Category Archives: City

Bearizona Welcomes Vernon the Bald Eagle on Veterans Day

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WILLIAMS — Bearizona, a popular drive- and walk-through wildlife park devoted to providing homes to wild animals in need, is introducing its first bald eagle on Veterans Day. He was named Vernon by the winner of the company’s recent naming contest that reached over 30,000 animal lovers across Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and was shared 124 times in just 24 hours.

The contest called for all Bearizona fans and supporters to submit a name appropriate for such an incredible animal that represents the strength and freedom of America ahead of the national Veterans Day holiday. The winning name was chosen out of 850 fan entries and honors George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate. Vernon is especially fitting since the first president of the United States and Bearizona’s first bald eagle were both from the great state of Virginia.

After he was seen fighting with another eagle in what was likely a territorial dispute and suffered injuries affecting his ability to fly, Vernon was rescued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department and made his way to multiple facilities over the last decade before finding his forever home at the Bearizona Wildlife Park, where he will have the space and care he needs to thrive.

“He’s very shy, but he loosens up after a few fish,” said Susan Davidson, founder of High Country Raptors. “The staff continues to learn more about him and his likes and dislikes every day, and we are doing our very best to keep Vernon feeling as comfortable and safe as possible in his new home.”

Visitors will be able to visit Vernon for the first time, along with the rest of the Bearizona residents, on Veterans Day, this Monday, Nov. 11. Free admission will be offered to all individuals currently serving in or who have honorably served in the U.S. military.

“Eagles are becoming more common here in Virginia and I see them a couple of times a month. My heart still jumps in excitement when I see one,” says contest winner, Laurinda Bowling of Bland, Virginia. According to Savannah Carleton, a second contest winner who chose the name Vernon, “Since the bald eagle is from Virginia, it seemed perfect for his name to be Vernon. But when I saw someone else had suggested it, I just decided to ‘second’ their vote. It’s always fun to participate and vote when an Arizona park gets a new member and the community gets a voice in the process.”

Tentative plans for prescribed burns next week

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino National Forest firefighters plan to conduct prescribed burns next week in areas that will lessen smoke impacts to surrounding communities.These burns are among the prescribed burn projects planned for the Flagstaff Ranger District and the Mogollon Rim Ranger District this fall and are part of a strategy to allow fire across the landscape in order to restore forests to healthier conditions, protect watersheds and improve the safety of the communities around them.

Frequent, low-intensity fire removes accumulated smaller fuels and recycles nutrients in the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.

The prescribed burn projects listed below are in chronological order and may occur on days other than noted, depending on favorable weather conditions. Firing ignitions for each of these projects begin at approximately 10 a.m. on the mornings indicated.

Experimental Forest (Ft. Valley 1 & 4)

When: Tuesday (Nov. 12).
Where: Approximately 8 miles northwest of Flagstaff, near the Fort Valley Trailhead. GPS: 35.270153, -111.677685
Size: 302 acres total, in two burn blocks.
Duration: 1-day operation.
Method/Type of burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. The burn is an operation in partnership with the USFS Rocky Mountain Research Center, Northern Arizona University and the Ecological Research Institute to study the effects of consistent return intervals of low-intensity fire.
Smoke Impacts: With a westerly wind forecast, smoke should move northeast towards Schultz Pass. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, potentially impacting Doney Park, Baderville, Fort Valley, the U.S. Highway 180 corridor and Rio de Flag river drainage.
Closures/Restrictions: The Arizona National Scenic Trail will be rerouted during the burn operations for visitor’s safety.

