Category Archives: Sedona

ADOT project will install protective fencing to Midgley Bridge near Sedona

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midgely-bridge_cropSEDONA — In partnership with Sedona, the U.S. Forest Service and Coconino County, the Arizona Department of Transportation will add protective fencing over the next few weeks to Midgley Bridge along State Route 89A.

The city of Sedona sought ADOT’s help after four people committed suicide from the bridge in 2015. After working with a nonprofit organization to add signs carrying the number of a suicide-prevention hotline, ADOT worked with area partners to design fencing for the bridge, located a mile and a half north of Sedona.

“We are responding to the community’s concerns and acting in the interest of public safety,” ADOT Director John Halikowski said. “Fencing can complement a broader community response by acting as an additional barrier and possible deterrent.”

Work to install fencing will involve overnight lane closures and alternating traffic over the bridge, located at milepost 376. The restriction will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sundays through Fridays beginning Monday, Dec. 5, and ending Friday, Dec. 23. If necessary, work will resume on Monday, Dec. 26, and continue until complete.

The 10-foot-tall fencing, which will be chain-link style and attached to the bridge’s railings, is designed to be difficult to climb.

Vermont artist stops to capture Williams landmark

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charlie-hunter-02WILLIAMS — While walking the Ambassador today, we encountered Vermont artist Charlie Hunter putting the historic Babbit-Polson warehouse to canvas.

Charlie is in the area to attend the Sedona Plein Air festival. He had to go to Flagstaff to get supplies. He took a break in Williams and picked the Babbit-Polson building to put to canvas.

Only an artist could take a break from painting by stopping and painting.

Speaking with Charlie, I got the impression that he travels extensively. He had a good knowledge of some of the Route 66 history around Williams. He said he likes to paint real objects for people who cannot see the real thing.

His art includes subjects of interest to many in Williams; old trucks, railroad boxcars and old buildings. It would be interesting to see what he comes up with at the Sedona festival.

ADEQ, ADOT and Keep Arizona Beautiful Host Free Environmental Resources Roadshows in Flagstaff & Sedona

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Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ), Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) and Keep Arizona Beautiful (KAZB) staff will conduct two “Environmental Resources Roadshows,” where attendees will learn about ways to improve their local environment.

FLAGSTAFF
Wed., August 24, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Coconino County Health Services District
Coconino County Community Services
2625 N King Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86004

SEDONA
Thurs., August 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
City of Sedona City Hall Complex
Vultee Conference Room
102 Roadrunner Drive
Sedona, AZ 86336

The Environmental Resources Roadshow partnership encourages community members, Tribes, business people, elected officials, government agencies and school representatives in Flagstaff and Sedona and the surrounding area to attend one of the no-cost, two-hour events. Following brief presentations, attendees can engage in open dialogue and participate in a question and answer session.

Topics

ADEQ: successful recycling programs such as electronic waste and food recovery
ADEQ: how communities can benefit from ADEQ’s brownfields grants and technical expertise
ADOT: volunteer process for adopting sections of Arizona highways for litter cleanup
KAZB: statewide litter prevention, recycling and beautification programs

Point Wildfire is currently burning in Munds Mountain Wilderness

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sedona-point-fire-1SEDONA — The lightning-caused Point Wildfire is currently burning in Munds Mountain Wilderness on Munds mesa, which is located east of State Highway 179 and south of Sedona and Schnebly Hill road.

The fire is estimated at 190 acres and was ignited following several lighting storms that came through the area mid-week.

“Today we are focusing on stopping the northern progression of the wildfire,” said Nicole Branton, Red Rock District ranger. “This fire is in very difficult terrain that is dangerous to firefighting personnel, so we can expect to see smoke over the next several days as it continues to burn in areas that firefighters cannot access. Firefighter safety is our primary concern along with containing the fire on top of the mesa to prevent further spread into surrounding canyons.”

Smoke will also be visible from various parts of the Verde Valley and along Interstate 17 while firefighters work to contain the fire over the next few days.

Air attack helicopters and planes along with 55 firefighters are working to help slow progress across the mesa and to reduce its chance of moving into side canyons. Drones cannot be flown over or near the fire, as doing so will cease operations that are fighting the fire with water drops from the air.

For public and fire fighter safety, the public is asked to acknowledge the closure area of Munds Mountain Trail and Jack Canyon Trail.

SR 89A improvements between Sedona to Flagstaff begins Tuesday

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FLAGSTAFF — Travelers heading on State Route 89A between Sedona and Flagstaff should allow for extra time for travel as one-lane restrictions will be in effect beginning Tuesday (July 19) at milepost 394, just north of the Vista Point Overlook to accommodate construction on SR 89A between the Vista Point Overlook and JW Powell Boulevard intersection.

