Arizona Collectibles and Firearms show this weekend
Monthly Archives: June 2015
ADOT seeks public input on its Disparity Study and overall Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals for federally funded highway, transit and aviation contracts
PHOENIX — Nearly every month, the Arizona Department of Transportation awards contracts to companies specializing in design, construction, transit and other components of transportation projects throughout the state. Some of these companies are federally certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE), which are small businesses owned by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. ADOT operates a DBE program to assist these firms with securing contracts that use U.S. Department of Transportation funds, and ADOT is currently seeking public input on its proposed goals for DBE participation in contracts for the next three years, along with public input on the results of a draft Disparity Study Report.
Every three years, ADOT must set an overall annual goal for the participation of DBEs. For federal fiscal years 2015 through 2017, ADOT is proposing a final goal of 8.90 percent of the total dollars of Federal Highway Administration-funded contracts awarded to DBE firms, with 5.00 percent to be achieved through race and gender conscious-neutral means (ADOT small business programs and other efforts) and 3.90 percent to be achieved through race and gender-conscious means (contract goals). ADOT is also proposing overall DBE goals for Federal Transit Administration contracts of 7.25 percent for federal fiscal years 2016-2018 and Federal Aviation Administration contracts of 4.87 percent for federal fiscal years 2017-2019, both of which to be met through race and gender-neutral means.
Recently, ADOT completed a draft Disparity Study Report that provides the data to support the DBE goals. The draft study provides analysis and results of the utilization and availability of minority- and women-owned firms — by race, ethnic and gender group — to determine whether there are disparities in the past utilization of those firms in ADOT and local public agency contracts. In addition, the study includes analysis of in-depth interviews with business owners, trade associations and others about their experiences related to the transportation contracting industry in Arizona.
Business representatives and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to comment on the size of the proposed overall DBE goals, the means proposed to achieve the goals and the results of the Disparity Study. ADOT would also like to receive public input on experiences competing for or working on ADOT projects, suggestions on how to improve contracting opportunities for DBEs and other small businesses, and what ADOT and the transportation industry can do to enhance support of the federal Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program.
Public Hearings
Interested persons are encouraged to attend one of four public hearings in July. All public hearings will be held from 3 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., with an ADOT presentation at 3:15. Time will be allotted to allow members of the public to provide comments.
July 8 – Flagstaff
High Country Conference Center — 1899 Ballroom
201 W. Butler Ave., Flagstaff, AZ 86001
July 13 – Yuma
Pivot Point Conference Center (near Hilton Garden Inn Yuma) — Anza/Redondo boardrooms
301 N. Madison Ave., Yuma, AZ 85364
July 14 – Tucson
Ellie Towne Flowing Wells Community Center
1660 W. Ruthrauff Rd., Tucson, AZ 85705
July 16 – Phoenix
Arizona Department of Transportation Human Resources Development Center
1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009
45-day Public Comment Period
All documents related to the proposed DBE goal, methodology and draft Disparity Study Report will be available for review from June 8 through July 23, 2015, online at adotdbestudy.com or at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1135 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85009.
During the 45-day public comment period, comments may be provided in the following ways:
- Verbal Testimony: At public hearings
- Online: adotdbestudy.com
- Email: info@adotdbestudy.com
- Fax: 928-684-3021
- Mail: Keen Independent Research, 172 N. Washington St., Wickenburg, AZ 85390
The public comment period will close on July 23, 2015. All public comments will be reviewed before ADOT submits final DBE goal requests to the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Transit Administration and Federal Aviation Administration.
Marine veteran bicycles through Williams to benefit charity
WILLIAMS — Last Friday, June 5, Air Force veteran, Detective Bob McCarty, escorted Marine veteran Toran Gaal through Williams on his bicycle trek to Arlington. His mantra is, The only limits in life are those we set on ourselves.
Toran left San Diego Monday June 1 followed in the chase car by Brian Reilly with the goal of reaching Arlington, Virginia in 52-days. You can follow the ride at Toran’s web site or on Twitter.
Both men are amputees from Afghanistan, but Torin does not concentrate on that. He meets in competition, surfs, does public speaking tours and even finds time to coach basketball.
On the ride he carries two flags. The American flag; the symbol of the freedom for which he fought. The other is the Marine Corps flag which represents him—the Marine. In his continuing service to the Marine Corp, this ride is to benefit the Semper Fi Fund.
