Category Archives: Flagstaff

Edward “Pat” Madden assumes role of Game and Fish Commission chairman

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edward-maddenPHOENIX — Edward “Pat” Madden of Flagstaff became the Arizona Game and Fish Commission’s newest chair on July 1. He will lead the five-member commission for the 2016-17 fiscal year.

Madden replaces Kurt R. Davis, who will continue to serve on the commission until his successor is appointed by the governor and confirmed by the state Senate. Each commissioner serves a five-year term that is staggered and customarily serves as chairman during their final year.

Madden, who joined the commission in 2013, has an extensive law enforcement background. He spent more than three decades working for the Flagstaff Police Department – beginning his career in 1966 as a patrolman and retiring as chief of police in 1999 – and also worked for the Arizona Department of Gaming before fully retiring in 2015.

Chairman Madden has been an active member of the Flagstaff community and has served on multiple boards and committees, including: Flagstaff Big Brothers; Flagstaff Route 66 Rotary Club; Northern Arizona Fallen Officers Memorial Committee; Flagstaff Leadership; and Citizens Against Substance Abuse. He has received numerous awards and commendations for his work and community service, including the Officer of the Year award from the Flagstaff Police Department, Outstanding Service Award from Big Brothers Flagstaff, and the Paul Harris Foundation Award from Rotary International.

“I look forward to my chairmanship and a continued productive working relationship between the commission, department and public to ensure that Arizona’s wildlife is protected, preserved, enhanced and managed,” said Madden.

He received his Master of Science degree in criminal justice and his Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Arizona University. He is also a graduate of the Northwestern Traffic Institute in Evanston, Ill., and the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Va.

The commission oversees the Arizona Game and Fish Department. The commission establishes rules and regulations for the managing and conserving of wildlife and fisheries resources, and for safe and regulated watercraft and off-highway vehicle (OHV) operations for the benefit of Arizona residents.

Northbound Interstate 17 construction between Kachina Village and Interstate 40 Junction

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FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews will be applying Recessed Pavement Markers and other pavement markings on the recently re-surfaced six mile stretch of northbound Interstate 17, from the Kachina Bvd/Mountainaire road exit (milepost 333) to the Lake Mary road exit south of the I-40 Junction (milepost 339). Work will occur on Thursday (July 14) and Friday (July 15) during daylight hours.

Traffic will be reduced to one lane through the work zone. Delays can be expected during construction; please allow for extra time for travel in the area. ADOT advises travelers to observe reduced speeds in the area, and to watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned roadway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule.

ADEQ to host waste material compliance workshop if Flagstaff

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Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) Waste Programs staff will conduct a Waste Compliance Workshop where attendees will learn about Solid and Hazardous Waste Regulations and ADEQ’s Pollution Prevention Program. ADEQ encourages community members, businesses and government agencies to attend this no-cost workshop.

The seminar will be held in Flagstaff at the Arizona Game and Fish office at 3500 Lake Mary Road. The seminar will be Tuesday, July 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Topics include

Solid Waste:

  • Proper handling of Used Oil
  • Petroleum Contaminated Soil Disposal
  • Biohazardous Medical Waste (including tattoo needles)
  • Prescription and Non-prescription drug disposal
  • Used and Waste Tires
  • Illegal Dumping

Hazardous Waste:

  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) and hazardous waste regulations
  • Hazardous waste generator classes (LQG, SQG, CESQG)
  • Common hazardous wastes by industry
  • What to expect when you’re inspected
  • Top 10 most common hazardous waste violations
  • New ADEQ hazardous waste inspection checklist.
  • myDEQ RCRQA EPA ID Registration

Hazardous Waste Manifest and Reporting:

  • Preparing the Perfect Manifest – Instructions on how to submit a hazardous waste manifest, including: Timeliness; Which manifest copy to submit; Common omissions and errors; And readability.
  • Submitting a Biennial Hazardous Waste Facility Annual Report – This will take you through the steps of using the free BRSW software from Florida to submit an LQG FAR; How to download and set up the software; The advantages to using the software over hardcopy versions; Tricks to compiling data; And how to zip and submit the report.

Pollution Prevention:

  • What’s new in Pollution Prevention including a review of the program statutes, thresholds and plan requirements
  • Examples on successful goals
  • The improved P2 plan forms.

Underground Storage Tanks:
Tired of getting two different stories regarding your USTs? Get the facts in this informative 1 hour session on UST rule updates and requirements for keeping your UST systems in compliance.

Citizen Involved Shooting on SR87 near Blue Ridge Area

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160628-shooting-1 FLAGSTAFF — Two people are in custody and one person in stable condition after two citizens shot at a suspected DUI driver on SR87 near milepost 278.