Victorine

When: Tuesday-Thursday (Nov. 12-14).
Where: Approximately 6.5 miles southeast of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District office, west of Leonard Canyon. GPS: 34.540829, -111.104980
Size: 2,900 acres total. Daily acreage varies upon the conditions. Day 1 is planned for 600 acres.
Duration: This is a four-day burn operation.
Type of Burn: This is a broadcast maintenance burn using drip torches. This burn operation will reduce the chance of catastrophic wildfire, protect private property, benefit wildlife habitat and improve forest health.
Smoke Impacts: Daytime winds are forecast from the southwest. Smoke should lift and disperse toward the northeast of the project area during the day. Overnight smoke could settle in the local burn area, Blue Ridge communities, and will probably drain down East Clear Creek. Smoke may end up in the eastern side of the Verde Valley until daytime temperatures rise enough to lift the smoke into the transport winds.
Closures/Restrictions: None expected.
Additional Information: Each day the burn block will be ignited independently after the project’s burn prescription and smoke impacts are evaluated.

Maxwell Springs 1 & 2

When: Wednesday (Nov. 13).
Where: Five miles northwest of Flagstaff.

GPS: 35.250812, -111.824213 & 35.263236, -111.806195

Size: 833 acres total in two burn blocks.
Duration: One-day operation.
Method/Type of Burn: Broadcast maintenance burn conducted by drip torch. These burns are located south of Wing Mountain and north of Bellemont.
Smoke Impacts: Ventilation is predicted to move smoke toward the northeast. Cooling temperatures in the evenings will cause smoke to settle in the low-lying areas surrounding the burn, Interstate 40 and the west side of Flagstaff. This will likely impact Fort Valley, Snowbowl Ski Resort area and possibly U.S. Highway 180.
Closures/Restrictions: None expected.

Christmas tree permits on sale November 22

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FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino National Forest will begin selling a limited number of over-the-counter Christmas tree permits to the public beginning Noember 22 (Friday) that will be good for cutting in designated areas of the Flagstaff and Mogollon Rim ranger districts until December 24.

A total of 1,200 permits will be available at $15 each, which can be paid for by cash, credit card, or personal check at the locations listed below. The permits will be issued one per household on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Permits cannot be reserved. Last year permits sold fast, so the public is encouraged to purchase their permit as soon as possible beginning November 22.

This year, the Flagstaff Ranger Station will be selling 150 permits for Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas on the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 100 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. A map will be provided with each permit as well as the stipulations and limitations regarding the size of tree that can be cut. This office is not open on November 23 or 24 (Saturday and Sunday).

The Mogollon Rim Ranger Station will have 550 permits for sale for areas within the Mogollon Rim Ranger District, which includes Fir, Pinyon Pine, and Ponderosa Pine trees in three designated areas located approximately 1 to 2.5 hours south of Flagstaff. This office will be open November 22 and November 23 (Friday and Saturday) to sell permits, but will be closed November 24 (Sunday).

The Forest Supervisors Office will be selling permits this year. There will be 100 permits for the Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas in the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 200 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District. This office is not open on November 23 or 24 (Saturday and Sunday).

The Red Rock Ranger District will sell a limited number of permits November 23 and 24 (Saturday and Sunday only), or until all permits are sold. There will be 50 permits for the Pinyon and Juniper trees within two designated Christmas tree cutting areas in the Flagstaff Ranger District, and 50 permits for Fir, Pinyon Pine, or Ponderosa Pine trees within the three designated areas of the Mogollon Rim Ranger District.

ADOT Construction Academy creates fast track to careers

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PHOENIX – A new full-time format for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Construction Academy pre-apprenticeship training program readies participants for highway construction jobs in just two weeks.

The first cohort in the Highway Construction-Jump Start program graduated in October after hands-on instruction in Camp Verde. At no cost to them, seven participants received training and certifications needed to compete for entry-level jobs on construction projects.

Another cohort is currently receiving training in Phoenix, with graduation scheduled for Friday, November 8.

ADOT created its Construction Academy programs to remove barriers to careers in highway construction for women, minorities, veterans and members of economically disadvantaged groups, including those who are out of work.

The agency also offers the Construction Academy in a 16-week format, with participants receiving three hours of instruction three nights a week toward starting careers as masons on construction projects. The next 16-week programs are planned this coming spring in Phoenix and Prescott next summer.