Disturbance at a pool party produces disturbing video
McKinney, TEXAS — Last Friday, June 5 the police department of McKinney, Texas responded to a call about a disturbance at a pool party. On their Facebook page they posted:
Pool Party Incident:
On June 5, 2015 at approximately 7:15 p.m., officers from the McKinney Police Department responded to a disturbance at the Craig Ranch North Community Pool. The initial call came in as a disturbance involving multiple juveniles at the location, who do not live in the area or have permission to be there, refusing to leave. McKinney Police received several additional calls related to this incident advising that juveniles were now actively fighting.
First responding officers encountered a large crowd that refused to comply with police commands. Nine additional units responded to the scene. Officers were eventually able to gain control of the situation.
McKinney Police later learned of a video that was taken at the scene by an unknown party. This video has raised concerns that are being investigated by the McKinney Police Department. At this time, one of the responding officers has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation.
One of the “responding officers” was Eric Casebolt, the patrol supervisor of concern shown in the video.
According to videos that we shared on our Facebook page, there appears to be a fight that was started by alleged racial slurs. This prompted the call to the McKinney Police Department.
The response by the media has focused, of course, on the race and fact that Officer Casebolt drew his gun on “unarmed” teens. We try to report only facts, but this situation calls for some personal opinion. This paragraph contains our observation, not facts in evidence. It appears by any measure that the officer was out of control by the cursing of the teens. We also understand that a mob situation, no matter how small, is a stressful situation. It appears, by the video, that the officer handled the female teen in a manner uncalled for. As for the officer drawing his gun, however, two teen were coming around in what could be described aggressive manner. It is also shown on the video that at least one of the officer was respectful toward a group of teens and were acting calmly until the incident with the female teen. They seemed to be responding only to prevent a major incident.
(RAW VIDEO. Warning: Graphic Language on video)
Interstate 17 travel at JW Powell to have restrictions in place beginning Monday June 8
FLAGSTAFF — Motorists headed to the Flagstaff Airport, Fort Tuthill County Park, and to SR 89A from I-17 will need to be aware of a traffic restriction that prevents travel across JW Powell Boulevard beginning early morning on Monday, June 8. This restriction will be in place continuously until early July while work is being performed at the tie-in and on the ramp for the new eastern roundabout.
Recommended detours as follows:
- Travel for southbound I-17 connections to the Flagstaff Airport can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 333 (Kachina Blvd/Mountainaire Road) and then travel back northbound to Exit 337.
- Travel from the Flagstaff Airport returning to southbound I-17 can be accommodated by traveling northbound on I-17 to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) and following detour signage to return to the interstate.
- Travel for northbound traffic on I-17 needing to connect to SR 89A and Fort Tuthill County Park can be accommodated by continuing to Exit 339 (Lake Mary Road) then access to SR 89A at the intersection.
- Travel for northbound traffic on SR89A or from Fort Tuthill County Park needing to connect to I-17 can be accommodated by continuing north on SR89A/Beulah Blvd to McConnell Drive then access to I-17.
- Detour signage will be in place to assist travel in the area.
This phase of construction is part of a project begun June 2014 and will facilitate the flow of traffic through the area, and is designed to meet current and future traffic demand. This project is anticipated to be completed by late summer 2015.
ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down, and be alert for construction equipment and personnel. Please allow additional time to accommodate for your destinations while the detours are in place.
Flag Military Surplus offers surplus tents
Kelty tents (left) and Stansport tents (right) now available at Flag Military Surplus.
FLAGSTAFF — Summer is coming, but camping has already started around northern Arizona. If you need a tent, you might check out Flag Military Surplus (Facebook/Google+).
Flag Military Surplus has a lot of other military surplus items perfect for camping and hunting, such as mosquito netting, camouflage netting and sleeping bags. You have to be aware, of course, that they are a military surplus store so the stock changes.
Flag Military Surplus recently acquired a stock of used tents. They have Kelty and Stansport Tents for $39.95 and $19.95 respectively. We picked up one of each and a convenient spring rain assisted us in the test.
I do not know if the store has a “satisfaction guarantee” policy, but having dealt with the store in the past, the staff has worked hard to ensure my satisfaction. You might ask if you can set up the tent, for example, to make sure the one you choose is in good shape. These tents do not come with instructions, but if you cannot figure them out, you probably shouldn’t be playing with matches.