On Monday June 27, 2016 around 2:30 pm the Sheriff’s Office received a report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) of a shooting that occurred on SR87 near milepost 278. The DPS Troopers had two male subjects detained who were involved in the shooting. Medics were tending to a male victim who had received a gunshot wound to the chest. A Sheriff’s Office Detective responded from our Flagstaff office to investigate the incident.

38-year-old Shane A Tebo and 28-year-old Brandon M. Vongthongthip (both of Phoenix, AZ) were traveling north on SR87 when they observed what they believed to be a DUI driver traveling behind them who they reported was swerving in and out of his lane. They called 911 to report the driver, and an attempt to locate was dispatched to DPS Troopers in the area. Mr. Tebo was driving at the time, and attempted to slow or block the suspected DUI driver. At one point, the suspect DUI driver drove off the road into a ditch. At that time, Mr. Tebo drove his vehicle up next to the vehicle in the ditch to block the driver from returning to the road.

Mr. Tebo and Mr. Vongthongthip both were openly carrying Glock firearms and ammunition on their belts. Mr. Tebo exited his vehicle and attempted to take the keys from the suspected DUI driver whose vehicle was still running, but he could not get between the vehicles.

The vehicle being driven by the suspected DUI driver, 31-year-old Jesse G. Olsson (of Payson, AZ), apparently moved forward. At that time, Mr. Tebo shot several rounds into the engine block of the car trying to stop the car and the driver. The vehicle moved forward again at which time Mr. Vongthongthip fired several shots from his passenger seat at the suspected DUI driver. The driver of the DUI vehicle suffered a gunshot wound to his chest.

Around this time, an Arizona Department of Transportation vehicle and crew had observed the two vehicles in the ditch and had turned around to offer assistance. They observed the weapons and a person on the ground. They radioed their dispatch who contacted DPS. DPS Troopers responded, secured the scene and detained the two shooters.

Medical personnel from Pine-Strawberry Fire and Medics continued to treat the victim who was then airlifted by DPS Air Rescue to John C. Lincoln hospital. The victim Mr. Olsson is in stable condition but has not been able to give a statement to investigators. Detectives continue the investigation into the possible role of DUI in this incident.

Shane A Tebo and Brandon M. Vongthongthip were booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility in Flagstaff, AZ. Mr. Tebo was booked on Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon, and Disorderly Conduct. Mr. Vongthongthip was booked on Second Degree (Attempted) Homicide, Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct.

You can help conserve wildlife

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Deer graze along Perkinsville Road, also called South Road, out of Williams.

Did you know you can help conserve wildlife? Of course there are many groups working to do this in various ways. You can help without lifting a finger. And you can get paid—in a sense—to do it.

Many visit Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork and other northern Arizona Route 66 sites. They come up for camping, fishing and to visit the Grand Canyon in hopes of finding comfort in our cooler weather. The problem is that many come dragging their fifth-wheels exceeding the posted speed limits on Perkinsville Road to get to a camp site in the Kaibab. They exceed the posted speed limits to get to the Grand Canyon so they can take a half-hour to take photos and leave. They do not realize that the speed limits posted are posted for a reason.

Deer and elk also wander around our parks such as these at Buckskinner Park.

Deer and elk also wander around our parks such as these at Buckskinner Park.


During this season deer and elk line our highways and freeways looking for water and food. A problem arises when deer and elk dart across the highways and freeways without warning. They make no attempt to guage your speed and, like most people, are unaware that a speeding vehicle cannot brake in time to prevent them from getting hit.

The answer is simply to observe the posted speed limits and even slow down a bit. Especially when you note animals feeding along the roadway.

So how does this pay you? There is an adage which states A penny saved is a penny earned. Consider that if you hit an animal damaging your vehicle, your insurance rates are likely to rise. Not to mention any payment for injuries to occupants that might occur. If the police or Sheriff’s deputy investigating the accident determine that you were speeding, you might receive a costly citation as well. If it is determined by the insurance company that you were at fault, they may not even pay out meaning that you will be responsible to pay for all damages.

Another thing to remember is that some wildlife may seem cute and tame. It may be tempting to feed them or pet them. Either action is dangerous. They are wild and may attack at any time. Feeding them will attract them to camping areas. It may even attract more dangerous animals such as mountain lions and bears.

Flagstaff, Williams, Ash Fork, Valle and all points north welcome visitors who wish to explore the many exciting activities we have to offer. We thank you to slow down and take care to protect our wildlife and our residents from death and injury.

