Category Archives: State Government

ADOT detectives nab man who purchased sports car with stolen identity

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PHOENIX – A man who allegedly used a stolen identity to purchase a sports car and stick the victim with the bill was arrested on a felony warrant after detectives with the Arizona Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General brought the case before a grand jury.

In March of last year, Randall Cepi, 31, concocted a scheme to use the personal information of a customer at the dealership where he was employed in Winslow to purchase a 2007 Chevrolet Corvette from a dealership in Flagstaff.

The victim came into the Nissan dealership where Cepi worked and bought a new half-ton pickup. About a week later, Cepi used her personal information to obtain a loan to buy the Corvette. He arranged to have the victim’s signature forged on the dealership and loan documents.

A few weeks later, the victim became aware of the scheme when she received insurance and loan information for a vehicle she did not purchase. She filed a complaint with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General, and detectives with the Dealer Investigation Unit opened an investigation.

The dealership in Flagstaff was made aware of the situation and called Cepi, demanding that he return the Corvette. Instead, he abandoned the sports car at the dealership in Winslow where he worked and disappeared. While searching for Cepi, ADOT detectives brought the case before a grand jury where the felony warrant was issued.

Cepi was found working at a dealership in Gallup, New Mexico where he was arrested by local authorities on July 29. He will be extradited to Arizona to face charges of fraud schemes and forgery, theft of means of transportation and taking the identity of another.

Checking your credit report after a major purchase, such as a vehicle, is a good way to make sure no one is using your information without your knowledge. Each of the major credit bureaus will provide you one free credit report each year.

In addition to identity theft, detectives with ADOT’s Office of Inspector General also investigate fraud involving vehicle title and registration, licensed and unlicensed dealers, and support investigations by state, local and federal law enforcement.

AZGFD Commission honored by Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies

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AZGF Photo

PHOENIX — The Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) honored conservation professionals from several western states with awards commending their work to conserve fish and wildlife resources at an awards ceremony July 15 at the organization’s annual conference in Manhattan, Kansas.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission was recognized with the WAFWA Commission of the Year Award.

Current AZGFD Commission members are: James Zieler; Eric Sparks; Kurt Davis; Leland “Bill” Brake; and James Goughnour.

“As a staunch advocate for the state’s authorities to manage wildlife in Arizona, the Arizona Game and Fish Commission is a national leader in wildlife conservation,” AZGFD Director Ty Gray said. “This leadership and support allows the Department to generate innovative ways to better serve our customers and ensure Arizona’s wildlife and outdoor recreational opportunities are around for future generations to enjoy.”

WAFWA also honored Bureau of Land Management Arizona State Director Ray Suazo as its Federal Conservation Partner of the Year. Since his appointment as State Director in 2011, Suazo has supported AZGFD’s mission to conserve Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources.

For more information about WAFWA and to review a complete list of award recipients, visit www.wafwa.org.

AZGFD’s 2019 elk viewing workshop is August 17

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AZGF Photo

FLAGSTAFF – Ever wonder what it would be like to see hundreds of elk in one place at one time? That opportunity is possible during the elk viewing workshop hosted by the Arizona Game and Fish Department with support from Mormon Lake Lodge. Workshop presentations are scheduled for the morning on Saturday, August 17. The workshop includes a presentation and a field trip to watch elk on Mormon Lake.

“This is always a popular event, people want to escape the summer heat and get outdoors in northern Arizona and enjoy wildlife,” says Erin Brown with Game and Fish. “This workshop is a great way for people to learn about the watchable wildlife opportunities in Northern Arizona.”

Mormon Lake is unique as it is only one of two natural lakes found in Arizona. During late summer and early fall, hundreds of elk can be observed at the site and along Lake Mary Road.

There will be two sessions, starting at 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Participants will attend a presentation, located at Town Hall in Mormon Lake Village, then go on a field trip to view elk. Walking will be minimal during the field trip. The field trip location will be determined that day based on where the elk are observed. Spotting scopes will be provided, but participants are encouraged to bring binoculars, water, snacks, and to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for standing.

Cost to attend is $20/participant (kids 12 and under free).

Mormon Lake Lodge is located about 25 miles south of Flagstaff (take Lake Mary Road and turn off on Mormon Lake Road). For directions, visit www.mormonlakelodge.com.

Registration required and seats will be limited. To make your reservation, register by clicking HERE. If you need assistance with registration, please contact Erin Brown at ebrown@azgfd.gov or call 928-606-6822.

