Category Archives: Flagstaff

Prepare for traffic, do your research if heading to play in the snow

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PHOENIX – With light snow in the forecast heading into a long weekend, winter recreation areas along US 180 near Flagstaff are likely to attract heavy traffic that leads to delays.

Those planning to visit snow-play areas along US 180 over the Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend should leave prepared to spend extended time in winter weather – and to face traffic backlogs getting back to Flagstaff that increase as the day goes on.

They also should prepare for the trip by researching the locations of snow-play areas and whether those areas have enough snow to be open. The Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau lists snow-play locations at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snowplay link) and offers a hotline at 844-256-SNOW with the latest snow conditions.

Don’t park along highways or interstates to play in the snow. That’s dangerous for you, other drivers and first responders. It also can exacerbate traffic congestion on US 180.

Once they get to Flagstaff on their trips home, those heading to points south at day’s end can save time getting to Interstate 17 by taking a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Drive and Route 66, then heading west to I-17.

Motorists traveling to Arizona’s high country should allow extra travel time with snow in the forecast and prepare as they would for any extended period in cold weather. That includes taking winter coats, blankets, a fully charged cellphone and portable charger, plenty of fuel, drinking water, snacks and medications. ADOT offers more tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Give snowplows a wide berth, staying four car lengths behind. Never pass a snowplow that’s clearing a road.

Williams responds to overturned semi on I-40

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WILLIAMS – Williams first responders responded to an overturned semi-truck on I-40 about five-miles east of Williams about 9:10 a.m. The multi-agency response also consisted of Arizona Department of Public Safety, Lifeline ambulance and animal control from Flagstaff.

A semi-truck with a load of chicken overturned on I-40 westbound about five-miles west of Williams landing approximately 130-feet off of the freeway. The driver suffered minor lacerations to the face and was transported by Lifeline Ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Facility.

The driver had five Chihuahuas in the cab which appear to have not been injured. The report is three Chihuahua adults and two pups. A team from Flagstaff was dispatched to take care of the dogs.

Vehicle Pursuit Results in Multiple Investigative Leads

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Flagstaff – At approximately 3:16 am this morning, a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Deputy engaged in a short vehicle pursuit which resulted in investigative leads in a stolen vehicle, vehicle burglaries, and drug paraphernalia.

During the early morning hours of January 10, a Coconino County Sheriff Deputy was traveling on San Francisco Street when she observed a gray Toyota Tundra traveling at a high rate of speed. The vehicle failed to yield at the red light on Switzer Canyon and San Francisco. The Deputy activated emergency lights and sirens to stop the vehicle on Cedar Avenue near Flagstaff Medical Center, but the vehicle accelerated away from her and ran through another red light. The vehicle was estimated at driving at rates of up to 60 mph.

The pursuit lasted a short distance. When the driver attempted to turn at Pine Cliff Drive, the vehicle slid off the road and crashed into a utility box. Four people exited the vehicle and fled on foot. The Deputy and her canine located one of the occupants who had a valid warrant for arrest.

The Toyota Tundra was reported stolen out of Surprise, Arizona. Inside the vehicle were items that appear to be related to vehicle burglaries that took place in Flagstaff. Drug paraphernalia and a large amount of heroin also were found in the vehicle.

Arrested during this incident was 38 year-old Consuelo Almendarez of Flagstaff.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Office is coordinating with the Flagstaff Police Department in further investigation of this incident and other possible related crimes.

Investigators seek tips to catch deer poacher

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is investigating the poaching of a mule deer in Game Management Unit 5BS near Happy Jack, southeast of Flagstaff.

Game and Fish officers received information that the mature four-point mule deer was shot January 3 near the Clear Creek Pines subdivision. The deer was shot from the road within a quarter-mile of several occupied residences.

The most disgusting aspect of the case is the deer was left to waste.

“We hope the public will again come forward,” said Game and Fish Wildlife Manager Garrett Fabian. “Poaching is a crime against all Arizonans, and our sportsmen and women have shown a long, committed history of stepping forward with information to help to bring poachers to justice.”