Traffic signal control cabinet replacement scheduled at US 180 and Birch Avenue in downtown Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) crews will be replacing the traffic signal control cabinet at US 180 (Humphreys Street) and Birch Avenue in downtown Flagstaff from 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 28.

The signal will be down during replacement and no left turns will be permitted at the intersection; access will be maintained for through traffic on US 180, and for right turns at US 180 and Birch Avenue.

Drivers are asked to adjust their travel route if needed, and use caution while electrical work is performed in this area. Please reduce speeds, and be observant of crews and equipment in the intersection.

Multiple Agencies Respond to Search and Rescue Events in Coconino County Over the Last Several Days

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FLAGSTAFF — Summer has arrived and agencies in Coconino County are responding to search and rescue efforts. Visitors are coming up to get out of the heat in other areas. The Kaibab Forest, Grand Canyon, the San Francisco Peaks and other areas present their own dangers. Williams still experiences heat, for example, and many neglect to take water on their hikes. Now that the monsoons are here, lightning presents a problem in northern Arizona. Lightning strikes can kill or cause fires.

The following are several incidents that happened over the last few weeks as reported by the Coconino County Sheriff’s office.

On June 21, 2016 just after 9:00 pm, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 70-year-old female hiker suffering from unknown medical condition that rendered her unable to complete her hike on Humphreys Peak Trail. The woman and her husband began their hike at 7:30 am, they reached the summit and were on their way out when the woman became unable to hike further. Guardian Medical Transport, Sheriff’s deputy and Search and Rescue personnel responded. Responders carried the woman to the Snowbowl parking lot using a litter carry. The woman who is from the Phoenix area was then transported by ground ambulance to Flagstaff Medical Center.

On June 25, 2016 around 2:10 pm, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 50-year-old female hiker who was conscious but had suffered injuries after falling approximately 100 feet downhill while hiking Maxwell Trail in West Clear Creek. Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue and Blue Ridge Fire and Medics hiked to the location of the injured woman, tended to her injuries and then prepared her for a short haul by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Heli-Rescue Technician and an Arizona DPS Air Rescue helicopter out of Kingman. The short haul occurred around 5:45 pm. The woman who was hiking with a group of approximately six people was from the Phoenix area. Once short hauled out of West Clear Creek, she was then transported by Guardian Air to Flagstaff Medical Center.

On June 25, 2016 around 3:53 pm, the Sheriff’s Office received a request for assistance from Flagstaff Police Department regarding missing person Bryon Cole Middlebrook. Mr. Middlebrook had been reported missing earlier that day, and friends located his car in the Arizona Snowbowl parking area. The Sheriff’s Office responded to the Snowbowl area and began investigating his whereabouts. On Sunday, June 26 the Sheriff’s Office ground search for Mr. Middlebrook continued. Arizona DPS Air Rescue helicopter out of Kingman assisted by conducting a fly over search of the area. That day, ground searchers found several items approximately ½ mile north of Hart Prairie lodge; these items were confirmed as belonging to Mr. Middlebrook. The search was resumed on the morning of Monday, June 27, 2016. Additional searchers from Flagstaff Fire Department’s wildland fire / fuels crew and two engines from the Coconino National Forest Wildland Fire crews as well as family and friends amounted to approximately 60 responders looking for Mr. Middlebrook. Around 8:30 am, Mr. Middlebrook was located deceased by a Coconino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team. He appears to have died from self-inflicted injuries.

On June 25, 2016, while Sheriff’s deputies and Search and Rescue personnel were engaged in the West Clear Creek rescue and the missing person search near Snowbowl, the Sheriff’s Office received a report of a 911 open line phone call made from the Midgley Bridge area. Sedona Police Department responded and located an unoccupied vehicle parked in the area. Further investigation indicated that the vehicle belonged to a woman in her mid to late forties who intended suicide. Responders tried to locate the woman but due to safety factors had to wait until daylight to continue the search. The following morning, the woman was located deceased below the bridge. State Route 89A at Midgley Bridge was closed temporarily around 9:40 am this morning while Search and Rescue personnel used an artificial high directional rope rescue raising system to recover the woman’s body. Further information about the woman is being withheld until notification of next of kin.

Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours is a HAM!

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ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-01FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Amateur Radio Club participated in the Amateur Radio Relay League annual Field Day Event. The event is designed to demonstrate the abilities of amateur radio. Part of the demonstration includes allowing people to operate gear even without a license.

The event also allowed amateur radio operators, also called “Hams,” to demonstrate the usefulness of communications in an emergency situation. All of the units demonstrated were operated on alternative power, such as battery or generators.

ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-04Ron KG7OH and other CERT members displayed the equipment received after successful training. They were available for questions on the program and what you should carry when you hike in the woods in northern Arizona.

