Monthly Archives: January 2017

Online applications for 2017 pronghorn, elk hunts now being accepted

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PHOENIX – The Arizona Game and Fish Department now is accepting online applications for 2017 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn antelope and elk.

To apply online, visit https://draw.azgfd.gov and scroll down to “Apply for a Draw.” For an overview of the online application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 10 of the “2017 Pronghorn Antelope and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet (PDF). Printed booklets also are available at all Game and Fish offices and license dealers (PDF) statewide.

Paper applications can be mailed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Drawing Section, P.O. Box 74020, Phoenix, AZ 85087-1052, or dropped off at any regional office statewide.

All applications – online or paper – must be received no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2017. Postmarks do not count.

In a major change from last year, online applicants must keep their credit card payment information current. If payment is declined at the time of the draw, the application will not be drawn. The department no longer will attempt to reach applicants by telephone to obtain payment on drawn applications where credit cards have failed.

This also marks the first time pronghorn and elk hunters will be able to purchase PointGuard as part of their online application. An innovative new program, PointGuard provides hunters with peace of mind in knowing they can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason without losing their coveted bonus points. Information: https://www.azgfd.com/hunting/pointguard.

In the meantime, the department is encouraging all applicants to sign up for a free AZGFD Customer Portal account. The portal allows customers to create a secure account where they can manage and view their contact information, as well as their license and draw results information and bonus points, in their personal “My AZ Outdoors” section. A portal account also provides convenient access to the online license purchase and draw application systems.

It’s easy to create an account. Just click on the “Sign in to Account” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.azgfd.gov home page and then select the “Create an Account” option, filling in the requested information. A portal account is mobile-friendly, so customers can view their information on their smartphones.

Finally, did you know the department’s online services are available 24/7? >From creating that AZGFD Customer Portal account and purchasing a valid hunting license, to getting the latest wildlife news and applying online for the draw, visit www.azgfd.gov anytime for all of your outdoor needs. Save time, buy online!

For more information, call (602) 942-3000.

Prepare for traffic, do your research if heading to play in the snow

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PHOENIX – With light snow in the forecast heading into a long weekend, winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are likely to attract heavy traffic that leads to delays.

Those planning to visit snow-play areas along US 180 over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend should leave prepared to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face traffic backlogs getting back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on.

They also should prepare for the trip by researching the locations of snow-play areas and whether those areas have enough snow to be open. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau lists snow-play locations at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snowplay link) and offers a hotline at 844-256-SNOW with the latest snow conditions.

Don’t park along highways or interstates to play in the snow. That’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders. It also can exacerbate traffic congestion on US 180.

Once they get to Flagstaff on their trips home, those heading to points south at day’s end can save time getting to Interstate 17 by taking a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Drive and Route 66, then heading west to I-17.

Motorists traveling to Arizona’s high country should allow extra travel time with snow in the forecast and prepare as they would for any extended period in cold weather. That includes taking winter coats, blankets, a fully charged cellphone and portable charger, plenty of fuel, drinking water, snacks and medications. ADOT offers more tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Give snowplows a wide berth, staying four car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.

Williams responds to overturned semi on I-40

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WILLIAMS – Williams first responders responded to an overturned semi-truck on I-40 about five-miles east of Williams about 9:10 a.m. The multi-agency response also consisted of Arizona Department of Public Safety, Lifeline ambulance and animal control from Flagstaff.

A semi-truck with a load of chicken overturned on I-40 westbound about five-miles west of Williams landing approximately 130-feet off of the freeway. The driver suffered minor lacerations to the face and was transported by Lifeline Ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Facility.

The driver had five Chihuahuas in the cab which appear to have not been injured. The report is three Chihuahua adults and two pups. A team from Flagstaff was dispatched to take care of the dogs.

Williams council meeting tomorrow, January 12

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WILLIAMS – The Williams City Council meets in regular session tomorrow at 7 p.m. at the council chambers at 113 South First Street.

After the standard pledge, invocation and approval of the last minutes, there will be any scheduled presentations and public participation.

The main items under consideration are;

  1. Review and consider the Coconino County amended Ordinance regarding the addition of Vapor products (e-cigarette) regulating the placement, Storage and Display of Tobacco Products and Vending Machines that dispense Tobacco Products. (Limiting youth access to tobacco and vapor products in Coconino County)
  2. Discussion and possible approval of a contract with Hazen & Sawyer Engineers to perform grant funded water conservation study to improve utility processes.
  3. Discussion and possible decision of a financing agreement with APS for the Garland Prairie Electric Project.

Afterward the council will adjourn to Executive Session and re-convene if necessary.

