Monthly Archives: August 2014

Shot me some chipmunks

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640px-140805-25BENHAM TRAIL – While hiking Benham Trail on Tuesday last, my alert hound treed a couple of chipmunk. While I could have used a .22 (which I didn’t have), I decided to use by Fuji instead. Fortunately it was only a stump of a tree, but it still took 20- to 30-minutes to get pictures of the varmints. They don’t hold still for pictures.

Can you see me now?

Can you see me now?


If you are planning a hike from Williams, you can catch a trail head at the picnic grounds at Buckskinner Park. You can also go seven-miles out south road and catch Benham Trail. Both trails are about 9-miles round trip so don’t forget water. Bring extra if you decide to bring your dog.
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If you decide to bring your dog make sure you keep them in sight and have a leash handy. Other people walk their dogs here. It is also the first time my dog tangled with Pepé Le Pew.

If you are lucky you may get a shot of a deer or elk. Again you will want to rein in your dog because elk sometimes turn and it could be disastrous.

There are also some beautiful wild flowers growing since spring finally hit Williams. It is also a great trail for a night time hike, but watch your footing. A good flashlight is a must.

For the latest information on hiking, fishing and boating activities around Williams, stop by the Williams and Kaibab Forest Visitor Information Center on Railroad avenue. You can also check out the Kaibab National Forest web site.

Williams Cool Country Cruise-In on Route 66

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kz640-140808-07ccci-140809-34WILLIAMS – Only a few drops of rain threatened, but did not dampen, the Cool Country Cruise-In this year. The sound of the roaring machines could be heard cruising both stretches of historic route 66 throughout the weekend. The event was a treat for locals and visitors from around the globe.

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Local radio KBZX 92.1 FM provided appropriate music for the route 66 event as well as an entry.

While not an "official" entry, this Marine celebrated his historic military organization and those who have yet to come home.

While not an “official” entry, this Marine celebrated his historic military organization and those who have yet to come home.

The weather was sunny Friday. Saturday produced a few drops near the end of the day. That did not stop the classics from cruising the historic strip.

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Not all of the classics were limited to the area between First Street to the east end of Route 66. On the west end Conoco had their classic truck on display.

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Don’t Text and Drive

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Post by WJBF News Channel 6.

Early risers form up for Cool Country Cruise-In

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ccci140808-04WILLIAMS – Some of the classics in for the Cool Country Cruise-In event on Route 66 in Williams started lining up about 7:30 today. The annual event brings classic cars from several States.

Drivers are reminded that the speed limit is reduced to 15-miles per hour from First Street east to the end of Bill Williams Avenue (Route 66) for the event. Drivers need to watch for pedestrians and photographers.

The Matthew J. Broehm VFW post will be selling raffle tickets for the tactical shotgun which will be drawn for today.

Cars are not the only events available this weekend. The Friends of the Williams Aquatic Center will host a free swim and party with pizza, snow cones and beverages on Saturday, August 9 from noon to 2 pm. The pool will then go to a reduced schedule open to the public only on Friday and Saturdays through August 30. The Friends are planning one more free swim and party on the last day of the season.
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Bearizona is always open from 8am to 7pm. Cars begin to line up for the drive-through wildlife park even before opening. You will probably find Marvelous Marv’s orange Volkswagen Beetle at the car show, but his orange van will be available to take visitors to the Grand Canyon for his world-famous private tour.

On the west end of town near Safeway, across the street from Memorial Park, the Kiwanis Club Route 66 Street Market will be open. The Route 66 Street Market replaced the Swap Meet which used to be held in the same area. Proceeds from this event benefit the Kiwanis scholarships offered to local students.

If you are not into the noise and bustle of the downtown activities, the Kaibab National Forest is open for hiking and camping. Anglers should be happy because the Buckskinner Park reservoir is up to its aspens in water. Although the aspens did not flourish this season, the recent monsoon has filled the reservoir to near capacity. It appears that it has recently been restocked as trout are jumping. It should be remembered that a trout stamp is required for fishing in our local lakes.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.

