Tag Archives: News

Rescue of Injured Climber at Oak Creek Vista

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FLAGSTAFF — On November 10, 2018 at approximately 2:45 pm, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call about a climbing accident at Oak Creek Vista off of State Route 89A.

Multiple agencies responded to assist in the rescue of the injured climber. A 34-year-old female from Phoenix, AZ had sustained multiple serious injuries, including a back injury, when she fell approximately 40 feet as she began her rappel. Due to the location of the patient and the nature of her injuries, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue and Sedona Fire District Technical Rope Team members established a technical rope system to lower a rescuer and basket litter to the patient. Highlands Fire and Guardian Medical personnel, along with a Deputy Sheriff, had hiked to the patient’s location to provide initial treatment and help prepare the patient to be raised by the rope system.

Due to the extent of climber’s injuries and difficult terrain, an Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue helicopter was called in to determine if a short-haul operation would be feasible. After determining a short haul operation was in the best interest of rescuers and the injured climber, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Coordinator, who also is a member of the Northern Arizona Regional Heli-Rescue Team, and the climber were short-hauled to the Oak Creek Vista parking lot. From there, the climber was transferred to a Guardian Air Transport helicopter and was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

This incident was another example of the close working relationships between Northern Arizona public safety agencies.

State Employees Charitable Campaign raises money for charities

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PHOENIX — The State Employees Charitable Campaign (SECC) annually provides Arizona state employees with an opportunity to voluntarily contribute monetary donations that support more than 400 nonprofit agencies.

Now there’s an opportunity for the public to participate as well.

The campaign recently announced that proceeds from the raffle of a 2018 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS will equally benefit Wildlife for Tomorrow and the Arizona Elk Society, both independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit charities that work closely with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Together, the organizations provide additional support for habitat projects, water for wildlife, education and mentored activities where traditional resources aren’t adequate.

In addition, Special Olympics Arizona, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has been named one of the three designated charities to benefit from the proceeds to help assist more than 22,000 Arizona athletes who participate in the program.

RideNow Powersports has generously donated a custom camouflage 2018 Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000 EPS ($16,999 MSRP) to be raffled as the grand prize. The Arizona Elk Society is hosting the fundraiser on behalf of the three charities and has donated six additional prizes to increase the number of winners.

The raffle ends at 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Dec. 1, with a live drawing scheduled for Dec. 8 at RideNow Powersports in Phoenix at 17202 N. Cave Creek Road. For more information, and to participate, visit https://aesraffles.org/.

Prescribed Burning to continue on Kaibab National Forest beginning Friday

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WILLIAMS — Fuels reduction efforts will be continuing on both the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts beginning Friday of this week. Both districts will be conducting broadcast burns that could extend over the next several days as environmental and weather conditions permit.

The 12,000 acre Sunflower Prescribed Fire Project located approximately 8 miles southeast of Williams has been ongoing over the past year with nearly 7000 acres successfully treated to date. Aerial ignitions will continue as crews work toward completing the remaining 5000 acres on this project.Fire managers will also ignite a 245 acre unit approximately 3 miles south of Tusayan on the Reed Prescribed Fire Project beginning Friday and may treat an additional 354 acres just west of the town over the weekend ahead.

Opportunities to use prescribed fire to accomplish forest restoration objectives only exist during specific times of the year. Environmental conditions in the forest as well as precise weather patterns determine when these opportunities arise. The fall months usually present the most favorable time of year to achieve the most desirable effects for successful treatments.

During prescribed firing operations, campers and hunters are asked to avoid establishing campsites near the fire activity and seek alternative sites away from active burn areas.

Northeast winds are forecasted for several days as these burns begin which should alleviate impacts and transport smoke away from developed areas at both of these project locations.

