Monthly Archives: January 2024

Subject Arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor

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DONEY PARK — On January 25, 2024, at approximately 7:20 am the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office served a search warrant in Pioneer Valley, a subdivision of Doney Park, for possession of underage pornography.

As a result of the investigation, Matthew Dillon, a 33-year-old male, was arrested for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. He is being held on a $200,000 bond.

Additional charges are expected, pending further investigation. No further information is available at this time.

CCSO responds to Fatal Shooting in Doney Park

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Doney Park — On January 18, 2024, at approximately 11:36 PM, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a shooting in Doney Park near Flagstaff.

Upon arrival Deputies encountered multiple subjects, two of whom sustained gunshots wounds. Deputies rendered emergency aid to one patient until medics were cleared to enter the scene. The patient was transported to the Flagstaff Medical Center for further treatment and later released. The second patient was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Initial investigation indicates there was a small get together on Thursday night January 18th at a residence on N. Bryant in Doney Park. During the party, an argument ensued between two of the people in attendance.

One of the people was asked to leave the property. This person complied with the request and left the property. This person went back to his residence, which was next door, and later returned to the residence where the party was with a handgun. He entered the front door and shot one person with the handgun inside the house. Two other people retreated to a bedroom to try and escape the shooter.

The shooter followed both subjects into the bedroom, where a struggle for the firearm ensued. During the struggle, one of the subjects was able to take possession of the gun from the shooter. The initial shooter was fatally shot during the struggle and was later pronounced deceased on scene. The deceased person was later identified as David Navela.

The initial person who was shot was transported by Guardian Medical Transport to the Flagstaff Medical Center. He was treated and released later that evening.

It is the Sheriff’s Office practice to not release names of victims in cases. The Investigation is ongoing and no further information is available at this time. If anyone has any information reference this incident, you are asked to contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 774 – 4523.

ADOT seeks bids to construct 21 electric vehicle charging stations

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PHOENIX – Advancing plans to support adoption of electric vehicles, the Arizona Department of Transportation is seeking bids for private entities to build or upgrade electric vehicle charging stations along interstate highways.

The stations are the first major step in establishing a statewide network of rapid charging stations, with 21 facilities expected to be operating by the end of 2025. These stations are intended to reduce range anxiety and encourage use of electric vehicles as a viable alternative to gasoline-powered vehicles.

All stations will be privately owned and operated, with federal funds covering 80% of construction costs and the private developer paying 20%. No state funds will be involved in the construction of these stations. Bids are due April 19, with ADOT awarding contracts this summer. Construction of the privately owned facilities is anticipated to take about a year.

The charging stations are funded through the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, or NEVI, which is allocating $5 billion in funds nationwide through the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy and $76.5 million for Arizona.

The charging stations generally will be spaced no more than 50 miles apart, and must be constructed beyond the freeway within a mile of an interchange. The bidding process outlines general areas where stations eligible for funding can be located, with specific locations to be determined through the selection process. Each station must include at least four chargers that can charge a typical electric vehicle within 20-30 minutes.

While the first round of electric vehicle charging stations will focus on interstates, ADOT plans to expand onto other highways starting with an additional round of bids in 2025. The plans will evolve based on developments within the electric vehicle industry and by studying the usage patterns of the first set of stations that come online.

For more information about the electric vehicle charging station network, visit AZDOT.gov/EVPlan.

Gov. Hobbs nominates James E. Goughnour to Arizona Game and Fish Commission

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PHOENIX — Governor Katie Hobbs nominated James E. Goughnour as a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission January 19.

Goughnour is currently finishing a five-year term that began after his appointment in 2019 by then-Governor Doug Ducey. He served as commission chair in fiscal year 2023 and was one of two candidates forwarded in November by the Arizona Game and Fish Commission Appointment Recommendation Board for Governor Hobbs’ consideration.

He has lived in Arizona for more than 45 years and is a driving force for wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation in the Payson area. He is the owner of Rim Country Custom Rods, a small business that designs and builds custom fishing rods.

Prior to starting his business, Goughnour worked 26 years for General Dynamics Aerospace Systems Group (previously Motorola Space Systems Group), culminating in his position as project manager responsible for all aspects of the Aerospace Operations Program.

Goughnour’s nomination is pending confirmation by the Arizona Senate.

Applications for 2024 pronghorn, elk hunts due soon

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The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk is right around the corner.

To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024. 

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2024 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed versions are available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

In the meantime:

  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/ to review personal data, including  application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Feb. 6). Purchases licenses at https://license.azgfd.com/, or at any AZGFD office statewide. AZGFD provides a list of license dealers statewide that offer online licenses for purchase. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

Coconino County Opens New Elections Center in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Elections Department (Elections) announced today the opening of the new Elections Center in Flagstaff. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Monday, January 22, 2024, and was attended by local dignitaries, including Arizona Secretary of State (SOS) Adrian Fontes.

The new Elections Center, spanning 9,000-square-feet, provides space for the entire Elections Department staff to work on-site, consolidating operations under one roof. The Center emphasizes County leadership’s commitment to integrity and transparency of election administration processes. Drawing on best practices and feedback from partners, like the AZ SOS and U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Election Center incorporates accessibility, transparency, and security in the administration of elections in Coconino County. The facility is equipped with tools and resources to conduct candidate filing, ballot tabulation, and statutory hand audits accurately and precisely.

