WILLIAMS – The Independence day celebration in Williams was filled with activity. The weekly Kiwanis swap meet opened on Friday. The Williams Aquatic Center held a free swim and there was a community event and prayer on Saturday.
Williams was prevented from conducting a fireworks display again, but there was lightning and rain.
The parade this year was held in the evening and was larger than normal. If you missed it, here it is:
FLAGSTAFF – Due to significant and widespread rain and rapidly decreasing fire danger, the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests in northern Arizona will lift all fire restrictions at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8.
Managers typically lift fire restrictions when at least a half inch of precipitation has been received over more than two-thirds of the forests. To date, many areas of both forests have received double that amount of precipitation, with an inch or more of rain being reported in many locations. Fire danger has decreased dramatically from “extreme” last week to “moderate” today.
Besides lifting all fire restrictions, the Kaibab National Forest will also reopen the Bill Williams Mountain Watershed on the Williams Ranger District tomorrow morning, which had been closed to public entry due to wildfire risk. The Coconino National Forest is evaluating conditions in Fossil Creek and will make a determination later this week about the appropriate time to reopen the area.
“With the onset of the monsoon season, the low number of human-caused fire starts, and the availability of many firefighting resources, we are comfortable that it is the appropriate time to lift fire restrictions,” said Holly Kleindienst, deputy fire staff officer for the Kaibab National Forest. “Fire restrictions were extremely effective this year in reducing the number of fires caused by people. We are thankful to our visitors for their help in preventing fires by complying with the restrictions that were in effect.”
The two forests initially implemented campfire and smoking restrictions on April 18. This was relatively early but was necessary due to a dry winter and impacts of long-term drought on the forests. Additional fire restrictions and area closures were implemented as the forests faced increasing levels of fire danger through the spring and summer.
While all fire restrictions will be lifted as of tomorrow, forest visitors are always expected to use caution with campfires and other potential ignition sources. For information on preventing human-caused fires.
PHOENIX – When the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division launched ServiceArizona.com in 1997, it was the nation’s first motor vehicle division online service for vehicle registrations.
Over the years, continual technological enhancements and the addition of multiple customer service features allow the website to handle more than eight million MVD-related transactions per year. In recognition of the most recent improvements, the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators recently presented ADOT with a 2014 Public Affairs and Consumer Education (PACE) Award for the installation of self-service, touch-screen kiosks, which perform ServiceArizona transactions, in more than half of the statewide MVD offices.
“These kiosks allow customers to quickly and efficiently complete their transactions in an MVD office and we’re pleased that thousands are doing so each week,” said Stacey Stanton, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division.
In 2013, ServiceArizona.com was redesigned to enhance the browsing experience and to improve the capabilities of the website. In addition, many of the features available on the full-service website were made available on kiosks located in MVD offices.
Two types of kiosks were developed. The EXPRESS Registration Renewal kiosk is programmed for registration renewals only and the EXPRESS MVD Services features registration renewals in addition to 19 other transactions, including address changes, voter registration and temporary vehicle permits. Most of the larger MVD offices are equipped with both kiosks.
ADOT MVD offices conduct an average of 14,000 kiosk transactions each month.
The self-service kiosks were implemented to allow more customers in MVD field offices the opportunity to conduct transactions on their own without assistance from customer service representatives. By introducing customers to the time-saving benefits of the new touch-screen kiosks, ADOT hoped more customers would be encouraged to conduct future transactions online at ServiceArizona.com.
The PACE Awards program recognizes public relations, public affairs and consumer education excellence among the motor vehicle, law enforcement and traffic safety agencies across North America. The awards acknowledge creativity, cost effectiveness and the ability to reach consumers with a well-crafted, measured and executed message.
ADOT Photo
PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Transportation is ready to open the first of four ramps at the freeway-to-freeway traffic interchange that will connect Interstate 10 and Loop 303 in Goodyear.
The elevated ramp from eastbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303, which rises more than 70 feet above ground at its highest point, will open to traffic this weekend while crews continue their work to complete the remainder of the $145 million interchange project on schedule in September.