Smoke may be visible from the communities of Parks, Sherwood Forest Estates, Garland Prairie, Bellemont, Grand Canyon Village, Tusayan, and Valle.Officials understand that smoke impacts to air quality may be unpleasant at times, however they can significantly reduce the amount and limit the duration more effectively using prescribed methods as opposed to an uncontrolled wildfire situation with long term effects.

During operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.

All prescribed burning on the Kaibab National Forest is subject to approval by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. For additional information on the Smoke Management Division of the ADEQ and to view prescribed burns authorizations, please visit www.azdeq.gov/environ/air/smoke/index.html.

Information about prescribed fire projects on the Kaibab National Forest can be obtained through the following sources:
InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
Kaibab National Forest Fire Information Phone Line (928) 635-8311.

For information about air quality and health awareness visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness

Record number of bald eagles take first flight in 2018

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PHOENIX — Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to soar as the number of breeding areas expanded statewide and a record 87 young hatched during the 2018 breeding season, according the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s annual survey.

The number of hatchlings rose from the previous high of 82 in 2017, as did the number of young that actually fledged, rising to 70 birds that made the important milestone of their first flight. In Arizona, at least 102 eggs were laid, which topped the 97 laid in 2017, and a record 87 breeding areas were identified, including three new areas.

“Arizona’s bald eagle population continues to be strong,” said Kenneth Jacobson, AZGFD bald eagle management coordinator. “The fact that we continue to see an increase in breeding areas and hatchlings speaks to the resiliency of these magnificent animals. Our ongoing efforts to help conserve and protect Arizona’s bald eagles appear to be working.”

Arizona’s bald eagle populations have flourished since 1978, when 11 pairs were counted within the state and the species was listed as endangered. Today there are an estimated 69 adult breeding pairs.

Bald eagles nationwide were removed as a protected species under the federal Endangered Species Act in 2007, but protections under the act were reinstated in 2008 in Arizona and remained until 2011. The department’s conservation efforts contributed to the species recovery. Nationally, the birds remain protected by the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

The impressive growth of the population is attributed to the continued efforts of the Southwestern Bald Eagle Management Committee – a coalition of AZGFD and 25 other government agencies, private organizations and Native American tribes – and its years of cooperative conservation efforts, including extensive monitoring by the nationally-awarded Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program.The breeding season for bald eagles in Arizona runs from December through June, although eagle pairs at higher elevations nest later than those in the rest of the state.

Continued support from the committee, State Wildlife Grants, the Heritage Fund (Arizona Lottery ticket sales) and funding through the Pittman-Robertson Act, will help ensure that Arizona’s bald eagles continue to thrive.

For more information on bald eagles in Arizona, visit www.azgfd.gov or www.swbemc.org.

Expect delays and on- and off-ramp closures on Interstate 40 at State Route 64 next week

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WILLIAMS — Northern Arizona drivers should expect travel delays and on- and off-ramp closures on Interstate 40 at State Route 64 during daytime hours Wednesday, November 14, and Thursday, November 15.

The closures are necessary as the Arizona Department of Transportation continues repairing 17 miles of pavement on Interstate 40 between Parks and Williams in northern Arizona. ADOT advises drivers to use Grand Canyon Boulevard (exit 163) while the following on- and off- ramp closures are in place:

Wednesday, November 14: Westbound I-40 off-ramp at SR 64 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Thursday, November 15: Eastbound I-40 on-ramp at SR 64 between 6 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Learn more about this project here.

FREE Admission for Veterans and Active Duty Military on November 11th

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WILLIAMS – This Veterans Day, Bearizona Wildlife Park invites all active duty and retired military to enjoy a day at the park as a Thank You for their service.

On Sunday, November 11, all veterans and active-duty military personnel will receive free admission into Bearizona Wildlife Park, by presenting a military ID or proof of service.

MVD gets award for improved customer service and innovation

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Getting Arizona out of line and safely on the road is getting widespread attention.

The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has received the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) “Improvement through Efficiencies Service Award” for the MVD online insurance update and reinstatement functions introduced last year. Those transactions previously required a visit to an MVD or Authorized Third Party office.