The one-lane restriction will be in effect weekdays between 7 am and 4 pm until early October as crews clear trees and perform other work as part of the roadway improvement project. Flaggers will be in place to control travel through the area and a pilot car may be in use to allow for alternating north- and southbound travel through the work zone.

Delays can be anticipated during construction. ADOT advises travelers to allow for extra time for travel in the area, and to watch for crews and equipment in the work zone.

The SR 89A improvement project will widen and rehabilitate approximately 8.4 miles of SR 89A between Vista Point Overlook and the JW Powell Boulevard intersection. For more information on the project, please visit the project website at: www.azdot.gov\89A

Two university students rescued from Mount Wilson

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coco-sheriff-300pxFLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit coordinated the rescue of two hikers stranded on Wilson Mountain on Friday morning 7/1/16.

Around 7:15 PM on Thursday 6/30/16 the regional 911 Center in Flagstaff received a call from two hikers who had become stranded by cliffs on the south face of Wilson Mountain north of the city of Sedona. The hikers had started their hike around 2:00 PM and got off trail around 4:00 PM. They continued to hike up the mountain until they became stuck on rock cliffs.

Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies responded along with Sheriff’s Search and Rescue crews. Two search crews hiked trails up to the area, but were unable to reach the hikers due to the cliffs and nightfall. Searchers had contact with the subject and were able to establish the hikers were alright and had the hikers shelter in place until morning.

At daylight, a Coconino County Search and Rescue Technical team along with a Sedona Fire Technical team responded to the area. The Arizona Department of Public Safety helicopter from Tucson was responding to the area, but was cancelled when the Flagstaff Helicopter became available.

The Flagstaff Ranger helicopter located the stranded hikers from the air and and maneuvered a one skid landing on the cliff. The helicopter medic was able to scramble up to the hikers and walk them back down to the helicopter. They were flown off the mountain to Slide Rock State Park. Both hikers were examined by Sedona Fire medics and released with no injuries.

The hikers were both in their early 20’s and students of Arizona State University (ASU) and Mesa Community College.

Interstate 17 to close Friday morning between Flagstaff and Sedona

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PHOENIX — Interstate 17 is expected to be closed in both directions south of Flagstaff at 5 a.m. Friday, June 3.

The closure may last up to four hours.

Northbound traffic will be closed at State Route 179 (milepost 299). Southbound traffic will be closed at Kelly Canyon Road (milepost 331).

Non-commercial traffic can detour using State Route 89A.

Commercial vehicle drivers should consider altering their travel times to avoid being stuck due to the closure. Northbound commercial vehicles must wait in Camp Verde for the roadway to reopen. Southbound commercial vehicles will be required to wait at Fort Tuthill.

The closure is for police activity near I-17 at Newman Park where the Arizona Department of Public Safety will be safely disposing of hazardous materials that are best destroyed in place.

For the most current information about highway closures and restrictions statewide, visit ADOT’s Travel Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow us on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511.

Bubbling Ponds Preserve dedication to be held this Saturday, May 7

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SEDONA — The Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Northern Arizona Audubon Society will hold a dedication ceremony for the Bubbling Ponds Preserve at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 7. The dedication will be at the Anita MacFarlane Ramada, located adjacent to the Bubbling Ponds native fish ponds on the west side of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery grounds, about 10 miles south of Sedona.

Bubbling Ponds Preserve is a wildlife-viewing and outdoor educational facility located on the grounds of the Page Springs Fish Hatchery, an approximately 100-acre facility that raises both native and sport fish for Arizona’s rivers and lakes. It consists of a recently upgraded 1.8-mile Black Hawk Nature Trail together with a large ramada, two wildlife-viewing decks, an outdoor educational area, informative signage, and conveniently located benches.

The preserve project is a great example of a public-private partnership. Arizona Game and Fish provided the land and staff who supported the project from its inception. The $45,000 cost of the project was funded by Northern Arizona Audubon, thanks to donations from its members. Members of Audubon also handled the design and project management, and assisted in constructing many of the improvements.

The dedication will feature comments from the Arizona Game and Fish Department and Northern Arizona Audubon Society, and culminate with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The public is invited to attend. Hosts will be available for tours after the ceremony and refreshments will be served. Carpooling is suggested.

The Bubbling Ponds Preserve is located on Oak Creek approximately 10 miles south of Sedona and 10 miles north of Cottonwood, off Highway 89A on the Page Springs Road.

