Tag Archives: Flagstaff

Coconino Sheriff’s Office Responds to Body Below Bridge Near Munds Park

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — On April 27 at 12:29 a.m., Coconino County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a request from the Arizona Department of Public Safety to a bridge along Interstate 17 south of Munds Park where a body had been found deceased. The victim was located approximately 70 feet below the bridge.

A Department of Public Safety Officer conducted a check of a vehicle at that location believing it to be broken down. As he checked the area the Officer observed what he believed to be a body below the bridge.

The Pinewood Fire Department responded to the area and assisted CCSO Search and Rescue in the recovery of the body. The Victim is believed to be out of the Phoenix area. The Case is currently under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and Coconino County Medical Examiner’s Office.

County enacts Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County Board of Supervisors enacted the Wildfire Defense Ordinance Stage 1 fire restrictions, for Coconino County, below the Mogollon Rim, during the regular board meeting Tuesday night.

Restrictions go into effect Friday, April 20 and will remain until fire danger conditions subside and the Board of Supervisors act.

“Currently, we have very dry and dangerous conditions in Coconino County and the weather isn’t forecasted to change,” said Chairman Matt Ryan. “The Board unanimously voted to enact Stage 1 fire restrictions below the Mogollon Rim, in collaboration with our partners, to help lessen the threat of wildfire. We also hope during this time of heightened awareness, people sign-up for emergency notifications on coconino.az.gov/ready to stay informed when emergencies happen.”

The following restrictions apply on County public lands below the Mogollon Rim (Oak Creek Canyon, City of Sedona and other areas on attached map) as well as private lands in the unincorporated areas of the County below the Mogollon Rim. During Stage 1, the only combustion, open fire and campfire allowed are listed below:

1. By persons with a written permit from a proper governmental authority that specifically authorizes the prohibited act.
2. For personal use of cigarette or other tobacco smoking medium when inside an enclosed vehicle or building, or in a developed recreational site in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
3. For emergency repair of public utilities and railroads and other health and safety mitigation measures when operated by a public utility or railroad and implemented in accordance with an approved agency plan.
4. By any Federal, State or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting entity in the performance of an official duty.
5. By persons whose OPEN FIRE is the result of a device fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and turned off (for example a gas grill) when used in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
6. By persons operating internal combustion engines in the course of mechanical or industrial operations that would produce open flames and sparks but containing appropriate spark arresting devices; those welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation; and those using explosives with written permission of an authorized governmental agency.
7. By persons operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails.
8. By persons operating electric generators or pumps with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building in an area that is free of combustible materials and vegetation.
9. Persons engaged in industrial and ranching operations where specific operations and mitigation measures are identified in an operating plan.
10. For cooking of food or for providing warmth for human beings in an area designated by a governmental authority specifically for that purpose; for example – a CAMPFIRE or OPEN FIRE in an established campground with fire-hosting amenities [grill, fire ring].

Stage 1 fire restrictions do not affect recreational activities at County parks.

Citizens are reminded to use caution when smoking cigarettes outdoors and to completely extinguish them. The use of any machinery that may emit sparks, such as chainsaws and welding equipment should be used with caution during the high fire danger period. Be prepared and have fire extinguishing equipment readily available.

Residents and visitors are asked to use their best judgment when considering whether to engage in any activity that could spark a fire. Residents and visitors are reminded that they can be held legally responsible for causing any wildfire.

A link to the full Wildfire Defense Ordinance can be found at on the Coconino County homepage at www.coconino.az.gov/emergency.

Sixth Annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards Event

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF — The Coconino County School Superintendent’s Office will be hosting the sixth annual Coconino County Teacher of the Year Awards event at 4:30 p.m. on April 18 at the High Country Conference Center.

Every year, the Coconino County School Superintendent’s Office holds the Teacher of the Year awards event. Superintendent VanderWey will be introducing the new category of Rookie Teacher of the Year this year.

