishment, is recalling approximately 36,420 pounds of chicken nugget products that may be contaminated with extraneous materials, specifically rubber, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The panko chicken nugget items were produced on Nov. 26, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:

5-lb. plastic packages of “Tyson WHITE MEAT PANKO CHICKEN NUGGETS” with a “BEST IF USED BY” date of “NOV 26 2019,” case code “3308SDL03” and time stamps 23:00 through 01:59 (inclusive).

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-13556” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to retail locations nationwide.

The problem was discovered when the establishment received consumer complaints of extraneous material in purchased Panko Chicken Nugget products. FSIS was notified on Jan. 29, 2019.

There have been no confirmed reports of adverse reactions due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

FSIS is concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls.

Consumers with questions about the recall can contact Tyson Consumer Relations at 1-888-747-7611. Members of the Media with questions about the recall can contact Worth Sparkman, Senior Communications Manager with Tyson Foods, Inc., at (479) 290-6358.

Online applications for 2019 pronghorn, elk hunts due soon

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters that time is running out to apply online for 2019 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.

All online applications must be received by AZGFD no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019.

To apply online, visit www.azgfd.gov and click on “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2019 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed booklets are available at all department offices and license dealers statewide.

A benefit of the online application process is the opportunity to purchase PointGuard, which provides hunters with peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.

AZGFD encourages all applicants to sign up for a free portal account when they apply online. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their draw applications, license history, bonus points, gain access to their Conservation Membership package and more in the “My AZGFD Dashboard” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems. Draw results will be posted to portal accounts.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on “My Account” in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Register” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

AZGFD is dedicated to assisting applicants with the online process. All department offices are equipped with customer computers that can be accessed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Customer service representatives can be reached by calling (602) 942-3000.
 

Mexican wolf survey begins February 7

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PINETOP — Residents of Alpine, Arizona, Reserve, NM and surrounding areas may notice a low-flying helicopter in the region between February 7 and February 20 as biologists conduct their annual Mexican wolf population survey and capture.

Arizona Game and Fish photo

The flights are part of the Mexican wolf Reintroduction Project, a multi-agency cooperative effort among the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Service Inspection Service – Wildlife Services and the White Mountain Apache Tribe.Survey flights will occur — weather permitting — on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation; the Apache-Sitgreaves, Gila and Cibola National Forests in eastern Arizona and western New Mexico; and possibly some locations immediately outside forest boundaries.

“Each year this survey is done in the wintertime to provide a snapshot of the Mexican wolf population, by collecting critical data to help partner agencies make sound management decisions in the Mexican Wolf Recovery Program,” said Paul Greer, AZGFD Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team leader. “Additionally, data collected helps us know how these animals are using habitat in Arizona and New Mexico.”

As part of the operation, biologists will attempt to capture selected wolves born in 2018 that have not yet been fitted with a radio telemetry collar, in addition to those with collars that need a battery replacement or any wolf appearing to be sick or injured. Wolves are captured after being darted with an anesthetizing drug from a helicopter containing trained personnel.

After being immobilized, the wolf is then brought by air to a staging area for processing and any necessary veterinary care. The wolf is then returned to the Mexican Wolf Experimental Population Area (MWEPA) and released on public land.

The field team is contacting private landowners to gain permission to property to capture a wolf, if necessary, and will be coordinating with land management agencies and county sheriff offices on survey operation details.

There were a minimum of 114 wolves in the wild in Arizona and New Mexico at the end of 2017, according to a survey by the Mexican Wolf Interagency Field Team. The survey found that there were 63 wolves in Arizona and 51 in New Mexico.

Results of the survey will be made available to the public in March. For more information on the Mexican wolf reintroduction program, visit http://www.azgfd.gov/wolf or https://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/mexicanwolf/.

CCSO Search and Rescue respond to report of overdue skier

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FLAGSTAFF – On February 3, 2019 at approximately 5:00 PM the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded to a report of an overdue skier who had left the ski area boundary at Arizona Snowbowl and entered the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. The skier, a 16-year-old male from Flagstaff, became separated from his group and the rest of the group returned to the Arizona Snowbowl where they made the report to the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Patrol. The skier was reported to be equipped with only his skis and cell phone and no other survival equipment. At the time the report was made, it appeared that the skier’s cell phone had been powered off or had run out of battery.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit along with the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Patrol initiated an investigation and search for the skier. At approximately 5:45 PM the Sheriff’s Office located the skier on Snowbowl Road at approximately milepost 3. The skier was uninjured and was provided a ride to the Agassiz Lodge to be reunited with his family and friends. While this situation turned out well, it had the potential to be a dangerous situation for the skier.