Vehicle Pursuit Results in Multiple Investigative Leads

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Flagstaff – At approximately 3:16 am this morning, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy engaged in a short vehicle pursuit which resulted in investigative leads in a stolen vehicle, vehicle burglaries, and drug paraphernalia.

During the early morning hours of January 10, a Coconino County Sheriff Deputy was traveling on San Francisco Street when she observed a gray Toyota Tundra traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle failed to yield at the red light on Switzer Canyon and San Francisco. The Deputy activated emergency lights and sirens to stop the vehicle on Cedar Avenue near Flagstaff Medical Center, but the vehicle accelerated away from her and ran through another red light. The vehicle was estimated at driving at rates of up to 60 mph.

The pursuit lasted a short distance. When the driver attempted to turn at Pine Cliff Drive, the vehicle slid off the road and crashed into a utility box. Four people exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The Deputy and her canine located one of the occupants who had a valid warrant for arrest.

The Toyota Tundra was reported stolen out of Surprise, Arizona. Inside the vehicle were items that appear to be related to vehicle burglaries that took place in Flagstaff. Drug paraphernalia and a large amount of heroin also were found in the vehicle.

Arrested during this incident was 38 year-old Consuelo Almendarez of Flagstaff.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with the Flagstaff Police Department in further investigation of this incident and other possible related crimes.

Schreiber Processing Corp. Recalls Chicken Tender Products

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A Class I Recall is a health hazard situation where there is a reasonable probability that the use of the product will cause serious, adverse health consequences or death.

WASHINGTON – Schreiber Processing Corp., a Maspeth, N.Y. establishment, is recalling approximately 2,330 pounds of chicken tender products that may be contaminated with plastic and misbranded, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.

The breaded chicken breast tenders were produced on December 8, 2016 and packaged on December 9, 2016. The following products are subject to recall:

10-lb. boxes containing “Meal Mart BATTERED & BREADED CHICKEN BREAST TENDERS” bearing item code 03-CTB and production code 0246

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “P-787” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional and retail locations in New Jersey, New York, and Washington.

The problem was discovered after the firm received a consumer complaint.

There have been no confirmed reports of injury or illness due to consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about an injury or illness should contact a healthcare provider.

Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to consume them. These products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact Mordechai Milworn, Q&A/HAACP Manager, at (718) 894-2000 ext. 336.

Investigators seek tips to catch deer poacher

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a mule deer in Game Management Unit 5BS near Happy Jack, southeast of Flagstaff.

Game and Fish officers received information that the mature four-point mule deer was shot January 3 near the Clear Creek Pines subdivision. The deer was shot from the road within a quarter-mile of several occupied residences.

The most disgusting aspect of the case is the deer was left to waste.

“We hope the public will again come forward,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Poaching is a crime against all Arizonans, and our sportsmen and women have shown a long, committed history of stepping forward with information to help to bring poachers to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. Callers should provide case number 17-000023 and may remain confidential upon request. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). Optionally, you may use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief.

Overnight paving resumes on I-17 between New River and Black Canyon City

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The Arizona Department of Transportation will resume repaving of Interstate 17 this week between New River and Coldwater Canyon roads in Black Canyon City (mileposts 232 to 245). Crews have completed repaving the southbound lanes and have shifted work to the northbound lanes for the next two months. Drivers can expect alternating northbound lane restrictions during overnight work hours.

Crews will also close the on- and off-ramps at Table Mesa Road (Exit 236) for repaving between 6:30 p.m. and 6 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 10, and Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The $10.8 million project includes the removal of a layer of the existing pavement and application of a new layer of smooth, quiet rubberized asphalt. The project is scheduled to be completed by summer 2017.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Rain today, snow Wednesday

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF – Rain and high winds are the order of the day today. Tuesday is expected to be clear with a cold air mass pushing snow in by Wednesday.

Today we can expect rain, mainly after 11 a.m. according to the weather service with a high near 44. Of course we had to buck the system by starting the rain about 8 a.m. Winds will be west-southwest around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tonight there is a 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11 p.m. with a low around 31. Southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 42. Southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Overnight it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday there is a 30% chance of snow mainly after 11 a.m. with less than an inch accumulation expected. The chance of snow persists through Saturday night.

Eastbound Interstate 40 narrowed to one lane at Audley Bridge

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SELIGMAN – Eastbound Interstate 40 will be narrowed to one lane at the Audley Bridge through Thursday, January 12, as crews repair potholes on the bridge deck. The bridge is located west of Seligman at milepost 112. Only minimal delays to eastbound travel are expected. Westbound I-40 is not affected.

A $4.3 million project to repair the east- and westbound decks at Audley Bridge is expected to begin in early spring. The Arizona Department of Transportation will provide project information as it becomes available.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.