Monthly Archives: May 2014

Bear tries to check-in at Bearizona

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Photo courtesy of Bearizona Wildlife Drive Through park.

Photo courtesy of Bearizona Wildlife Drive Through park.

WILLIAMS – Apparently word is getting around how good it is for the animals at Bearizona Wildlife drive through park in Williams. Bearizona staff and visitors were paid a visit by a wild bear Wednesday afternoon around 2:00 pm apparently trying to check-in. Bearizona immediately closed for the remainder of the day for the safety of visitors.

Visitors reported that a bear was “loose” a few feet off the sidewalk in Fort Bearizona. Bearizona staff responded by initiating their Escape and Recapture plan which included evacuating the walk thru area and moving all bears into lock down, while the Recapture Team maintained a visual presence with the bear and prepared for sedation. As visitors calmly left the area, Bearizona staff soon realized that all of the park’s bears were accounted for.

“Even before we began to lock down and count our bears, I took one look at that bear and knew it was not one of ours, ” reported Laura Leinaar, Animal Keeper. “We see our bears every day and can recognize who they are at a glance by their faces and how they walk. This bear didn’t look or walk like any of our bears.”

The bear was sedated while on the ground but immediately climbed a tree and became immobilized about 55 feet in the air nestled among several branches. A team from the Arizona Game and Fish Regional II office in Flagstaff was dispatched and safely removed the bear from the tree. Wildlife managers tagged the male bear and relocated it. “We have a great relationship with the Arizona Game and Fish and are grateful for their help and efficiency while handling this situation,” said Bearizona Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Stoffel.

After inspecting perimeter fences Stoffel concluded that “The bear likely entered a service entrance gate from the parking lot that borders the Kaibab National forest.” She added, “There are several factors that could have resulted in his visit including the drought and the Slide Fire.”

Williams wakes up to Slide Rock fire smoke

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srfw-140522-02WILLIAMS – The citizens of the City of Williams woke up with a reminder of just how serious the fire in Oak Creek is. Like Flagstaff yesterday, Williams seems to be receiving smoke from the Slide Rock fire. The City of Williams is almost 39-miles from the south edge of the fire threatening Kachina Village and Forest Highlands.

About 3,000 residents of Kachina Village and Forest Highlands have been warned to evacuate. An email we received indicated that Munds Park and Mountainair may be evacuated if the fire jumps I-17, but we have found no official information.

The fire, reported at about 4 p.m. on Tuesday, started about 5 miles north of Sedona just north of Slide Rock State Park. the fire has grown to 4,830 acres due to high winds and difficult terrain. The difficulty of fighting the fire and the swiftness of its spread is also caused by lawsuits generated by “green” organizations which prevent the forest service from ridding the forest of fire fuels. This also forces the forest service to fund legal fees over maintaining the forest.

As of last night, fire managers saw very active fire behavior including runs, spotting, and torching as the fire became established in the upper Sterling Canyon area. Crews quickly responded with burnout operations along forest service road 535 west to State Route 89A to the north. Fire retardant was also used heavily in steep terrain along the west flank with good results. The latest word from the Coconinco County Sheriff’s Office hotline is that 89a is open and passable, but motorist are cautioned about the smoky conditions causing limited visibility. For motorist for respiratory conditions, you might consider Interstate 17 to State Route 179 to get to Sedona.

The fire transitioned to a Type I Incident Management Team bringing many additional resources to the fire. 840 fire fighting personnel are battling the blaze including Hot Shot crews and air craft.

Approximately 300 structures, private homes as well vacation resort cabins and a Forest Service lookout tower.

While the fire is under investigation, it appears to be human caused. Law Enforcement is seeking any information the public may have regarding the start of the Slide Fire and anyone of suspicion in the area yesterday between Slide Rock State Park and Half Way Picnic Area. The public should call Forest Service Law Enforcement at 928-527-3511 if they have any information that might assist law enforcement in the investigation.

As of late, Kaibab National Forest has not indicated a closure of the forest. Bob Pena, a local resident with 28-years of fire fighting service, said that the forest service does not evoke closures until the fire danger reaches extreme. Current fire danger is high.

