Category Archives: News

Stranded Tour Group Extricated from Grand Canyon Caverns

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Peach Springs — On October 23rd at approximately 8:30pm the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office was notified about a potential rescue at Grand Canyon Caverns for a party that was stranded at the bottom of the elevator, approximately twenty-one stories below surface level, due to an elevator malfunction. The stranded party was not capable of
self-evacuating using the emergency staircase. After assessing the situation over the phone and with personnel from Grand Canyon Caverns and a Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriff on scene, it was determined that the stranded party could stay overnight in the hotel suite located in the bottom of the cavern while repair attempts were made on the elevator.

On October 24th at approximately 10:30am the Sheriff’s Office was notified that the repair to the elevator was not successful and that the party at the bottom of the cavern would need rescue assistance. Ten members of the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit-Mountain Rescue Team, along with four members of the Flagstaff Fire Department Technical Rescue Team responded to Grand Canyon Caverns to conduct the rescue. Upon arriving on scene at approximately 2:00pm the situation was assessed and a technical rope rescue
system was constructed in the elevator shaft. Rescuers made access to the location of the stranded party via the emergency stairs and prepared them for the technical rope raising operation by securing them in a rescue harness and connecting the haul and belay ropes to the harness. The members of the stranded party were raised up the elevator shaft via the technical rope rescue mechanical advantage system one at a time. Each raising operation took approximately 15 minutes to complete. Once on the surface the members of the party were evaluated by personnel from the Sheriff’s Office and the Flagstaff Fire Department. None of the party suffered any medical issues requiring treatment on scene. The rescue was complete by approximately 6:00pm.

This operation is an example of the benefits of close working relationships between Northern Arizona public safety agencies. Expertise and equipment from the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit, the Flagstaff Fire Department Technical Rescue Team, and the Arizona Department of Public Safety Northern Air Rescue Unit were instrumental in accomplishing this operation successfully.

Winter Weather Advisory issued for northern Arizona

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The National Weather Service in Bellmont issued a winter weather advisory for areas abover 6500-feet. The advisory started at 2:52 this afternoon and is in effect until Thursday, November 3 at 11 p.m.

Plan on slippery road conditions. Patchy blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.

Possible Snow forecast from 11 PM Wednesday to 11 PM Thursday are Doney Park 2 to 4-inches, Flagstaff 4 to 8-inches, Forest Lakes 4 to 6-inches, Heber-Overgaard 1 to 3-inches, Shonto 1 to 3-inches and Williams 4 to 8-inches.

Temperatures are expected to be freezing during the advisory raising to 54-degrees Saturday. The temperatures should remain in the mid-50s during the day through Tuesday and below freezing during the night.

Murray 2 wildfire on North Kaibab Ranger District final update

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FREDONIA — This will be the final update for the Murray 2 Fire. The Murray 2 Fire has remained at 3,237 acres and 100% containment since Sunday, October 2nd.

The Murray 2 Fire was a natural-caused wildfire discovered on September 11th and a confine-and-contain fire suppression strategy was implemented. A team of 59 fire staff from the US Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and the State of Arizona utilized existing roads, trails, and natural barriers while implementing varying types and intensities of operational actions to delay and direct fire spread.
The Murray 2 Fire burned within the 2006 Warm Fire area which consists predominantly of grasses, and dead-and-downed Ponderosa pine and aspen, with sections of live pine and large swaths of regenerating aspen. The fire consumed mostly dead forest floor materials which had the potential to fuel future wildfires. The fire left behind a fire mosaic pattern, a mixture of low intensity burning around islands of unburned forest which is highly beneficial to biodiversity and forest health. Crews took advantage of the confine-and-contain strategy to remove snags and fire hazards along the Arizona Trail corridor and trail access on Forest Road 205 to improve visitor safety.

Smoke may continue to be visible along Arizona Route 67 and the Arizona Trail as larger forest floor fuels and stumps continue to smolder. Crews will continue to monitor the Murray 2 Fire area and address issues as they may arise.

The Kaibab National Forest is a fire-adapted ecosystem. It is dependent on fire to play a natural role in maintaining vibrant forest health. Lack of fire in the forest has caused an abundance of fuels to build up, which can make the forest vulnerable and susceptible to more dangerous uncontrollable fire incidents. Managing this wildfire in this the ecosystem is a very effective tool to reduce fuel loads and restore the landscape back to a healthier state that is more aligned with historical conditions.

2023 spring hunt applications due by 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, October 11

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The deadline to submit 2023 spring hunt applications is fast approaching.

Applications for spring turkey, javelina, bison and raptor capture must be received by the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) no later than 11:59 p.m. (Arizona time) Tuesday, Oct. 11. To apply, visit www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/.

