Tag Archives: Flagstaff

County Elected Officials sworn in

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County officials pledged oaths Friday to uphold the Constitution, the
laws of Arizona and to serve county residents.

Chair of the Board Liz Archuleta led the swearing-in ceremony at the Coconino Center for the Arts in
Flagstaff. Participating in the event were County officials elected and re-elected by county voters in
November.

“It is an honor to serve and help shape the policy of the County,” said Archuleta, who represents
District 2. “It’s also a privilege to work with the other dedicated public servants. In Coconino County,
we have a long tradition of collaborating as a team of elected officials to deliver the best possible
services to our constituents.”

New members include District 4 Supervisor Jim Parks who replaced retired Supervisor Mandy
Metzger; Sheriff Jim Driscoll succeeded retired Sheriff Bill Pribil; County Attorney William Ring
replaced outgoing Attorney Dave Rozema; and Assessor Armando Ruiz replaced retired Assessor
Chris Mazon. Treasurer Sarah Benatar and Superintendent of Schools Risha VanderWey were
appointed mid-term and were re-elected.

“I have enjoyed working with the outgoing elected officials and wish them the very best in their
retirement,” said County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer. “I also look forward to working with the
new officials as they begin their terms and bring new and innovative perspectives to the County.”

Those sworn in were:

. Art Babbott Supervisor, District 1
. Elizabeth C. Archuleta, Supervisor, District 2
. Matt Ryan, Supervisor, District 3
. Jim Parks, Supervisor, District 4
. Lena Fowler, Supervisor, District 5
. Armando Ruiz, Assessor
. Sarah Elena Benatar, Treasurer
. Patty Hansen, Recorder
. Risha Anne VanderWey, Superintendent of Schools
. William P. Ring, County Attorney
. Jim Driscoll, Sheriff
. Honorable Mark Moran, Superior Court Judge, Division III
. Honorable Cathleen Nichols, Judge of the Superior Court, Division V

CARC Amateur Radio license exam January 21

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The Coconino Amateur Radio Club will hold a regular amateur radio license examination session on Saturday, January 21 at 9 a.m. The examination will be held at North Country Healthcare, 2920 N 4th Street in Flagstaff.

You need to bring the following:

  1. Photo ID (Driver’s license, passport, or school ID)
  2. A copy of your amateur radio license (if you have a license)
  3. Federal registration number or your Social Security Number.
  4. Fee: $15
  5. Black ink pen
  6. Pencils

Optional: A simple calculator
A valid email address for your application

A Federal Registration Number is recommended over a SSN. If you use your SSN, you will have to wait until the FCC assigns you an FRN prior to getting your license. If you plan to take the examination and have not filed for a FRN, you should apply on the FCC Universal Licensing System as soon as possible.

Find out more about the license session at the ARRL web site.

The next scheduled license exam will be 22 April 2017.

Doney Park Man Arrested for Sexual Conduct with Minor and Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF – On Thursday, December 30, 2016 a Coconino Superior Court Grand Jury indictment was served on 60 year-old Herman Griego (resident of the Doney Park area northeast of Flagstaff, AZ) for sexual conduct with a minor, sexual abuse of a child, and sexual assault. The charges arose from a Sheriff’s Office investigation response to a report made at the beginning of December. During the investigation, several victims were identified. A felony warrant was issued and Mr. Griego was arrested on the warrant on December 23, 2016.

The incidents leading to the investigation and arrest occurred from 2009 through recent months. Victims were under aged females whom Mr. Griego knew through friendships with other members of the victims’ families.

As the investigation continues, additional charges may be brought forth. Griego currently is being held at the Coconino County Detention Facility on $1,000,000 bond.

When a snowstorm hits, safest choice is waiting it out

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PHOENIX — ADOT has nearly 200 snowplows and 400 certified drivers stationed around the state to address snow and ice. But as Christmas weekend showed—especially on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff west to Ash Fork and on Interstate 17 south of Flagstaff—a snowstorm can be so intense that travel becomes unsafe quickly.

