Category Archives: City

Man shot and killed near Flagstaff Walmart

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FLAGSTAFF — At about 2:06 this morning, Ashley Martin entered the Walmart on South Woodlands Village Boulevard and asked employees to call the Flagstaff Police. When police arrived, Ms. Martin informed them that she had shot someone.

According to the police report, she led officers to the nearby urban trail between Walmart and Beulah Blvd. The woman told police that she and the man had been involved in an altercation that ended with the fatal shooting of the man identified as Travis Nelson.

The woman was taken to the Flagstaff Police Department for questioning. Detectives responded to the scene to investigate. Ashley Martin was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions begin Friday at 8 a.m. on national forests

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS/PRESCOTT — On Friday May 14, 2021 at 8 a.m. the entire Kaibab, Coconino and Prescott National Forest will enter Stage 1 campfire and smoking restrictions in an effort to protect public health by reducing the number of preventable human-caused wildfires.

Under Stage 1 restrictions, fires, campfires, charcoal, coal, and wood stoves are prohibited, except within a developed recreation site. Smoking is also prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or a developed recreation site.

Using a device that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off is allowed in areas that are barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. Fireworks are always prohibited on all national forest lands.

Fire restrictions are implemented to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires and to limit the exposure of visitors during periods of potentially dangerous fire conditions.

Implementation of fire restrictions normally occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions include things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, enduring drought, and available firefighting resources.

Additional restrictions may be applied as conditions warrant. More information about the different stages of fire restrictions can be found on line at: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kaibab/fire/?cid=stelprd3802396

Fire restrictions typically remain in effect until the forests receive significant precipitation, at which time they will be rescinded, and the public notified.

Forest officials would also like to remind visitors that having a campfire on the national forest while under fire restrictions is a violation that can carry a mandatory appearance in federal court. Visitors should use extra caution when recreating on all public lands during fire season.

Know Before You Go! The public can obtain current state and federal fire restrictions information across Arizona on the Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information website, and at the Coconino County website at: www.coconino.az.gov/firerestrictions

AMERICAN RED CROSS OPENS EVACUATION CENTER IN MAYER

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PHOENIX — In response to the evacuation order in Yavapai County due to the Tussock Fire spreading southwest of Crown King, the American Red Cross has opened an Evacuation Center at Mayer High School, 1700 E. Mule Deer Dr, Mayer AZ, 86333. The evacuation center is a rest site for residents to gather and assess their needs. Individuals needing immediate assistance are asked to call Yavapai County Sherriff’s Office at (928) 771-3260 or 911.

GO Order for Evacuation has been issued for: Minnehaha, Fort Misery, and Horse Thief Basin. Crown King is now at SET and should begin preparing in the event an evacuation order is issued.

More information on READY-SET-GO: https://ein.az.gov/ready-set-go

Next week’s prescribed burns include highly visible Naval Observatory project

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FLAGSTAFF — Several prescribed burns – including a highly visible project located east of the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff – are scheduled to continue throughout the Coconino National Forest during the weekend and into next week.
The Naval Observatory project, which will tentatively begin on Tuesday, will likely cause large amounts of smoke visible within the City of Flagstaff.
The Upper Beaver Creek project, started in late April, is scheduled to conclude early next week.
Additionally, the Mint East project will potentially begin this weekend and run through the end of next week.
Naval Observatory:
  • When: May 11 through May 14.
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. East of U.S. Naval Observatory, south of I-40. GPS: 35.184, -111.731
  • Why: To continue forest health and restoration in areas previously treated by mechanical thinning projects.
  • Size: 135 acres.
  • Duration: Four days.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: With west winds predicted, smoke is predicted to move east. Units have been mechanically thinned and previously burned in. Smoke production and duration should be lighter than prescribed fire projects in untreated landscapes. Cooling temperatures in the evenings may cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along Naval Observatory Road and I-40 corridors. Smoke will be visible to Flagstaff Metro Area, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89 and 89A corridors
  • Closures/Restrictions: None anticipated.
Upper Beaver Creek:
  • When: Monday, May 10.
  • Where: Mogollon Rim Ranger District. Approximately seven miles south of Mormon Lake. GPS: 34.780833, -111.448056
  • Why: This burn is part of a grassland restoration project that will improve forage for cattle and wildlife. It will also reduce hazardous fuels, such as dead wood and pine needles, that have accumulated in the burn area.
  • Size: 1,000 acres.
  • Duration: One to two days.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke is expected to move to the northeast, so smoke impact can be expected near Lake Mary Road and surrounding homes south of Stoneman Lake Road.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None are anticipated.
  • Notes: This is the final burn planned on the Upper Beaver Creek area for this spring.
Mint East:
  • When: Scheduled to begin potentially this weekend (May 8).
  • Where: Flagstaff Ranger District. Southeast of Mormon Lake Village, FR 124, 125 and FH3 corridors. GPS: 34.907, -111.407
  • Why: To promote forest health and restoration in areas previously treated in the Camillo Fire of 2015.
  • Size: 2,554 acres.
  • Duration: Through May 14, roughly one week. This burn is divided into three separate blocks that will be completed over three to seven days, depending on weather conditions.
  • Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn.
  • Smoke Impacts: Smoke is predicted to move northeast. Cooler evening temperatures may cause smoke to settle in low-lying areas surrounding the burn and along the Lake Mary Road corridor. Smoke will be visible to the Flagstaff metro area, I-17, I-40, Hwy 180, 89 and 89A corridors.
  • Closures/Restrictions: None anticipated.
  • Notes: This burn aims to use aerial ignitions and burn larger acres if possible. If not, smaller blocks will be burned by hand.
Prescribed burns are always dependent upon weather and wind conditions, as well as approval from Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). The public can view approved prescribed burns on ADEQ’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov. Coconino National Forest burns begin with the designator “COF.”
Notifications of upcoming prescribed burns are provided regularly by news releases throughout the season and also by the following online resources:

Governor Ducey Signs Legislation To Protect Second Amendment Rights

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PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey today signed legislation to protect the Second Amendment rights of Arizonans by safeguarding against frivolous lawsuits that have no connection to unlawful use of firearms. The new state law mirrors federal law that was passed on a bipartisan basis.

“With efforts currently underway in Washington to erode Second Amendment rights, Arizona is taking action to protect those rights,” said Governor Ducey. “In Arizona, we’re safeguarding manufacturers, sellers and trade associations. Bad actors need to be held accountable, and we will work to make sure they are. But we’re not going to allow lawsuit after lawsuit to slowly tear down the Constitutional rights of law-abiding citizens in our state. Senate Bill 1382 achieves this goal, and I’m grateful to Representative Quang Nguyen and Senator Wendy Rogers for leading on this important legislation.”

Senate Bill 1382 prohibits the state and all entities of the state from suing a member of the firearms industry for lawful design, marketing, distribution, and sale of firearms and ammunition to the public. The legislation also prohibits a civil action from being brought against a manufacturer or seller of a firearm or ammunition or related trade association for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of the firearm or ammunition, with exceptions.

Additionally, it protects manufacturers or sellers of firearms and ammunition from civil action for damages resulting from the criminal misuse of the firearm or ammunition, except in specified circumstances.

“Arizona is—and will remain—a strong 2nd Amendment state,” said Judi White of Tucson, a champion of gun rights who has long been active in the NRA. “We can’t let flippant lawsuits hinder operations of firearm or ammunition manufacturers, sellers and trade associations that are following the law. Senate Bill 1382 makes sure of that. Thank you, Governor Ducey, for signing legislation that protects citizens’ Constitutional rights.”

In 2005, Congress passed the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA) which provides federal protection for law-abiding firearms and ammunition industry members against frivolous lawsuits. PLCAA has been challenged in recent years, including in April 2021 when President Biden stated removing PLCAA as a top priority of his administration. Senate Bill 1382 codifies the federal provisions under state law.

Senator Wendy Rogers introduced SB 1382.

AZGFD urges public to leave baby wildlife alone

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) reminds the public to leave baby wildlife alone. As temperatures rise and days grow longer, newborns of many wildlife species are beginning to explore the world around them.

AZGFD encourages people to resist the urge to help seemingly abandoned animals, including baby birds and young rabbits, as a parent is likely nearby and will return once humans have left the area.

“Picking up or ‘rescuing’ baby wildlife is often unnecessary and can have negative consequences,” said Stacey Sekscienski, wildlife education program manager. “While the intention is well-meaning, the ‘rescue’ often results in a newborn or juvenile animal being taken from its parents, which are likely just out foraging for food and water.

“This can often leave a parent searching for its young, and wildlife raised by humans is less likely to survive if released back into the wild.”

Once they’ve been removed from the wild, some species of baby animals, such as elk calves or deer fawns, may even have to be euthanized because they cannot be released due to disease concerns. In addition, zoos and other wildlife sanctuaries have limited space to hold them.

Wildlife centers around the state are inundated each year with baby birds, rabbits and other wildlife that were unnecessarily taken from the wild.

The public should contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if they encounter an animal that is clearly sick or injured with wounds or broken bones; is unresponsive or lethargic; has been attacked by a cat or dog; or there is strong evidence that the mother is dead.

Young wildlife found in a yard or in the field is rarely abandoned. Typically, once the perceived predator (perhaps a dog, cat or person) leaves the area, one or both parents will return and continue to care for the young.

Baby birds are the most common wildlife species encountered by the public and removed from the wild. Additionally, eggs of ground-nesting birds like quail should be left in place when discovered.

“It’s reassuring to know our Arizona community is passionate about caring for wild animals, but most often, the best thing anyone can do is just to leave baby wildlife alone,” Sekscienski said.

For more information on what to do if abandoned or injured wildlife is encountered, visit: www.azgfd.gov/urbanrehab.

ADOT MVD offers tips for identifying scam texts, shady websites

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PHOENIX – Robocalls. Scammy text messages. Shady websites.

When it comes to doing business with the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division, ignore all unsolicited communications and avoid online search engines. Instead, go straight to the source at AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. These are legitimate MVD websites and the only ones customers should conduct personal MVD business on.