Anyone with information about the case can call the Department’s Operation Game Thief Hotline toll-free at (800) 352-0700. Callers should provide case number 17-000023 and may remain confidential upon request. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered in this case for information leading to the arrest of the violator(s). Optionally, you may use the online form at www.azgfd.gov/thief.

Rain today, snow Wednesday

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF – Rain and high winds are the order of the day today. Tuesday is expected to be clear with a cold air mass pushing snow in by Wednesday.

Today we can expect rain, mainly after 11 a.m. according to the weather service with a high near 44. Of course we had to buck the system by starting the rain about 8 a.m. Winds will be west-southwest around 21 mph, with gusts as high as 31 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Tonight there is a 40 percent chance of rain, mainly before 11 p.m. with a low around 31. Southwest wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.

Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 42. Southwest wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Overnight it will be partly cloudy, with a low around 28. Southwest wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph.

Wednesday there is a 30% chance of snow mainly after 11 a.m. with less than an inch accumulation expected. The chance of snow persists through Saturday night.

County Elected Officials sworn in

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials pledged oaths Friday to uphold the Constitution, the
laws of Arizona and to serve county residents.

Chair of the Board Liz Archuleta led the swearing-in ceremony at the Coconino Center for the Arts in
Flagstaff. Participating in the event were County officials elected and re-elected by county voters in
November.

“It is an honor to serve and help shape the policy of the County,” said Archuleta, who represents
District 2. “It’s also a privilege to work with the other dedicated public servants. In Coconino County,
we have a long tradition of collaborating as a team of elected officials to deliver the best possible
services to our constituents.”

New members include District 4 Supervisor Jim Parks who replaced retired Supervisor Mandy
Metzger; Sheriff Jim Driscoll succeeded retired Sheriff Bill Pribil; County Attorney William Ring
replaced outgoing Attorney Dave Rozema; and Assessor Armando Ruiz replaced retired Assessor
Chris Mazon. Treasurer Sarah Benatar and Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey were
appointed mid-term and were re-elected.

“I have enjoyed working with the outgoing elected officials and wish them the very best in their
retirement,” said County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer. “I also look forward to working with the
new officials as they begin their terms and bring new and innovative perspectives to the County.”

Those sworn in were:

. Art Babbott Supervisor, District 1
. Elizabeth C. Archuleta, Supervisor, District 2
. Matt Ryan, Supervisor, District 3
. Jim Parks, Supervisor, District 4
. Lena Fowler, Supervisor, District 5
. Armando Ruiz, Assessor
. Sarah Elena Benatar, Treasurer
. Patty Hansen, Recorder
. Risha Anne VanderWey, Superintendent of Schools
. William P. Ring, County Attorney
. Jim Driscoll, Sheriff
. Honorable Mark Moran, Superior Court Judge, Division III
. Honorable Cathleen Nichols, Judge of the Superior Court, Division V

CARC Amateur Radio license exam January 21

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will hold a regular amateur radio license examination session on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. The examination will be held at North Country Healthcare, 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff.

You need to bring the following:

  1. Photo ID (Driver’s license, passport, or school ID)
  2. A copy of your amateur radio license (if you have a license)
  3. Federal registration number or your Social Security Number.
  4. Fee: $15
  5. Black ink pen
  6. Pencils

Optional: A simple calculator
A valid email address for your application

A Federal Registration Number is recommended over a SSN. If you use your SSN, you will have to wait until the FCC assigns you an FRN prior to getting your license. If you plan to take the examination and have not filed for a FRN, you should apply on the FCC Universal Licensing System as soon as possible.

Find out more about the license session at the ARRL web site.

The next scheduled license exam will be 22 April 2017.

Doney Park Man Arrested for Sexual Conduct with Minor and Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF – On Thursday, December 30, 2016 a Coconino Superior Court Grand Jury indictment was served on 60 year-old Herman Griego (resident of the Doney Park area northeast of Flagstaff, AZ) for sexual conduct with a minor, sexual abuse of a child, and sexual assault. The charges arose from a Sheriff’s Office investigation response to a report made at the beginning of December. During the investigation, several victims were identified. A felony warrant was issued and Mr. Griego was arrested on the warrant on December 23, 2016.