The Coconino Amateur radio club has an Amateur Radio Emergency System (ARES) team which provides emergency communications in times of distress. They operate in conjunction with CERT or separately depending on the situation. ARES is the ARRL version of what the Federal Communication Commission calls RACES or Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service. Last year Arizona lost all telephone and Internet service when a fiber optic cable was cut and the FBI is investigating the cutting of fiber optic cables in California at least eleven-times. In these instances, amateur radios still work. Amateur radio operators have assisted in emergency communications in virtually every disaster faced by America. Including 911 and the devastation in Katrina.

ARRL-Field-Day-16-06-25-05COCO President, Sandy Meadowcroft, KF4JHC, demonstrated how amateur radios can be used to track a person in an emergency using GPS and a basic amateur hand held unit. She also demonstrated how Ham radio operators can pass emails even when the Internet is down. Glen, KG7YDJ, displayed a small radio and basic car jump starter can be used as an emergency communication system.

Mayor Nabours (left) discusses amateur radio with CARC vice-president Tom Sheehan.

Mayor Jerry Nabours (left) discusses amateur radio with CARC vice-president Tom Shehan, KY7WV.

Flagstaff Mayor Jerry Nabours even stopped by to get a sample of the many uses of amateur radio.

People also got to see the fun side of amateur radio. Amateur operators constantly work to improve their equipment and communication skills by making contacts as far away as they can. While Morse code is no longer a requirement for a license, many Hams still use it as a viable communication skill today.

While some Ham operators purchase radios and antennas from various outlets, others still build their own. Communications using digital computer programs are popular. There is even amateur radio television.

Joe, W7LUX, sets up solar telescope for interested people to see the sun.

Joe, W7LUX, sets up solar telescope for interested people to see the sun.

Joe, W7LUX, set up telescopes so that people could see activities on the sun. Unfortunately we are currently in a solar minimum, so there was not much to see. Joe still answered questions about how solar activity acts on the atmosphere of the earth to provide long distance communication.

The ARRL Field Day runs until 11 a.m. tomorrow and the Coconino Radio Club will start to break down the demonstration. If you are interested in amateur radio, the Coconino Amateur Radio Club meets every 2nd Thursday of the month (Except December) at 7 p.m. at the Sizzler on Route 66 and Fanning Drive in Flagstaff. You can also visit their web site.

Amateur Radio Field Day active Saturday

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will be participating in the annual Field Day event sponsored by the Amateur Radio Relay League. The event will be held at the Silver Saddle Outdoor Market on Highway 89a in Flagstaff. In Prescott, the Yavapai Amateur Radio Club will be hosting an event at the Jeep Posse building.

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Amateur radio clubs across the nation participate in this event allowing the uninitiated a chance to find out what Amateur radio is all about. You DO NOT have to have an Amateur radio license to get a chance to work the equipment. If you are new to Ham radio, this is an opportunity to check out various HF operations.

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Amateur radio has more to offer in this technologically advanced age. Most people do not realize that, with the Internet and Voice Over the Internet Protocol, you do not even need to purchase a radio. Echolink is a popular program that you can download and use on your computer and smart phone. You must have at least a technician license to use the program. There are web sites that allow you to operate over HF frequencies if you have the proper credentials.

Demonstrations at the Flagstaff location include:

  • SINGLE SIDE BAND RADIO
  • G.O.T.A (Get On The Air) STATION (You can talk of the radio)
  • DIGITAL STATION – sending message from radio to internet to radio, or, peer-to-peer
  • Auto Patch – Radio to phone
  • RIMLINK – Relaying radio messages from repeater to another repeater to reach Phoenix
  • APRS – Automatic Packet Reporting System
  • Alternative power sources – solar, hand cranked generator

Amateur radio groups across the country will operate at the exact same time and have similar activities. In Arizona the main operation will be from Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. ending Sunday at 11 a.m. In Flagstaff, the Coconino club will be setting up at 9 a.m. on Friday and members will be available in the afternoon for questions and possibly some demonstrations.

At 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Flagstaff location, the CARC will be giving the test for Amateur Extra for those who desire to get the license before the new examination is issued July 1. You must provide a picture I.D., copy of Amateur Radio license, and $15 fee. You need to bring a pencils for filling out the answer sheet and black pen for filling out the applications. You may bring and use a simple calculator.

Paving Operations Underway on Townsend-Winona Road

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photo 1_CROPPaving is underway on Townsend-Winona Road between Rio Rancho and Cosnino. Operations will continue throughout the week. Traffic delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected. Motorists are encouraged to leave early, expect delays and use an alternate route.