ADOT’s project team has been planning to open the first ramp at the interchange as soon as possible to reduce the amount of eastbound I-10 traffic, including commercial trucks, using the current Cotton Lane connection to northbound Loop 303 at Thomas Road.
When the new ramp opens, eastbound I-10 drivers will have a direct connection to northbound Loop 303, and will not have to exit at Citrus Road and use local streets, including Cotton Lane north of McDowell Road.
To allow crews to finish adding lane markings for the new ramp, eastbound I-10 will be narrowed to one lane overnight between Perryville and Citrus roads from 11:30 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday (July 12). The eastbound I-10 exit ramp at Citrus Road also will be closed. Eastbound I-10 drivers should allow extra travel time while the overnight restriction is in place.
The new ramp from eastbound I-10 to northbound Loop 303 is expected to open to traffic by Saturday afternoon.
Completion of the I-10/Loop 303 interchange project by this fall will conclude ADOT’s series of five major projects that began in 2011 to improve Loop 303 into a six-lane freeway between I-10 in Goodyear and Grand Avenue (US 60) in Surprise.
The I-10 and Loop 303 improvement projects in the West Valley are funded as part of the Maricopa Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan approved by county voters in 2004. Projects are paid for with a countywide half-cent sales tax for transportation as well as the MAG region’s share of federal funds.
The Arizona Department of Transportation will repair damaged guardrail along a 17-mile stretch of northbound Interstate 17 (mileposts 243 to 260), from north of Rock Springs to just north of the Bloody Basin bridge starting Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17.
Work hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily with alternating lane restrictions during work hours to provide a safe work zone for maintenance crews. Drivers can expect minimal delays.
The speed limit through the work zones will be reduced to 45 mph during work hours.
ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.
Overnight paving work will continue on northbound Interstate 17 between the Dugas/Orme exit and the State Route 169 junction (mileposts 268 to 278) starting Sunday, July 13 through Wednesday, July 17 between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m. each night.
During work hours, drivers can expect a single lane restriction on northbound I-17.
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.
PRESCOTT/CHINO VALLEY – Traffic on State Route 89 between Prescott and Chino Valley (mileposts 320-325) will be required to stop intermittently next week to allow trucks to safely cross the highway and crews to relocate temporary concrete barrier along the roadway.
Overnight work will begin on Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17, between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night.
Drivers can expect intermittent closures for dirt hauling and delays of up to 15 minutes at a time.
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.
OAK CREEK – Even though the Slide Fire has been extinguished, there remains a threat of flash floods, mudslides and rock slides in Oak Creek Canyon. On three occasions recently, the Arizona Department of Transportation temporarily closed portions of State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff due to flooding and debris flow. With the exception of weather driven closures, State Route 89A remains open. Even though Forest Service campgrounds and forest service recreation areas in Oak Creek Canyon are closed, all of the businesses are open.
Public safety agencies are trying to reduce the negative impact of road closures on residents and businesses by limiting closures. There will be times that the road closes for public safety and motorist safety reasons. Once the highway is closed responding agencies work together to reopen the highway as soon as possible. Life Safety is of paramount importance to agencies responding to the area
Debris flow caused by storm water runoff in Oak Creek has resulted in grey murky water creating questions regarding water quality in Oak Creek. According to the Coconino County Public Health Services District, water contamination is likely following flooding events. Health officials recommend that residents and visitors, especially children and pets, not drink untreated creek water or swim in the creek water as bacteria may be present.
Residents with concerns regarding water quality and well water questions are advised to refer to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Water Quality Concerns from Wildfire document (PDF).
As a reminder, flash floods can occur after a few minutes or hours of heavy rainfall. Flash floods often have a dangerous wall of moving water carrying rocks, mud and other debris. Heavy rainfall could trigger flash floods, rockslides and debris flows within and downstream of the Slide Fire scar area. Please use caution. Move away from the water and if possible head toward State Route 89A or get to high ground east of Oak Creek during flood events.