With funding from the Federal Highway Administration, ADOT offers both programs through its On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program, part of the agency’s Business Engagement and Compliance Office.

“The new Jump Start program gives those who can participate full-time a fast track to careers in one of the best industries in Arizona,” said Steve Navis, manager of ADOT’s On-The-Job-Training Supportive Services Program. “Whether you can commit a full two weeks or a few nights a week over a longer period, we’re tailoring these high-quality adult education programs to you.”

Participants in the two-week program receive certification to work as flaggers on highway projects, commercial driver license permits needed to drive commercial trucks and Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour safety training certification covering general safety and health hazards for entry-level construction workers.

They also receive training in construction math, reading construction plans, work-readiness and resume-building.

Many of these trainees will move on to construction apprenticeships and later reach journeyman status, with ADOT providing continuing support and guidance.

Future two-week programs are scheduled in Tucson (February 3-14), Phoenix (March 2-13), Nogales (March 30-April 10), Globe (May 4-15) and Show Low (June 1-12).

In both programs, ADOT covers training costs and fees for participants and provides support finding employment as well as job-readiness training. Those with 100 percent attendance receive free gear including hand tools, tool belts and hard hats.

For more information or to apply for either Construction Academy format, please visit azdot.gov/Academy, call 602.712.7761 or pick up materials at the ADOT Business Engagement and Compliance Office, 1801 W. Jefferson St., Suite 101, in Phoenix.

Arrest Made in Alan Arvey Murder Case

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Michael Wyffels

FLAGSTAFF – On October 29, 2019 a suspect arrested in Portland, Oregon for his involvement in the August 17th murder of Alan Arvey was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility.

After Alan Arvey was identified as the victim in this case detectives were able to identify a suspect by tracking bank account transactions for Mr. Arvey. Detectives were able to identify a male subject captured on ATM video surveillance and other business surveillance video associated with purchases and withdrawals made both before and after Mr. Arvey was discovered deceased along Highway 89A, in Oak Creek Canyon. Detectives were able to identify the suspect as Michael Wyffels, a 55-year-old male from Sun City, Az.

These credit card transactions led detectives to the Portland, Oregon area. Detectives from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office worked with Detectives from the Washington County (OR) Sheriff’s Office to locate Wyffels at a residence in the town of Beaverton, Oregon. Wyffels was taken into custody by Oregon authorities for charges related to credit card fraud in the Beaverton, Oregon area on August 28, 2019. During the investigation, detectives found that Wyffels had been released from the Arizona Department of Corrections on August 16, 2019, one day prior to the murder of Alan Arvey.

On October 29, Coconino County Sheriff’s Office detectives took custody of Michael Wyffels from the Washington County (OR) Sheriff’s Office in Hillsboro, Oregon and transported him back to Flagstaff. Wyffels was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility for First Degree Murder, Felony Murder, Armed Robbery, Kidnapping, and Theft of Means of Transportation. Wyffels is currently being held on a $3 million bond.

Coconino County Sheriff’s – Recent SAR Incidents & Reminder of 10 Essentials

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FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit has responded to four incidents over the past week. Search and Rescue also would like to remind outdoor users to carry the 10 Essentials.

The first began on the morning of October 23 when Search and Rescue was requested to assist with a search for a 22-year-old male subject from Georgia. The man had called his girlfriend and stated that he had been involved in a vehicle accident in the area of Welch Road west of Williams and had been wandering around the woods trying to find a road. That subject, Matthew Pearce, was fleeing Georgia after a probation violation warrant was issued for his arrest. Search and Rescue assisted in coordinating a search for Pearce using deputies from both Coconino and Yavapai counties, small unmanned aerial systems, the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit, and Search and Rescue volunteers from Coconino County who searched on foot, via horseback, and used search dogs. Pearce was located in good condition on the morning of October 26th. He was taken into custody for the arrest warrant and booked into the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility.