This is why drivers should monitor conditions before leaving and be prepared to delay travel until snowplows can do their work. A few inches of snow fell per hour at the height of last weekend’s storm, causing crashes and slide-offs and resulting in long closures because of the time required to get vehicles cleared and lanes open again.

In addition to watching National Weather Service forecasts for Flagstaff, Williams or any area you are planning to travel, be sure to check az511.gov or call 511 for the latest road conditions. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) is a good source of information and interaction.

Accident on I-40 at exit 163 in Williams. Photo courtesy of Williams Fire Department.

A 28-car pile up occurred at the 163 exit of I-40 in Williams on Christmas Eve keeping many stuck for up to eight-hours. If you drive faster, you may not get through the snow faster. You may not get through at all. When it rains it can be just as dangerous overnight as the temperature drops and ice builds up on the roadways.

Because snowstorms can result in sudden closures sometimes lasting for hours, ADOT offers tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow that include packing an emergency kit with blankets, warm clothing, snacks and water and keeping your gas tank half to three-quarters full at all times. It is also good to have a charged cellphone, but some areas do not have cellphone service. A radio transmitter, such as the FRS/GMRS radios, Citizens Band or amateur radio equipment is also a good idea.

But the safest option when snow is falling is not being on road unless it’s absolutely necessary.

During the storm, white cars were observed driving in the snow without lights making them difficult to see. Turn your lights ON during a storm, whether rain or snow, no matter the color of your vehicle if you feel you must drive at all. You need to make yourself as visible as possible.

Photo courtesy of the Williams Fire Department

With another storm forecast for New Year’s weekend, recent experience reinforces the value of waiting until roads are plowed and ready for traffic. If there’s any question about whether it’s a good idea to go, you’d probably do well to wait.

When highways are plowed and ready for traffic, many drivers may be heading uphill to play in the snow. If you’re among them, be sure to leave prepared, as New Year’s usually is an especially busy weekend at snow-play areas, especially along US 180 outside of Flagstaff, resulting in long lines of traffic at day’s end.

Those heading to snow-play sites along US 180 may want to consider making an earlier start home, as on busy days traffic builds toward Flagstaff throughout the afternoon. When they reach Flagstaff, drivers taking Interstate 17 south can save time by following a marked alternate route to Interstate 40 at Butler Avenue, via Switzer Canyon Road and Route 66, and then heading west to I-17. A map of this route, as well as locations of snow-play sites, is available at FlagstaffArizona.org (follow the Winter Snow Play link).

Behnke Sentenced on Child Pornography Related Charges

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FLAGSTAFF — On December 20, 2016, 30 year-old Leroy Behnke was sentenced in Coconino County Superior Court Division 5 for charges related to child pornography. Behnke took a plea deal for one count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor and one count of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor for possession and distribution of child pornography. He was sentenced to 17 years in DOC, with lifetime probation and lifetime sex offender registration on his release.

On May 12, 2015 Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Agents contacted Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives regarding the possession and distribution of child pornography by an adult male who lived in the greater Flagstaff area. According to the FBI agents they developed information that caused them to believe that Leroy Behnke of Flagstaff was in possession of numerous images depicting young children and infants engaged in various sexual acts. They further believed that Behnke had obtained the images from several online chat rooms and then distributed the images to other online users.

On May 21, 2015 Coconino County Sheriff’s Detectives, Deputies and FBI Agents served a search warrant on Behnke’s place of residence while he was at home. During the service of the search warrant, Behnke’s laptop computer was seized and he was interviewed by a Sheriff’s Detective and FBI agent. During the interview Behnke made statements that implicated him in numerous counts of possessing and exchanging child pornography images online. At that time, Behnke was arrested on 10 counts of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor Distribution and transported to the Coconino County Detention Facility where he was incarcerated.