The Teacher of the Year event is a county-wide teacher recognition program that spotlights the contributions of state-accredited teachers of Pre-Kindergarten through 12th-grade. This year a total of 28 teachers were nominated. The Teacher of the Year, and the runners up, or the Ambassadors for Excellence, are recognized and announced at the awards event. Each of the finalists will receive cash prizes, automatic nomination for the Arizona Teacher of the Year Award and various other prizes. The Teacher of the Year also wins a one-year leased Toyota Tacoma from Flagstaff Findlay Toyota. The event is made possible through sponsorships from businesses and community members.

Superintendent VanderWey would like to formally release the names of the teachers in the running for the 2018 Coconino County Teacher of the Year Award: Mr. Joe Cornett of Flagstaff High School/CAVIAT, Ms. Louise Durant of Williams Elementary Middle School, and Mr. Kelley Smith of Coconino High School. Superintendent VanderWey would also like to formally release the names of the teachers in the running for the 2018 Rookie Teacher of the Year: Ms. Alexa Frechette of Mount Elden Middle School, Ms. Heather Horner of Kinsey Elementary, and Ms. Catherine Kowalksi of Williams High School.

The public is welcome to join in celebrating the outstanding teachers in our county. For more information or for tickets to the event, contact the School Superintendent’s Office at 928- 679-8070 or email Elizabeth Sorg at esorg@coconino.az.gov.

Flagstaff to host second public hearing for ADOT’s Tentative Five-Year Program

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Arizona Department of Transportation continues to gather comments for its proposed Five-Year Construction Program by reaching out to all members of the public and communities statewide for their input on which projects should move forward over the next few years.

The second public hearing for the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Transportation Facilities Construction Program is scheduled for 9 a.m. Friday, April 20, at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff. The monthly State Transportation Board meeting will follow.

In its Tentative Program, ADOT proposes several major expansion projects along Arizona’s Key Commerce Corridors, the state’s busiest highways. Better mobility means better daily commutes and travel, along with enhanced freight movement, trade, commerce and economic development. Projects include:

  • The first phase of a project beginning in fiscal year 2019 to improve State Route 189 in Nogales between the Mariposa Port of Entry and Interstate 19
  • Two major widening projects along US 93 in fiscal years 2020 and 2023 that will bring ADOT closer to its goal of completing a four-lane divided highway from Wickenburg to Interstate 40, laying the groundwork for the future Interstate 11
  • Widening Interstate 17 in areas between Anthem and Sunset Point in fiscal years 2021 and 2022, with specific areas and projects still under study
  • Widening the last section of State Route 260 near Star Valley beginning in fiscal year 2023 (the Lion Springs section), reaching ADOT’s goal of completing a four-lane divided highway along the entire length of the corridor

These are just some of the projects that are included in the 2019-2023 Tentative Five-Year Program. The complete report is available at azdot.gov for review and comment until June 5.

The Tentative Program also reaches the department’s goal of allocating at least $260 million per year for the preservation of the state highway system. Preservation projects include repaving highways, filling potholes, extending the life cycle of existing pavement, and repairing or reconstructing bridges.

In addition, ADOT has proposed increasing the amount of preservation funding to $320 million per year during the next six to 10 years as part of the recently adopted Long-Range Transportation Plan, a blueprint for investment priorities over the next 25 years.

The complete report, posted with a “how to read it” guide, is available at azdot.gov for review and comment. ADOT welcomes feedback via an online form at surveymonkey.com/r/G6DNQVG, by email at fiveyearconstructionprogram@azdot.gov and by phone at 855.712.8530.

Here are the details for the remaining public hearings (the first was on March 16 in Sahaurita), a follow-up study session and the State Transportation Board’s June meeting, where the final Five-Year Program is expected to be approved. All hearings begin at 9 a.m.:

April 20: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Flagstaff Council Chambers, 211 W. Aspen Ave., Flagstaff.