Over the past several months, customers have made ADOT aware of text messages they’ve received that claim the customer owes the “DMV” money or some other nonsense. Spoiler alert: These customers don’t owe what the text claims and these texts are a scam.

Pro tip: Any text, email or phone call that uses “DMV” instead of “MVD” is a clear give-away that a scam is afoot.

When it comes to searching for information about renewing vehicle registration, getting an Arizona driver license, taking the instruction permit test or dozens of other MVD services, always go to ADOT’s official websites: azdot.gov, AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com. Don’t let a search engine steer you to a different site.

While many of those “DMV” websites are legal, they don’t have the customer’s best interest in mind because they charge for information that is freely available at azdot.gov, like the Arizona Driver License Manual and practice tests.

Remember, the only ADOT websites customers should conduct personal MVD business on are AZMVDNow.gov or ServiceArizona.com.

Coconino County Education Service Agency Creating a Culture of Educator Appreciation

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FLAGSTAFF — In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children.

“This is the value of the teacher, who looks at a face and says there is something behind that and I want to reach that person, I want to influence that person, I want to encourage that person, I want to enrich, I want to call out that person who is behind that face, behind that color, behind that language, behind that tradition, behind that culture. I believe you can do it. I know what was done for me.”

—Maya Angelou

In honor of Teacher Appreciation week, Coconino County Superintendent of Schools, Cheryl Mango-Paget asks us all to take some time to thank the exemplary educators of Coconino County who have made a difference in the lives of our children. Think of an educator you know who connects with students, helps them experience and understand the world around them, introduces them to subjects in new ways, and inspires them to take agency over their future. We ask you to take the time to thank these exemplary educators for their work and service to our County’s schools and children.

During Teacher Appreciation Week the Coconino County Education Service Agency would like to congratulate and announce the 2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year and Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees.

2021 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Nominees:

Alexander Casady, Flagstaff Arts & Leadership Academy
Gretchen Goodley, Sinagua Middle School
Laura Locke, Coconino High School-CAVIAT
Trina Siegfried, Williams Elementary/Middle School
Rosalina Aliboga, Page Middle School
Paul Barton, Sinagua Middle School
Antonia Rucker, Knoles Elementary School
Amy Zwisler-Smith, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Jessica Donnelly, Kinsey Inquiry and Discovery School (Elementary)
Joshua Brink, Desert View Intermediate School
Tim Begley, Killip Elementary School
Mark Lancaster, Northland Preparatory Academy
Francy Solarte, Coconino High School
Susan Burdick, Thomas Elementary School
Craig Howdeshell, Coconino High School
Donald Morris, Coconino High School
Steve Schober, Williams High School

2021 Coconino County Rookie Teacher of the Year nominees:

Addison Yacko, Sinagua Middle School
Jessica Spink, Sinagua Middle School
Larissa Maye Stack, Mount Elden Middle School
Camryn Donovan, Puente de Hózhó Elementary School
Alianah Mijares, Marshall Elementary School
Yomira Valenzuela, Knoles Elementary School
Angeline Danca (2 noms), Killip Elementary School

Flagstaff & Williams Justice Court Pilots New Online System

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FLAGSTAFF/WILLIAMS — Among the many consequences of COVID-19 are its effects on the criminal justice system, including the safety of participants who appear in court.

Flagstaff and Williams Justice Courts are piloting a procedure that allows criminal defendants the opportunity and choice to appear by remote online methods while still being aware of all their legal rights and protections along the way.

Known as Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), the Flagstaff and William Justice Courts are pilot courts for the new state-designed system. ODR allows defendants cited for criminal traffic or other misdemeanors to receive a full advisory of their legal rights when charged with a misdemeanor offense, including the right to be presumed innocent, the right to an attorney, the right to a fair and impartial trial, have a “not guilty” plea entered and begin the process of pretrial discovery and discussion with the prosecutors, all on a remote basis.

With ODR’s emphasis on full disclosure as to what a criminal misdemeanor entails, defendants have the ability to opt into this alternate procedure and resolve the case more efficiently and promptly. To learn more about ODR or to search for a case and register, visit courtinnovations.com/AZ301.

Coconino County Adult Probation Offices Moved to 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Adult Probation office moved from 222 E Birch Avenue Flagstaff, AZ to their new address at 420 N San Francisco Street Flagstaff, AZ.

“Adult Probation is happy to do our part in the County’s Space Reimagined Initiative which looks for solutions and cost savings as it relates to office space and remote work. By moving into a smaller office footprint, the Adult Probation Department is committed to reducing the financial burden of the criminal justice system on taxpayers. The last year provided us an opportunity to learn how to combine virtual and in-person work, thus reducing our need for physical space in an office setting.

It feels great to have a new home where we can efficiently serve the community,” commented Chief Probation Officer Sarah Douthit.

The move took place on Thursday, April 15 and Adult Probation reopened for business at their new location on Monday, April 19. The hours of operation are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, visit coconino.az.gov/112/Adult-Probation