Plan for daytime lane and ramp closures on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 in Flagstaff August 6 – 9

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The Arizona Department of Transportation advises northern Arizona drivers to allow extra travel time and plan for daytime lane and ramp restrictions on Interstate 17 and Interstate 40 where the two freeways meet in Flagstaff Aug. 6 through Aug. 9 for painting and paving work.

Drivers should prepare for delays while the following restrictions are in place between 5 a.m. and 6 p.m.:

  • Tuesday, Aug. 6 through Friday, Aug. 9:
    • I-40 will be narrowed to one lane in each direction at the junction of I-17 (milepost 195).
    • The southbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.
    • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Southbound I-17 traffic will continue to John Wesley Powell Boulevard and re-enter northbound I-17 to enter eastbound I-40.
    • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp will be closed. DETOUR: Northbound I-17 traffic will enter eastbound I-40 to exit at Butler Road and re-enter westbound I-40.

These closures are necessary for crews to complete final paving work after replacing four bridge decks at the I-17 and I-40 junction last year.

Motorists should allow extra travel time and use caution around construction personnel and equipment while paving is underway.

Game and Fish Commission to meet August 2 in Flagstaff

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The next meeting of the Arizona Game and Fish Commission will be held Friday, August 2 at the Northern Arizona University de Bois Center (Building 64), Aspen ABC Conference room, 308 E. Pine Knoll Dr., Flagstaff.

View the complete agenda.

Agenda revisions, if any, are typically posted no later than the Wednesday before each meeting.

16th Annual High Country Hummingbird Festival at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area

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PINETOP – The Arizona Game and Fish Department is hosting its 16th annual High Country Hummingbird Festival on Saturday, July 27 at Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area near Springerville/Eagar. The free, family-friendly festival will include:

  • Hummingbird banding by Southeastern Arizona Bird Observatory
    Plant displays to attract hummingbirds
  • Live wildlife from the department’s Wildlife Center
  • Take a photo with a live bird at the critter photo booth
  • Activities designed for children
  • Informational talks about hummingbirds and bird calls of the White Mountains
  • A class on photographing hummingbirds by AZGFD wildlife photographer George Andrejko
  • Booths from local, outdoor oriented organizations

The event starts at 8 a.m. and ends at noon.

The Sipe White Mountain Wildlife Area is located southeast of Eagar and Springerville. From Eagar, take Highway 191 toward Alpine for about two miles to the signed turnoff at the top of the first hill. Drive south five miles to the Sipe property on a gravel road suitable for passenger cars.

Come prepared to spend most of the morning outdoors with the potential of some summer rain. Parking will be extremely limited if the area receives rain. Attendees are encouraged to check the weather forecast for the day of the event.

The Round Valley Chamber of Commerce will provide breakfast items and lunch concessions for purchase.

Pets must be kept on leash and are not allowed near live wildlife.

For more information, visit azgfd.com/wildlife/viewing/events/hummingbird-festival/ or call the Game and Fish office in Pinetop at (928) 532-3680. The most current information and event schedule can be found on the AZGFD Pinetop Regional Facebook page at facebook.com/AZGFDPinetop/

AZGFD to participate in multi-agency OUI checkpoint on Colorado River

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KINGMAN — The Arizona Game and Fish Department will participate in a multi-agency enforcement patrol this weekend, pursuing people operating their vessels under the influence (OUI) of alcohol or drugs on the Colorado River.

AZGFD, together with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, will be on the lookout for watercraft operators violating the law and who are found to be above Arizona’s OUI legal limit of a .08 blood-alcohol content.

Throughout the weekend, boaters may be required to pass through a checkpoint and be subject to a systematic safety inspection. Operators will be checked for any sign of impairment from alcohol or drugs and to ensure the required safety equipment, such as proper life jackets and working fire extinguishers, are aboard.

“A large number of boating accidents involve alcohol,” said Brandon Carley, law enforcement supervisor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Kingman office. “Removing impaired boaters from the waterways is a critical element in creating a safe, enjoyable recreational environment for the public.”

Before heading out boaters should review all laws and regulations prior to launching. Boaters and watercraft users should make sure to have a U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejacket for every individual onboard and that everyone 12 years and younger are wearing a life jacket.

Boats must also have a working fire extinguisher and a type IV throwable personal floatation device (PFD) onboard.

Additional multi-agency OUI checkpoints will occur on the Colorado River and its reservoirs throughout the boating season.

For more information on boating in Arizona or to sign up for a free safety course, visit www.azgfd.gov/boating.

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.

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.