Northern Arizona is still waiting to see what thunderstorms predicted over the weekend will bring. It is hoped that sufficient rainfall will assist fire fighters on the Slide Rock Fire as well as dampen the other forest areas to prevent new problems.
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Officials issue pre-evacuation notice for portions of Flagstaff

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Photo courtesy of Brenda Carter.

Photo courtesy of Brenda Carter.

FLAGSTAFF – The City of Flagstaff has issued a notice of a pre-evacuation order on its web site. The notice is for the Kachina Village and Forest Highlands area. Residents should call 928-679-4173 for questions.

Residents should start collecting any important papers, such as deeds, birth certificates, insurance papers, family photo albums, etc. Residents should also pack any fire arms, ammunition, jewelery and other valuables to take in the event of a forced evacuation. It would also be wise to take any “bug out” kits residents might have prepared.

The photo above is from a Williams resident who reports the smoke and ash from the fire is thick and getting thicker.

Memorial Day legacy events in Williams

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The lone soldier at the Williams Own Veteran's Memorial watches over the names of those Williams residents who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The lone soldier at the Williams Own Veteran’s Memorial watches over the names of those Williams residents who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

KOREAWILLIAMS – 36 USC §116 designates the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Memorial Day was established in 1868 to pay tribute to those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that are supposed to be guaranteed to us in the Constitution and the inalienable Bill of Rights.

This is the legacy of Memorial Day. One should keep in mind on Monday what the day is for. Everyone should remember that we still have men and women overseas on ships at sea and on land. We also have thousands of those who have yet to return. Prisoners of war unaccounted for and those missing in action. The United States government promised those it sent into harms way that it would never have a “presumed dead” category.

Unfortunately we must also add to our prayers those fighting the Slide Rock fire and those in Sedona and the Oak Creek area affected by it. The smoke from the fire is reaching Flagstaff and may hamper some of the activities they have planned.

The Williams Memorial day parade in honor of military members living and passed on begins at 11 am on Saturday. On Monday the American Legion Cordova Post #13 holds ceremonies at the Williams cemetery honoring those who have paid the price.

Flagstaff, Williams and other northern Arizona cities will provide activities that we can enjoy thanks to the sacrifice of these service members.

In Williams, the Cataract Creek Gang have begun their gunfights and will continue throughout the summer each night at 7 pm.

The Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market opens Friday morning and runs through Monday. The Street Market, formerly Williams Swap Meet, will continue after Memorial day and generally runs to September or October. The Street Market is located on the west end of town across from Williams Memorial Park.

There will be music on the Babbit-Polson Community Stage in the Williams Visitor Center parking lot next to the Recreation Center on Saturday from 12 to 2 pm.

The Williams Aquatic Center will open from 10 am to 4 pm Saturday with a Hawaiian Luau Pool party from noon to 2 pm sponsored by the Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center. There will be free food and games. There will be drawings for free individual and family passes, youth swim lessons and punch cards for individual sessions.

Does Slide Rock fire portend foreboding for Williams?

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The Twin Fire of October 2009 near Williams caused by an out-of-control prescribed burn. (Photo Marv Mason from I-40)

The Twin Fire of October 2009 near Williams caused by an out-of-control prescribed burn. (Photo Marv Mason from I-40)

WILLIAMS – The dry winter season has caused the reservoirs in Williams to start to dry up. These reservoirs not only provide drinking water, but a source of fire fighting water for the forests.

20091004-029Williams has not seen a major fire since a prescribed burn went out of control resulting in the Twin Fires of October 2009. Two prescribed burns were swept by winds to join into a conflagration that caused concern and evacuations of portions of the City of Williams.

At that time water in Williams was plentiful.

Mayor John Moore of Williams optimistically stated that we probably have enough non-potable water in Santa Fe, Gonzales Lake and other reservoirs to fight a fire. He is not anxious, however, to test the theory. Williams would have access to the Hot Shots, air craft and other fire resources currently combating the Slide Rock fire.

