Monthly Archives: January 2019

Digital license plates now available as option for Arizona motorists

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Technology buffs have a new Arizona license plate option available to them with the introduction of electronic digital plates.

For over a year, the Arizona Department of Transportation has tested this technology on a limited number of its fleet vehicles throughout the state to determine operational capabilities and endurance under multiple weather conditions.

ADOT also collaborated with the Arizona Department of Public Safety to ensure that the look of the plate and its messaging capabilities conform to legal requirements and law enforcement best practices.

The plates, called Rplate Digital License Plates, are LTE wireless connected devices similar to a tablet. The license plate number is constantly displayed, and the technology allows for added messages such as “invalid,” “stolen” and other notifications if needed.

While use of the Rplate is authorized by the ADOT Motor Vehicle Division and the Arizona Department of Public Safety, it’s not available at MVD or Authorized Third Party offices. Motorists who wish to buy the plate must do so through participating resellers, including vehicle dealerships and professional auto service providers or the plate manufacturer, Reviver Auto. The plate’s cost is determined by the manufacturer, and MVD does not receive any proceeds from sales.

For more information: reviverauto.com.

Bellemont Area Plan Open House

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FLAGSTAFF – The public is invited to attend an Open House to review the draft Bellemont Area Plan. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m., Thursday, January 31 at the Robinson Readiness Center Drill Floor, Camp Navajo, Bellemont, Arizona.

The Bellemont Area Plan is a land use planning document that will guide land use and development in Bellemont for the next 20 years. The Open House will be an opportunity for the community to review and provide comments on the draft plan containing the vision for Bellemont’s future. People can learn about how the draft plan addresses goals and policies for land use, transportation, community services and other issues identified during the process.

WHAT: Bellemont Area Plan Open House
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday, January 31, 2019
WHERE: Robinson Readiness Center Drill Floor (Building K2100), Camp Navajo, Bellemont, Ariz.
WHO: The public is invited.

See http://www.coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/26111/ for the draft Area Plan.

Inmate Found Unresponsive In Cell

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FLAGSTAFF – On Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at approximately 4:13 am, Coconino County Detention Facility Officers conducting an inmate welfare check found 20-year old Kyle Martinson unresponsive in his cell.

Detention Officers began lifesaving measures, including CPR, until paramedics arrived on scene and took over lifesaving efforts. Mr. Martinson was pronounced deceased at approximately 4:26 am.

The cause of death is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division and pending autopsy and review by the Coconino County Medical Examiner. Mr. Martinson was currently housed in a cell by himself. At this time the death does not appear to be a suicide and no foul play is suspected. Next of kin has been notified.

Amateur Radio Winter Field Day 2019 is January 26 to 27

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino Amateur Radio Club participates each year in the American Radio Relay League Summer Field Day the last weekend in June. This year they are working on participating in the Winter Field Day sponsored by the Winter Field Day Association.

The Winter Field Day Association (WFDA) sponsors the 2019 running of Winter Field Day, January 26 to 27. WFDA says that the ability to conduct emergency communication in a winter environment is just as important as the preparation and practice that take place each summer, but with some additional unique operational concerns.

“We believe that maintaining your operational skills should not be limited to fair-weather scenarios,” WFDA said in announcing this year’s event. “The addition of Winter Field Day will enhance those already important skills of those that who generously volunteer their time and equipment to these organizations. Preparedness is the key to a professional and timely response during any event, and this is what local and state authorities are expecting when they reach out to emergency service groups that offer their services.”

Members of the Warren County (NY) Radio Club (WCARC) will activate Maxim Memorial Station W1AW during 2019 Winter Field Day. Club members will work a rotating 24-hour operating schedule to ensure the most band/mode coverage.

The Winter and Summer field Day events are a chance for amateur radio operators to test equipment and alternate emergency power sources. The event is open to all radio amateurs.

For anyone wanting to get an amateur radio license or upgrade their current license, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club (CARC) is holding a license exam session in Flagstaff. The exams will be held at North Country Health Care Center at 2920 N. 4th Street in Flagstaff.

AZGFD Paddlesports training course is first to meet national standard

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) was recognized by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for offering the nation’s first paddlesports class that meets the national standard for ”On-Water Recreational Boating Skills – Human Propelled.” AZGFD’s “Paddlesports Arizona” course teaches fundamental paddlecraft skills that entry-level recreational boaters should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

In addition to conserving and protecting wildlife and enforcing hunting, fishing and off-highway vehicle laws, Arizona Game and Fish is responsible for registering Arizona watercraft, enforcing boating safety laws and educating the public on safe boating practices.

“Paddlesports Arizona” is the first human-propelled boating course in the U.S. to receive this voluntary third-party verification. According to AZGFD Education Branch Chief Kellie Tharp, paddlesports such as canoeing, paddleboarding and kayaking are growing rapidly in Arizona.

