Monthly Archives: May 2017

Arizona Game and Fish Director Larry D. Voyles to retire

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PHOENIX – Arizona Game and Fish Department Director Larry D. Voyles has announced that he will retire from the state’s wildlife agency this summer. Director Voyles, who first joined the Department as a wildlife manager in the Yuma region in 1974, will remain as Director until his replacement is named by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission.

In a letter to Game and Fish employees, Voyles reflected on his nine years as Director of the 600-person agency, saying “I was in the unique position of steering this mighty ship, and I did my best to encourage personal responsibility, scientific curiosity and innovation. These character traits, along with our core values of Credibility, Respect, Integrity and Passion are and always will be the foundation on which our Department is built.”

After a decade in the field as a wildlife manager, Voyles rose through the ranks serving as the Department’s first Law Enforcement Training Coordinator, then Regional Supervisor and ultimately the position of Director, which he has held since 2008. His term will be remembered for his embrace of technology to modernize the department, his national efforts to unite state conservation agencies to provide better resources for wildlife and habitat management, and his support of multiple-use public lands.

“Director Voyles is a great leader and a true conservation visionary who has guided the Department into the 21st century,” said Game and Fish Commission Chairman Pat Madden. “Larry has strengthened the Department’s traditional role as the state’s wildlife authority while encouraging innovation and collaboration between conservationists and the community. His legacy will shine brightly for years to come.”

Game and Fish Commissioner Kurt R. Davis added, “Larry Voyles and the leadership team he assembled during his tenure have successfully built our nation’s leading wildlife agency. His devotion and dedication to managing more than 800 species of wildlife in Arizona sets an example for all conservationists. Larry can retire knowing his work in Arizona, and nationally, leaves an indelible mark on wildlife conservation that has helped ensure that our state’s wildlife will flourish for another generation.”

Director Voyles was elected by his peers to the presidency of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (AFWA) in 2014, and has served on a variety of national boards including the Council to Advance the Hunting and Shooting Sports, the Wildlife and Hunter Heritage Conservation Council, Co-Chair of the Agency/Industry Coalition, the US Sportsman Alliance Youth Program Advisory Council, and the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. He sits on the Federal/State Joint Task Forces for ESA Implementation and for Federal Aid Administration.

High winds tomorrow; possible snow next week

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Sunset tonight.

WILLIAMS – Winds picked up today and are expected to increase tomorrow. Winds are expected to be 10 to 15-mph tomorrow with gusts of 33. They are expected to increase tomorrow night, 17 to 22-mph, with gusts in the 30s. Temperatures will remain in the 60s, dropping to 59 starting Sunday.

The high winds are a cause for concern for campfires and barbecues. We remind people to be careful with fire.

Tuesday a slight chance of showers start up again with a chance of rain and snow beginning Wednesday night through Thursday. A chance of thunder is possible.

It should clear up again on Friday with temperatures rising back to the 60s.

Man Arrested for Shooting Incident near Ash Fork

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Ash Fork – Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies and detectives have arrested an Ash Fork man in connection with a shooting incident surrounding a domestic dispute.

On Sunday May 7 Coconino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of shots fired at a home in Kaibab Estates West, a residential subdivision outside Ash Fork. Deputies contacted the occupants of the home and found that no one had been shot; however, several shots had been fired outside the home.

Through the investigation, deputies learned that 47-year-old John Wayne Slater of Ash Fork had driven to the victim’s home to confront him about Slater’s estranged wife who was staying at the home of the victim. Slater approached the door to confront them and was armed with a handgun. The homeowner and Slater spoke briefly at which time the homeowner closed the door on Slater. Slater fired several shots outside the front door. Slater went back to his vehicle and began to drive off and fired several other shots, then fled the area.

No one was hit by the gun fire but a vehicle parked in the driveway was found to have one bullet hole.

Deputies located Slater a short time later and took him into custody without incident.

Slater was arrested for one count of Aggravated Assault, 2 counts of Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon, 2 counts of Felony Endangerment, Criminal Damage and trespass and booked into the Coconino County Jail.