On October 23 at approximately 3:20 pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit responded with Summit Fire District and Guardian Medical Transport to an injured hiker at approximately 11,000 feet elevation on the Humphrey’s Peak Trail. Responders were assisted by Arizona Snowbowl personnel and their UTV to transport rescuers. The 57-year-old female from California was located at approximately 5:30 pm and her leg injury was stabilized, and she was carried in a litter with a litter wheel to a waiting search and rescue UTV parked inside the Arizona Snowbowl ski area. She was then driven to a waiting ambulance at Agassiz Lodge parking lot. The hiker was transported to Flagstaff Medical Center for treatment of her injuries.

On the afternoon of October 28, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded along with Highlands Fire District, Flagstaff Fire Department, and Guardian Medical Transport to a climbing accident at the Pit climbing area which is accessible from the Canyon Vista Campground on Lake Mary Road. A 23-year-old male from Flagstaff fell approximately 40 feet while lead climbing. The climber sustained injuries to his back. Rescuers secured the climber in a litter and lowered him to the canyon floor and then carried him out to the campground to a waiting ambulance for transport to Flagstaff Medical Center.

At approximately 8:00 pm on October 28 the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue responded to a report of an overdue subject in the Cinder Lakes area. The 62-year-old transient male was reported overdue from a walk. He had last been seen at approximately 1:30 pm. The subject had sent some SOS emails to a companion, but he was not found at the locations indicated on the emails. After sending the emails it appeared that his phone had run out of battery power. A search was initiated with search and rescue personnel, deputies, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Air Rescue Unit. The subject was located at approximately 2:00 am on October 29 after he made contact with his companion by phone and was instructed to call 911. He was located off road in the Cinder Lakes area approximately 3 miles south east of his camp. He was cold, but in otherwise good condition. He was reunited with his companion at their camp.

The Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind outdoor users to be prepared for their activities by researching the weather and carrying the appropriate equipment including the 10 Essentials in addition to a fully charged cell phone. The 10 Essentials include water, food, extra warm clothing, navigation equipment (map, compass, GPS), a headlamp, first aid kit, shelter material (space blanket or large leaf bag), a fire-starting kit, pocket knife, and signal equipment (whistle and signal mirror). In addition to carrying the equipment and the knowledge to use the equipment safely, it is important to leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted person.

Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project to Continue This Week Near Williams

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WILLIAMS — Kaibab National Forest fire managers plan to continue prescribed fire treatments on additional units of the Three Sisters Prescribed Fire Project north of Williams beginning Tuesday of this week. 2050 acres have been successfully treated to date with approximately 5350 acres remaining.Operations may continue throughout the week as weather conditions permit. Daily ignitions will only occur when environmental factors align with the required prescription that will achieve desired results and meet land management objectives.

The 7400 acre prescribed burn area is located just north of the City of Williams and Interstate 40, east of Forest Road 124, and west of Airport Road and Highway 64. Goals of the prescribed fire treatment include decreasing the threat of unnatural severe wildfire by reducing accumulated fuels, improving forest health, and reintroducing fire to the landscape that aligns with the desired historical condition.

The project will be broken into smaller units that will be scheduled to be burned on days that will help to allow smoke to disperse away from developed areas and ventilate quicker reducing the impacts to local communities.

Area residents can expect to see and hear a helicopter in the area, as aerial ignitions will occur on portions of the burn. Smoke will be highly visible from the City of Williams and from roadways and recreation areas in the general vicinity of this project. Specific areas from which smoke is likely to be noticeable include H.A. Clark Memorial Field airport, Kaibab Lake, portions of State Route 64, Valle, the City of Williams, and Interstate 40. Smoke is expected to lift during the day and travel northeast toward Red Lake Valley. However, cooler overnight temperatures may cause smoke to settle into low-lying areas surrounding the burn location.

Fire managers are aware that community members may be sensitive to the smoke produced, and they make every effort to limit the amount and duration of production. Prescribed fires with short-term impacts to air quality can help prevent future severe unplanned wildfires under unpredictable conditions with smoke that may pose significant risks to public health and safety.

