Category Archives: City

Kaibab NF firewood permits start April 14 and May 1

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WILLIAMS – The Kaibab National Forest will soon be offering personal-use fuelwood permits for the 2023 season. On the Williams and Tusayan Ranger Districts, the Forest Service will begin issuing permits Friday, April 14, 2023 and permit holders will be able to collect firewood Saturday, April 15 through April 14, 2024. On the North Kaibab Ranger District, permit sales and firewood collection will run from May 1 through December 31, 2023.

Paid Permits are $20 for 10 cords of wood (limit 20 cords per year) and can be purchased by check, credit card, money order, and cash with exact change. Cash and check purchases are generally faster than credit card. A valid ID is required to obtain a permit. A Free Permit is available for the Tusayan Ranger District and allows for gathering 10 cords of dead and/or down pinyon pine.

Details such as tree sizes and species will be outlined in the cutting regulations issued with each permit. Permit holders will also receive maps and load tags which must be physically attached to each ¼ cord of firewood and visible from the rear of the vehicle.

Customers can obtain permits at the following offices. Office hours are listed on the Kaibab NF website; However, hours are subject to change and customers should call first.

For Williams District and Tusayan District permits:
Williams Ranger District Office, 742 S. Clover Road, Williams; 928-635-5600
Tusayan Ranger District Office, 176 Lincoln Log Loop, Tusayan; 928-638-2443

For North Kaibab District permits:
North Kaibab Ranger District Office, 430 S. Main St., Fredonia; 928-643-7395

It’s important to remember that many forest roads are extremely muddy and unsuitable to travel at this time; and may remain that way for the next several weeks. Regardless of the time of year, forest visitors are expected to use good judgement when traveling in the woods. Plan ahead, contact the district office for conditions, and remember that causing resource damage – such as ruts from driving on saturated roads – is illegal.

A wealth of information can be found on the Kaibab National Forest website, including additional details that will be added about the forest’s 2023 Firewood Permit Program.

Seasonal road closures still in place across Coconino NF

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest authorities would like to remind the public to stay off forest roads that are closed, and do not drive around gates, barricades, or signs that indicate a road is closed for the season.

Forest Service personnel have found broken locks on gates and tracks of drivers ignoring road-closed signs, which have created deep ruts and damaged forest roads and sensitive areas.

Coconino National Forest closes many forest roads every winter season in order to protect resources, watersheds, and forest roads from damage caused by even the lightest vehicles on soft, wet soil.

Damaging forest roads and areas costs valuable resources and personnel time to repair the damage after the roads dry out. It also prolongs road closures, which affects recreational opportunities in areas that must remain closed until repaired.

There is no set date by which districts on the forest close or re-open forest roads. Districts will re-open forest roads as the weather dries out and the soil on and around forest roads harden enough to safely accept the weight of vehicles.

When roads do begin to open, drivers are reminded that care should be taken when driving on the soil, and drivers should not continue driving on an open road if the vehicle begins to create deep ruts or otherwise damage the road or soil.

Remember to only stay on open and authorized roads that are shown on the Motorized Vehicle Use Map (MVUM), which is free at any Ranger Station or can be downloaded on a smartphone. More information about how to download the Avenza app and MVUM is available on our MVUM web page.

The smartphone map, available through the Avenza Maps app, transforms your phone to a GPS unit that can aid navigation, allow you to collect route data, and identify waypoints. The Coconino National Forest Travel Map includes additional detail and information, with shaded relief topography, game management units, hiking trails, and all designated motorized routes and areas. Once the map is downloaded, it works without cell coverage.

As an additional reminder before the camping season begins, camping is allowed on the national forest up to 14 days in a 30-day period. Camping beyond 14 days is prohibited.

West Side of Lower Lake Mary closed due to leaking levee

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District (FRD) has issued a closure order for a portion of Lower Lake Mary’s west side due to a leaking levee.

The closure has been issued as a precaution due to visible leaks in the levee.

“The safety of the public is our No. 1 priority,” said Deputy District Ranger Nicholas Mustoe. “Luckily, heavy snowfall this past winter means there are still numerous spots in the Lower Lake Mary area that visitors can still safely access.”

Lower Lake Mary visitors are advised to check the closure order map and abide by all posted signage.

Forest engineers have been working to assess the structural integrity of the levee since Friday, and forest personnel are seeking to contract a qualified third-party to assist with the analysis.

