Monthly Archives: April 2014

Theatrikos Presents A 1940’s-Themed Fundraising Gala

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FLAGSTAFF – The Theatrikos Theatre Company will be hosting a gala event at the DoubleTree (formerly the Woodlands Hotel) in Flagstaff on May 3, 2014, complete with gourmet food and world-class entertainment. The reception will begin at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner at 7:00 PM and a presentation at 8:00 PM. The theme is “A Nostalgic Look Back to the 1940’s.” Period attire is encouraged, but not required.

Stan Sutherland and Ray Jordan, both members of the Theatrikos board of directors and frequent volunteers for various Northern Arizona nonprofit organizations, will present the evening’s entertainment with the help of other members of the Theatrikos family. Sutherland thinks that the 1940s theme will be a good excuse for people to get dolled up in period clothes and immerse themselves in an iconic era. “The ’40s were interesting, because in addition to being a time of unprecedented tragedy, they were a huge cultural highpoint. Film Noir classics like ‘The Maltese Falcon,’ as well as stuff like ‘Casablanca’ and ‘Citizen Kane’ were being made all in the same brief stretch.

Read more at Flagstaff Voices

Flagstaff Liberty Alliance April meeting features candidates.

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alliance-bannerFLAGSTAFF – The Flagstaff Liberty Alliance (Facebook) will introduce candidates John Lewis Mealer and Gary Kiehne at their April meeting (Facebook). Mealer is an Independent candidate for governor of Arizona and Kiehne is a Republican running for Representative for Congressional District #1.

The meeting will be held at the Weatherford Hotel at 23 N. Leroux Street in Flagstaff. The meeting will be on the second floor on Thursday, April 17 at 6 pm.

Fire Damages Residential Structure and two Travel Trailers

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WILLIAMS – Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives are investigating a fire that damaged a residential structure and two travel trailers on a lot located near Sycamore Canyon Drive in Pioneer Estates, which is a residential area located south of Parks, Arizona.

On Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at approximately 1:20 pm Sheriff’s Deputies and Ponderosa Fire District Firefighters responded to the report of a structural and wild land fire. The fire was quickly contained. However, three structures, including a house and two travel trailers, were lost. Residents had self-evacuated; no residents or fire fighters were injured.

A Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer responded and assisted with the investigation. The fire burned approximately 0.6 of an acre of national forest land. It is unknown at this time whether the cause of the fire was intentional or accidental, but indications are that the fire was human caused.

Investigators are considering the possibility that the fire was intentionally started. During a fire on the same property approximately one month ago, a travel trailer was destroyed. Deputies assigned to the Williams/Grand Canyon Patrol District and Detectives are continuing this investigation.

Detention Officer Arrested for Unlawful Sexual Conduct in a Correctional Facility

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FLAGSTAFF – On Tuesday, April 8, 2014 a staff member of the Coconino County Detention Facility spoke with an adult female inmate who told him that a detention officer was engaging in inappropriate conduct of a sexual nature with her. This information was given to the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation division and an internal affairs investigation was initiated. Sheriff’s Office staff contacted the Flagstaff Police Department and requested they conduct the criminal investigation of the offense.

As a result of the investigation by Flagstaff Police Detectives, 50 year-old Pete C. Gomez of Flagstaff, a Detention Officer II with the agency, was arrested for the offense of one count of Arizona Revised Statute 13-1419A (Unlawful Sexual Conduct in a Correctional Facility).

Gomez’s has been employed at the detention facility for five years. Gomez is on administrative leave as the internal investigation is continued by Sheriff’s Office Detectives. Flagstaff Police Detectives are continuing the criminal investigation.

Border patrol agent injured, suspects shot near San Miguel

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TOHONO O’ODHAM NATION, AZ (Tucson News Now) – (March 31) Tribal police and the FBI are investigating a shooting involving a U.S. Border Patrol agent on the Tohono O’odham Nation.

The border patrol said the driver of a truck tried to run over an agent who was standing outside his marked unit around 12:30 a.m. on a road outside San Miguel, according to Sgt. Bryan Flowers.

More at Tucson News Now

ADOT seeks input on five-year transportation plan on May 9 in Flagstaff.

