Category Archives: Flagstaff

Deadline approaches to submit proposals for Coconino RAC grants

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FLAGSTAFF — Grant applications are now being accepted by the Coconino Resource Advisory Committee (RAC) for projects that qualify for funding under the authority of the Secure Rural Schools and Communities Self-Determination Act.

The primary location for projects must be on federal lands within Coconino County, which includes the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, and small sections of the Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests. However, projects can also be on non-federal lands within Coconino County where it is clearly demonstrated that the project benefits resources on the national forests.

The Act authorizes grants to federal agencies, state and local governments, private and non-profit entities, and tribal governments for projects that improve the maintenance of existing infrastructure such as roads, trails, recreation facilities or projects that improve forest health and restore and improve land health and water quality.

Some examples of eligible projects include:

  • Road, trail, and infrastructure maintenance or obliteration,
  • Soil productivity improvement,
  • Improvements to forest ecosystem health, including forest thinning,
  • Watershed and stream restoration and maintenance,
  • Restoration, maintenance, and improvement of wildlife habitat,
  • Control of noxious weeds,
  • Re-establishment of native species.

Each project proposal will be evaluated on its cost-effectiveness, to what extent partners are involved, how the project improves the quality of human life including any employment opportunities, and how the project will improve watersheds and forest ecosystem health in general. The total amount to be dispersed by the committee includes approximately $475,000. The Act requires at least half of these funds to be “spent on projects which include sale of forest products and meet land management objectives.”

The Act allows funds to be used for the costs of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) analysis, or for on-the-ground project implementation. All project proposals for on-the-ground project work need to be NEPA sufficient at the time of the proposal.

Proposals are submitted online at www.tinyurl.com/RACproposal, and the proponent must choose “Coconino” for the Name of Resource Advisory Committee block to submit their project to the Coconino RAC. Unfortunately, the online submission form does not have any option to save and return at a later time to submit the application.

Therefore, it is recommended that proponents complete their proposal application in a word-processing program beforehand, so they can save and edit before copying and pasting into the actual online application for submission. Once proponents click “Submit Project” at the bottom of the project submission page, no edits will be allowed afterwards.

Deadline for submission of project proposals is Friday, Aug. 30, 2019 at 4 p.m. Proposals submitted after the stated deadline will not be accepted.

The public and proponents are welcome to attend the RAC meeting where proponents may get a chance to make a short presentation and answer questions about their proposal before the RAC determines which proposals should receive funding.

More information about the Secure Rural Schools Act Reauthorization can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/pts/, and general information about RACs can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/main/pts/specialprojects/racs.

For questions regarding the Coconino RAC, please contact the RAC Coordinator, Brady Smith, at 928-527-3490 or by email at brady.smith@usda.gov.

Update on Death and Attempted Stabbing Near Gray Mountain

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GRAY MOUNTAIN – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to investigate the incident that occurred on Highway 89N near Gray Mountain on 08/05/19. Detectives have identified the male subject that died on scene as 35-year-old Richard Osburn from Oklahoma. A preliminary autopsy finding by the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office suggest that Osburn died from blunt force trauma to the head most likely sustained from the him falling from the vehicle onto Highway 89N. There were no other significant injures found on Osburn that would be responsible for or contribute to his death.

investigation showed that Osburn and his wife were traveling southbound on Highway 89N. Osburn was driving their vehicle when the vehicle traveled southbound in the northbound lane near the Sinagua Trading Post. Osburn eventually attempted to correct his position and traveled across the median of Highway 89N causing damage to the vehicle.

Osburn stopped their vehicle and was approached by other civilian motorists who were attempting to assist him. Osburn exited his vehicle and began acting aggressive towards them. During this time the couple from Conway, Arkansas arrived to assist. Osburn approached them continuing with his aggressive behavior. The Arkansas couple got back into their vehicle, with the female victim driving, and started to leave the scene.

They observed Osburn running at their vehicle as they pulled out on the highway. Osburn jumped onto the roof of the vehicle. The female victim accelerated onto Highway 89N southbound.

Osburn, while on top of the vehicle, produced a fixed blade knife and smashed the glass sunroof out of the victim’s vehicle. Osburn then pulled his upper torso into the passenger compartment of the victim’s vehicle and began grabbing at the female driver. During this time, Osburn attempted to stab the female driver with his knife. All the while the male victim was attempting to defend himself and the female victim from the front passenger seat. Eventually, the male victim was able to push Osburn back out of the sunroof.

The female victim initiated an evasive maneuver with the vehicle which caused Osburn to fall from the roof of the vehicle at speeds estimated between 60-70 miles an hour. At this point, it appears as though Osburn died as a result of the injury sustained when he impacted the roadway.

Obsurn’s wife was interviewed at the Sheriff’s Office in Flagstaff and has been cooperative with the investigation. She was released to a friend and Victim Witness services.

