WILLIAMS — The Williams City Council approved body cams for the police department at the meeting on July 23. They also approved an Inter-governmental agreement with Coconino County to provide waste services to county residents outside the city limits.
Monthly Archives: July 2015
Overnight delays expected on US 60 between Superior and Globe/Miami July 27-29
Motorists traveling on US 60 between Superior and Globe/Miami should allow extra travel time and plan for short delays overnight Monday through Wednesday, July 27-29 while construction crews remove loose rocks as part of the new Oak Flat passing lane project (milepost 231-233).
Work hours will be from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m. Monday through Wednesday nightly and all traffic restrictions will be lifted at approximately 4 a.m. on Thursday, July 30.
A pilot car will be used to guide traffic through the construction zone as intermittent closures are necessary to complete the work. Motorists should anticipate delays of up to 15 minutes. The speed limit will be reduced through the construction zone and drivers are asked to use caution and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.
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. To stay up-to-date with the latest highway conditions visit the construction website at azdot.gov/us60oakflat or visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov.
Uh-oh. Windows 10 roll-out may cause problems
We suggest that you back-up your computer system, or at least important files, immediately. If you have not created a restore disk, we suggest you do so immediately. Consult your manual or check the website for your computer system to see how to do this. If your computer stops booting properly, you may need the restore disk(s) to return your computer to factory condition.
Although the official Windows 10 upgrade is supposed to start July 29, Forbes is reporting that it may already be causing problems; including stopping computers from booting. Gordon Kelly also reports that the Microsoft Windows 10 upgrade cannot be stopped. He quotes Microsoft:
The software periodically checks for system and app updates, and downloads and installs them for you. You may obtain updates only from Microsoft or authorized sources, and Microsoft may need to update your system to provide you with those updates. By accepting this agreement, you agree to receive these types of automatic updates without any additional notice.
The flaw apparently is due to an update for a Nvidia graphics card driver which interferes with the operation of the graphics card and may cause PCs to stop booting entirely. This flaw may mostly effect multi-screen users.
The obvious security suggestion right now is that you should immediately back up your system and conduct a daily back-up until Microsoft forces Windows 10 onto your system. Be afraid. Be very, very afraid.
Reviews from those using beta copies have been positive, but have continually noted bugs. It is reported that most of those bugs are fixed, but this may be a prelude to other drivers not ready ready for the roll-out.
Computerworld reported last week that you might want to wait to upgrade for several reasons. Author Preston Gralla writes that you have a year to upgrade from the release date of July 29. According to the Forbes report, this might not be true.
Gralla does suggest that if you are happy with your Windows 7, you might want to avoid upgrading all together. He points out that the whole object of Windows 10 was to replace Windows 8 which removed the familiar START menu. You already have that in Windows 7.
In addition—as with any Microsoft upgrade—new drivers might not be available for the peripherals you might have installed, such as printers or scanners.
{It is our understanding that the Windows 7 upgrade to Windows 10 is not automatic, but this might not be true. Back-up your system, at least important data, just in case.}
According to an article on c|net, the Windows 10 PC build 10240 is the final build for Windows 10 before its release date. Beta testers are still testing and reporting on the build. Lance Whitney writes:
Microsoft needs to hit a home run with Windows 10, not just to make up for the debacle of Windows 8 but also to prove that it can still create an OS that generates appeal, excitement and demand among users. …
But even if Windows 10 isn’t 100 percent bug-free and rock-solid come next Wednesday, that doesn’t spell doom and gloom for the latest version. …
The problem is that Microsoft has gained its “appeal” by making deals with computer manufacturers over the years by giving special deals for their software to be used on those computers. Microsoft only provides the operating system itself and, understandably, is not concerned with any proprietary drivers which might be included by hardware manufacturers. Much less games and other software.
Springs Fire continues to meet management objectives
Smoke from Spring fire visible from Williams, but County 73 currently unaffected.
Fire managers performed blacklining operations, yesterday, on the south side of County Road 73, also known as the “South Road” between Forest Road 354 (near Kunde Knoll) to Forest Road 3117. County Road 73 will now serve as a boundary to stop or eliminate fire growth to the north. Today blacklining may be conducted along boundaries near private lands, as the Springs Fire moves closer to sections of private land within the fire area.
Light impacts of smoke can be expected in the Garland Prairie and Sherwood Forest areas as winds are forecasted out of the southwest. Smoke may be visible in the Bellemont and I-40 area, Dogtown Lake and White Horse Lake vicinity. Over the next several days the wildfire is expected to move up Summit Mountain, where smoke may be more visible from a greater distance.
The fire, which started July 2, is located 9 miles southeast of Williams, near Davenport Knoll, to the west of Summit Mountain. No closures exist at this time, however campers are advised to be cautious when selecting campsites along Forest Road 354 and Forest Road 110. Although smoke was visible from Williams today, camp sites along County 73 are unaffected.
Hidden Treasures opens in Williams
WILLIAMS — Hidden Treasures Antiques re-opened in its old haunt at 125 W. Railroad Avenue next to Anna’s Grand Canyon Coffee and Cafe. Troy Troutman moved into the location a few years ago before he moved into the mall. He, and partner Susan Pederson, have moved their stock back into this location.