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments on the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program while reaching out to the public and communities statewide for their input on the direction of the program over the next five years.

The third in the series of public hearings will be held in the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow the public hearing.

The Five-Year Program is updated every year and serves as a blueprint that details where, when and how regional, state and federal funding will be spent for projects over the next five years to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure. This includes highways, bridges, transit and aviation.

Much like the current Five-Year Program, the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program reflects a major focus on preserving the existing state highway system to keep it in good repair, while moving some programmed projects forward. ADOT must prioritize projects due to stagnant revenue from the gas and vehicle license taxes and from decreased federal funding — all of which support the Five-Year Program. Last year, ADOT cut $350 million from the 2014-2018 Five-Year Program because of substantially decreased revenue dedicated to transportation. No additional funding cuts are forecast for the 2015-2019 Five-Year Program; however, overall state and federal transportation funding continues to be flat.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program includes a three percent increase in preservation spending over the 2014-2018 Program, with a steady increase in preservation funding over the next 10 years. Preserving the system means protecting our investment of $18.4 billion; this is the estimated value of the state highway system. The funding for the 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Program looks like this:

  • Greater Arizona: $1.8 billion over five years (60 percent for preservation, 11 percent for expansion and 29 percent for modernization)
  • Maricopa County region: $1.7 billion over five years
  • Pima County region: $349 million over five years Aviation: $1.1 billion over five years

Both the Maricopa and Pima county regions have independent revenue streams established through voter-approved sales tax increases.

The 2015-2019 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is available for public review and comment at azdot.gov/fiveyearprogram. ADOT has developed a “how to read it” guide and welcomes feedback at fiveyearprogram@azdot.gov.

The State Transportation Board will consider all public comments received by May 20. The first public hearing was held in March in Phoenix. The third and final public hearing will be held on May 9 in Flagstaff.

The board is expected to adopt the final 2015-2019 Five-Year Program at the June 13 meeting in Willcox at the City of Willcox Council Chambers, 300 W. Rex Allen Drive.

Pavement work scheduled on State Route 89 on White Spar Road

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Delays of up to 15 minutes expected for the next two weeks

Crews will begin milling the asphalt on State Route 89 on White Spar Road in Prescott starting on Thursday, April 10, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Over the next two weeks drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Once the asphalt has been removed, crews will need time to build the road up in areas along the project and as a result, the existing roadway will be a dirt surface until the road is ready for pavement.

The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph through the work zone. ADOT advises drivers and bicyclists to proceed through the work zone with caution, comply with the reduced speed limit and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

The work zone will be clearly marked by temporary barricades and signage.

Citizen Prosecutor Academy scheduled for May 2d.

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CASEALGoldBlueReduced2FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Attorney office will conduct another Citizen Prosecutor Academy on Friday May 2d from 8:30 to 5 pm.

The day-long academy is taught by various experts from the Coconino County Attorney’s Office as well as other professionals from the criminal justice system. Attendees will learn how criminal cases are handled from intake/grand jury through trial to appeal. They can also expect a lecture presented by the Medical Examiner and a presentation about the Department of Public Safety Crime Lab. Participants will gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of real-world prosecution and law enforcement. You can see a sample of lectures from their previous agenda.

“We are excited to continue our academy which brings the community into the office to share information, exchange ideas, and facilitate a better understanding of how the County Attorney’s Office serves the public. It’s also a lot of fun,” County Attorney Rozema stated in the press release.

The class sizes are limited so interested parties should apply as soon as possible. You can download an application by clicking here.

Grand Opry for Habitat for Humanity.

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WILLIAMS – Habitat for Humanity will hold their Grand Opry at the Rodeo Barn this Friday, April 11 from 6:30 to 9 pm. The evening of music, fun and dinner will benefit the activities of the Williams Habitat for Humanity.

This annual fundraiser will feature country music with special guests Aquilla Larson and Caroline Barlow. Events include dancing, raffle, door prizes and cake walk. Hotdogs, soda, and water will be on sale, but popcorn will be available free. The Kiwanis club of Williams will have a spaghetti dinner from 4 to 6 pm.

Adults $6, Students and Seniors over 62 $3, Family of 4 or more $15