“In Arizona, the Motor Vehicle Division has been leading the way in making sure government serves its customers more efficiently and effectively,” said Governor Doug Ducey. “The dedicated employees of MVD have embraced the principles of the Arizona Management System to eliminate waste and maximize productivity. The results are stunning. Customers are spending half the time in MVD offices waiting than they did just a few years ago. That success belongs to the employees of MVD, and Arizonans are seeing the benefit.”

MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said, “It’s an honor to be recognized for our successes, but the real winners here are the MVD customers who continue to have more options for doing business more conveniently online. We have a terrific team of MVD employees who have embraced the culture of everyday improvement through the Arizona Management System and I’m proud that they’re getting this recognition.”

The Insurance Update is free and allows customers to electronically provide information regarding their insurance coverage directly to MVD. Insurance companies are given seven days by law to update policy information when changes such as cancellations or renewals occur. On those occasions when there may be a lag in that reporting time from an insurance provider, this online option will help customers with valid insurance to immediately update their MVD record and avoid a suspension.

The update tool is easy to use and asks for information that is found directly on an insurance card.

In addition to the Insurance Update, the Reinstatement Function allows customers to reinstate vehicle insurance that had been previously canceled or lapsed. The function determines eligibility for reinstatement, makes real-time updates to the MVD customer database upon completion, allows the customer to pay the $50 fee for each vehicle reinstatement, and provides a receipt confirmation that indicates the registration has been reinstated.

AAMVA was founded in 1933 and supports motor vehicle and law enforcement agencies in North America through programs and services focusing on safe drivers and vehicles, identity security, motor carrier services and technology solutions.

For more information: www.azdot.gov/mvd and www.aamva.org

Mayor and City Council Members to be sworn in tomorrow

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WILLIAMS — The Williams City Council will meet for their regular meeting tomorrow, November 8 at 7 p.m. at the Council Chambers at 113 S. First Street.

After the pledge of allegiance, the Mayor and Council members will be sworn in for their new terms.

The public participation will follow giving citizens a five-minute period to speak. The Council cannot act upon items presented during the public participation portion of the agenda. Individual Council members may ask questions of the public or may respond to any criticisms, but the members are prohibited by the open meeting law from discussing or considering the items among themselves until the time that the matter is officially placed on the agenda. The open meeting law does, however, allow the City Council to ask staff to review a matter or ask that it be placed on a future Council agenda.

After the public participation period, the Council may discuss and take action with an appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission.

The Council may discuss and take action with the new 2019 WIFA loan through the adoptions of Resolution No. 1373. Included in the WIFA funding, is the City Engineers final planning and design phase of the of Dogtown Water line replacement project.

Finally the Council may hear, discuss and take action with a recommendation from the Golf Advisory Committee with regard to an RFP for Elephant Rocks Golf Course.

Veterans get treat in Williams on Halloween

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WILLIAMS — The Veterans in the Williams area received a treat on Halloween morning when the American Legion hosted their first Veteran Stand Down Outreach at the Cordova Post on Grant street.

Volunteers provide a meal at the American Legion Veteran Stand Down Outreach.

The Veteran Stand Down is a program to reach homeless and at-risk Veterans. They hand out warm clothing for the winter, supplies and offer or provide services to help veterans get off of the streets. Every veteran, however, can take advantage of some of the programs and services offered. This was a smaller version of the event held in Flagstaff, but was still packed with useful information. Many of the services are available at offices throughout northern Arizona

Roger Ely, who organized the event, hopes to have some of the other services for the event in the future. Such as veterinary services. At this event, clothing was issued and there was a lunch provided. The Disabled Veterans National Foundation provided a bag with toiletries.

Several volunteer services join together to provide services to veterans at the Stand Down Outreach. Clothing and other personal items were also handed out.