Aspens at Buckskinner park. Unfortunately they did not spawn leaves this year.


The Williams watershed is open for hiking which means the trail from Buckskinner park is open. Alternatively one could travel seven-miles out Perkinsville Road (continue up Fourth Street past Santa Fe dam) to the Benham trail. Both trails are about 4-1/2 miles so take plenty of water. The Benham trail will probably yield the most views of wild life.

The weather is expected to be clear today with a 10% chance of thunderstorms tomorrow and Sunday. The chance of thunderstorms rises to 50% on Monday. Winds are expected to be from 5- to 10-mph through the weekend.

ADOT issues report and asks for comments on Hell Canyon Bridge

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Hell Canyon Bridge is a steel three-span cantilevered Pratt deck truss with riveted connections. It has a total length of 585’ - 6”, and a width of 35’ - 4”, with a 30’ - wide roadway. - ADOT photo

Hell Canyon Bridge is a steel three-span cantilevered Pratt deck truss with riveted connections. It has a total length of 585’ – 6”, and a width of 35’ – 4”, with a 30’ – wide roadway. – ADOT photo

hell-canyon-bridge-01The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) have completed a Programmatic Section 4(f) Evaluation and Approval for FHWA Projects that Necessitate the Use of Historic Bridges report for the Hell Canyon Bridge project located on State Route 89 at milepost 345.70, Yavapai County 18-miles north of Chino Valley and south of Ash Fork, Arizona.

The report states that the bridge no longer meets minimum FHWA standards. The bridge across Hell Canyon, “…is structurally deficient and is functionally obsolete which rehabilitation cannot address.” Cited examples include the bridge not being wide enough and the inability to handle heavy loads. The bridge also qualifies to be placed in the Arizona Historic Bridge Inventory. That will have to be sorted out before the bridge can be destructed.

The report explains three options used to determine the best course of action: Do nothing, build on new location without using the current bridge or restoration preserving historic status. The first was rejected because it does not bring the bridge up to FHWA standards. The third would still require some reconstruction to widen the bridge and replace the superstructure which would eliminate the historic integrity.

The favored plan is to build a new bridge alongside of the old one and destroy the old bridge. The reason given for destroying the old bridge is that neither ADOT nor Prescott National Forest intends to build a rest stop in the area. In addition there are no bicycle or pedestrian trails in the project area which could utilize the old bridge. The rest area/overlook of Hell Canyon has been closed for several years.

Hell Canyon Bridge will be removed and replaced with a new bridge as part of this project, thus causing impact to a Section 4(f) property. A 103-page pdf of the Section 4(f) report as well as other project information are available at the ADOT web site.

Please send these comments September 8, 2014. Comments can be sent directly to the project team via phone at 602.458.7478, via e-mail at ddunn@aztec.us, and via mail at 4561 E. McDowell Rd, Phoenix AZ 85008.

Overnight pavement maintenance on I-17 next week

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adot-logo3The Arizona Department of Transportation will repair damaged segments of Interstate 17 about three miles north of New River overnight next week.

Northbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 12 and Wednesday, Aug. 13 from Rock Springs to Table Mesa Road (mileposts 235 – 240). Then southbound I-17 will be narrowed to one lane from Table Mesa Road to Rock Springs from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14.

The speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph through the work zone. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction during work hours.

In addition, crews will be working just south of Table Mesa Road (mileposts 235 to 237) during the day on Monday, Aug. 11 between 8 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. to replace signs. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction during work hours through the work zone. Sign replacement work is only scheduled on Monday, Aug. 11, not including Tuesday as previously mentioned.

Overnight paving work on Interstate 17 south of SR 169 continues

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Paving continues on northbound Interstate 17 near the State Route 169 junction (mileposts 275 to 279) tonight, Wednesday, Aug. 6 through Thursday, Aug. 7 between 8 p.m. and 10 a.m. each night.

During work hours, drivers can expect a single lane restriction on northbound I-17 through the work zone.