Should the levee fail, Lower Lake Mary will empty out into a side tributary. There are no campgrounds, recreation sites or private homes at risk should the levee fail. Forest officials ask the public to comply with the closure order and find other areas around Lower Lake Mary to recreate until the levee can be assessed and repaired.

Forest Road (FR) 296 may become impassible should the levee fail. Forest visitors are reminded to check the status of all forest roads at coconinonationalforest.us prior to any forest excursion.

Weekend pedestrian accident in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 8th, 2023, at approximately 8:27 pm The Flagstaff Police Department received a call regarding a pedestrian versus a vehicle crash at N Highway 89 and N Cummings St.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol responded to find the pedestrian, Clinton Brown of Louisiana, had been struck by a vehicle. Life saving measures were performed on Mr. Brown by medical personnel. At approximately 8:57 hours Mr. Brown was pronounced deceased.

The driver of the vehicle stayed on scene and was cooperative with law enforcement and the investigation.

It was reported by witnesses that the vehicle was traveling northbound approaching the intersection in the number three lane, closest to the sidewalk, when the crash occurred. The witnesses advised the vehicle had the green light to proceed through the intersection. It was reported that Mr. Brown was not in a cross walk and was crossing the road from the west.

Detectives, the Collision Reconstruction Team, and the Coconino Medical Examiner’s Office responded to the scene to investigate the crash. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Attempted armed robbery in Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – On April 5th, 2023, at approximately 1:47 pm a male entered the Swift Travel Center located at 3099 W Shamrell Blvd. Once inside the male attempted to purchase dog food. He handed the clerk money and when the money drawer was opened, he had a handgun at his waist and demanded money. The suspect left without receiving any money. He fled in a vehicle southbound on I17. He was described as a white male with face tattoos and driving a blue Dodge Durango.

Flagstaff Police Department Patrol Officers arrived on scene, obtained a description and Dispatch placed an attempt to locate out to local agencies. The Criminal Investigations Unit responded and processed the scene for evidence.

Coconino County Deputies responded to the Chevron in Munds Park, after receiving a phone call from the Clerk that they had just been robbed at gunpoint. The Clerk advised the Suspect had left the scene and left south bound on interstate 17 from Munds Park.

Responding Deputies were given a description from the clerk of the suspect and the suspect vehicle. The Clerk described the Suspect as a male wearing a black sweatshirt with white writing on the sleeve, a red Angel’s ball cap, and a black mask over his face. The Vehicle was described as a Black or dark colored Dodge Durango with a Colorado license plate.

While Deputies were responding to the Munds Park Chevron an attempt to locate was put out Department of Public Safety and other agencies south along Interstate 17.

At approximately 2:33 PM, Department of Public Safety Troopers observed a vehicle matching the description of the Armed Robber traveling southbound on Interstate 17 at Mile Post 275 in Yavapai County. State Troopers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to yield, and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit was ended after the use of Stop Sticks brought the vehicle to a stop on I-17 in the Camp Verde Area at Mile Post 278. The suspect was identified as Christopher Williams, a 39-year-old male out of Westminster, Colorado. Williams was taken into custody and booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on several felony charges.

This matter is currently under investigation and no further information is available at this time.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Department of Public Safety and the Flagstaff Police Department for their assistance in this incident and bringing it to a safe conclusion.

Wildlife assets to be auctioned March 25-26 at AZGFD’s Outdoor Expo

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) will auction its inventory of wildlife assets at the upcoming 2023 Outdoor Expo at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility, one-half of a mile west of Interstate 17 on Carefree Highway.

Antlers, hides, skulls and wildlife mounts, as well as wildlife artwork and taxidermy — all seized during law enforcement investigations, obtained from animals killed in vehicle collisions, or acquired through donations — will be sold March 25-26. Items can be purchased individually, by the pound or through a silent auction (cash or credit card only).

AZGFD will be posting bidding rules and auction procedures on Instagram (www.instagram.com/gf_assets). Once the expo gets underway, photos of many of the assets will be posted for the benefit of those wanting to see what items become available throughout each day.

Funds generated from the wildlife assets auction are used to purchase equipment and technology used in the investigation of wildlife crimes and to protect the state’s wildlife resources.