“The Slide Rock fire is a bad situation,” Mayor Moore said. “I am sorry for those people. I’m happy we don’t have a fire here, but that doesn’t mean that it couldn’t occur here. Particularly looking at the thunderstorm situation predicted for this weekend. Those are actually fire starters.”

Williams normally experiences high winds during this time frame which generally rescind, for the most part, after Memorial Day. Winds are expected to be between 7 to 13 mph with gusts up to 24 mph through Thursday night. The long range forecast for this week shows a chance of thunderstorms through Memorial Day with a 20% chance of precipitation Thursday night rising to 30% Friday night.

The question is whether or not there will be enough precipitation to keep the Kaibab Forest around Williams open.

“I will be talking to the forest service tomorrow [May 20] to see if they have got any new plans; what their intentions are,” Moore said. “Right now if they said ‘Close her down’ I would support them 100%. I hate to loose the business—and we are going to loose business—but that’s our livelihood for years to come.”

Slide Rock and Sunset fires first major fires of the season

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Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

Near Slide Rock State Park in Sedona, the Brins Fire burnt 4,300 acres during the summer of 2006. This photo is of the cliffs above the Slide Rock parking lot. (Arizona State Parks web site)

OAK CREEK – High winds and restricted area are making difficult the fighting of a fire in Oak Creek Canyon about a mile north of Slide Rock State park reported just before 4 pm today. It is being fought largely with aircraft. Witnesses reported to KTVK in Phoenix that fire fighting crews responded with amazing swiftness after the fire was reported.

A separate fire near Cordes Junction closed portions of Interstate 17 for about four hours.

The Slide Fire, reported just before 4 p.m. today, is currently estimated to be 20 acres, burning on the north side of Highway 89 in Oak Creek Canyon near Slide Rock State Park.

Multiple firefighting units are responding, including two Hotshot crews, four engines, two helicopters, an air attack unit and Sedona Fire.

Gerry Blair of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office told KTVK in Phoenix that they are requesting some evacuations and that he had heard of no fire-related injuries.

Highway 89 may close to traffic near the Slide Rock area, and evacuations are being ordered for areas just north of Slide Rock State Park. It is unknown whether there are any structures threatened at this time.

The fire is currently moving to the north and fuel treatments in the area have kept the fire from aggressive activity.

Cause is unknown at this time.

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter has opened a shelter at Sinagua Middle School, 3950 E. Butler Avenue, in Flagstaff for those displaced by the fire in Oak Creek Canyon.

The Sunset brush fire near Sunset Point north of Phoenix caused Interstate 17 to be closed for a time. After more than four-hours, Interstate 17 was reopened. according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

At 6:30 p.m., both directions of the freeway were reopened. The left lane was closed in each direction for two miles, from milepost 254-256. There is no indication when those lanes would reopen.

The freeway had been closed from near the Sunset Point Rest Area 35 miles north of Phoenix to just south of the Cordes Junction exit at SR 69 beginning about 2 p.m.

Additional energy-efficient license plates now available from ADOT

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energy-efficient-license-platePHOENIX — Beginning today, specific hybrid vehicle owners will have another opportunity to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates being made available by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to use the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. ADOT is again offering the opportunity to Arizona owners of qualifying vehicles to obtain a “Clean Air – Blue Skies” plate for unrestricted access to HOV lanes. The maximum limit of 10,000 is still part of program stipulations; there are 1,800 of the special plates now available as a result of non-renewed or canceled registrations.

Until Sept. 30, 2017, states may allow low emission vehicles, and those certified and labeled as low emission and energy-efficient vehicles (including alternative fuel vehicles) that do not meet the established occupancy requirements to use high-occupancy vehicle lanes so long as the state establishes procedures to enforce the restrictions on the use by these vehicles.

The program requirements for qualifying vehicles have changed.

Qualifying vehicles will be limited to include only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles according to the certification list established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA is responsible for issuing the rules that establish the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles.