May 18: Public hearing and State Transportation Board meeting in the ADOT Administration Building Auditorium, 206 S. 17th Ave., Phoenix.

June 5: State Transportation Board study session at ADOT’s Human Resources Development Center, 1130 N. 22nd Ave., Phoenix.

June 15: State Transportation Board meeting at the City of Globe Council Chambers, 150 N. Pine St., Globe.

Coconino Sheriff’s Arrests 70-Year-Old Suspect for Child Molestation

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – On April 6, 2018, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office arrested 70-year-old Jesse Bernard Watkins, III on three counts of child molestation of a child under 15 years of age.

Investigators learned that Watkins met the victim’s family when he was volunteering for a juvenile rehabilitation facility in the Prescott area. Watkins traveled to Flagstaff, visiting the victim’s family several times before the acts occurred.

Anyone with information related to this crime is asked to contact Sergeant Larry Thomas of the Criminal Investigations Division at 1-800-338-7888.

Jail District Board of Directors desire federal judicial decision

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Coconino County Jail District Board of Directors are named defendants in a pending suit filed by Guillermo Tenorio-Serrano. The Board of Directors view this case as an opportunity to seek a ruling on whether 4th and 14th Amendments of the U.S Constitution supersede that part of a 2010 Arizona State Law known as SB 1070, which discusses local law enforcement’s role in U.S. immigration law.

In effect, the lawsuit calls into question the legality of the current jail policy, and asks the courts to determine whether local law enforcement is required to, or may, enforce federal immigration law through compliance with ICE detainers and warrants.

The question arose when Petitioner, Tenorio-Serrano, filed suit against the Jail District Board of Directors claiming the detention facility is in violation of his 4th and 14th Amendment rights by representing that he will be detained up to 48 hours under an ICE detainer and warrant after posting bond on pending state law criminal charges. The Directors have hired outside legal counsel to represent the Board in this matter.

“There have been other court cases in other states where SB 1070 does not exist,” said Board Director Chair Matt Ryan. “The question regarding the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070 is important to the Directors. We strive to protect the civil rights of all its citizens, regardless of status and follow the law of the State of Arizona. The Directors are asking the Federal Court for a decision relative to the constitutionality of this section of SB 1070.”

Flagstaff Traffic Alert: Lane closures planned on Beulah Boulevard under Interstate 40

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Arizona Department of Transportation crews are scheduled to set lane restrictions on Beulah Boulevard under the I-40 bridge overpass in Flagstaff. Drivers are advised to allow extra travel time as crews will have lane closures in both directions from 8 p.m. Thursday, April 12, to 5 a.m. Friday, April 13. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. Additionally, lane widths will be restricted to 11 feet throughout the construction project.

These lane closures and width restrictions are necessary for crews to begin bridge deck replacement and repair work at the I-17 and I-40 interchange in Flagstaff. This project will replace three bridge decks and approach slabs, increase the bridge cross slopes and retrofit one bridge deck with an overlay. The project will also include guardrail and paving work.

Construction began in February 2018 and the majority of the work is scheduled to be complete by the end of the year.

ADOT is scheduled to host informational sessions for the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on April 9, May 8, June 12 and July 10. These open houses will be at ADOT’s facility at 1901 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff. Project team members will be available to provide information and answer questions on the construction schedule and traffic impacts.

What to Expect:

  • Construction seven days a week with both day and night work, according to project phasing
  • Overnight, one-direction closures on Beulah Boulevard beneath I-40
  • Rolling night closures of I-17, according to phasing
  • Ramp closures
  • The southbound I-17 to eastbound I-40 ramp is scheduled to be closed in two-week increments at the end of June, end of July and end of October
  • The northbound I-17 to westbound I-40 ramp is closed through December

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more project information, please visit www.azdot.gov/FlagstaffTI. For questions or comments, please contact Mackenzie Kirby, ADOT Northcentral District Community Relations Project Manager at 928-525-6494 or mkirby@azdot.gov. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

I-40/I-17 interchange restrictions starting Monday, April 9

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – Work requiring closures and detours will start next week on the $10 million upgrade to the I-40/I-17 interchange that serves as the gateway to Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.