In addition to paving work, final striping on southbound I-17 at the climbing lane (mileposts 280 to 286) just north of the SR 169 junction is scheduled Wednesday and Thursday nights, Aug. 6 – 7, between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. Drivers can expect a single lane restriction during work hours, no delays expected.

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.

Chester Crandell still on the ballot

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Arizona-electsPHOENIX – With the recent fatal accident of Senator Chester Crandell, many have wondered what comes next. There is a system that was put in place following the death of Senator Jose Garcia in 2011 outlined in 16-343(F). Secretary of State Ken Bennett held a press conference and sent a letter to the election officials of Coconino, Gila, Navajo and Yavapai counties addressing the proper course of action.

Kim Crawford of the office of the Secretary of State explained that early ballots have already been issued and other ballots will appear with Senator Chester Crandell as candidate. Therefore, he will automatically win the primary election. He is in the unique category of running unopposed, even by a write-in candidate.

Because of his automatic selection, Republican Committee persons from Legislative District 6 will vote on a person to fill the void left by the late Senator.

No write-in candidates are allowed during this process. However write-in candidates are allowed in the general election provided their application is received by September 25.

There has been an outpouring of sympathy and condolences to the family of the Senator. Governor Jan Brewer issued the following statement:

“I am deeply saddened today to learn of the tragic and sudden passing of State Senator Chester Crandell. A fifth-generation native of Arizona, avid rancher, legislator and–above all – a gentleman with a tangible love for Arizona and those he served, Chester will be greatly missed.

“My thoughts and prayers – along with those of the entire state – are with Chester’s dear wife, Alice, and their family during this difficult time. In honor of Senator Crandell – and the service he gave to Arizona – I have ordered that flags be lowered to half-staff from sunrise tomorrow, August 5, 2014 until sunset August 11, 2014.”

Bill Roe, Chairman of the Arizona Democratic Party, released a statement saying:

“We are saddened to hear of the passing of Senator Chester Crandell. Our deepest condolences and sympathy go out to his entire family for their tragic loss.”

Arizona House Minority Leader Chad Campbell issued a statement saying:

“I am shocked and saddened by the news of Sen. Crandell’s passing. We didn’t always see eye to eye on things, but I have absolutely no doubt that Sen. Crandell worked on the issues he did because he believed they would improve Arizona. He served his constituents with honor and class. This is a great loss for our state and I offer my condolences to his family and his friends.”

All statements were issued on Monday following the announcement of the passing of the State Senator.

State Representative Brenda Barton, also an LD6 candidate, posted on her Facebook page August 4:

My friend and colleague passed away today doing what he loved; boots on in the saddle pushing cattle. I know the range he rides tonight, and I know he’s watching; but I miss him terribly.

(Updated August 8, 8:47)

Good-bye Cowboy… Good-Bye Sir!

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Senate Web Site photo

Senate Web Site photo

By Lyle J. Rapacki

This Saturday, August 9th, 2014, I will have to say, “Good-bye” to a friend who just happened to be a real-life cowboy, as well as a real-life Arizona State Senator. When the sun sets this coming Saturday our Arizona State Flag will not shine as bright; the red and yellow rays which represent the original thirteen colonies in our Republic and also represent the beautiful sunsets for which Arizona is known will be a little duller, a little less vibrant. One of Arizona’s Favorite Sons has died, and with the last rays of the beautiful Arizona sun sinking in the west so will the last drops of tears be sliding down the cheeks of those who knew the cowboy and the senator – Chester Crandell.