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Don’t Fall Victim to Phone Scammer Claiming to be Law Enforcement Officer

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FLAGSTAFF – The Sheriff’s Office is investigating reports of telephone scams in which the scammer is using the names of known law enforcement personnel to try to legitimize his scam. The callers use different bullying techniques such claiming your have an outstanding warrant or citation or court date. They also may use scare tactics such as claiming to send an officer to your home to arrest you if you do not pay immediately.

One of the names being used fraudulently is that of our Detention Commander Matt Figueroa. Remember, legitimate law enforcement will never call demanding money/payments be made through pre-paid credit cards, money wire transfers or the like.

Don’t fall victim to the bullying techniques of these scammers. File a police report by contacting our Dispatch Center at (928) 774-4523, option 1. Learn more about preventing yourself from becoming a victim to these kinds of scams on our webpage: http://www.coconino.az.gov/356/Fraud-Awareness.

Lamb Weston Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Red Robin Burgers and Brews Crispy Onion Rings Sold in Grocery Stores

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Lamb Weston is recalling 14 ounce packages of Red Robin Burgers and Brews Crispy Onion Rings manufactured by Fry Foods and sold in grocery stores, because the product may contain an undeclared milk allergen. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

These products are NOT served in Red Robin restaurants. The Red Robin Burgers and Brews Crispy Onion Rings were distributed in the U.S. through retail grocery stores. No other products are impacted by this recall.

The product comes in a 14 ounce bag and is frozen. Details on the impacted packages are listed below. The Sell By Date and Package Code can be found on the back of the package. The HH:MM portion of the Package Code indicates the time product was made and will vary by package. Please refer to the images of the packaging included for additional information.

UPC Product Name Net Weight Sell By Dates Package Code
0 43301 61119 3 Red Robin Crispy Onion Rings 14 Oz Sell By OCT 28 2018
Sell By OCT 29 2018		 6906711841 HH:MM
6906711941 HH:MM

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this product.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that contract manufacturer Fry Foods mistakenly packed product containing milk in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk. Subsequent investigation indicates the product did not meet Lamb Weston specifications.

Consumers who have purchased Red Robin Burgers and Brews Crispy Onion Rings from a grocery retailer are urged to return the product to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Fry Foods and Lamb Weston are cooperating with the FDA on this recall and working with customers to ensure packages are removed from store shelves and are no longer distributed.

Consumers with questions about this recall may contact 1-866-518-0137, Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m. – 6p.m. EDT.

Trident Seafoods Corporation Recalls Frozen Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod

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Trident Seafoods Corporation is issuing a voluntary recall of select lots of frozen Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod, Net Wt. 12, oz., because they may contain small pieces of plastic. Consumption of these products may pose a choking hazard or other physical injury to the mouth.

The following retail product is subject to the voluntary recall:

Trident Seafoods Multi-Grain Alaskan Cod (Frozen), Net Wt. 12oz., UPC 0 28029 21048 4

Recalled Lot Numbers with associated Best By dates are printed on one end of the individual retail cartons and on the case label.

• Lot Number A633511, Best By: 11/30/2018
• Lot Number A636225, Best By: 12/27/2018

Lot Number A633511 – Distributed between 12/1/2016 and 2/9/2017 to Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin

Lot Number A636225 – Distributed between 1/23/2017 and 2/17/2017 to Arizona, California, Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Massachusetts, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin

These products are sold at Albertsons, Amazon, Cub Foods, Jewel, Morey’s, Plaza Extra, Shaw’s, Shoprite, Sprouts, SUPERVALU, and Woodman’s retailers.

This issue was discovered through consumer feedback. The source of the white plastic has been identified as inspection tags used by an ingredient supplier. Trident Seafoods takes food safety very seriously and is investigating this situation thoroughly.

There have been no reports of injury or illness related to the recalled products to date, however 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. For additional information consumers can call Ms. Trev Foley, Consumer Affairs Manager, at 206-297-5825, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. PST, or send email to trevf@tridentseafoods.com .