To learn more about smoke and public health, visit bit.ly/SmokeHealthAwareness.

No road or trail closures are planned as part of this project however motorists are reminded to watch for traffic control personnel on Interstate 40 and the Highway 64 corridor and drive with heightened awareness when passing through active project areas.

All prescribed burns are subject to approval from the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Members of the public may view approved prescribed burns for any given day on the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality’s website at smoke.azdeq.gov/

Notifications of upcoming prescribed fire projects are provided regularly by news releases throughout the year and through the following sources:

• InciWeb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5922/
• Kaibab National Forest Website: www.fs.usda.gov/kaibab
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/KaibabNF
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/KaibabNF
• Fire Information Recorded Hotline: (928) 635-8311

Double Murder victims identified

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WILLIAMS – The Coconino County Sheriff’s has arrested a Williams man for the murder of his wife and her sister at a home north of Williams.

The victims have been identified as 70 year old Elaine Fann and her 65 year old sister, Vivian Scheuerman. Both victims lived at Fann’s home on Pine Road in the Red Lake area. Both victims had
been shot and appeared to have died as a result of those injuries. Autopsies will be performed by the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office.

The suspect is identified as 60 year old Gustavo Espino. Espino also lived on the property and is believed to be the boyfriend and business partner or employee of Elaine. Espino was booked into the Coconino County Detention Facility on two counts of murder and being held on $2 million bond. Detectives are continuing the investigation into both deaths.

Double Murder Suspect in Custody

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WILLIAMS – The Coconino County Sheriff’s has arrested a Williams, AZ man for the murder of his wife and her sister at a home north of Williams.

Around 8:37 PM Sunday October 27th the Sheriff’s Office received a call from a Department of Public Safety trooper advising he had been driving on a county road in the Red Lake area when he was flagged down or stopped by the driver of a vehicle. The man approached the trooper and reported something to the effect that he couldn’t take it anymore and had killed his wife and her sister at their home. The Trooper detained the man and called the Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to the home address of the man and his wife and upon entering the home, found two females deceased inside the home. The man was transported to Flagstaff by Sheriff’s deputies. The suspect was interviewed by detectives where he made statements about his involvement in the deaths.

The case is being investigated as a homicide. The Sheriff’s Office is not releasing the names of the suspect or victims at this time pending notification of next of kin.

10 Ways to Help Keep Trick or Treaters Safe this Halloween

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PHOENIX – Halloween is just days away. Fast becoming one of the most popular holidays in this country, masses of little superheroes, cartoon and television characters will soon be out in their neighborhoods for trick or treat fun. The American Red Cross has ten tips parents can follow to help keep the kids safe while enjoying the festivities.

Trick-or-treaters need to see and be seen.
– Use face makeup instead of masks which make seeing difficult.
– Give trick-or-treaters a flashlight to light their way.
– Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags.
– Have everyone wear light-colored clothing.

Use flame-resistant costumes.

Make sure adults know where the kids are going. A parent or responsible adult should accompany young children door-to-door.

Be cautious around animals, especially dogs.

Walk, don’t run.

Only visit homes that have a porch light on. Accept treats at the door – never go inside.

Walk only on the sidewalks, not in the street.
– If no sidewalk is available, walk at the edge of the roadway, facing traffic.
– Look both ways before crossing the street, and cross only at the corner.
– Don’t cut across yards or use alleys.
– Don’t cross between parked cars.
– Drivers – use extra caution. The youngsters may forget to look both ways before crossing.

A grown-up should check the goodies before eating.
– Make sure to remove loose candy, open packages and choking hazards.
– Discard any items with brand names that you are not familiar with.

If you are planning to welcome trick-or-treaters to your home, follow these safety steps:
Light the area well so young visitors can see.
Sweep leaves from your sidewalks and steps. Clear your porch or front yard of obstacles someone could trip over.