“Having separate rooms for ballot tabulation, as well as the hand-count audits, permits our staff to be more efficient in counting the votes by allowing these functions to be conducted simultaneously,” said Jeronimo Vasquez, Chair of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for District 2. “Also, each room has windows for observers to see and document every step of the tabulation process.”

The new facility helps uphold the core values of democracy and empowers our community to make a meaningful impact through their vote.

The event also featured a screening of the documentary “No Time to Fail,” presented by The Carter Center.

“Transparent and credible elections are a cornerstone of the Carter Center’s work. The Center commends Coconino County election officials for ensuring that their new Elections Center will be a reliable source of information for voters and will help strengthen ties between election officials and the local community,” said David Carroll, director of the Carter Center’s Democracy Program.

Following the screening of the documentary, we had the privilege of welcoming Rob Rock, Rhode Island’s Deputy Secretary of State and one of the leaders featured in the movie, to engage in a Q&A session.

By collaborating with the Center and utilizing its guidance materials, Coconino County Elections empowers its full-time, temporary, and volunteer elections staff to deliver exceptional service that upholds the highest standards of excellence.

For more information about Coconino County Elections, including polling locations, candidate filings, financial disclosures, and other services, visit www.coconino.az.gov/Elections.

Flagstaff and Winslow Police arrest bank robbery suspect

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FLAGSTAFF – On January 12, 2024, the Flagstaff Police Department in cooperation with Detectives from the Winslow Police Department were able to arrest George Villas, 33, of Flagstaff in connection with the three local bank robberies over that past two months. Villas is also believed to be involved in an attempted bank robbery that occurred in Winslow, Arizona on January 8, 2024.

This investigation is still ongoing. If you have any additional information regarding this investigation, you are urged to contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111.

Apply now for 2024 pronghorn, elk hunts

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is accepting applications for 2024 hunt permit-tags issued through the draw process for pronghorn and elk.

To apply, visit https://draw.azgfd.com/. The deadline for the department to receive all applications is 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2024.

For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2024 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet. Printed versions soon will be available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

In the meantime:

  • Check your AZGFD portal account. Visit https://accounts.azgfd.com/ to review personal data, including application history and total bonus points (bonus, loyalty, hunter education). Also, be sure to verify your mailing address to ensure proper delivery of hunt permit-tags (if successful). If something seems amiss, call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Open an AZGFD portal account. Visit accounts.azgfd.com/Account/Register and fill in the required information. The department encourages all customers to have an AZGFD portal account; that’s the only place where draw results will be posted. Dependent account features are available with a portal account, so everyone — including youth — can view their draw results online as soon as they are available.
  • Applicants must possess a valid Arizona hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, to apply for a hunt permit-tag. A license must be valid on the last day of the application period (Feb. 6). Purchases licenses at https://license.azgfd.com/, or at any AZGFD office statewide. AZGFD provides a list of license dealers statewide that offer online licenses for purchase. When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting license, or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting customerlookup.azgfd.com/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • Download “Arizona E-Tag.” Download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic hunt permit-tag in your AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). Be sure to update to the most recent version of the app, which is compatible with both Apple and android products. The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • Sign up to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message. As part of the application process, a customer can enter his or her phone number (ghost number format) to receive a hunter questionnaire via text message on their mobile device.

Coconino County Closures for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County’s Administrative Center, the County Manager’s Office, the County Attorney’s Office, and the County Superior Court and Justice Courts will be closed on Monday, January 15, 2024 in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday.

Coconino County Health and Human Services (CCHHS) offices and clinic will also be closed. There will be an Animal Services officer available on Monday from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Contact the CCHHS Animal Services office at 928-679-8756 to leave a message and an officer will return the call. Call 911 for emergencies.

Parks and Recreation offices will be closed however, County parks and natural areas are open for the public to enjoy. Please observe all posted road and trail closure notices.

The Coconino County Sheriffs Records Office will also be closed. CCSO would also like to remind all residents and visitors of the County’s seasonal parking ordinance regarding parking on county roads and rights of way, effective through April 1, 2024, and wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday three-day weekend.

The full ordinance can be found here: https://coconino.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/54497/Ordinance-2022-06-Seasonal-Parking

Forest Service hosts community meetings for proposed Yavapai-Apache Nation Land Exchange

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PRESCOTT — The Prescott, Coconino, Kaibab, and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests have begun the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process for a proposed land exchange with the Yavapai-Apache Nation and a Draft Environmental Assessment is available for public review and comment. The Forest Service is hosting two informational community meetings: January 17 in Camp Verde and January 18 in Prescott. These are open house format. Agency leadership, subject matter experts, and resource specialists will be on hand to answer questions and provide instructions for submitting formal comments.

Camp Verde Open House
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Phillip England Auditorium, 210 Lincoln Rd.

Prescott Open House
Thursday, January 18, 2024,
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The Center, 1280 E. Rosser St.

The Yavapai-Apache Nation Federal Land Exchange involves the proposed exchange to the United States of approximately 4,782 acres of inholdings within the National Forest System, owned by the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The Nation’s exchange lands include six parcels located in four national forests – Prescott, Coconino, Kaibab, and Apache Sitgreaves – all of which are surrounded by National Forest System lands. In exchange, the Nation would receive approximately 3,201 acres of federal land, most of which is in the wildland-urban interface, and nearly all of which is contiguous to the Nation’s existing lands near Camp Verde, Arizona.

The Draft Environmental Assessment and supplemental materials can be found on the project website at fs.usda.gov/project/prescott/?project=63848. Additional information is also available at yavapai-apache.org/land-exchange/.