Northern Arizona federal land managers invite public to community conversation event

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FLAGSTAFF – Federal land managers with the Forest Service, National Park Service and Bureau of Land Management invite the public to attend a community conversation in May as part of an ongoing effort to connect with the public and hear first-hand what people value about their public lands.

In partnership with the Museum of Northern Arizona, this event will be held in Flagstaff in the Branigar Hall at the Museum of Northern Arizona from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 25. Seating is limited to 60-70 people at this free community event, so please RSVP by calling (928) 774-5213 or visit www.musnaz.org.

The following federal land managers will be in attendance and look forward to interacting with the public:

– Coconino National Forest Supervisor Laura Jo West,
– Kaibab National Forest Supervisor Heather Provencio,
– Flagstaff Area National Monuments Superintendent Kayci Cook Collins,
– Grand Canyon National Park Superintendent Chris Lehnertz, and
– BLM Phoenix District Manager Leon Thomas.

Speakers will provide introductory remarks, move to “talking circles” to interact and have conversations with community members, and conclude by reporting out and providing closing remarks.

This is a chance for the public to meet face-to-face with the leaders of organizations that manage federal lands in northern Arizona. The public is invited to attend this special event and share their thoughts on what they value about public lands now and into the future.

Northern Arizona Authors Association meets Saturday

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WILLIAMS – The Northern Arizona Authors Association meeting will be on May 13th and go from 10 AM to noon. It will be held at the Wild West Junction, 321 E. Route 66 in Williams.

Members are asked to RSVP. If you are interested in learning about creative writing or having your writing critiqued, you can attend with some of your work.

State Route 67’s remote location is among its attractions

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PHOENIX – After being buried in snow all winter, State Route 67 running from Jacob Lake to the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is scheduled to reopen Monday, May 15.

The Arizona Department of Transportation closes SR 67 when park facilities shut down for the winter––usually on December 1––and reopens it when the North Rim is ready to welcome travelers once again. The 40-plus-mile-long route runs through an area that, at 8,500 feet in elevation, sees an average of nine feet of snow each year.

During the winter months, a gate blocks access to SR 67 just south of US 89A in Jacob Lake.

The Grand Canyon National Park website at www.nps.gov/grca has information on lodging, camping and other visitor services available at the North Rim.

For the latest information about highway conditions across Arizona, please visit ADOT’s Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov, call 511 or connect via Twitter (@ArizonaDOT ) or Facebook (facebook.com/AZDOT).

Hiker rescued from Mt. Elden in winter conditions

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FLAGSTAFF – On May 9th at 9:00 am, The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded to a report of a hypothermic adult male hiker on top of Mt. Elden. The weather at the time was moderate to heavy snow with approximately 3-5 inches of snow on the ground.

The US Forest Service was contacted by the Sheriff’s Office to determine if the Elden Lookout Tower was staffed. It was determined that a lookout was at the tower and he was asked to look for the hiker near the base of the tower. The lookout located the hiker and assisted him to shelter while waiting for search and rescue to arrive.

Upon search and rescue arrival the hiker was warming up at the lookout tower and his condition was improving. Ultimately the hiker received a ride home from friends who had also responded to assist.

The hiker, a 30-year-old male resident of Flagstaff had gone for a day hike. He had planned to hike to the top of Mt. Elden and arrive there by a certain time to qualify for a free pizza sponsored by a local business. The hiker was either unaware of the weather forecast or disregarded the forecast and set off ill prepared wearing shorts and light clothing.

The Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind hikers that spring weather in Northern Arizona can change rapidly. Hikers should familiarize themselves with the weather forecast prior to setting out for a hike. Hikers should also carry the “Ten Essentials” which include water, food, extra warm clothing, navigation equipment,
headlamp/flashlight, first aid kit, shelter material (space blanket or large leaf bag), fire starting kit, pocket knife/multi-tool, and signaling equipment (whistle and mirror).

Carrying a cell phone is also a good idea although there are still locations in Coconino County that do not have cellular service. Hikers should always leave a detailed itinerary for their hike with a trusted person in case they do not return as expected.