Monthly Archives: May 2018

Arizona Highways offers new guidebook on northern Arizona

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PHOENIX – Northern Arizona, home to some of the country’s most scenic areas, is the focus of a new travel book produced by Arizona Highways magazine.

Arizona Guidebook, Part One, now available in bookstores and at ArizonaHighways.com, offers tips on places to eat, sleep, hike, drive and take beautiful photographs across the region.

The 160-page soft-cover book features detailed travel information about Flagstaff, Sedona, Williams, Prescott, Jerome, the Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and the Navajo Nation, Lake Powell and Route 66. It also contains stunning photographs by Arizona Highways contributors.

The book, the first of two about travel across Arizona, is the latest in Arizona Highways’ collection of guidebooks on subjects including camping, hiking, scenic drives and photography. The second guidebook in this series will be available in fall 2019.

Arizona Highways, produced by the Arizona Department of Transportation, has subscribers in all 50 states and more than 120 countries and is regarded as the authority on Arizona travel. It also publishes a variety of coffee table books and a popular calendar.

MVD in the inbox

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PHOENIX – Innovations that are making lines shorter and services more convenient for Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division customers are coming at a rapid-fire pace. To keep up, MVD is using occasional emails to let customers know what’s new.

More than 1.6 million customers currently get registration renewal updates and will also now periodically receive information about MVD service improvements.

Since 2016, MVD has added more online services options to include:

· electronic title transfers,
· updating insurance information,
· creating personal AZ MVDNow accounts,
· making office appointments for road tests,
· getting the Voluntary Travel I.D., among other services.

About two-thirds of all MVD transactions can be done online.

Other innovations include streamlined office customer service, expanded operating hours, and shorter wait times for phone customers.

“Obviously, people don’t want to be overwhelmed with emails, so any communication will be infrequent and designed to inform our valued customers about improved or added services options. It’s very important that we keep our customers updated about ways we’re working to get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road,” she added.

To sign up for both email registration renewal notification and updates go to the “Address / email change” tab at www.ServiceArizona.com. Those interested in service improvement updates only may sign up for “Motor Vehicle News and Info” at the “Subscribe to Updates” tab at www.azdot.gov.

Technical issues resolved

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We had a technical issue which prevented us from posting news items. We finally had time to contact our ISP Bluehost. They resolve the issue in their quick fashion. That is why they are our ISP. Now we can get back to watching Batman. If the Queen of Diamonds marries Batman, is she just married to Batman? Or is she married to Bruce Wayne also? Isn’t that polygamy?

Kaibab National Forest to implement fire restrictions on North Kaibab Ranger District starting this Friday

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FREDONIA — The Kaibab National Forest will implement campfire and smoking restrictions, also known as Stage I fire restrictions, on the North Kaibab Ranger District beginning at 8 a.m. this Friday. As a reminder, Stage II fire restrictions are already in effect across the entire Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts and will continue until significant precipitation is received.

Under the restrictions to be implemented Friday across the North Kaibab Ranger District, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal and wood stoves are prohibited, except within the specific developed recreation sites listed here:

· Big Springs Rental Cabins
· Jacob Lake Campground
· Jacob Lake Group Campground & Picnic Site
· DeMotte Campground

Stage I restrictions also limit smoking to within enclosed vehicles or buildings or in the listed developed recreation sites.

Using a device that is solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all National Forest lands.

The Forest Service uses fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured.

Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, a variety of science-based indices, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied any time that conditions warrant. Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the area covered by the restrictions receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that carries a mandatory appearance in federal court. Violations are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment of not more than six months, or both.

These fire restrictions apply only to the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest. However, many city, state, and county agencies implement similar restrictions, so members of the public should check with the appropriate agency on any restrictions applying to privately-owned property or other lands not within Kaibab National Forest jurisdictional boundaries.

Know Before You Go! Members of the public can find additional information through the following sources:

· Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Arizona Fire Restrictions: firerestrictions.us/az

American Red Cross dispatched teams to three fires last night

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FLAGSTAFF – It was a very busy night for the Arizona American Red Cross last night. Three teams were dispatched to various fires.

Casa Grande, Arizona – The American Red Cross Pinal County Disaster Action team lead by Captain Jim Porter assisted 3 adults displaced due to a Mobile Home #fire and a fifth wheeler trailer parked in the back. Included in the #fire 1 adult next door displaced due to no utilities.

Phoenix, Arizona – The American Red Cross Phoenix Chapter, led by DAT team Captain Michael Young cared for 3 adults and 3 dogs displaced by a multiple apartment units #fire near West Campbell Ave, Phoenix, AZ.

