Category Archives: City

Fire crews work to secure control lines for Castle Fire’s continued growth

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FREDONIA — Wildland fire crews assigned to the Castle Fire on the North Kaibab Ranger District of the Kaibab National Forest continued efforts yesterday to improve established control lines in advance of the wildfire’s gradual growth.

The lightning-caused wildfire that started July 12, is being allowed to fulfill its natural role in a fire-dependent ecosystem. It remains at about 200 acres within a predetermined planning area of 19,368 acres. It is located about 11 miles south of Jacob Lake, 3 miles west of Highway 67, and just east of Forest Road 761 near Oquer Canyon.

Fire managers anticipate that the Castle Fire will continue burning at a low-to-moderate intensity over at least the next several weeks as it moves naturally through mixed conifer stands that will benefit greatly from the reintroduction of fire. Over time, the stands have become overly dense and weakened by insects and disease, resulting in a significant amount of dead and downed trees.

Allowing fire to naturally move across the landscape will not only consume dense fuels on the forest floor but will also replenish nutrients in the soil. This will reduce the risk of future high-severity wildfires and make the remaining trees more resilient.

While the Castle Fire did not grow significantly yesterday, it did slowly back down nearby ridgelines and smolder through heavy fuels. Fire managers expect increased fire behavior over the next few days, as weather conditions in the area are predicted to remain warm and dry.

Tomorrow, wildland fire crews plan to continue improving roads and other designated perimeters within which the fire can move. They are currently focusing efforts along both the northeastern and southeastern boundaries of the planning area.

The Castle Fire poses no danger to structures or other local infrastructure. Smoke impacts have been minimal to date. However, visitors to the North Kaibab Ranger District may notice some localized smoke as they travel near the fire area. Smoke may become more visible over the coming days as fire activity increases.

Game and Fish Commission approves final rulemaking prohibiting organized predator killing contests

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PHOENIX — The Arizona Game and Fish Commission today voted 4-0 to approve a Notice of Final Rulemaking that, if approved by the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC), would designate a predator or fur-bearing hunt contest, as defined by the rule, an unlawful manner and method of take for these species.

The Commission’s intent in adopting this rule is to address social concerns over formally organized and publicized contests that award prizes to competitors that kill the largest number or variety of predators or fur-bearing animals, as these are the types of events that have caused the strongest public objection.

“To the extent these contests reflect on the overall hunting community, public outrage with these events has the potential to threaten hunting as a legitimate wildlife management function,” said Kurt Davis, a member of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. “Regulated hunting fundamentally supports wildlife conservation efforts in North America. The loss of hunting would equate to a measurable loss in conservation efforts, and would represent a failure of the Commission to fulfill its duty to conserve wildlife for the beneficial use of current and future generations.”

For the purposes of the rule, “contest” means a competition in which participants must register or record entry and pay a fee, and prizes or cash are awarded to winning or successful participants.

The rule would not apply to lawful, regulated hunting of predators and fur-bearing animals, which plays an important role in wildlife management, nor would it apply to events such as fishing tournaments.

The Commission proposed the rule at its March 15 meeting, and a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was posted in the Arizona Administrative Register on April 12, opening a 30-day comment period. Game and Fish received more than 4,800 comments during the comment period.

Predatory animals as defined in A.R.S. § 17-101 are coyotes, bobcats, foxes and skunks. Fur-bearing animals are weasels, raccoons, beavers, badgers, ringtail cats, muskrats, otters and bobcats.

​​​​​​​The rule next goes to the Governor’s Regulatory Review Council (GRRC) for its review. If GRRC approves the rule, it could become effective Jan. 1, 2020.

Juvenile Charged in 2018 Fires on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest

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FOREST LAKES – A 16 year old male from Glendale, Arizona has lead guilty to starting 3 fires on the Black Mesa Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves Nation Forest outside of Forest Lakes, Arizona.

The fires were started on May 27 and 28, 2018 in the area of Forest Road 178. The first fire was started on May 27th and reported around 7:30 AM. The fire burned to about 11 acres before fire crews could contain and control the fire.The second fire was started on May 28th and was reported around 1:57 PM and burned a quarter acre before fire crews could contain and control the fire. The third fire was reported while fire crews were fighting the second fire. This fire was contained and controlled at a quarter acre. United States Forest Service fire crews and Forest Lakes Fire Department responded to the fires and conducted containment and suppression operations.

The resident USDA Forest Service Law Enforcement officer in Forest Lakes conducted the investigation and found evidence all three fires were human caused. Investigators were able to identify the suspect as a 16 year old male. The suspect had been with several family members camping in the area. The suspect made statements that he had piled sticks or branches in a pile and lite them on fire for his cousins. The suspect said he was fascinated with fire and enjoyed watching the colors, but also acknowledged he knew the destructive potential of fire.