This incident was the third lost out of bounds skier / snowboarder call received by either the Sheriff’s Office or the Arizona Snowbowl Ski Patrol on Sunday. With the recent snowfall and the expected heavy snow through mid-week, it is expected that more skiers and snowboarders may elect to ski out of bounds. Skiing or snowboarding outside of the ski area boundary carries with it some risk. The area outside of the Arizona Snowbowl boundary is not patrolled and avalanche mitigation is not conducted in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness. Most skiers and snowboarders who leave the ski area boundary intend to return to the ski area, but terrain tends to force them to the south and away from the ski area.

WHAT YOU SHOULD CARRY

Those who recreate outside of the Arizona Snowbowl boundary should carry the following equipment; extra food and water, extra warm clothing, navigation equipment (map, compass, and GPS), headlamp, first aid kit, shelter material (large leaf bag or space blanket), fire starting kit or backpacking stove, pocket knife/multi-tool, whistle, avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, backcountry shovel, and a cell phone with a back-up battery pack.

Amateur radio repeaters are also located on Mount Elden. If you have an amateur radio, you can program 146.980 with a 162.2 CTCSS and negative offset and 147.140 with a 162.2 CTCSS with a positive offset. In the Williams area, the Bill Williams repeater is 146.780 with a 91.5 CTCSS and negative offset.

Wilderness users should also avoid traveling alone. Education about the winter backcountry hazards including avalanche should be sought out. Avalanches often occur within 24 hours of a storm and heavy snowfall amounts over a short period of time, high winds which deposit snow in starting zones, or signs of instability in the snowpack warrant concern in the backcountry.

The Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center offers weekly snowpack summaries that highlight the hazards in the snowpack as well as offer educational classes about avalanche. More information about the snowpack summary and courses available can be found at www.kachinapeaks.org.

A free Kachina Peaks Winter Backcountry Permit is required for backcountry travel in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness when accessing the Wilderness from Arizona Snowbowl and along the Snowbowl Road at Viet Spring and Friedlein Prairie Road. The permit can be obtained from the U.S. Forest Service and more information about the permit can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fseprd479744.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition Voluntarily Recalls Select Canned Dog Food for Excessive Vitamin D

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Hill’s Pet Nutrition is voluntarily recalling select canned dog food products due to potentially elevated levels of vitamin D. While vitamin D is an essential nutrient for dogs, ingestion of elevated levels can lead to potential health issues depending on the level of vitamin D and the length of exposure, and dogs may exhibit symptoms such as vomiting, loss of appetite, increased thirst, increased urination, excessive drooling, and weight loss. Vitamin D, when consumed at very high levels, can lead to serious health issues in dogs including renal dysfunction. Pet parents with dogs who have consumed any of the products listed and are exhibiting any of these signs should contact their veterinarian. In most cases, complete recovery is expected after discontinuation of feeding.

In the United States, the affected canned dog foods were distributed through retail pet stores and veterinary clinics nationwide. No dry foods, cat foods, or treats are affected.

Pet parents who purchased the product with the specific lot/date codes listed should discontinue feeding and dispose of those products immediately or return unopened product to your retailer for a refund. For more information, please contact Hill’s via our website or at 1-800-445-5777.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition learned of the potential for elevated vitamin D levels in some of our canned dog foods after receiving a complaint in the United States about a dog exhibiting signs of elevated vitamin D levels. Our investigation confirmed elevated levels of vitamin D due to a supplier error.

We care deeply about all pets and are committed to providing pet parents with safe and high quality products. Hill’s has identified and isolated the error and, to prevent this from happening again, we have required our supplier to implement additional quality testing prior to their release of ingredients. In addition to our existing safety processes, we are adding our own further testing of incoming ingredients.

For further information, please contact Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. at 1-800-445-5777 Monday-Friday during the hours of 9am-5pm (CST) or at contactus@hillspet.com. Information can also be found at www.hillspet.com/productlist

This voluntary recall only impacts canned dog food and primarily in the United States. It is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Impacted products outside of the United States will be subject to separate notices on the country-specific website. If you are outside of the United States, please check your own country’s Hill’s website for more information.