This case is an example of the cooperative efforts between local and federal agencies in investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspects and criminal acts.

Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared

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FLAGSTAFF — With nationwide attention on the recent rescue of the Klein family and questions generated from the public, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office and its Search and Rescue Unit would like to take this opportunity to remind people about being prepared before winter travel. Each year, the Sheriff’s Office responds to countless calls from motorists who have become stranded or stuck on impassable roads because they were following “alternate routes” listed on technology devices and map apps. Even if you are headed out for just an hour, an injury, severe weather, traffic accidents or a wrong turn could become life threatening. A short drive can turn into an emergency if you are unprepared. Keep Weather-Aware & Equipment-Prepared!

• Know before you go – Be aware of existing and impending weather conditions, and check weather and road reports frequently. If extreme winter weather is predicted during the duration of your trip, cancel it. Research alternative routes. Be prepared to stay overnight if weather changes or travel is delayed. Contact places you are planning to visit to confirm hours of operation and accessibility. For hikers, remember that in the winter, trails that are typically fairly easy to follow in the spring, summer, and fall are often covered in snow making following the trail difficult to impossible.

• Leave Detailed Trip Plans with a Trusted Person – The plan should include times and dates of departure and return. It should also include when you will arrive at certain checkpoints, even if no contact is established, it will assist searchers in locating you should you need their assistance. If trip plans change, it is important to notify the people with whom the trip plan was left so that this information can be shared with search and rescue teams if necessary.

• Don’t Rely on Phones & Map Apps – There are many places where cellular services or coverage still DO NOT exist. A cell phone does not guarantee your safety. Have the appropriate navigation equipment and knowledge of how to use that equipment. Do your research before following map app directions and realize that just because a route is listed does not mean it is passable.

• Accept Responsibility for Yourself – Emergency responders may not be immediately available and may take several hours before they can respond. If your location is unknown to emergency responders, it can take hours or even days before someone finds you. Resources such as helicopters and other specialty equipment are not guaranteed to be able to respond. Have emergency and survival gear with you. Become self-reliant by learning about the terrain, conditions, local weather and your equipment before you start.

• Stay Together – Turn back and come the way you came if possible, or stay put. If you have prepared with appropriate winter weather gear and shared your trip plans, it is safer to stay put than to expose yourself to the elements or unknown terrain. Fatigue and unexpected conditions can affect your ability to survive.

• Be prepared for cold weather and winter driving conditions – Have a full tank of gas, chains, flashlight, blankets and other emergency items. Always fill your gasoline tank before entering open country, even for a short distance. If you leave your vehicle running to provide heat make sure the tail pipe is properly vented and clear of snow or any other debris. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning is silent and deadly.

Clothing Tips: Dress warmly in layered clothing. Layers allow you to easily adjust your clothes to regulate body moisture and temperature. Three types of layers are considered normal: a liner layer against your skin (long-johns), an insulation layer (fleece), and a water- and wind-proof outer shell. Cotton loses its insulating qualities when it gets wet, whether it is from rain or sweat. Cotton also takes a long time to dry out. Wool or synthetic materials are much better suited for cold weather conditions. Boots should have a waterproof outer shell such as oiled leather or plastic. Hiking boots alone are usually not adequate in deep snow conditions for extended periods. Protect from heat loss through your` head by wearing a warm stocking cap or other winter hat. Make sure socks and gloves do not fit so tight that they constrict the blood flow which keeps your hands or feet from warming up. Pack plenty of extra clothing in case you the clothes you are wearing become wet. Hiking clothing or footwear that gets wet not only makes movement more difficult, it also can contribute to hypothermia and other cold related injuries or illness.

Food & Water Tips: Keep yourself adequately nourished to provide fuel for hiking and for simply keeping your body warm. Food should be easy to prepare and tasty enough to be appetizing. Drink plenty of water even though you don’t think you are thirsty. Water is necessary for your body to generate heat. A good rule of thumb for checking hydration is the color of your urine. Urine will be light colored or clear if you are properly hydrated. Keep water bottles from freezing in your pack by putting them in a wool sock or insulated bottle cover.