Senator Chester Crandell was a fifth-generation rancher who loved the dirt of Arizona, as much as the people and the state itself! I enjoyed the privilege of working with him quietly and behind the scenes these past three years on a number of issues related to the safety and sovereignty of our Great State of Arizona, and her people. Many hours of private meetings, private telephone conversations, meals, and even traveling somewhere alone in a vehicle…you get to know a person well after hundreds of hours over three years! Chester Crandell never took himself seriously, but studied hard and took his position as a legislator seriously. He faced the mounting challenges coming to our state with the same determination as he did herding his cows (and herding is not for the faint-of-heart). Many times on his way to the senate floor or to Chair the Senate Committee on Public Safety, where serious issues awaited, he would grin at me and say, “I’m just a country boy.” He was a country boy, and a cowboy who loved riding the range bringing in his herd. I spent the day with him just a couple of months ago on his ranch as another State Senator snapped the photo above of Chester bringing in his herd for branding; he even had me the “City Slicker” being a real cowboy! He was a man who vigorously studied and then defended the rights and traditions of rural Arizona private property owners, ranchers, businesses, industry, the beauty of forests and high deserts, the rocks and mountains, and all that contributes to make Arizona still a rugged and beautiful place in which to live, much like other Favorite Sons of Arizona: Barry Goldwater, Carl Hayden, Sam Steiger, Bruce Babbitt, Mo Udall; they all had in common a respect for the land, and the nurturance of the same along with the enjoyment of all that God gave us through natural resources.

Chester Crandell believed he was a servant of the people, someone honored to have passing time at the State Capitol in which to leave a legacy, to make a difference for the good of Arizona, not be there to build a resume or maneuver for self-interest. “Service above Self” is the motto of a famous civic organization, but that statement also reflected the values in this man’s heart, captured in his daily attitude and telegraphed for all to hear in his public speeches. The senator gave up time with his family, he withstood the long 5-hour trips back and forth from the capitol, surrendered privacy we as citizens take for granted, missed community activities and traditions for official meetings in Phoenix, and the list goes on but I never heard him complain. He saw a moment in time that he could make a positive difference, and he went for it! So very many of us are still shocked that his moment was over far much sooner than any of us would have liked. I know his truly lovely, funny, and gracious wife, Alice, along with his wonderfully kind nine children have feelings that flow much deeper than any of us who shared the public side of this man with them.

Senator Chester Crandell saw himself as a simple country boy, and in ways he was just that. But he was also so very much more. Arizona truly lost a highly educated man who stood to defend our wonderful state from those who would just as soon rob us of our heritage as a sovereign western state. Senator Crandell could be called a cowboy in the truest and dearest terms of the west. But he also earned the privilege of being called, “Sir.” After a very long, hot, and dirty day working cattle with him on his ranch, Chester Crandell grinned when I called him a fellow cowboy. I also called him “Sir…Mr. Chairman…Senator.” I shall deeply miss this cowboy. I shall deeply miss this senator and true servant of the People of Arizona. Good-bye, Sir!

Lyle J. Rapacki, Ph.D. is an Intelligence and Threat Assessment Specialist. Since June of 2010, Dr. Rapacki has provided selected members of the Arizona State Legislature Intelligence Briefings on Border Security and related threats to Arizona State sovereignty. Lyle analyzes and disseminates critical intelligence and policy information from and to law enforcement, intelligence and governmental communities in Arizona and nationally, as well as to selected clients in industry and the private-sector.

List of vehicles for the ‘Clean Air Blue Skies’ plates expanded

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energy-efficient-license-platePHOENIX — On May 20, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division created another opportunity for specific hybrid vehicle owners to obtain one of the “Clean Air – Blue Skies” Energy Efficient license plates. At the time of the release of the latest series of plates, there were six initial vehicles on the qualifying list and now three additional vehicles have since been added.

The federal program, which began in 2007 as a pilot, is designed to test the impact of allowing 10,000 hybrid vehicles to have access to the HOV lanes in Arizona during peak travel times without occupancy restrictions. The maximum limit of 10,000 plates 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 remain the same as announced on May 20, limited to only plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is the federal authority that establishes the certification and labeling requirements for low emission and energy-efficient vehicles. When vehicles are added to the qualifying list, ADOT will immediately update Arizona’s qualifying list.

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). The following vehicles have been added to the qualifying list: BMW i3 Range Extender (2014), Cadillac ELR (2014) and the Porsche Panamera S E Hybrid (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. 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 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 issued 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.