AZGFD is available to assist all applicants. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (except Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 10). AZGFD also will be staffed to provide after-hours assistance — by telephone only — from 5 to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11 (deadline day).

A few helpful reminders: 
  • An applicant’s hunting or combination hunt and fish license must be valid through Oct. 11. All applicants, including youth (ages 10-17), who are applying for a hunt permit-tag must possess a license that is valid on the last day of the application period. Licenses can be purchased online at www.azgfd.com/license/. Note: When purchasing an Arizona hunting (or combination hunt and fish) license online, the license number will appear at the bottom of the customer’s receipt. Don’t throw it away! That license number will be required as part of the draw application process.
  • Know your Customer ID. This is a must to submit an application. There are four ways to locate a Customer ID: 1) Log into your AZGFD portal account, and click on “View Details” under “My AZGFD Dashboard; 2) Check your hunting or combination hunt and fish license, if it was purchased online; 3) A Customer ID number can be retrieved by visiting www.azgfd.com/hunting/draw/. If the account is located, AZGFD will send the Customer ID number to that email address; 4) Call AZGFD at 602-942-3000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
  • “Arizona E-Tag” is now available. Hunters can download this mobile app from either the Apple or Google Play stores, and opt-in to receive an electronic tag in their AZGFD portal account (this is not an option selected through the draw). The Arizona E-Tag app provides real-time delivery of licenses and big game tags purchased or drawn after the app has been downloaded. The app also provides the ability to electronically tag a harvested animal and complete the hunter questionnaire. For more information, visit www.azgfd.gov/hunting.
  • Plan to purchase a PointGuard product. Choosing PointGuard Plus, or the standard PointGuard, ensures that applicants can surrender their hunt permit-tag for any reason, and the accumulated bonus points that were expended to draw that hunt permit-tag will be reinstated. A portal account is no longer required to purchase a PointGuard product. Information: www.azgfd.gov/pointguard.
  • No more applying for bear through the draw. All bear hunt permit-tags have moved to non permit-tags (over the counter). 
For an overview of the application service, including license requirements, applying for bonus points and payment information, see Page 8 of the “2023 Spring Turkey, Javelina, Bison, Bear and Raptor Capture Hunt Draw Information” booklet. The booklet is posted online at www.azgfd.com/Hunting/Regulations. Printed versions of the booklet are available at all license dealers statewide (call in advance for availability).

Write-In Candidate Filing Opens for Position of City of Page Justice of the Peace

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FLAGSTAFF — The public is notified that with the passing of Justice of the Peace Candidate Donald G. Roberts and following Arizona Revised Statute 16-343(D), the Coconino County Elections Department is opening the write-in candidate filing period for the office of the Page Justice of the Peace.

To be considered an official write-in candidate, a person must file the required nomination papers with the Elections Department by November 3, at 5 p.m. and must meet all the applicable statutory requirements. For information about how to become a write-in candidate for this position, please contact the Coconino County Elections Department at 928-679-7896.

The names of the official write-in candidates will be posted on the Coconino County Elections Department webpages and at each polling location on Election Day. Voters casting a ballot for a write-in candidate must write the official write-in candidate name in the space provided for the race and put a mark on the oval next to the name.

Testing of Election Equipment in Coconino County on October 9

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FLAGSTAFF — The public is invited to observe Logic and Accuracy Testing of the programs and equipment that will be used in the general election in Coconino County on November 8. The tests serve to confirm that all accessible voting equipment works properly and that each tabulator accurately tallies a predetermined, marked set of ballots.

The tests will be performed on October 9 beginning at 9 a.m. at 1186 W University Ave, Suite C in Flagstaff. There is limited space in the onsite viewing room; the public is asked to arrive by 8:45 a.m. The testing will be streamed live on the County webpage Live Feed beginning at 9 a.m.

As stated on the Arizona Secretary of State website, “Before each election, voting equipment is tested to ensure that it is operating correctly. This test is performed by the election officials conducting the election as well as by the Secretary of State’s Office.”

“The Logic and Accuracy Tests are the first step in a series of tests and audits conducted throughout the elections process to guarantee the accuracy and integrity of the election equipment in Coconino County,” said Eslir Musta, Coconino County Elections Director.

Questions may be directed to the Coconino County Elections office at 928-679-7896.

Christmas Tree Sales to Begin October 13

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Williams, AZ, October 6, 2022 – Christmas tree permits for the Kaibab National Forest will be available to purchase online through Recreation.gov beginning Thursday, October 13th and permit holders may begin cutting their trees on Tuesday, November 1st.

