Category Archives: Arizona

Two Suspects in Custody on Williams Area Burglaries

Posted on by

WILLIAMS – On December 6, 2019 detectives with the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office executed two search warrants in the Williams District of Coconino County and within the City of Williams. These search warrants stemmed from several burglaries that had been reported in the Red Lake and Valle neighborhoods north of Williams between May and November of 2019. During the investigation, Detectives were able to identify suspects in the case. During the execution of the search warrants, several items were located and recovered that had been reported stolen from the burglaries.

Christopher Tow, age 27 of Williams and Clyde Dunwoody, age 36 of Red Lake were arrested and booked into the Coconino County Jail for 2nd Degree Burglary, Theft, Trafficking in Stolen Property, and 1st Degree Criminal Trespass. The case remains active and under investigation, which may result in additional charges.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Williams Police Department with their assistance in this case.

Mogollon Rim District reopening forest roads today

Posted on by

CLINTS WELL — Forest Service personnel are in the process of reopening all forest roads on the Mogollon Rim Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest today in effort to allow access to hunt units now that the recent snow storm has passed.

Forest roads on the Flagstaff Ranger District along U.S. Highway 180 corridor north of Forest Road 222 and south of FR 151 remain closed. Forest Road 420 (Schultz Pass Road) will be closed where it intersects with FR 552, all the way to the west side near the intersection of Mt. Elden Lookout Road. Forest Road 556 and FR 522 will also be closed.

Many roads on the Flagstaff Ranger District south of Flagstaff remain open, but the public should use caution if driving on those forest roads, as vehicles often get stuck and stranded.

Hunters and visitors are reminded that seasonal road closures on northern Arizona national forests typically occur when sustained inclement weather is forecast, so visitors should be aware and plan accordingly. These road closures prevent road damage, soil erosion and visitors from getting stuck.

Financial Assistance Opportunities for Leaking Underground Storage Tanks

Posted on by

House Bill 2704 has revised and enhanced financial assistance programs available to underground storage tank (UST) owners, operators and property owners.

Enhancements include:

  • Tank Site Improvement Program (TSIP)

– Increased maximum dollar amounts for each eligible activity
– Up to $15,000 per site for over-excavation of petroleum contamination found during UST removal

  • Preapproval Program

– Reimbursement for preparation costs and some non-preapproved activities
– Development of an expedited process to address corrective actions for newly discovered contamination

Winter Storm warning issued for weather through Saturday

Posted on by

WILLIAMS — NOAA has issued a weather storm warning through November 30 and a wind advisory for November 27. Heavy snow above 4500-feet through Saturday will make holiday travel difficult and possibly dangerous. Localized amounts up to 40 inches over the highest peaks are possible.

The main brunt of the storm is expected to hit Thanksgiving Day leaving a possible 21-inches overnight in Williams. Friday there is a possibility of an additonal 8-inches of snow. There is a slight chance of snow Saturday morning. Weather is expected to clear starting Saturday after 11 a.m.

Snow forecast from 6 AM Thursday to midnight Saturday:

Chino Valley 4 to 6 inches
Doney Park 13 to 19 inches
Flagstaff 21 to 27 inches
Forest Lakes 28 to 36 inches
Fredonia 4 to 6 inches
Grand Canyon 14 to 20 inches
Heber-Overgaard 9 to 15 inches
Jacob Lake 15 to 21 inches
North Rim 22 to 30 inches
Prescott 8 to 12 inches
Prescott Valley 4 to 8 inches
Sedona 4 to 6 inches
Seligman 5 to 9 inches
Valle 9 to 13 inches
Williams 20 to 26 inches

Northern First Responders held Winter Preparedness meeting

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – On November 19, 2019 Northern Arizona First Responder Agencies held their annual Winter Preparedness meeting at the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office. Agencies in attendance included Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Department of Public Safety, Flagstaff Police Department, Arizona Game and Fish, Highlands Fire Department, United States Forest Service, and representatives from Arizona Snowbowl and the Nordic Village.

Topics of discussion included, coordinated response of the above agencies, sharing of winter specific resources, impacts of upcoming winter storms, snow play and parking issues along
Highway 180, Kachina Village, Munds Park and other areas throughout the County; and response to lost or injured recreationists, hunters, Christmas tree cutters, and skiers.

Coconino County also would like to take this opportunity to remind the public of the Winter Parking Ordinance which went into effect on November 1, 2019. The Winter Parking Ordinance prohibits parking on County roadways between the dates of November 1st and April 1st on a 24-hour basis to assist in snow removal. For more information on the parking ordinance visit
https://coconino.az.gov/1945/Winter-Parking-Information.

With winter approaching, Northern Arizona First Responder agencies want to remind all residents and visitors to be personally prepared for the conditions when traveling or recreating in Northern Arizona. This includes knowing travel routes, weather conditions, carrying emergency items in your vehicle, and being wearing and carrying appropriate clothing and gear when outdoors. Always leave detailed travel and recreation plans with a responsible friend or family member.

The Search and Rescue Unit would like to remind motorists to not blindly trust vehicle GPS or smartphone mapping tools when traveling. It is important to pay attention to road signs and road conditions to determine if the route suggested is a practical one. In many cases, especially in the winter, the GPS and smartphone apps do not take into account the weather or road maintenance and many motorists following those apps become lost or stranded due to the conditions.

Bearizona Welcomes Vernon the Bald Eagle on Veterans Day

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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

Posted on by

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.