Gear Tips: Even for short day hikes winter outdoor enthusiasts should carry survival equipment. Essential items include fire starting equipment, a light source and extra batteries, appropriate extra clothing, water, food, navigation equipment, pocket knife, shelter materials, sunglasses or goggles, a backcountry shovel, a backpacking stove and fuel and a small metal cup.

• Backcountry users: Be familiar with avalanche hazard recognition and carry the appropriate safety equipment including an avalanche beacon, avalanche probe, backcountry shovel and winter survival gear. Backcountry users should not travel alone and should leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend. Cell phones are valuable tools but should not be relied upon in backcountry locations since cell coverage may be marginal. It is incumbent on winter backcountry users to acquire training and knowledge about avalanche safety. More information is available from the Kachina Peaks Avalanche Center at www.kachinapeaks.org.

• Tips for Safe Snow Play: Be safe and aware. Don’t park along the highways to play in the snow. Watch out for hazards and other visitors. Be patient. Be a courteous driver. Roads may be congested. Leave no trace other than footprints and snowmen. Take your trash with you. Respect private property and other locations where snow play and sledding is not appropriate.

Here are a few links to some additional resources:

Winter Driving Safety Tips

https://www.weather.gov/wrn/getting_traction
http://exchange.aaa.com/safety/roadway-safety/winter-driving-tips/#.WGLPxFMrLcs
https://www.travelers.com/resources/auto/safe-driving/winter-driving-safety-tips.aspx

Winter Storm Preparedness & Winter Safety

National Park Service and US Forest Service websites for different areas often have messages specific to recreation safety:

https://www.nps.gov/index.htm
https://www.fs.fed.us/
http://www.nsc.org/learn/Pages/safety-events-winter-safety.aspx
http://www.redcross.org/get-help/prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm

Snow accumulations of up to 18-inches possible for Christmas

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WILLIAMS — The rain fell through the night and Williams was greeted by a thin veil of early morning fog to start the first day of winter. The rain is expected to continue through Friday turning to snow on Saturday. The current evaluation by NOAA is that Williams could be greeted by up to 18-inches of snow Christmas day. Snow may continue on Christmas with a possible half-inch of further accumulation during the day, clearing up by Sunday night.

Winds today will be up to 16-mph with gusts up to 24 dropping slightly overnight. Winds tomorrow will be up to 14-mph with gusts up to 21 building up to 21-mph winds Friday night. On Saturday winds are expected to remain up to 24-mph with gusts of 37-mph.

Christmas eve should be a great day for those with tickets on the Polar Express. A 90% chance of snow showers exists throughout the day. Seven- to eleven-inches of snow is possible by evening with another 3-to-7-inches possible overnight. Snow is possible Christmas day with a slight amount of accumulation. The snow will probably be a welcome sight for the reindeer at the Grand Canyon Deer Farm and the Wild Wonderland at Bearizona is a must see in the snow.Flagstaff can expect about the same weather with a slightly less snow accumulation over the same period. The new snow, however, should be great news for the skiers at the Snowbowl. They apparently are receiving snow already according to their web cam.

Ash Fork will be a player in the snow game with a possible 4-inches of snow over the same period. Winds will be about the same as Williams. Valle should receive about the same amount of snow as Ash Fork and about the same wind speeds.

The weather is still expected to clear up over Sunday night with temperatures returning to the mid-40s by Wednesday.

We continue to remind everyone to BE SAFE on the highways. Watch out for snow plows and slow down. Get off of the highway if you want to play in the snow. We highly recommend going to Flagstaff, Williams, Bellemont, Parks, Ash Fork, instead of taking an exit as you could get snowed in and stranded. Stopping at one of the safe cities and towns also offers the opportunity of hot coffee or cocoa to help you enjoy the experience.