Prescott Valley, Arizona – American Red Cross Northern Arizona, assisted 1 adult and 1 dog from a single home #fire due to the Viewpoint fire. Both are safe and being cared for by the DAT volunteers of Northern Arizona Red Cross. This was follow up as part of their larger wildfire response efforts.

Thank you, DAT volunteers, in providing shelter, food and emotional support to these families. We appreciate all that our volunteers do, to provide hope and help to members of our communities.

Fox tests positive for rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed today that a fox tested positive for rabies. The fox was found in a wooded area north of Interstate 40, west of Milton Road and south of University Ave. in west Flagstaff.

The fox was captured and tested after residents walking in the area reported the animal attacked their dog and bit them when they intervened. The individuals are receiving post exposure rabies prophylaxis treatment.

CCPHSD is reminding individuals to use caution to protect against rabies exposure when hiking, camping or in situation where wildlife may be present. Health officials recommend the following precautions to protect against rabies:

Avoid wildlife, especially those exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly, and nocturnal mammals active during daytime.
Keep all pets current on vaccinations and obey leash laws.
Always keep pets away from wild animals.
Never pick up, touch, or feed wild or unfamiliar animals, even if they do not appear sick or aggressive.
Report any wild animal exhibiting erratic or aggressive behavior.
Seek immediate medical attention if bitten by or have contact with a wild animal.
Pet owners should seek medical care from their veterinarian if their pet is bitten by wildlife.

To report unusual wildlife sightings or behavior call the Coconino County Public Health Services District Animal Management Program at 928-679-8756. To report a wildlife emergency call 911.

For more information on rabies visit www.azhealth.gov/rabies.

Kaibab National Forest temporarily closes Bill Williams Mountain Watershed

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WILLIAMS – Due to increasing fire danger with warmer and dryer weather conditions in the immediate forecast, the Kaibab National Forest will issue a temporary closure for the Bill Williams Mountain watershed area beginning Friday and continuing until the area receives significant precipitation.

This action is necessary to safeguard public health and safety from exposure to the associated hazards of wildland fire, and to directly protect vital watershed resources contributing to the City of Williams water supply. This order only affects national forest areas, roads and trails located within the boundary of the watershed on the Williams Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest and does not affect private property.

The closure boundary begins at the junction of Interstate 40 and Forest Road (FR) 108, commonly known as the Devil Dog exit, and travels south and east along FR108 to the junction of FR108 and County Road (CR) 73. The boundary then extends north along CR 73 to the junction of Old Route 66 in the city of Williams. From this junction, the boundary travels west to the junction of Old Route 66 and Interstate 40 at the Country Club exit. The boundary then travels west along Interstate 40 to the junction of FR 108 at the Devil Dog exit.

All lands, roads and trails within the perimeter of the closure area will be closed to the public until the area receives significant precipitation and fire danger decreases.The Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts are both currently under Stage II fire restrictions. These restrictions limit the kinds of activities typically allowed on the forest and will remain in effect until significant and widespread moisture arrives.

Due to different weather and fuel conditions, the North Kaibab Ranger District, which is located north of Grand Canyon National Park, has not yet implemented any fire restrictions.

Under the Stage II fire restrictions the following acts are prohibited:

· Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, charcoal, coal, or wood stove fire, including fires in developed campgrounds and improved sites.
· Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building.
· Discharging a firearm except while engaged in a lawful hunt pursuant to state, federal, or tribal laws and regulations.
· Operating chainsaws or any internal combustion engine between the hours of 9 a.m. and 8 p.m.
· Welding or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.
· Using an explosive. (It is always illegal to use any kind of explosives on National Forest lands.)

As a reminder, fireworks and all pyrotechnic devices are always prohibited on National Forest lands.

Exemptions to the Stage II fire restrictions include the following:

· Using a device fueled solely by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the device.
· Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the generator.
· Operating motorized vehicles in compliance with the Kaibab National Forest’s Travel Management regulations. Parking off any road must be in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within 3 feet of the vehicle.

The Forest Service uses fire restrictions and area closures to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions. Implementation of fire restrictions and area closures normally occur based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured.

Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, a variety of science-based indices, fire activity levels and available firefighting resources. Additional restrictions may be applied any time that conditions warrant. Fire restrictions and area closures typically remain in effect until the area covered receives significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the National Forest while under fire restrictions is a violation of law requiring a mandatory appearance in federal court and consequent fines and possible jail time. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during times of the year when fire danger is increased.