The incidents leading to the investigation and arrest occurred from 2009 through recent months. Victims were under aged females whom Mr. Griego knew through friendships with other members of the victims’ families.

As the investigation continues, additional charges may be brought forth. Griego currently is being held at the Coconino County Detention Facility on $1,000,000 bond.

When a snowstorm hits, safest choice is waiting it out

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PHOENIX — ADOT has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified drivers stationed around the state to address snow and ice. But as Christmas weekend showed—especially on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff west to Ash Fork and on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff—a snowstorm can be so intense that travel becomes unsafe quickly.

This is why drivers should monitor conditions before leaving and be prepared to delay travel until snowplows can do their work. A few inches of snow fell per hour at the height of last weekend’s storm, causing crashes and slide-offs and resulting in long closures because of the time required to get vehicles cleared and lanes open again.

In addition to watching National Weather Service forecasts for Flagstaff, Williams or any area you are planning to travel, be sure to check az511.gov or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is a good source of information and interaction.

Accident on I-40 at exit 163 in Williams. Photo courtesy of Williams Fire Department.

A 28-car pile up occurred at the 163 exit of I-40 in Williams on Christmas Eve keeping many stuck for up to eight-hours. If you drive faster, you may not get through the snow faster. You may not get through at all. When it rains it can be just as dangerous overnight as the temperature drops and ice builds up on the roadways.

Because snowstorms can result in sudden closures sometimes lasting for hours, ADOT offers tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow that include packing an emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water and keeping your gas tank half to three-quarters full at all times. It is also good to have a charged cellphone, but some areas do not have cellphone service. A radio transmitter, such as the FRS/GMRS radios, Citizens Band or amateur radio equipment is also a good idea.

But the safest option when snow is falling is not being on road unless it’s absolutely necessary.

During the storm, white cars were observed driving in the snow without lights making them difficult to see. Turn your lights ON during a storm, whether rain or snow, no matter the color of your vehicle if you feel you must drive at all. You need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Photo courtesy of the Williams Fire Department

With another storm forecast for New Year’s weekend, recent experience reinforces the value of waiting until roads are plowed and ready for traffic. If there’s any question about whether it’s a good idea to go, you’d probably do well to wait.

When highways are plowed and ready for traffic, many drivers may be heading uphill to play in the snow. If you’re among them, be sure to leave prepared, as New Year’s usually is an especially busy weekend at snow-play areas, especially along US 180 outside of Flagstaff, resulting in long lines of traffic at day’s end.

Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 may want to consider making an earlier start home, as on busy days traffic builds toward Flagstaff throughout the afternoon. When they reach Flagstaff, drivers taking Interstate 17 south can save time by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17. A map of this route, as well as locations of snow-play sites, is available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snow Play link).

Behnke Sentenced on Child Pornography Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF — On December 20, 2016, 30 year-old Leroy Behnke was sentenced in Coconino County Superior Court Division 5 for charges related to child pornography. Behnke took a plea deal for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was sentenced to 17 years in DOC, with lifetime probation and lifetime sex offender registration on his release.

On May 12, 2015 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agents contacted Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography by an adult male who lived in the greater Flagstaff area. According to the FBI agents they developed information that caused them to believe that Leroy Behnke of Flagstaff was in possession of numerous images depicting young children and infants engaged in various sexual acts. They further believed that Behnke had obtained the images from several online chat rooms and then distributed the images to other online users.

On May 21, 2015 Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives, Deputies and FBI Agents served a search warrant on Behnke’s place of residence while he was at home. During the service of the search warrant, Behnke’s laptop computer was seized and he was interviewed by a Sheriff’s Detective and FBI agent. During the interview Behnke made statements that implicated him in numerous counts of possessing and exchanging child pornography images online. At that time, Behnke was arrested on 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Distribution and transported to the Coconino County Detention Facility where he was incarcerated.

This case is an example of the cooperative efforts between local and federal agencies in investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspects and criminal acts.