Monthly Archives: October 2016

The times, they are a-changing

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FREDONIA —Forest staff would like to remind visitors of the following changes for the upcoming winter season.

Jacob Lake and DeMotte Campgrounds: The last night to camp at these campgrounds will be Oct. 14. Campsites may be reserved at www.recreation.gov or by telephone at 1-877-444-6777. Both campgrounds are scheduled to close for the winter season on Oct. 15.

Big Springs & Jumpup Cabin Rentals: The Big Springs and Jumpup Cabin rentals will remain open until Nov. 30 unless inclement weather forces an earlier closure. Cabins may be reserved at www.recreation.gov or by telephone at 1-877-444-6777. Information regarding cancellation policy for both cabin rentals and campgrounds may be found at Recreation.gov.

Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center: Beginning Oct. 15 through Dec. 11, the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center at Jacob Lake will operate on reduced hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends only.

2016 Personal-Use Fuelwood Cutting Season: Fuelwood permits are now available for purchase at the Kaibab Plateau Visitor Center on weekends only. Permits are still available at the district office. As a reminder, all unused personal-use fuelwood cutting permits will not be valid after Nov. 30. The sale of wood cutting permits for next season will resume in May 2017, pending appropriate weather conditions. Additional information on fuelwood permits is available at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/kaibab/fuelwood.

McCain Foods USA, Inc. Announces a Product Recall Impacting Frozen Onion Rings

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Lisle, IL — McCain Foods USA, Inc. today announced it is voluntarily recalling retail, frozen onion ring products due to the use of incorrect packaging that does not declare milk as one of the ingredients. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

These frozen onion ring products are sold under the following brands/retail locations: Save-A-Lot Stores (40oz Bag of Frozen Breaded Diced Onion Rings, Premium Pick 5 Mix and Match Brand), Krasdale Brand (16oz Bag of Frozen Onion Rings), Spartan Brand (20oz Bag of Frozen Onion Rings) and Shur Fine Brand (16oz Bag of Frozen Onion Rings). No other products are impacted by this recall.

The products being recalled have been manufactured after October 20th, 2015 and prior to September 23, 2016. The production date code will begin with the letter “V” on the bag. Production date is documented on the bag via the following format: VYYMMDD. V=Production Plant Impacted By Recall. YY = Year. MM = Month. DD=Day.& Therefore, packages with date codes after October 20, 2015 [V151020] and prior to September 23, 2016 [V160923] are a part of the recall.
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Consumers who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk are advised to check their freezers and should throw out unused product or return any of it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

There have been no reported illnesses associated with the consumption of this product.

Food safety remains a top priority for McCain Foods USA, Inc. and we have full confidence that all appropriate steps are being taken to protect our consumers. McCain is working cooperatively with the FDA and retailers to ensure the affected products are removed from the marketplace.

Consumers with concerns or questions about the recall should contact McCain Foods at (630) 857-4329.

MVD partnership lets drivers get replacement Social Security cards online

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PHOENIX — A driver license verification program used by the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division now makes it possible to request Social Security card replacements online through the Social Security website and simplifies the already-existing process of getting a person’s identifying information verified when making a major purchase or obtaining a loan.

“We are always looking for ways to better serve our customers, get them out of line and on the road safely, and this is one more tool that helps us reach that goal,” Motor Vehicle Division Director Eric Jorgensen said. “This is a real game-changer for making essential services more accessible and adds another element for protecting sensitive ID information.”

MVD has aligned with the nonprofit American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to offer the Driver License Data Verification service. This electronic system verifies a person’s driver license or ID card attributes such as name, address, birthdate, license expiration date and eye color, then confirms their validity to whichever entity is making the request.

With this program in place, Arizona is among 15 states and the District of Columbia offering online Social Security card replacement service through the Social Security Administration website at ssa.gov/ssnumber. Arizona driver license holders can create an account on this site and follow the procedure to get a replacement card, avoiding a trip to a Social Security Administration office.

The secure data-verification process also streamlines the current process used by banks, retailers and government agencies for verifying a person’s identity. When someone applies for a bank loan or makes a major purchase, this electronic system eliminates paperwork that may takes days to process by moving that secure process online.

This is done in real time, which means information can be verified more rapidly and while the customer is present. Once the procedure is complete, the participating entity will be told if the ID attributes match or if there is a problem. The data is held only for the amount of time needed to process the verification.

It’s another example of MVD helping customers conduct more transactions online. Through ServiceArizona.com, Arizonans can conduct offer more than 20 motor vehicle transactions such as vehicle registration renewal and ordering replacement driver licenses and specialty license plates, with more to come.

ADOT participates in transportation innovation exchange

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TEMPE — The latest ideas and innovations for the future of transportation will be on display as transportation officials gather Tuesday, Oct. 4, for the 2016 Innovation Exchange Campaign, hosted by the Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation.

The annual event brings together the Arizona Department of Transportation and other professionals in the transportation industry to share and learn about the latest technology advancements and innovations in transportation.

This year’s event, held at the Rio Salado Conference Center in Tempe, features exhibitors, an innovation showcase and speakers.

Topics include reinventing vehicles in Arizona, the use of laser technology to produce high-resolution mapping from a moving vehicle and innovations that will enhance project design and delivery.

Formed in 2012, the Arizona Council for Transportation Innovation supports innovative technology and techniques among transportation professionals to ensure smart, efficient investment in Arizona’s highways and other transportation infrastructure.

The council is made up of officials from ADOT, the Federal Highway Administration, Maricopa and Pima counties, and engineering professionals.

For more information, visit azdot.gov and enter “Innovation Exchange Campaign” in the search box.