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles may be driven for a longer period of time on solely electric power, reducing both the amount of fuel consumed and tailpipe emissions released compared to normal hybrid vehicles. Reduced vehicle pollution supports the purpose of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” program by encouraging the use of low-emission vehicles to improve the air quality in the Phoenix metropolitan area.

To qualify for the Energy Efficient plate, a customer must own one of the following plug-in hybrid electric vehicles from specific model years, which must be currently registered at the time of application: Chevrolet Volt (2011-2014), Fisker Automotive Karma (2012), Ford C-MAX Energi (2013-2014), Ford Fusion Energi (2013-2014), Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid (2014), and Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid (2012-2014).

If qualified, the vehicle owner must complete the online Energy Efficient plate application process located only on ServiceArizona.com and submit a payment of $8 (initial application fee) plus postage and handling. Plates will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Energy Efficient plates will not be distributed at Motor Vehicle Division or Authorized Third-Party offices. The standard Arizona vehicle license tax applies to all plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Only owners of currently registered, qualifying vehicles under the revised program requirements will be able to secure one of the 1,800 plates. Those with a temporary registration paper plate or permit are not eligible until the owner actually receives an issued license plate.

After completing the Energy-Efficient license plate application and the customer chooses to have the disability emblem added, the customer must complete a Disability-Hearing Impaired Plate/Placard Application found online at the MVD Forms Library. The completed application form must be mailed to: Arizona Department of Transportation, Motor Vehicle Division-Special Plates Unit; P.O. Box 2100-Mail Drop 801Z; Phoenix 85001-2100.

Customers with a vehicle that qualified under the previous program (Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight and non-plug-in Toyota Prius) and is currently registered with an Energy Efficient plate will be allowed to continue to use their plate on that vehicle and drive in the HOV lane until they sell/transfer the vehicle. The Energy Efficient plate may only be transferred to a qualifying plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that is owned or leased by the same registered owner.

Drivers are reminded that this is a federal- and state-approved program that could be changed or ended at any time. For more information on the Energy Efficient Plate Program, application process and qualifying vehicles, please visit the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division website at azdot.gov/mvd.

Chipotle Mexican Grill bans firearms

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chipotleDALLAS – Chipotle Mexican Grill is the latest large chain to prohibit firearms into their restaurants after the Dallas chapter of Open Carry Texas stopped to eat after a demonstration. The carrying of firearms into the store was not a part of the demonstration according to an article on the Forbe’s web site.

Facebook image showing men carrying arms not in compliance with Open Carry Texas (Forbe's Photo)

Facebook image showing men carrying arms not in compliance with Open Carry Texas (Forbe’s Photo)

A Facebook (Facebook page has apparently been banned by Facebook) photo, according to the Forbe’s article, shows two-men unrelated to the Open Carry Texas event carrying “…SKS rifles, semi-automatic weapons of the kind once used by both the Soviet Army and the Viet Cong.”

A previous incident apparently occurred at a Jack-in-the-Box in Forth Worth. Open Carry Texas member Edwin Harros stated in an interview that their members are required to carry their semi-automatic rifles on their backs. Jack-in-the-Box, to date, has not issued a statement banning firearms in their establishments.

An anti-gun activist group called “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” began a Twitter campaign on Monday against customers bringing guns into Chipotle. The gun control group is backed by billionaire Michael Bloomberg.

The company responded with a statement that read in part,

“The issue of gun ownership or gun rights has become one of the most contentious debates in the country. Chipotle has never taken a position on this issue, as we focus instead on our mission to change the way people think about and eat fast food.

“Recently participants from an “open carry” demonstration in Texas brought guns (including military-style assault rifles) into one of our restaurants, causing many of our customers anxiety and discomfort. Because of this, we are respectfully asking that customers not bring guns into our restaurants, unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel.”

Arizona Revised Statute 4-229 requires any establishment not allowing firearms to post a sign in a conspicuous location containing a pictogram of a firearm with a red circle and diagonal red line across the firearm with the words, “no firearms allow pursuant to A.R.S. section 4-229.” A person is allowed to enter a posted establishment in order to seek emergency aid or to determine if the sign is posted pursuant to this law. Any private property owner is allowed to prohibit firearms on their property.