The stock contains old electronics, books, collectibles and much more. If you broke one of the dishes to grandma’s set, you might find a replacement here.
How could we forget Bearizona?
WILLIAMS — How could we have forgotten the annual Bearizona Backwoods Bash? Some how this slipped our minds in our article on weekend events.
Bearizona is hosting a Backwoods Bash on July 25, from 12:00p.m – 8:00p.m. This event will be held in the Fort Bearizona walk-thru area of the park and is open to the public.
Live country music throughout the day will set the mood for the event. Kids can jump ‘til their hearts content, get a balloon animal, get some Bearizona ink among other things in the Kid Zone. Barbecue food will be available for purchase as well as local drink selections from Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company & all your domestic favorites as well.
Bearizona is excited to welcome the Phoenix Herpetological Society who will be at the event from 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. with an alligator and an 18’ snake that attendees, who are adventurous enough, can get up-close, touch and get their picture taken with them. There will also be Bearizona’s walk thru animals on exhibit for all to see, as well as program animal encounters throughout the day.
Advance discount tickets for the Bearizona Backwoods Bash can be purchased by going to http://www.eventbrite.com and typing in Bearizona Backwoods Bash. $9 ages (4-12) and $20 (13 & Up). Tickets at the event will cost $11 ages (4-12) and $22 (13 & Up). Tickets will get you into both the drive-thru and walk-thru areas of the park, however the drive-thru closes at 7p.m. Bearizona pass holders get into the event for free.
Flagstaff police seek suspect
James Darryl Hickey
Ht: 601 155 lbs BLU/BRO
Last Known Address:
456 Phelps Dr. Clarkdale, AZ 86324
This subject currently has two Felony Arrest warrants for FTA on voyeurism out of Yavapai County and needs to be interviewed by investigators for an incident that occurred in Flagstaff on 07-22-2015.
The public should be aware that criminal suspects could be dangerous and you should not confront the suspect. If you have any information on his whereabouts call the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414 or SILENT WITNESS at (928) 774-6111.
Flagstaff Police would also like to remind the community to be wary of subjects going door to door offering goods or services. Any legitimate business will have their employees clearly identified and they will produce identification upon request. If you fell the subject is suspicious DO NOT LET THEM INSIDE your residence and notify the Flagstaff Police Department.
Weekend begins tonight at 7:30 p.m.
WILLIAMS — Begin the weekend in Williams by taking in the stars. The Coconino County Astronomical Society will host a stargazing party at the Glassburn Park area near the Zipline.
At 10 a.m. Saturday there will be a meeting at the Wild West Junction on the east end of Route 66 to discuss Community Protection Teams being set up by Oath Keepers. These teams are designed to provide services in a man-made or natural disaster. They are open to anyone; not just veterans, police and so-forth.
Saturday and Sunday is the annual Hamfest located at the rodeo barn at the Bob Dean Rodeo Grounds across the street from True Value hardware.
The forests have remained open this summer for camping and hiking. In recent years the forests were closed due to lack of moisture. So it is a great time to hike the trails and take in the lush green of the oaks and aspens and the beautiful wild flowers.
If you are bored this weekend it is not our fault.
Bowe Bergdahl gets leave cut short when found during a pot raid.
Mendocino County, CALIFORNIA — Bowe Bergdahl, the U.S. Army deserter who was traded for four terrorists, was “detained” in Mendocino County, California at a marijuana raid while on leave.
According to FOX news, the Mendocino County Sheriff’s office took Bergdahl into custody during a raid in Redwood City by the county’s Marijuana Eradication team. The team found 180 mature marijuana plants growing at the house.
It was determined that Bergdahl was not part of the operation and was released to the U.S. Army North command where he is stationed. Sheriff officials said it is not unusual to release persons who might find themselves in a situation where they did not know the plants were growing.
Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith confirmed to FOX news that Bergdahl was returned to his duty station at Fort Sam Houston in Texas and has not been charged with any crime involving his time on leave.
Springs Fire expected to grow despite recent precipitation
Kaibab Forest Service photo.
Fire managers continue to pursue a number of objectives, first and foremost, both the safety of the general public and firefighters on the ground. At the same time, teams are allowing natural fire to play its role in the ecosystem, enhancing wildlife habitat and improving forest health.
Recent actions to manage the fire have included: removing small trees and brush away from infrastructure such as power lines and communication sites, protecting fire-sensitive archeological sites, and range fences. Burning around perimeter roads, also known as blacklining, to limit the fire’s growth in specific directions has already occurred on sections of Forest Road 354 and future operations could potentially include County Road 73, also known as Perkinsville Road, or the “South Road,” and Forest Road 110 depending on the movement of the fire.
About 15 fire personnel are currently assigned to the Springs Fire. Resources include a fuels crew, one engine, and one dozer, all from the Williams Ranger District. Depending on future movement of the fire, additional resources could be called in to assist.
While very little smoke has been visible over the last few weeks, drier conditions in the forecast are expected to potentially increase fire activity and smoke production. Fire managers expect the fire to remain at low to moderate intensity as it moves through the forest, which should keep smoke production and impacts at relatively low levels. Due to prevailing winds, smoke will largely be pushed towards the northeast, towards Sherwood Forest and Garland Prairie vicinities. At this time there are no closures associated with the Springs Fire.