Product Name SKU Number Lot Code/Date Code
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® c/d® Multicare Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 3384 102020T10
102020T25
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 3389 102020T04
102020T10
102020T19
102020T20
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 5.5oz 3390 102020T11
112020T23
122020T07
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® z/d® Canine 5.5oz 5403 102020T17
112020T22
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® g/d® Canine 13oz 7006 112020T19
112020T20
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Canine 13oz 7008 092020T30
102020T07
102020T11
112020T22
112020T23
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® j/d® Canine 13oz 7009 112020T20
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® k/d® Canine 13oz 7010 102020T10
102020T11
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine 13oz 7017 092020T30
102020T11
102020T12
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® z/d® Canine 13oz 7018 102020T04
112020T22
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Metabolic + Mobility Canine Vegetable & Tuna Stew 12.5oz 10086 102020T05
102020T26
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® w/d® Canine Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz 10129 102020T04
102020T21
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® i/d® Low Fat Canine Rice, Vegetable & Chicken Stew 12.5oz 10423 102020T17
102020T19
112020T04
Hill’s® Prescription Diet® Derm Defense® Canine Chicken & Vegetable Stew 12.5oz 10509 102020T05
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Small & Toy Breed Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 5.8oz 4969 102020T18
Hill’s® Science Diet® Puppy Chicken & Barley Entrée 13oz 7036 102020T12
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7037 102020T13
102020T14
112020T23
112020T24
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Turkey & Barley Dog Food 13oz 7038 102020T06
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Chicken & Beef Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7040 102020T13
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult Light with Liver Dog Food 13oz 7048 112020T19
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Chicken & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7055 092020T31
102020T13
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Beef & Barley Entrée Dog Food 13oz 7056 092020T31
112020T20
112020T24
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Turkey & Barley Entrée 13oz 7057 112020T19
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Braised Beef, Carrots & Peas Stew dog food 12.5oz 10452 102020T14
102020T21
Hill’s® Science Diet® Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew dog food 12.5oz 10763 102020T04
102020T05
112020T11

Regional transportation study public meeting to be held in Show Low

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PHOENIX – The regional transportation plan study process for the White Mountains area, administered by the Arizona Department of Transportation, continues with a public meeting to present study findings Thursday, February 7, in Show Low.

Those attending the meeting, to be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Show Low City Hall, 180 N. Ninth Street, can review and comment on potential transportation improvement projects identified in the region. Public input will inform selection of projects that will be documented in the study’s final report.

ADOT is administering the transportation study for southern Navajo and Apache counties that will evaluate the current transportation infrastructure in the region and make project recommendations over the next 20 years. These projects may involve roads, bike lanes, transit routes, pedestrian trails or anything that would improve residents and visitor’s mobility within the region.

The public can also view and provide comments on the Southern Navajo and Apache County Work Plan by visiting the project webpage at azdot.com/SNAC. Click the “comment form” link to provide feedback.

The southern Navajo and Apache County region began this regional transportation plan update due to population growth and economic development that are placing a burden on the existing infrastructure.

The study region includes Snowflake, Taylor, Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside and unincorporated areas of southern Navajo and Apache counties, including the communities of Concho and Vernon.

Visit azdot.gov/SNAC for more information on the study.

AZGFD reduces size of Glassford Hill pronghorn herd

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A helicopter helps drive the pronghorn into a holding pen during the capture.

PRESCOTT VALLEY — The fastest land animal in North America can make it seem so effortless, reaching a top speed of 55 mph, then being able to coast at 30 mph for miles. When they get their wheels rolling, there isn’t a predator that can keep up with them, let alone catch them.

There is one thing, however, that an estimated 100 pronghorn that have roamed the Glassford Hill area near Prescott Valley cannot outrun — development.

On January 24, the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD), in partnership with the Arizona Antelope Foundation (AAF) and local private landowners, reduced the size of the iconic herd by capturing 45 of the fleet-footed animals and transporting them to various release sites in southeast Arizona.“Our mission at Game and Fish is to conserve and protect all of Arizona’s wildlife,” said Erin Butler, terrestrial wildlife program manager for the department’s regional office in Kingman. “With a four-lane, divided highway to the north, an encroaching subdivision to the east, another housing community under construction to the west, and more development to the south, this particular herd needs our help.

Pronghorn are released at several sites in southern Arizona.

“As development in this area continues, and their habitat dwindles, these pronghorn will find it increasingly difficult to survive. Our goal is that translocating them will boost and add genetic diversity to existing populations in the southeast portion of the state.”

The one-day operation was conducted on private property south of Highway 89A. A helicopter was used to round up and funnel the pronghorn into a holding area, where wildlife biologists, veterinarians, and others evaluated the health of each pronghorn, attached an ear tag for identification and fitted them with GPS tracking collars.

The pronghorn then were transported almost 300 miles south to release sites near Bonita, Altar Valley and San Bernardino Valley, where they will bolster a small population numbering about 100. Extensive habitat improvement work has been done in these areas over the past 10 years in partnership with the Arizona Antelope Foundation and the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), both of which provided funding and volunteers. These improvements included clearing 22,000 acres of mesquite, modifying 35 miles of fencing to facilitate easier pronghorn movement, and the placement of 15 water troughs.

As for the remaining pronghorn near Glassford Hill, AZGFD expects the lower-elevation grassland habitat to be completely developed within the next five to 10 years, resulting in a decrease in the population through natural attrition.

Costs incurred for the operation were paid for through wildlife restoration funds (which are generated by sportsmen who support conservation through their purchase of hunting, fishing and other outdoor equipment), as well as support and volunteers from AAF and NRCS.