The suspect was initially detained, arrested and later released to his parents on three federal counts of Causing Timber, Trees and Grass to Burn. The United States Attorney’s later referred the case to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office due to the age of the juvenile suspect. The Juvenile was ultimately charged with three counts of Reckless Burning under Arizona State Law. The suspect plead guilty to one count of Reckless Burning with two counts being dismissed. He was ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution for the cost of fire suppression.

The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office supports the Forest Service in the protection of our natural resources through partnership by patrolling forested areas, camp grounds, and fires detection and suppression activities.

Third Illegal Alien lawsuit by ACLU against Sheriff Driscoll dismissed by Superior Court

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On June 13, 2019, Superior Court Judge Mark R. Moran dismissed Plaintiff Jose Montelongo-Morales’ class action lawsuit against Coconino County Sheriff James Driscoll and Coconino County Jail Commander Matt Figueroa. The Court found Plaintiff Montelongo-Morales lacked standing to bring the action. The dismissal of this lawsuit marks the third time Arizona courts have dismissed an action against Sheriff Driscoll and Commander Figueroa for honoring Department of Homeland Security/ICE detainers and warrants in order to cooperate with federal law enforcement authorities in their lawful enforcement of federal immigration law.

In the ACLU’s latest attempt to frustrate the lawful enforcement of federal law, Plaintiff Jose Montelongo-Morales sued Sheriff Driscoll and Commander Figueroa for supposedly unlawfully holding him pursuant to an Immigration Detainer and a Warrant for Removal/Detention. Subsequently, DHS/ICE withdrew the Immigration Detainer for Plaintiff Montelongo-Morales and, after posting bond, he was released from custody.

Sheriff Driscoll and Commander Figueroa filed a motion to dismiss Montelongo-Morales’ lawsuit because he lacked standing to bring the action. The Honorable Mark R. Moran, Judge of the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, ruled as follows:

In the present case, the Plaintiff lacks standing to bring this action. ICE had removed the detainer at the time he posted bond and left the jail. Thus, he was no longer subject to the very policy he asked this Court to declare as unconstitutional. Plaintiff has not suffered ‘a distinct and palpable injury’ that this Court can redress. He no longer has a direct stake in the outcome of the controversy. In short, Plaintiff does not satisfy the basic standing requirement of being a true adversary for the life of this litigation.

Based on the above ruling by the Court, Judge Moran granted Sheriff Driscoll and Commander Figueroa’s Motion to Dismiss Montelongo-Morales’ lawsuit.

The dismissal of Montelongo-Morales’ lawsuit is not the first time there has been an unsuccessful attempt to prevent the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office from cooperating with the Department of Homeland Security. Earlier this year, the Honorable Fannie Steinlage, another judge in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona, denied another inmate’s application for a Temporary Restraining Order requesting that Sheriff Driscoll be ordered to refrain from cooperating with ICE. Judge Steinlage ruled that Jesus Quiroz-Villalobos did not establish a likelihood of success on the merits of his case. That case was then voluntarily dismissed by Quiroz-Villalobos on April 24, 2019.

Nearly one year ago, on July 6, 2018, United States District Court Judge David Campbell denied Plaintiff Guillermo Tenorio-Serrano’s Motion for a Preliminary Injunction challenging Sheriff Driscoll’s policy of holding persons in State custody for up to 48 additional hours, as requested in ICE detainers and warrants. Judge Campbell ruled that he could not conclude Plaintiff Tenorio-Serrano was likely to succeed on his claims. Judge Campbell also ruled that Sheriff Driscoll would face serious hardship if the Court ordered him to refrain from complying with ICE detainers. He noted the injunction would interfere with the Sheriff’s judgment as an elected official, would interfere with the Arizona legislature’s policy determination in S.B. 1070 that Arizona should cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and may also interfere with the State of Arizona’s interest in preventing unlawful immigration, as recognized by the United States Supreme Court.

Sheriff Driscoll and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will continue to cooperate with the Department of Homeland Security/ICE in its lawful attempt to enforce federal immigration law. Sheriff Driscoll recognizes and strongly supports the rule of law and will make every effort to enforce the law and protect the community.