Starbucks also asked people not to bring firearms into their establishment or outdoor seating areas in 2013 which represents a ban on firearms, but did not specifically call it that.

Arizona-based Sprout’s Market is also backing their ban on firearms fifty-percent. They have banned firearms, but apparently do not feel comfortable with conforming to Arizona Revised Statute by posting the required signs.

Discretion being the better part of valor, if a person with a firearm enters an establishment without the required signage and is asked to leave, it is best not to get into an argument. Simply remind them that they are not in compliance with A.R.S. 4-229 and leave the store. Report the violation to the appropriate authority.

Arizona does have so-called Constitutional concealed carry, which means any legal US citizen of Arizona may carry concealed, but only persons with a concealed carry permit may enter an establishment that serves alcohol and no one may drink while carrying a firearm.

According to the article, the anti-gun group stated they

“…support the Second Amendment… In states where no background checks or training are required to buy semi-automatic rifles and carry them openly in public, businesses have a duty to protect their employees and patrons.”

Federal law requires a background check for any person purchasing a firearm in any gun store in the nation.

Arizona Revised Statue 15-714.01 allows schools to conduct firearms safety courses. The courses may provide instruction which includes the rules of firearm safety, basic operation of firearms, history of firearms, marksmanship, the role of firearms in preserving peace and freedom and the constitutional roots of the right to keep and bear arms…

Bradley Manning may be moved to civilian prison

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bradley-manningWhile the Veterans are still reeling from the news of waiting lists that may have been responsible for the deaths of many of their fellow Veterans, the big concern at the Department of Defense is what to do with so-called transgender personnel.

The problem is highlighted by news of what to do with Bradley Manning. Bradley Manning is the PFC that released classified documents to WikiLeaks including a video which shows an air attack on reporters.

Manning was sentenced to 35-years in prison for charges stemming from the release, but the case still has appeals. He has since changed his name to Chelsea and demands hormone treatments.

This has caused a dilemma for the Army. The problem was described in a recent AP article cited by NPR.

“The request was the first ever made by a transgender military inmate and set up a dilemma for the Defense Department: How to treat a soldier for a diagnosed disorder without violating long-standing military policy. Transgender people are not allowed to serve in the U.S. military and the Defense Department does not provide such treatment, but Manning can’t be discharged from the service while serving her 35-year prison sentence.”

Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel gave the Army permission to work a transfer of Manning from a military prison to the civilian prison system which offers hormone treatments at taxpayer expense.

According to Stars and Stripes, Manning’s Lawyer David Coombs fears that such a transfer could pose a threat to the safety of Manning. His desire is to keep him within the military prison system. The article reports:

Coombs said “any military facility would be acceptable.” In a statement, he said “it is common knowledge that the federal prison system cannot guarantee the safety and security of Chelsea in the way that the military prison system can.”

Another problem is that the national security issues related to the charges against Manning would normally prevent such a transfer.

While VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki is trying to find stronger words to express his anger over the treatment provided by VA hospitals, Secretary of Defense Hagel is calling for a review of the transgender ban in the military.

This would entail hiring of doctors within the military and VA medical systems with expertise in providing transgender medical treatment which does not currently exist.

High school text book really does re-write Constitution

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04160E9CCD6B405ABE832FB368757512BreitBart reports that one high school text book publisher literally does re-write the Constitution. It overturns a Supreme Court Decision, as well.

Page 102 of United States History: Preparing for the Advanced Placement Examination (PDF) gives brief descriptions of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. Their version of the Second Amendment states:

The people have a right to keep and bear arms in a state militia.

The official Second Amendment reads:

A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.

In 2008, the Supreme Court decided in District of Columbia v. Heller (PDF) that the right to bear arms is independent of being a member of a militia. In 2010, the case of McDonald v. Chicago (PDF), the Supreme Court held that the Second Amendment restrictions on government applied to State as well as national government.

The book is authored by John J. Newman and was published in 2003 by Amsco School Publications Incorporated.
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