WILLIAMS – A very friendly female dog was found tonight at the St. John’s Episcopal-Lutheran Church on 2d Street and Grant at approximately 6:15 pm. The dog is a black, apparent Pitt bull mix with all white paws and a white chest and some white on the snout. She only had a choker chain and no identification. She appears to be 2-3 years old. The owners can contact the Williams Police Department at 928-635-4461 to claim the dog.
Dog owners should be aware that without a collar and tag with contact information, you loose dog could wind up at the Williams Police Department and it could cost you to recover the animal. If your dog has a habit of escaping, you should consider a collar and a tag with contact information. You can get reasonably priced dog tags at PetCo in Flagstaff.
Across the country headlines are reading that the Ninth Circuit court blocked Arizona from denying licenses to immigrants. This is, of course, a lie. The decision of ARIZONA DREAM ACT COALITION V. JANICE BREWER (PDF) blocks the executive order of Jan Brewer ordering the Arizona Department of Transportation not to issue drivers licenses to illegal aliens.
Brewer noted in a response to the Ninth Circuit court ruling that Arizona Revised Statute 28-3153, Subsection D forbids the Arizona Department of Transportation from issuing licenses to anyone who cannot prove they are here in accordance with federal law. Immigrants — who are those here legally applying for citizenship or by other authorized means such as a work visa — can get a license in Arizona. The law forbids issuing licenses to illegal aliens.
The Ninth Circuit Court stated in their decision:
The federal government has enacted a program called “Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals” (“DACA”), which authorizes certain immigrants who came to the United States as children, without permission, to remain in the United States. In response, Arizona officials — Defendants here — implemented a policy that prevents DACA recipients from obtaining Arizona driver’s licenses.
The “federal government” — so-called by the Ninth Circuit court. They are referring to the national government in Washington D. C. — never enacted such a program. The Department of Homeland Security page on DACA states:
Over the past three years, this Administration has undertaken an unprecedented effort to transform the immigration enforcement system…
The DACA program was started by Executive Order to contravene United States Code. It is not based on law authorized by Congress. On July 2d, 33 Republican lawmakers sent a letter (PDF) to the Obama administration demanding that he stop this program and start deporting illegal aliens.
The reponse of Governor Brewer also read, in part:
In 2012, based on President Obama’s lawless directive, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made an administrative policy choice to defer removal proceedings of illegal aliens who were brought to the United States as children, a program referred to as DACA. This policy choice is not federal law authorizing an illegal alien’s presence in the country – it simply is a choice by the executive branch not to enforce deportation proceedings as required under existing federal statute. DHS itself has expressly acknowledged that the DACA Program does not grant any substantive rights and that only Congress can do that.
The DACA Program, the decision to not enforce federal law, has directly led to the massive influx of illegal crossings and the crisis we are witnessing today. If the Ninth Circuit ruling is allowed to stand, the President, as he has already threatened, can contrive a new program refusing to deport the latest arrivals, issue employment authorization cards, and Arizona would have to issue licenses to them as well.
. . .
Lawless decrees by the President demonstrate animus to Congress, states and the Constitution. It is outrageous, though not entirely surprising, that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has once again dealt a blow to Arizona’s ability to enforce its laws. With today’s decision, a three judge appellate panel, appointed by Presidents Carter, Clinton and Obama, disregarded judicial precedent and procedure. This continues us down a dangerous path in which the courts and the President – not Congress – make our nation’s laws.
Executive Orders were first issued by President George Washington to explain to cabinet members how to enforce the laws enacted by Congress; not how to circumvent enforcement.
The Constitution give Congress no authority to regulate the issuance of drivers licenses within a State which makes it a Tenth Amendment issue. A law or “order” that violates the Constitution of the United States of America can safely be ignored by States. The policing power of the sovereign States has been established since the Supreme Court decision of Gibbons v. Ogden, 22 U.S. 1 (1824).
The decision would mean that Arizona would have to issue licenses to terrorist group members who have come through the Mexican border illegally and are now waiting for “comprehensive immigration reform.” This is especially troubling since Arizona moved to “real ID” licenses which they claimed they would never do. This will give terrorists groups access to airports and flights.