Expo hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, March 26. Admission and parking are free. Event sponsors this year include Sig Sauer (gold), Kimber America (silver), Walther and TrueShot Gun Club (bronze), and Canyon Coolers (prize pack).

Leftover permit-tags remain for 2023 elk hunts

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PHOENIX — Arizona hunters still have an opportunity to receive a hunt permit-tag for select 2023 elk hunts.

The Arizona Game and Fish Department has posted a list of leftover hunt permit-tags, as well as a printable paper application, on its website.

Leftover hunt permit-tags include:

  • 62 — limited opportunity (general) antlerless elk.
  • 9 — limited opportunity (HAM) antlerless elk.
  • 6 — archery-only antlerless elk.
  • 6 — youth-only (general) antlerless elk.
  • 2 — archery-only bull elk.

The department will begin accepting paper applications for leftover hunt permit-tags on a first-come, first-served basis — by mail only — beginning Monday, March 27. All completed paper applications must be addressed to: Arizona Game and Fish Department, Attn.: Draw/First Come, 5000 W. Carefree Highway, Phoenix, AZ 85086. There is no “mini” draw. Allow 10 to 15 business days to receive a hunt permit-tag by mail.

Any remaining leftover hunt permit-tags will go on sale on a first-come, first-served basis beginning Monday, April 3, at all department offices. Some of the leftover hunt permit-tags are for Hopi hunt open areas and are available to everyone, both tribal members and non-tribal members, through the first-come, first-served process.

A number of leftover hunt permit-tags remain for military hunts at Camp Navajo, for those who qualify. For more information, visit https://dema.az.gov/army-national-guard/camp-navajo/garrison-operations/camp-navajo-hunting-information.

For more information, including license and hunt permit-tag requirements, view the “2023 Pronghorn and Elk Hunt Draw Information” booklet online, or call 602-942-3000.

Coconino High School shelter-in-place ordered

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FLAGSTAFF – On March 21st, 2023, Coconino High School (CHS) was placed in a shelter in place at the school’s administrator’s direction. The Flagstaff Police Department responded to the campus due to a report of public safety issue outside of the school building.
The school continued to operate as usual with learning continuing in the building. The shelter in place lasted for approximately 15 minutes and has since been lifted.
A shelter in place is initiated when the potential threat is outside of the school building and staff needs to stay inside the building for safety.
Flagstaff Police Criminal Investigation and patrol personnel remain on the campus while this investigation is on-going and for safety purposes. There are no current on-going threats at the school.
For additional information, please contact the Flagstaff Police Department at (928) 774-1414.

Fraudulent Scam Targeting Individuals in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office has received several concerns from citizens reporting an apparent phone scam with the caller identified as “Captain Smith” of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office does not employee a “Captain Smith”.

The scammer poses as local law enforcement, contacting the victims and accusing  them of failing to appear for jury duty, stating a warrant for their arrest will be issued until the fine is paid. CCSO will never call to solicit funds or collect fines over the phone. Jury summonses are sent through the mail and communication through any other medium should be considered suspicious.

Anyone receiving such a call should contact the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office or their local law enforcement.

Reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a scam by following these crime prevention tips:

  •  Always be suspicious of unsolicited phone calls, texts, or emails.
  •  Be cautious of mimicked telephone numbers and e-mail addresses. Even if the information displayed on the caller ID appears the same as a law enforcement or government agency, hang up and call the agency directly to verify the caller’s legitimacy.
  •  Never use a phone number provided to you by the caller to verify their credibility.
  •  Never give money or personal information to someone with whom you don’t have ties and did not initiate contact with.
  •  Take your time and trust your instincts: if an unknown caller makes you uncomfortable or says things that don’t sound right, hang up.

Public Meetings Set for Proposed Increases to County Fair Fees

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County Parks & Recreation is hosting public meetings about the proposed Coconino County Fair fee updates. Two meetings have been scheduled for the public to hear the presentation, ask questions, and inform the Department of any concerns they may have.

Those meetings are scheduled for Saturday, March 18 beginning at 10:00 a.m. and on Wednesday, March 22 beginning at 6:00 p.m. Both meetings will be held in person at the Fort Tuthill County Park Mess Hall Conference Room and online through Microsoft Teams. The presentations will last approximately 1 hour including the Q&A.

Residents can learn more, RSVP, and provide comments at coconinocountyfair.com/feeupdate. The public may also post comments and questions to the County Fair’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CoconinoCountyFair.