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Paving continues on US 180 from Flagstaff to Snow Bowl next week
FLAGSTAFF — The Arizona Department of Transportation is returning next week to continue application of the top layer of asphalt along a five-mile segment of US 180 from Schultz Pass to Bader roads (mileposts 219 – 224).
Due to expected rain and unseasonably cooler temperatures, the paving work had to be halted for the remainder of this week. Warmer weather is forecasted to move into Flagstaff next week which will allow paving to resume.
The finishing paving work will occur daily, Monday, June 8 through Friday, June 12, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During paving operations, the two-lane roadway will be reduced to one lane. Pilot cars will allow for alternating travel and delays can be expected in both directions.
Motorists interested in traveling to the Grand Canyon National Park can use Interstate 40 to State Route 64 west of Flagstaff in Williams as an alternate route.
According to Flagscanner, other street repairs in Flagstaff from June 8 to 12 include:
- Aztec St. – Beal Rd. to Thorpe St.
- Beal Rd. – Rockridge Rd. to W End
- Lava Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
- Basalt Ln. – Rockridge Rd. to End
- Whipple Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
- Whiting Rd. – Navajo Rd. to Fort Valley Rd.
- Anderson Dr. – Aztec St. to Navajo Dr.
- Fort Valley Frontage Rd. – Fort Valley Rd to Murray Rd.
- Hazel Way – Talkington Dr. to End
- Davis Dr. – Talkington Dr. to End
- Talkington Dr. – Meade Ln. to Crescent Dr.
- Lantern Ln. – Talkington Dr. to End
- Meteor Dr. – Crescent Dr. to Crescent Dr.
- Kramer St. – End to End
- Foothills Way – Fremont Blvd. to End
- Eddy Dr. – Wilson Dr. to West End of Cul De Sac
- Shannon Dr. – Prescott Rd. to Wilson Dr.
- Wilson Dr. – Shannon Dr. to Fremont Blvd.
- Nicole Ln. – Peakview St. to End
- Red Rock Ln. – Snowcap Way to Peakview St.
- Sheila Dr. – Brenda Loop to Fremont Blvd.
- Mountain Dr. – Peakview St. to Fremont Blvd.
- Lois Ln. – Peak View to End
- Peakview St.– Ft. Valley Rd. to Shannon Dr.
- Kendrick St. – Mikes Pike St. to Butler Ave.
- Mikes Pike St. – Route 66 to Phoenix Ave.
- Leroux St. – Cottage Ave. to Phoenix Ave.
- Dupont Ave. – Verde St. to Agassiz St.
- Verde St. – Franklin Ave. to End
Detours are expected for the above street repairs.
Wet and Williams
WILLIAMS — To the chagrin of those setting up for yard sales or trying to maintain the Route 66 Street Market, Williams is receiving another dose of rain to begin the weekend.
The forecast shows at 20% chance of scattered thunderstorms for Williams tomorrow and a 30% in Flagstaff. Tonight there is a 4)% and 50% chance respectively for the two cities.
The flowers around town seem happy to get a drink.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Town of Prescott Valley AZPDES permit modification
PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) PERMIT MODIFICATION
Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:
Public Notice No. 15-62 Published on June 7, 2015
Published in the Prescott Daily Courier
AZPDES Permit No. AZ0025381
Town of Prescott Valley
7501 E. Civic Circle Drive
Prescott Valley, Arizona 86314
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Inter-Agency Cooperation Results in an Arrest for Multiple Counts of Exploitation of a Minor
FLAGSTAFF — On May 12, 2015 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agents contacted Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography by an adult male who lives in the greater Flagstaff area. According to the FBI agents they developed information that caused them to believe that 28 year-old Leroy Behnke of Flagstaff, Arizona was in possession of numerous images depicting young children and infants engaged in various sexual acts. They further believed that Behnke had obtained the images from several online chat rooms and then distributed the images to other online users.
On May 21, 2015 Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives, Deputies and FBI Agents served a search warrant on Behnke’s place of residence while he was at home. During the service of the search warrant Behnke’s laptop computer was seized and he was interviewed by a Sheriff’s Detective and an FBI agent.
During the interview Behnke made statements implicating himself in numerous counts of possessing and exchanging child pornography images online. Behnke was arrested on 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Distribution and transported to the Coconino County Detention Facility where he was incarcerated.
This case is one of many cooperative efforts between the FBI and the Sheriff’s office that resulted in the arrest of an outstanding suspect on very serious charges.
Sheriff’s Detectives and FBI agents are continuing this investigation.