Know Before You Go! Members of the public can find additional information through the following sources:

· Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
· Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF (Text ‘follow kaibabnf’ to 40404 to receive text messages.)
· Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
· Arizona Fire Restrictions: firerestrictions.us/az

Veterans Stand Down set for May 18

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County, in conjunction with area veteran’s advocacy groups, will host the 6th Annual Lance Davison Memorial High Country Stand Down. The event connects homeless and at-risk veterans with support services from state and local agencies.

This year’s event will be from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Friday, May 18, at the Flagstaff Armory, 320 N Thorpe Rd. Flagstaff, AZ. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Veterans will have access to hot meals, hygiene kits, clothing, surplus, legal assistance, employment services, dental, vision and medical assistance, haircuts, Veterans’ Court and Notary services, information on disability and survivor benefits, and more. Surplus is not for resale and is for individual use only.

“It is an honor, as a member of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors, to work with so many dedicated organizations helping connect veterans to the services they need,” said District 4 County Supervisor Jim Parks, whose office is helping to coordinate the event. “As a veteran, I hope everyone joins me in sharing this information with fellow veterans across northern Arizona including their families, their neighbors and in local communities.”

Services and logistical support are offered by Coconino County, Flagstaff Courts, Coconino County Superior Court, Williams Courts, Coconino County Public Health Services District, Arizona StandDown Alliance, Arizona Coalition to End Homelessness, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Arizona Department of Economic Security, Veterans Administration, the Hopi Tribe, Navajo Nation and many others. This year, food will be provided by Sodexo and Mormon Lake Lodge, and beverages provided by Nackard Pepsi.

The public is also invited to attend the Armed Forces Parade at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 19, in downtown Flagstaff.

The High Country Stand Down was started by the local veterans’ community and retired Coconino County Supervisor Mandy Metzger over six years ago.

Friends of Coconino County Parks awarded Community Impact Grant

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FLAGSTAFF – The Friends of Coconino County Parks, a non-profit group in support of Coconino County Parks and Recreation, was awarded a $10,000 Community Impact Grant from New York Life to provide nature- and literacy-based afterschool programs to area youth.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks received funding to provide a nine-week, nature- and literacy-based program with educators and approximately 15 youth, ages 8-10, from Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School and the K-21st Afterschool Program, with support from volunteers from The Literacy Center (formerly Literacy Volunteers of Coconino County).

The program began in March and runs through May 25. Youth will experience activities that focus on a nature scavenger hunt, nature-based journaling, archery, a ropes adventure course, a guided hike at local open space reserve and gardening. Volunteers from The Literacy Center will read books to the students after outdoor activities to promote enjoyment and achievement in reading. The program encourages students to be physically active and nurtures the need for children to play outdoors, with an educational component delivered through reading.

The Community Impact Grant program awards grants of up to $25,000 to local nonprofit organizations which are championed by New York Life agents and employees to serve the needs of their local communities. Since the program’s inception in 2008, 491 grants totaling more than $6.8 million have been awarded to nonprofits across the country.

The Friends of Coconino County Parks, Inc. (FCCP) is a 501c3 nonprofit organization in Arizona with the mission of supporting Coconino County Parks and Recreation Department’s efforts in the areas of land conservation, park development, volunteerism, and recreational activities. More information can be found at: http://coconino.az.gov/695/Friends-of-Coconino-County-Parks.

Need that road test to get a license? Make appointment online

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PHOENIX – Taking a road test to get a driver license can be filled with worry for some people. But one thing that won’t cause anxiety is scheduling the test because it’s among the many online service features available from Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division.

Online scheduling for road test appointments has been available for some time, and it’s proven to benefit customers in several ways.

“Online appointments take the guesswork out of when you can take a road test,” said MVD Stakeholder Relations Manager Jennifer Bowser-Richards. “Customers simply go to ServiceArizona.com to make their appointment knowing that when they arrive at an MVD location, they will be assured of getting the test done. There’s no more going to an office and hoping that an appointment is available. It saves our customers from taking needless trips and keeps wait times shorter so we can get Arizonans out of line and safely on the road.”

This innovation began in 2016 and results from implementation of the Arizona Management System championed by Governor Doug Ducey. MVD employees are encouraged every day to find ways to improve customer service, and changes like this have helped lower the average door-to-door time to less than 30 minutes at urban offices.

To make an online road test appointment click on the “MVD Office Appointments” tab at ServiceArizona.com.