Starting Monday, April 9, the I-17 northbound to I-40 westbound ramp will close for the duration of the project. Traffic heading north on I-17 looking to head west on I-40 should take the ramp for I-40 eastbound and then exit at the Butler Avenue traffic interchange. From there drivers can head back west on I-40.

One-direction closures on Beulah Boulevard are anticipated to occur at various times overnight between mid-April and May and again in October. Traffic should use the I-17 and the JW Powell Boulevard interchange to get around the closure both north- and southbound.

I-17 will also require one-direction closures overnight for bridge construction. Closures are anticipated to occur overnight on various dates in May. During northbound closures, traffic heading into Flagstaff will need to take the I-40 eastbound exit and then use the Butler Avenue interchange to come back and use the I-17 northbound exit to head into Flagstaff.

Traffic heading out of town during southbound closures should take I-40 westbound to the Flagstaff Ranch Road interchange and come back to use the I-40 east to I-17 south ramp.

Intermittent closures of the I-17 south to I-40 eastbound ramp will also be required. Those closures are anticipated to occur from mid- to late-June, late July and late October. Traffic looking to head east on I-40 leaving Flagstaff should take I-17 south to the JW Powell interchange and then head back north to I-40 eastbound.

This project includes replacing the I-40 bridge decks in each direction over Beulah Boulevard, immediately west of I-17, as well as the westbound bridge deck over I-17. The eastbound I-40 bridge over I-17 will get a new concrete surface.

The project will also increase the cross slope of the roadway over the renovated bridges, helping drain water off of the road surface. It also includes guardrail and paving work.

For more information, visit azdot.gov/FlagstaffTI.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

ADOT seeks to keep public informed on projects in Flagstaff

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – With multiple paving and improvement projects happening in the Flagstaff area this year, the Arizona Department of Transportation wants to keep the public informed on progress and traffic restrictions with open houses this spring and summer.

Throughout April, work will begin on Interstate 40 west of Flagstaff with paving and road reconstruction between Parks and Cataract Lake in Williams and reconstructing the westbound lanes west of Williams between mileposts 156 and 161. Paving and reconstruction work will also begin on Interstate 17 northbound between mileposts 312 and 340.

Also, the I-40 bridges over I-17 and Beulah Boulevard at the I-40/I-17 interchange are being revamped, requiring ramp closures and detours around the interchange.

To keep the public up-to-date on these projects, ADOT will host open houses at its facility, 1901 S. Milton Road in Flagstaff, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. April 9, May 8, June 12 and July 10.

Project teams will present information and answer questions on the construction schedule and traffic impacts.

Preceding the public open houses will be stakeholder meetings from 3 to 5 p.m. on the same dates.

For more information on these projects, visit azdot.gov/projects.

For questions or comments, please contact Mackenzie Kirby, ADOT Northcentral District Community Relations project manager at 928-525-6494 or email mkirby@azdot.gov.

Schedules are subject to change based on weather and other unforeseen factors. For more information, please call the ADOT Project Information Line at 855.712.8530 or email Projects@azdot.gov. For real-time highway conditions statewide, visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Site at www.az511.gov, follow ADOT on Twitter (@ArizonaDOT) or call 511, except when driving.

Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan found

Posted on by

FLAGSTAFF – The Attempt to Locate for the two women who were reported as missing persons by their families Carin Lamprakes and Kim McGowan has been cancelled. An Arizona Department of Public Safety Trooper came in contact with the two women in the greater Phoenix area. Nothing was found to be suspicious or to lead officers to believe they were endangered. The families of the women have been notified. The women have asked that their privacy be respected. Thank you to the public for your assistance in attempting to locate these women so that their welfare could be confirmed. They are no longer listed as missing persons.