Fatal ATV rollover a reminder to practice OHV safety

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DSC_4103_-_reduced_flippedPHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department reminds all off-highway vehicle (OHV) drivers and passengers to ride safely by remembering to always wear a helmet.

The reminder comes after an 81-year-old man died when the ATV he was driving rolled end-over-end while attempting to climb a 70-percent incline hill southeast of Meadview early Friday afternoon, according to the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office. Neither the man nor another rider on a separate ATV were wearing helmets.

“Our condolences go out to the family,” said Kim Jackson, AZGFD OHV Safety Education program manager. “It is absolutely imperative that everyone wears a helmet whenever they head out on an OHV. Many of these tragic accidents are survivable, but only if you wear a helmet.”

There were 28 OHV-related deaths in Arizona last year, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

Helmets are required by law for all riders under the age of 18 regardless of the off-highway vehicle type. They are also strongly recommended for all riders, regardless of age. In addition, riders should remember to:

  • Wear a seat belt at all times, if equipped.
  • Wear riding goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, pants, riding gloves and over-the-ankle boots.
  • Never ride alone.
  • Be prepared and equipped with a map, a first aid kit, whistle and have basic tools on hand.
  • Stay on designated trails.
  • Take an OHV safety education course designed to teach off-road motorists how to ride safely and responsibly.

For more information about the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s OHV program and safety course options, visit www.azgfd.gov/ohv.

Kaibab National Forest Supervisor’s Office front desk to be closed next week

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WILLIAMS — The front desk of the Kaibab National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Williams will be closed next week from Oct. 10 through Oct. 14 due to the Columbus Day holiday on Monday and short staffing through the remainder of the week. Members of the public seeking passes or permits, information or other visitor services during that time are asked to go directly to the Williams Ranger District office, also located in Williams.

The Williams Ranger District office is located at 742 S. Clover Road in Williams and will be open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, through Friday, Oct. 14, next week but closed on Monday, Oct. 10, in observance of the Columbus Day holiday. The Williams Ranger District office offers all the same resources as the Supervisor’s Office, so visitors shouldn’t experience any disruption of service.

The Kaibab National Forest Supervisor’s Office will reopen to the public with its full offering of resources and services on Oct. 17.

The Williams Ranger District office can be reached by telephone at (928) 635-5600.

ADEQ Reimbursement Programs for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

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adeq-1PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) now offers two new programs to reimburse eligible underground storage tank (UST) owners, operators, and others who incurred environmental cleanup costs for leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTs).

UST Time-Barred Claims Program – Application Deadline is 12/31/2016

If you were “time-barred” from submitting costs for reimbursement after the sunset of the former state assurance fund (SAF) on June 30, 2010, you now can seek repayment of up to 90 percent of approved cleanup costs incurred after June 30, 2010. Submit your “time-barred” claim application now.

Deadline for Time-Barred Claim Applications is 12/31/2016

Learn more about the UST Time-Barred Program: www.azdeq.gov/ust/time-barred.

UST Preapproval Program – Accepting Applications

UST owners, operators or landowners may also be eligible for ADEQ’s UST Preapproval Program, which provides financial assistance for corrective action costs not covered by a financial assurance mechanism. ADEQ will work closely with applicants to develop a cleanup plan and path to closure for their USTs.

Learn more about the UST Preapproval Program: http://azdeq.gov/ust/preapproval.

Comments Summary and Response for the Draft 2016 Clean Water Act Assessment

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The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) received public comments for the
Draft 2016 Clean Water Act Assessment during the public comment period that began June 13, 2016 and ended July 28, 2016.

View the ADEQ Public Notice for the Comments Summary and Response for the Draft 2016 Clean Water Act Assessment

ADEQ’s response to comments has been issued in the Arizona Administrative Register and may be viewed at http://apps.azsos.gov/public_services/register/2016/40/22_public_information.pdf

ADEQ appreciates your interest and participation in improving Arizona’s surface water quality.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Aiko Condon
Water Quality Division
P: (602) 771-4448
E: condon.aiko@azdeq.gov

Silver Creek seasonal trout fishery opens today

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silver-creekSHOW LOW — The seasonal catch-and-release fishery at Silver Creek opens Saturday, October 1.

This upper catch-and-release section of Silver Creek requires trout to be immediately released unharmed, and is artificial flies and lures only with single barbless hooks. This segment of Silver Creek is open for fishing from Oct. 1 through March 31 of each year.

See blog article of this announcement.

Respected Access in Arizona fundraiser is October 15

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utvPHOENIX — Tickets are still available for next month’s third annual “Respected Access in Arizona” fundraiser, hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Tread Lightly!

A fun-shoot, barbecue dinner, raffles and auction are planned for Oct. 15 at the OneAZ Credit Union Pavilion, located at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in Phoenix. The cost of the fun-shoot (which includes targets and two boxes of ammunition) and barbecue dinner, catered by Bobby Q, is $65. The cost of only the dinner, which includes beverages and a door-prize raffle ticket, is $40.

To purchase tickets for the fundraiser, visit https://www.treadlightly.org/respected-access-in-arizona-fundraiser/.

The highlight of the event will be a raffle for a customized 2016 Polaris Ranger EV, valued at more than $15,000, courtesy of RideNow Powersports. Proceeds from each $20 raffle ticket sold through Oct. 15 will benefit Tread Lightly!’s “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign, which aims to protect public access for off-highway vehicle use, recreational shooting and other outdoor pursuits through ethics education and stewardship programs.

Visit https://go.rallyup.com/3628f0/Campaign to purchase raffle tickets. For complete rules, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org. The raffle only is available to Arizona residents.

For more information about the fundraiser, call (800) 966-9900, Ext. 14, or e-mail respectedaccess@treadlightly.org. For more information about the “Respected Access in Arizona” campaign, visit www.respectedaccessarizona.org.