Permits will be available for purchase through the Kaibab NF on Recreation.gov for trees, which also lists details about designated cutting areas, maps, dates, and sizes of trees that may be cut. Information can also be found on the Kaibab NF Christmas tree webpage.

When purchasing an online permit, it is important to carefully read the overview and need-to-know information prior to purchasing. Visitors will also need to set up a login account to Recreation.gov to complete the transaction. Permits are limited to one recreation.gov online account and will be issued on a first-come, first-served basis until sold out. Up to 5 trees may be purchased on a single permit at $15 per tree. A small processing fee will be applied to the transaction.

Fourth-grade students can get a free Christmas tree pass through the Every Kid Outdoors program by entering their pass ID they acquire on that website then enter it on Kaibab NF Recreation.gov when going through the acquiring process.

The tree cutting areas are in general areas and the trees are not individually marked. It is up to the permit holder to select the tree that is harvested. It is helpful to use the species map to predetermine what type of tree you would like and in what area they are growing before you start your adventure. The trees that are for this sale grow in the wild and are not cultivated to be a fully filled-in tree like the ones that are bought from your local store or a private Christmas tree farm. However, it is the experience of finding and cutting a tree and having an adventure with the memories being priceless.

Permits are valid to cut trees between November 1st through December 31st, 2022.

Stay informed of all Kaibab National Forest information by our KNF website and follow us on our social media through KNF Flickr photos, KNF Twitter and KNF Facebook.

Thunderstorm hits in late afternoon

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WILLIAMS – Another quick thunderstorm passed over Williams, again today. According to the long range forecast, more rain is moving in and will stay through next Wednesday.

This much rain is unusual for this time of year. It is, however, the good type of rain that moves through quickly and does not drop too much. The temperature has remained comfortable and, for the most part, the days will be mostly sunny. The chance of rain is 30% tomorrow, to 50% Saturday and 40% on Sunday and Columbus Day.

Watershed protection work continues north of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — A phase II of the Flagstaff Watershed Protection project resumed operations recently in an area north of Flagstaff and will benefit forest and watershed health by thinning overgrown stands of dense pine and mixed conifer.

The Dry Lake Hills project area is located east of Forest Road (FR) 420 and north of FR 551 in the Dry Lake Hills area and will help reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire and subsequent flooding to the city of Flagstaff.

Vehicular traffic is currently prohibited in the project area, but other means of entry such as hiking, biking, etc., are still permissible.

Operations will involve heavy machinery and log truck traffic along portions of Forest Road 6353, 420, and 556, and the project is expected to be ongoing through fall of 2023 with a temporary cease in all operations each year from March 1 through August 30 due to seasonal restrictions. The public should be aware of heavy machinery and falling timber in the area—a majority of which will be on or in close proximity to hiking and biking trails.

This project is being implemented by Markit! Forestry and Apache Homelands in coordination with the Coconino National Forest.

Free firewood available on Coconino NF, northwest of Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Free firewood is available to permitted individuals on two new areas of the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District.

The A-1 area is located off Interstate 40 west. It can be accessed by taking the A-1 mountain exit. Follow the road for half a mile, turn left onto Forest Road 518, and take a slight right onto FR 519. FR 9012J, FR 519 and FR 9022K can all be used to access the collection area. There is plenty of parking in the A-1 area off the road surface.

To access the 9007S area, head northwest on Highway 180. Turn right onto FR 151, located roughly 18 miles northwest of Flagstaff. Follow FR 151 for 1.5 miles, turn left onto FR 9218 and follow it for half a mile. Make a right onto FR 9007S, and logs will be located along both sides of the road. Only a handful of trucks and trailers can fit in the 9007S area at one time; so permit holders are asked to be patient with other vehicle drivers at the collection site.

There are about 20 truck loads of wood located at the 9007S area and there are roughly 15 large slash piles located at the A-1 collection area. While the wood in the 9007S area will likely not last long, it’s expected that wood will remain available in the A-1 collection area through November.

Only dead and down Ponderosa pine may be collected from the free use areas, which include slash piles from a recent timber sale contract.

Collection areas are clearly marked. Free use permits are needed to collect wood, and can be obtained by calling or visiting the Coconino National Forest’s Flagstaff Ranger District or Supervisor’s Office during business hours.

Free use permits are separate from personal use paid permits. Free use permits are valid only for collection within the designated area. Free use permits allow the cutting of up to five cords of dead and down wood in specified areas, and a maximum of five cords per household per year is allowed under free use.

Permit-holders are asked to keep safety in mind and be considerate of other forest visitors. Please leave unused wood stacked in slash piles. Drivers should remain wary of tight turns on roads and in collection areas and watch for uneven surfaces both on forest roads and in collection areas.