Drivers should plan for ramp closures on Interstate 40 in Williams through June

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WILLIAMS – Northern Arizona drivers on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff should plan for travel delays due to construction work between Parks and Williams. Crews have scheduled ramp closures and lane closures while a new layer of asphalt pavement is placed on 17 miles of east- and westbound I-40 between Parks and Williams this summer. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, and installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel delays while the following ramp closures are in place:

  • Friday, June 7 through Wednesday, June 12: Grand Canyon Boulevard
    • The westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard (exit 163) will be closed around-the-clock Friday, June 7, through Wednesday, June 12. DETOUR: Traffic accessing westbound I-40 will use westbound historic Route 66 and enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161).
  • Monday, June 10: Parks
    • The westbound I-40 on-ramp at Parks (Exit 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 10. DETOUR: Traffic from Parks accessing westbound I-40 will take eastbound I-40 to Bellemont (Exit 185) and re-enter westbound I-40 toward their destination.
  • Wednesday, June 12: Grand Canyon Boulevard and Parks
    • The westbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. DETOUR: Traffic accessing westbound I-40 will use westbound historic Route 66 and enter westbound I-40 at Country Club Boulevard (exit 161). Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
    • The eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Parks (Exit 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 12. DETOUR: Traffic from Parks accessing eastbound I-40 will travel westbound I-40 to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter eastbound I-40 toward their destination. Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Parks will continue to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to Parks.
  • Thursday, June 13: Parks
    • The westbound I-40 on- and off-ramp at Parks (Exit 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13. DETOUR: Traffic from Parks accessing westbound I-40 will take eastbound I-40 to Bellemont (Exit 185) and re-enter westbound I-40 toward their destination. Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Parks will continue to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to Parks.
    • The eastbound I-40 on- and off-ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 13. DETOUR: Traffic from Williams accessing eastbound I-40 will travel westbound to Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 toward their destination. Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing Grand Canyon Boulevard will continue to Williams (Exit 165) to re-enter westbound I-40 to Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • Friday, June 14: Pittman Valley Road and Garland Prairie Road. These ramps will NOT be closed at the same time.
    • The eastbound on- and off-ramps at Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) will be closed from 6 a.m. to noon Friday, June 14. DETOUR: Traffic accessing eastbound I-40 will take westbound I-40 to Garland Prairie Road (Exit 167) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to their destination. Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing Pittman Valley Road will continue to Parks (Exit 178) and re-enter westbound I-40 to Pittman Valley Road.
    • The eastbound on- and off-ramps at Garland Prairie Road (Exit 167) will be closed from noon to 7 p.m. Friday, June 14. DETOUR: Traffic accessing eastbound I-40 will take westbound I-40 to Williams (Exit 165) and re-enter eastbound I-40 toward their destination. Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing Garland Prairie Road will continue to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter westbound I-40 to
  • Monday, June 17: SR 64
    • The eastbound on- and off-ramps at SR 64 (Exit 165) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, June 17. DETOUR: Traffic accessing eastbound I-40 will travel westbound I-40 to Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to SR 64. Eastbound I-40 traffic accessing SR 64 will continue eastbound to Garland Prairie Road (Exit 167) and re-enter westbound I-40 to SR 64.
  • Tuesday, June 18: SR 64
    • The westbound on- and off-ramps at SR 64 (Exit 165) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18. DETOUR: Traffic accessing westbound I-40 will travel eastbound I-40 to Garland Prairie Road (167) and re-enter westbound I-40 toward their destination. Westbound I-40 traffic accessing SR 64 will continue to Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to SR 64.
  • Thursday, June 20: Grand Canyon Boulevard. The on- and off-ramps will not be closed at the same time.
    • The westbound I-40 on- off-ramps at Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) will be closed from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 20. DETOUR: Traffic accessing westbound I-40 will travel eastbound I-40 to SR 64 (Exit 165) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to Grand Canyon Boulevard. Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel delays while these ramp restrictions are in place.

Learn more about this project on the project site.

 

Traffic Alert: Lane closures on Interstate 40 and Beulah Boulevard in Flagstaff scheduled to begin this week

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FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers in Flagstaff to allow extra travel time and plan for lane closures on east- and westbound I-40 at I-17 and north- and southbound Beulah Boulevard under I-40 while crews complete bridge deck replacement work on four bridges.

Drivers should prepare for delays while the following restrictions are in place weekdays between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.:

  • Beulah Boulevard will be narrowed to one lane in each direction Monday, June 3, through Friday, June 21.
  • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction Monday, June 10, through Friday, June 28.

No weekend work is scheduled.

These closures are necessary for crews to finalize work including paving, seeding for natural vegetation, pavement marking and striping.