Warrior to Inspector School and Catholic Charities at the Veteran Stand Down Outreach.

For housing assistance, representatives of the Veterans Resource Center and Catholic Charities were available. The Veterans Resource has a 40-year history of assisting homeless and extremely low income veterans and has offices in California and Nevada as well as Arizona. In Arizona they have offices in Flagstaff, Prescott and Bullhead City. You can check their web site at http://www.vetsresource.org. Catholic Charities also has services for homeless veterans and rent assistance. Representing this service agency was Rocky Coronado who works out of the Prescott office. He can be reached at 928-778-2531 extension 54012. The office is at 434 W. Gurley Street in Prescott.

Information on training was provided by the WAR2IN (Warrior to Inspector) vocational school. This is a relatively new program, also available to civilians, to certify you as industry level welding, steel welding and high strength bolt inspector using the latest technology. Some training occurs in the field. Semesters start on January and July 15th. They are currently waiting for approval to accept payments through the GI Bill. There may be other assistance, however, to help you pay the tuition which could land you a good-paying job in industry. You can check out their web site at http://www.war2in.org.

Employment information was provided by the Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services. If you are seeking a job, or a better job, they are located at 1701 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff. Go in and see Workforce Specialist Amanda Harris or call 928-213-3536. You can see their web site for locations throughout Arizona at http://www.azdvs.gov.

Mike Rioux (second from left), Service Officer for the Matthew Broehm VFW in Williams, provides services at the Veteran Stand Down. His services are available any time during the year at the downtown mall in Williams.

Mike Rioux, Service Officer for the local Matthew Broehm VFW Post in the mall, was on hand to provide service for veterans, such as obtaining DD-214s. He provides this and other services to veterans all year. He can be contacted through the Hope For the World ministry also located in the mall.

There were services for the things we do not like to think about. It is estimated that 22 veterans take their own lives each day. If you are contemplating suicide or are experiencing a drug problem, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. You can also text 838255 for help.

Display by Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Representatives were also available from the Camp Navajo Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery inters veterans at no cost and eligible spouses and dependents for a current one-time cost of $734. You can contact Andrew Griffen Administrator at 928-214-3474 or Judy Dillman Cemetery Representative at 928-214-3475 for more information. Information for the Camp Navajo Cemetery can be found at https://dvs.az.gov/arizona-veterans-memorial-cemetery-camp-navajo. General benefit information is available at http://www.cem.va.gov/cem/burial_benefits/eligible.asp.

The American Legion Cordova Post #13 is, of course, another year-around resource for help. There is, also, an office for the Grand Canyon John Ivens American Legion Post #42 in the mall downtown as well as the office for the Veterans of Foreign Wars post. You can check the DAV web site for a location near you. The Hope For the World ministry is another resource for homeless veterans as well as civilians in Williams and the surrounding area.

The Army National Guard and Bellemont Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery representatives discuss their services.

CCSO Investigating Fatal Accident in Valle Area Resulting in Death of 2-Year-Old

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WILLIAMS – On November 3rd at 11:19 am Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a report of a single vehicle accident involving a 2-year-old boy.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a residence in the Valle area—which is approximately 25 miles north of Williams, Arizona—for a report of a child who had been hit by a pick-up truck. The father reported that the child had been struck by a neighbor’s vehicle. The father of the boy sought emergency assistance by taking the injured child to the house a Department of Public Safety trooper who lived nearby. Sheriff’s deputies responded to the residence and transported the child to the Valle Airport where they met Guardian medics and Guardian Air. The child was pronounced dead at the airport by medics on scene.

Initial information indicates that a neighbor had been helping the family haul water. The child appeared to have been hit when the pickup truck was backing up to connect to the water trailer.

The child was transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office, and the incident is still under investigation.

Other agencies that assisted in response to this incident include Guardian Medical Transport and Guardian Air, Lifeline Air, Tusayan Fire Department, and High Country Fire Department.