Chance of rain all week with a snow likely Christmas eve

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WILLIAMS/FLAGSTAFF — Flagstaff and Williams can expect about the same weather pattern over the Christmas holiday. Clouds are expected to blow in tonight and through tomorrow on 7-mph winds. Wednesday is expected to be partly sunny with a high near 50. The chance of precipitation in the form of rain starts Wednesday night. Rain and low temperatures overnight will cause icy conditions on roads and highways, so drivers should take caution.

ADOT reminds visitors and residents NOT to park along the highway to enjoy the snow. Take an exit and get off of the freeway if you want to check out the weather. Preferably at a safe location such as Bellemont, Flagstaff, Williams or some other area where you can park safely.

On Wednesday night there is a 30% chance of rain after 11 p.m. with a low of around 32 overnight. The winds are expected to be light, but any wind will make it feel colder.

On Thursday there is a 60% chance of rain with a high near 49 and winds of about 6-mph. The chance of rain continues overnight with a low of about 34 and winds calming.

Friday a 30% chance of showers is expected, but it should be partly sunny with temperatures in the mid-40s. Friday night there is a 20% chance of showers with a low around 33.

Saturday, Christmas Eve, is expected to be breezy, around 38-degrees with a chance of rain and snow. Williams may wake up to a white Christmas with snow likely Saturday night and a low temperature of 20-degrees. There is a slight chance of continuing snow on Christmas day and continuing throughout the night. The high will be near 33 dropping to 17 overnight. The chance of building a snowperson is slight.

This weather pattern should clear up Monday with temperatures remaining in the mid-30s through Tuesday during the day and dropping to the low-20s overnight.

Fraudulent phone calls being made to Flagstaff

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FLAGSTAFF — Over the past 24-48 hours, the Coconino County Sheriff’s has received multiple reports of fraudulent schemes which we are investigating. Don’t fall victim to these or other fraudulent schemes. Be aware that scammers often use fear and bullying tactics to coerce the victims.

One of the schemes reported is an individual calling on the telephone representing himself as a law enforcement or court official. In some cases the person has used the names of legitimate law enforcement officials and in other cases a fictitious name. The caller claims that either the victim or a member of the victim’s family has either failed to appear for jury duty or other court matters, failed to pay a fine, or has a warrant. The fraudulent schemer demands that money be paid immediately usually through pre-paid credit cards or money wire transfers, or else the person will be arrested. In some of the cases, he advises the person to stay on the phone, and if they disconnect the phone call or fail to do as instructed, he will immediately send Deputies to their home to arrest them.

In another fraudulent scheme, victims are contacting law enforcement advising they have found vehicles for sale via the internet at fictitious business in and around northern Arizona. These fictitious businesses often have what appear to be legitimate websites showing the fictitious business at a legitimate address. Victims have sent money for full or partial payment of vehicles only to find the business and or vehicle do not exist as advertised. The most recent listed a county maintenance yard and previously an auto salvage yard as the dealership address.

The third scheme we have received reports of recently is from people who have been using dating websites. They are contacted by someone who at first seems to be legitimate and of appropriate age. Later the person begins sending sexual photos and engaging in sexual conversation only to later claim to be underage. The victim is contacted by someone misrepresenting themselves as law enforcement (either a legitimate or fictitious name) or the under aged person’s parent demanding money to avoid prosecution.
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Clouds, but no snow in sight.

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WILLIAMS — Last night Williams may have received a small amount of rain. Clouds moved in overhead in the early morning hours, but should clear off and remain mostly sunny the rest of the week. Winds are expected to be about 6 to 9-mph through Friday. Temperatures will reach the 50s during the day dropping to the mid-to-low 20s overnight.

Flagstaff has a 10% chance of snow before 11 a.m., but otherwise the weather pattern is expected to be about the same as Williams.