Arlington appointed County Legal Defender

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FLAGSTAFF — County Manager James Jayne has named Erika Arlington as the new County Legal Defender. The Board of Supervisors confirmed the appointment during the August 6 board meeting.

Arlington has been serving as the Interim Legal Defender since January. The Legal Defender’s Office fulfills the State’s constitutional obligation to provide legal services to persons who are indigent and face a loss of their liberty or family.

“After years of dedicated service to the County and community, we are extremely excited that Erika will continue her career with us as the Legal Defender,” said County Manager James Jayne. “During her tenure in the Legal Defender’s Office, especially as the Interim Legal Defender the past eight months, Erika has demonstrated the leadership and professionalism to head this department. She has the full support of the County Leadership Team and we look forward to partnering with her in this new role.”

Arlington has been with the County Legal Defenders Office since August of 2018. Prior to her time with the Legal Defender’s Office, she worked in the County Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office, as Associate Faculty at NAU and in private practice. She is also a past President of the Coconino County Bar Association.

“I’m honored to represent the Legal Defender’s Office and the Citizens of Coconino County,” said Arlington. “I’m passionate about criminal defense and dependency representation and have found a tremendous amount of joy representing those clients. I look forward to working in collaboration with our awesome team to continue to provide excellent service to our community.”

Arlington earned her Bachelor of Arts at Sacramento State University, and her Juris Doctorate from the University of California Davis, King Hall School of Law.

Coconino County Investigating Death and Attempted Stabbing Near Gray Mountain

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GRAY MOUNTAIN – On August 5, 2019 at 1:10 pm, Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Arizona Department of Public Safety Troopers from Flagstaff responded to Highway 89N near Gray Mountain for a motor vehicle accident, stabbing and death.

The first deputy on scene arrived at 1:34 pm and closed the highway in both directions. The Deputy observed a male body in the middle of the south bound lane. The Deputy checked for vitals and none were found. The subject showed signs of multiple injuries and heavy bleeding. Witnesses advised that a vehicle just south of the location may have been involved and that there was a stabbing victim at the vehicle.

Investigation revealed a couple out of Arkansas were traveling southbound on Highway 89N when they stopped to assist a vehicle that had possibly been involved in an accident. When the couple approached the vehicle, a male suspect from that vehicle ran at them with one hand behind his back.

The male suspect armed with a knife jumped on top of the victim’s car and began to break the sunroof. A struggle ensued between the male passenger and the suspect on top of the car. The female driver attempted to drive away while the male passenger tried to push the suspect away from the car. While the victims were trying to drive off and while the two males were struggling, the vehicle swerved. The suspect fell off the top of the car into the roadway where he was located upon arrival of law enforcement.

Victim and witness accounts indicate the vehicle traveled approximately ¼ to ½ mile at estimated speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour before the suspect came off the roof and onto the road way. The male stabbing victim was treated on scene and transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for non-life-threatening wounds to his hands. The female victim was treated and released on scene by medics. The suspect’s wife was transport to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office for questioning.

This matter is still under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and the Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office. No further information is available at this time. The Arizona Department of Public Safety will be handling any road closure matters.

AZGFD’s 2019 elk viewing workshop is August 17

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AZGF Photo

FLAGSTAFF – Ever wonder what it would be like to see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? That opportunity is possible during the elk viewing workshop hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from Mormon Lake Lodge. Workshop presentations are scheduled for the morning on Saturday, August 17. The workshop includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon Lake.

“This is always a popular event, people want to escape the summer heat and get outdoors in northern Arizona and enjoy wildlife,” says Erin Brown with Game and Fish. “This workshop is a great way for people to learn about the watchable wildlife opportunities in Northern Arizona.”

Mormon Lake is unique as it is only one of two natural lakes found in Arizona. During late summer and early fall, hundreds of elk can be observed at the site and along Lake Mary Road.

There will be two sessions, starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Participants will attend a presentation, located at Town Hall in Mormon Lake Village, then go on a field trip to view elk. Walking will be minimal during the field trip. The field trip location will be determined that day based on where the elk are observed. Spotting scopes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, snacks, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for standing.

Cost to attend is $20/participant (kids 12 and under free).

Mormon Lake Lodge is located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff (take Lake Mary Road and turn off on Mormon Lake Road). For directions, visit www.mormonlakelodge.com.

Registration required and seats will be limited. To make your reservation, register by clicking HERE. If you need assistance with registration, please contact Erin Brown at ebrown@azgfd.gov or call 928-606-6822.

Museum Flood Sunnyside Area Open House

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FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County and the city of Flagstaff are hosting an Open House to answer resident’s questions about potential flooding due to the Museum Fire. The Open House will be at 5:30 p.m. August 5, 2019 in the parking lot of the Peak School campus on Spruce Avenue (2229 E Spruce Ave.).