Sedona Village Lodge pet friendly hotel

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800-OakCreek-15-10-22 047SEDONA — I do not get a chance to travel much. Because, well, Prince likes his comforts.
800-15-10-21 001So I have to find hotels with dog friendly rooms. I recently had the necessity to travel to the Village of Oak Creek where I stayed at the Sedona Village Lodge. My room was large enough for my purposes but the bathroom was large. John and the cleaning staff were friendly and took care of all of my cleaning needs. The room did have a cover missing on one of the outlets (which I forgot to report. Sorry John). But there are plenty of other outlets to use. The room has an older television, but plenty of channels in case you need to catch that football game. The purpose of my visit did not allot a lot of television time and I do not usually affix my gaze to a television when there is so much more to do in this area.

The room was great for my purposes and the big plus is the pet friendly atmosphere and clean, comfortable room. And the price. There are rooms upstairs which provide a great view of the red rocks. Mine did not have a great view, but I was out of the room most of the time.

The Lodge also provides free Wi-Fi which I needed. There was a little slowing from time-to-time, but that could be for a number of reasons. One of which is that the hotel had almost no vacancies while I was there so I was probably trying to log in when everyone else was.

The Sedona Village Lodge is located at 105 Bell Rock Plaza in the Village of Oak Creek about five-miles from Sedona proper. It is in a good location and much of your needs are within a couple of miles from the hotel.
800-Village of Oak Creek-15-10-24 008
There are a few restaurants in the plaza. I did not have a coffee pot, but right across the street is a Circle K where I usually go to buy coffee anyway. Right down the street is Bell Rock with a great trail system for biking or hiking. Or walking the dog.

Another reason for the great location is there are several other important facilities located in the Plaza. The Sedona library has a facility there which I had occasion to use. They have Internet-linked computers and I was able to print out some important documents I needed.

There is also a veterinary clinic located in the Plaza. I also had the pleasure of finding two thrift stores which are loaded with great, reasonably-priced new and used items for pets and people. The Red Rose Thriftique (Facebook) had a movie I have been looking for and it only cost me $2. They have another location in Cottonwood and their store supports animal rescue projects.

Located next to the Plaza is the Paw Prints Thrift Shop (Facebook) which supports the Humane Society. They are larger and had more in the way of electronics and furniture.

Overall this is a great place to stay and plenty to do. Remember if you need emergency pet services on the road, there is a veterinary clinic at this same location.

Sedona: Proposed AZPDES permit

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PROPOSED ARIZONA POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (AZPDES) RENEWAL PERMIT

Pursuant to the Clean Water Act and in accordance with Arizona Administrative Code (A.A.C.) R18-9-A907, the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) proposes to issue an Arizona Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (AZPDES) Permit to discharge pollutants to Waters of the United States to the following applicant, subject to certain effluent limitations and special conditions:

Public Notice No.15-54                                                Published on May 20, 2015
Published in Red Rock News

AZPDES Permit No. AZ0021807
The Sedona Venture Sewer Company
7310 N. 16th Street, Suite 165
Phoenix, AZ 85020

The Sedona Venture Sewer Company applied for a renewal AZPDES permit for the proposed discharge of up to 0.075 million gallons per day (mgd) of treated domestic wastewater from the Sedona Venture Wastewater Treatment Plant to Dry Creek, a tributary to Oak Creek in the Verde River Basin at Township 17 N, Range 5 E, Section 19, in Yavapai County, Arizona. The Wastewater Treatment Plant is a privately owned treatment works that receives domestic wastewater from residential sources in Sedona Shadows Manufactured Home Community and Sunset Hills Resort. Waste activated sludge is held in the aerobic digester for a period of 45 to 60 days and then hauled to either the Butterfield Station or N.W. Regional Municipal Solid Waste Landfill for disposal.

The permit and fact sheet may be viewed online at http://www.azdeq.gov/cgi-bin/vertical.pl by typing the permit number in the box left of “Search Event”. The public notice and related documentation also are available for public review, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the ADEQ Records Center, 1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, Arizona, 85007. In Phoenix, please call (602) 771-4380 or e-mail recordscenter@azdeq.gov 24 hours in advance to schedule an appointment to review the file.

Persons may submit comments or request a public hearing on the proposed action in writing, to Richard Mendolia, Water Permits Section, Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, Water Quality Division, 1110 W. Washington St., 5415B-3, Phoenix, Arizona 85007. All written comments received by ADEQ by the close of business on the date 30 days after publication of this notice will be considered in the final permit decision. A public hearing request must be in writing and must include the reasons for such request. If there is a significant degree of public interest, the Director will hold a hearing in accordance with A.A.C. R18-9-908(B).