“As paddlesports become more popular on Arizona waterways, the need to educate people on safe operation has become a priority for our department,” said Tharp. “Boating Safety Education Program Manager Kim Jackson and Boating Safety Education Coordinator Josh Hoffman are to be commended for creating a curriculum that meets ANSI’s stringent national standards.”

To see a schedule of free Arizona Game and Fish Department paddlesports classes, visit https://register-ed.com/programs/arizona/17. For more information, contact the Boating Education program at 623-236-7258 or visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

Under funding provided by a U.S. Coast Guard grant, the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators awarded AZGFD with a uniquely-numbered “Verified Course” mark indicating “The content of this course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.” For more information about the process, please visit the Verified Course page on the NASBLA website.

AZGFD conducting $3.3 million major renovation at Sterling Springs Hatchery

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is conducting a $3.3 million renovation of the Sterling Springs Fish Hatchery in Oak Creek Canyon, north of Sedona. AZGFD expects to complete the renovations by June of 2019.

“It’s all about ensuring that successful hatchery operations at Sterling Springs continue for years to come,” AZGFD Statewide Hatchery Program Manager Geoffrey Rabinovich said. “Planning for the future is necessary to maintain and increase current production in order to meet current and future demands of sport fish anglers in Arizona.”

AZGF Photo

The AZGFD-owned hatchery has been in need of refurbishment. The current infrastructure is aging, and some of the piping is more than 70 years old.The pipe, delivery system, valves and concrete raceways are in dire need of replacement. In addition, with decreasing water supplies, it is going to become necessary to be able to operate with less water.

The nearly $3.3 million project for Sterling Springs involves the rehabilitation of the water inflow pipes leading to the hatchery, as well as various spring/control boxes along the pipelines. Also, the outside concrete raceways and water pipelines will be replaced. The project includes a cover canopy and fence around raceways, a new storage building, and a partial recirculation system, among other improvements.

Such renovations are nothing new. In 1984, AZGFD spent $3.4 million to renovate Page Springs, Tonto and Silver Creek hatcheries in order to keep up with increased trout production.

During the Slide Fire in May of 2014, AZGFD initiated a successful fish rescue operation, moving 600,000 trout from Sterling Springs Hatchery to hatcheries that weren’t in fire danger. See video of the rescue.

Rabinovich said he’s grateful that AZGFD commissioners, the governor’s office, and the AZGFD executive staff recognize the importance of the fish hatcheries for the state. Hatcheries play a vital role in maintaining the quality of sport fishing in Arizona.

According to the Economic Impact of Fishing in Arizona report, annual recreational sport fishing produces $1.47 billion in economic benefits for the state.

Sterling Springs Hatchery is the smallest facility owned and operated by the AZGFD hatchery program, yet has a vital role in the program. Each year, the hatchery produces and supplies hundreds of thousands of trout fingerlings to Page Springs Hatchery (the largest trout hatchery in Arizona) to be raised to a catchable size prior to being stocked.

With renovations underway, the hatchery is closed to the public.

Williams Event Huddle scheduled for Monday

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WILLIAMS – The annual Williams Event Huddle will be held again on Monday, January 21 beginning at 5:30 p.m. The event will be held at the Williams Recreation Center at 314 Railroad Avenue across the street from the bank.

The event brings together various non-profit groups and County agencies who have three minutes to speak about the goals and visions for their particlar activity. The groups exhange contact information and assist each other where they can.

This year people may come in to listen to the groups and perhaps learn where they can get help or find organizations of their interest to join. The event lasts about two hours.

Two foxes test positive for rabies

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Public Health Services District (CCPHSD) confirmed that two captured foxes have tested positive for rabies.

The foxes were captured and tested following reports of attacks in the Country Club area and near Mars Hill in Flagstaff. The four individuals involved in the animal attacks are being treated with post exposure rabies prophylaxis. Two dogs were also bitten. Both are current on rabies vaccinations and are being quarantined by their owners for 45 days for observation.

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

  • Avoid wildlife, especially nocturnal mammals that are active during the daytime and animals that are exhibiting unusual wildlife behaviors which can include; showing no fear of humans, aggressive behavior, staggering and/or acting sickly.
  • 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 you are 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.

ADOT to reschedule State Route 89 closure in Prescott

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PRESCOTT – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers who use State Route 89 in Prescott that overnight road closures scheduled to begin Thursday, January 3, have been postponed because of weather conditions. ADOT will announce the updated work schedule when it becomes available.

Work was scheduled to occur in conjunction with the ongoing project to widen and improve SR 89 between Deep Well Ranch Road and SR 89A. Learn more about the project at azdot.gov/SR89DeepWellRanch.