Drivers should allow extra travel time, proceed through the work zone with caution and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Ramp closures on Interstate 40 in Williams set for next week

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WILLIAMS – Northern Arizona drivers on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff should plan for travel delays due to construction work between Parks and Williams. Crews have scheduled ramp closures and lane closures while a new layer of asphalt pavement is placed on 17 miles of east- and westbound I-40 between Parks and Williams this summer. The project also includes a final layer of asphalt, known as friction course, to further improve the roadway surface, and installation of guardrail, striping and signage. The project is scheduled for completion in late 2019.

The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for travel delays while these ramp closures are in place:

  • The westbound I-40 on-ramp at Grand Canyon Boulevard (exit 163) will be closed Monday, June 3, through Tuesday, June 11. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Williams will exit at Country Club Boulevard (Exit 161) and enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Grand Canyon Boulevard.
  • The westbound I-40 on-ramp at Parks (Exit 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 5. DETOUR: Traffic from Parks accessing westbound I-40 will take eastbound I-40 to Bellemont (Exit 185) and re-enter westbound I-40 toward their destination.
  • The eastbound I-40 on-ramp at Parks (Exit 178) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6. DETOUR: Traffic from Parks accessing eastbound I-40 will travel westbound I-40 to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter eastbound I-40 toward their destination.
  • The westbound I-40 off-ramp at Parks (Exit 178) will also be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, June 6. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing Parks will continue to Pittman Valley Road (Exit 171) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to Parks.
  • The westbound off-ramp at SR 64 (Exit 165) will be closed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, June 7. DETOUR: Westbound I-40 traffic accessing SR 64 will continue to Grand Canyon Boulevard (Exit 163) and re-enter eastbound I-40 to SR 64.

Plan for SR 89A-Fain Road lane closures beginning Monday, June 3

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises motorists to plan ahead and allow extra travel time for pavement repair along State Route 89A-Fain Road next week. The work will occur from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 3, and Tuesday, June 4, on north- and southbound State Route 89A-Fain Road between the junction with SR 69 (milepost 331) and the junction with SR 89A-Robert Road (milepost 324).

Paving scheduled Monday, June 3, will require the following closures:

  • Northbound Fain Road will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed)
  • Southbound Fain Road will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed)

Paving scheduled Tuesday, June 4, will require the following closures:

  • Northbound Fain Road will be narrowed to one lane (left lane closed)
  • Southbound Fain Road will be narrowed to one lane (right lane closed)

The restrictions are necessary so ADOT crews can do fog-seal work, which helps to protect and extend the life of the highway pavement.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Daytime lane closures on State Route 89A near Jerome scheduled to begin June 5

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises drivers to plan for lane closures on north- and southbound State Route 89A between the town of Jerome (milepost 344) and Old Fain Road (milepost 330) while a pavement-repair project is underway. Drivers could experience delays up to 30 minutes while SR 89A is reduced to one lane only.

Work is scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, and Thursday, June 6.

Flaggers and a pilot car will direct drivers through the work zone.

The restrictions are necessary so ADOT crews can do fog-seal work, which helps to protect and extend the life of the highway pavement.

Drivers should proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and watch for construction personnel and equipment.

Suspects arrested for aggravated assault and weapons violation in Tusayan

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TUSAYAN – On May 27 at about 3:57 p.m. the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a male subject pointing a gun at people inside and outside of the Squire Inn in Tusayan. Further reports indicated several shots had been fired outside of the hotel with no injuries reported.

Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety Helicopter, Department of Public Safety Officer’s and Park Rangers from the Grand Canyon Nation Parks Service responded to the scene. During the investigation the male subject was identified as 23-year-old Ezekiel VALENZUELA and female subject identified as 20-year-old Reyna MUNOZ.

Upon responding to the Squire Inn, deputies spoke with witnesses on scene who described a male and female subject in the arcade engaged in an altercation. Bystanders attempted to intervene to stop the altercation when the male subject pulled a hand gun from his waist and pointed it at patrons.

Both subjects exited the Squire Inn and began walking towards a forested area to the west of the hotel. The male subject again pointed the gun at an employee in the parking lot as the two were walking from the area.

Both subjects were found to work at the Wendy’s in Tusayan and reside in local housing. Deputies, DPS and National Parks Service Rangers were able to locate the subjects at a residence in the area and detained both subjects without incident.

Upon interviewing the subjects, MUNOZ reported she had been the one who had discharged the gun after taking it from VALENZUELA. MUNOZ reported she had not discharged the gun at anyone.

A search warrant was obtained for the residence, where deputies located the firearm and the clothing they had been wearing at the time of the incident as indicated by video surveillance.

Both subjects were transported to the Coconino County Jail in Flagstaff and booked on multiple charges including Aggravated Assault, Disorderly Conducted with a Deadly Weapon, Endangerment and False Information to Law Enforcement.