The County’s Flood Control District and city of Flagstaff officials will be available to answer questions regarding flood risk, mitigation, flood insurance and public safety.

Spanish interpretation will be available at the meetings. American Sign Language Interpretation is available upon request. If people require this or other types of accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact the call center at 928-213-2990 by 10 a.m. on August 5.

To sign-up for emergency notifications, please go to coconino.az.gov/ready.

WHO: Residents and property owners with questions about potential flooding due to the Museum Fire.
WHAT: Museum Flood Sunnyside Area Open House
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 5
WHERE: Peak School Campus on Spruce Avenue (2229 E Spruce Ave.)

Plan for daytime lane and ramp closures on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 in Flagstaff August 6 – 9

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers to allow extra travel time and plan for daytime lane and ramp restrictions on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 where the two freeways meet in Flagstaff Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 for painting and paving work.

Drivers should prepare for delays while the following restrictions are in place between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 6 through Friday, Aug. 9:
    • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at the junction of I-17 (milepost 195).
    • The southbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.
    • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to enter eastbound I-40.
    • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Northbound I-17 traffic will enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.

These closures are necessary for crews to complete final paving work after replacing four bridge decks at the I-17 and I-40 junction last year.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while paving is underway.

Risk of post-fire flooding as Museum Fire nears full containment

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FLAGSTAFF – Containment of the 1,961-acre Museum Fire increased to 91 percent yesterday, with high humidity decreasing fire behavior within the perimeter. The cause is still under investigation.

Resources assigned to the fire include: 4 hotshot crews; 1 Type 2 hand crew; 2 helicopters; 5 engines; and, 1 dozer.

Yesterday, firefighters completed chipping operations along Forest Road 789 as a part of suppression repair efforts. Chipping operations will continue today near Shultz Tank. Crews are working with heavy equipment to stabilize roads in the fire area and will continue to patrol and hold the containment line, cooling hot spots as necessary.

The potential for strong thunderstorms exists through Friday. Understand that all drainages within and downstream of the burned area can produce flash flooding. Flash floods can occur even though it is not raining where you are – it may be raining hard further upstream.

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) team is evaluating watershed conditions to determine the level of potential risks on National Forest System lands to human life, safety, property, critical natural and cultural resources, and determine appropriate and effective emergency stabilization measures to reduce unacceptable risks from potential flooding and debris flow. A BAER team conducts field surveys and uses science-based models to rapidly evaluate and assess the burned area. BAER assessment teams are staffed by specially trained professionals who can prescribe emergency response actions that can be implemented quickly and effectively.

Today, the BAER Team will complete their risk assessment for BAER critical values. This risk assessment will be used to develop treatment recommendations for land managers.

Prior to visiting the Coconino National Forest, be sure to view the map of the Museum Fire Public Safety closure area. Detailed information and a map are available on Inciweb at inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/map/6450/0/93533.

The Museum Fire Information phone line remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM at 928-288-2484. Information is also available on Facebook at www.facebook.com/museumfireinfo and Twitter @MuseumFireInfo.

Suspect in Fernwood assault incident booked

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FLAGSTAFF – Detectives with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate the July 29, 2019 assault that occurred in Fernwood. Additional information is being released about the shots fired and the arrest of the suspect.

On July 29, 2019 immediately after the victim was assaulted and while deputies were responding, family members attempted to locate the suspect outside of the house. The family members saw a person that they believed may be the suspect on a nearby neighborhood roadway. When they drove near the suspect, the suspect drew a handgun and fired at least one bullet at the victim’s family members. The suspect then fled. No one was injured during the shots fired incident.

During a neighborhood canvas looking for the suspect and other witnesses, deputies located the suspect at his residence. He was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies also recovered the handgun believed to be used in the armed confrontation with the family of the assault victim.

The suspect was taken to the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office for questioning. That individual was subsequently booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility. Another male subject, who deputies initially thought may have been involved in the incident, also was taken to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning. After interviews and further investigation, the second person does not appear to have been involved and he was released.

Kasey Johnson, a 22-year-old from Flagstaff, was booked into the Coconino County Jail the following charges: Sexual Abuse, Armed Robbery with a Deadly Weapon, five counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, First Degree Residential Burglary, and two counts of Sexual Conduct with a Minor.

The case remains under investigation by the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office 1-800-338-7888 or Silent Witness at 928-774-6111

Game and Fish Commission to meet August 2 in Flagstaff

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The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be held Friday, August 2 at the Northern Arizona University de Bois Center (Building 64), Aspen ABC Conference room, 308 E. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff.

View the complete agenda.

Agenda revisions, if any, are typically posted no later than the Wednesday before each meeting.