Monthly Archives: March 2014

Citing U.S. constitution, county commissioners OK guns in parks

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"It's extremely important to emphasize that the 2nd Amendment is not conditional," El Paso County Commissioner for District 2 Amy Lathen said. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette

“It’s extremely important to emphasize that the 2nd Amendment is not conditional,” El Paso County Commissioner for District 2 Amy Lathen said. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette

Gun owners now will be able to openly carry firearms in El Paso County parks.

The Board of County Commissioners unanimously passed parks rule changes Tuesday during its regular meeing that include tweaking the regulation that had banned open carry. The 4-0 vote came in the absence of Chairman Dennis Hisey, who left the regular meeting shortly after noon.

Hisey said moments before exiting that he was also in favor of the change to the gun rule and was confident that if he had stayed the vote would have remained unanimous. While the rule change allows open carry, it forbids the discharge of guns, fireworks or explosive device in a county park.

Each of the commissioners mentioned their oath to uphold the United States Constitution and the 2nd Amendment, which gives citizens the right to bear arms. Multiple board members also said they did not want to incriminate law-abiding citizens who simply want to defend themselves.

“We don’t get to cherry-pick what provisions of the constitution to support,” said Darryl Glenn, the District 1 representative.

Read more at The Gazette

Rain and snow Friday.

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rasn50WILLIAMS – The weather service predicts rain and snow starting today through Friday with some snow accumulation possible. The same conditions exist for Flagstaff.

Scattered rain and snow showers are expected this afternoon with some thunder possible tonight in Flagstaff. There is a possibility of a half-inch of snow accumulation overnight.

The rain and snow conditions will continue through Friday during the day returning to sunny and warm by Saturday.

Runaway juveniles taken into custody without incident.

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raj-20140312FLAGSTAFF – Two juvenile runaways kept Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies busy beginning Tuesday when it was reported that they were in possession of a firearm. Thirteen year old Gregorio Mocasque and eleven year old Troy Stallings who were reported as runaway juveniles and were last seen at approximately 11:00 pm on March 8 in the Doney Park area East of Flagstaff, AZ.

On the 11th at about 1:10 pm while searching for the missing subjects, Sheriff’s Deputies and Flagstaff Police Officers found the hand gun that they believed was in the possession of the missing juveniles. The gun was found abandoned in a forested area close to Turkey Hill and Foster Road in the Doney Park subdivision. Investigators were not aware of any other information that would indicate the two runaways are in possession of any other firearms.

At about 5 pm, the runaways were in custody by Sheriff’s deputies without incident after receiving a tip from a woman in Doney Park who had received a flier earlier. The boys were released to the custody of the Juvenile Detention Center.

“The men and women of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office consider themselves very fortunate to serve in a county where community members partner with law enforcement to report suspicious persons and activity and are vital in promoting neighborhood safety,” the press release said.

The Sheriffs department also thanked the Flagstaff Police department, United States Marshall’s Task force, the Sheriff’s Civilian Patrol Volunteers and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Helicopter crew for their assistance in the search.

Work on Big Chino Bridge on SR 89 will impact drivers next week

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ADOT Photograph

Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Early next week traffic will be switched to the newly constructed (east side) of the Big Chino Bridge on State Route 89, north of Chino Valley.

Delays are expected of up to 15 minutes on Monday and Tuesday, March 17 and 18 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. as crews prepare to open the east side of the bridge and remove the temporary signal that has been in place since October 2013.

During the traffic switch vehicles will be guided through the work zone by flaggers and law enforcement. Once the traffic switch is completed, crews will begin to repair the west side of the bridge which is expected to be complete by the end of April.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage. ADOT advises drivers to allow additional time to reach their destinations and to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

Pavement work scheduled on SR 69 west of Cordes Junction next week

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Daytime lane closures during work hours, minimal delays expected

The Arizona Department of Transportation will be working to seal pavement cracks on northbound State Route 69 between mileposts 263 and 267, just west of the Cordes Junction traffic interchange next week.

Drivers can expect a northbound left lane restriction from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, March 17 through Thursday, March 20.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Minimal delays are expected.

“Hope for the World” ministry opens in Williams Mall

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Director Mike Rioux stands amongst items already donated.

Director Mike Rioux stands amongst items already donated.

WILLIAMS – The “Hope for the World” ministry was dedicated this afternoon in Williams. The new ministry, headed by Mike Rioux, is located in the Williams mall at 117 W route 66, Suite 125. His wife Maggie is assisting in the center.

The goal is to reach out for Christ to locals and tourists who have problems with English. He currently has Bibles and circulars in about 30 different languages. He has already given out 4 in the Navajo language and 1 Chinese.

Preaching the gospel is not exactly the mission of the ministry. It is a place for research and Bible Study. People will be able to get Bibles and other Christian books in different languages for free. The reference library and videos will only be available at the mission.

He plans to set up a coffee pot and a place for people to come in, research, fellowship or just pray. The ministry will open at 10 am and run until 6 pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. As more people are able to volunteer time, the center may open on other days. He invites anyone who is willing to volunteer to serve the ministry.

Dr. Andy McDaniel of the FBC dedicates the center with a prayer.

Dr. Andy McDaniel of the FBC dedicates the center with a prayer.

Ingrid Nist congratulates Mike. Ingrid is the assistant director of the center.

Ingrid Nist congratulates Mike. Ingrid is the assistant director of the center.

Mike hopes to be able to rent two spaces; one for the ministry services and the other to store donations. While he could use financial donations, he also has a need for ready to eat can goods and clothing and blankets in good condition.

The ministry area will consist of Bibles and Christian books to hand out. He also wants to set up a reference library for study and has a couch on the way. He is in need of shelves, possibly a small desk and other furnishings.

Volunteer Judy Givens stamps circulars for the mission.

Volunteer Judy Givens stamps circulars for the mission.

Mike is also the Service Officer for the VFW and hopes to add helping homeless and other veterans in need. He has some items he will only issue to veterans.

He hopes to expand the outreach to single mothers. The current plan is to evaluate their needs and to find the appropriate agency to help.

He is planning to invite members of the ministry Teen Challenge come in to speak to teens about drug abuse and suicide.

The Hope for the World mission is accepting donations, but is not a 501(c)3 for tax purposed. Mike is considering that option. He is seeking volunteers of any Christian faith to assist. Those with foreign language skills are especially welcome.

People gather to dedicate the Hope for the World mission.

People gather to dedicate the Hope for the World mission.

Rain forecast for tomorrow.

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signoftimes-03WILLIAMS – There is another chance of rain for Williams starting tomorrow. It is doubtful if it will be a significant amount.

The latest prediction is a 10% chance of rain tomorrow night rising to 20% during the day Friday and 30% Friday night.

Wind gusts of 24 mph are possible tomorrow during the day. Winds will be 11-16 mph Thursday night with gusts up to 23. Winds over Friday are expected to be 8-13 mph during the day dropping at night.

The long-range forecast shows rain ceasing over the rest of next week with temperatures rising to the sixties.