Tag Archives: News

Flagstaff Police locate missing person

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UPDATE: LOCATED SAFE

FLAGSTAFF – July 13, 2024, the Flagstaff Police Department is seeking the assistance of the public in locating Ericka Santana Lomayesva. Ericka was last seen in the early morning hours of 07/13/24 on the Westside of Flagstaff near the 2700 block of S Woodlands Village Blvd.

Ericka was possibly wearing an orange shirt and may be on foot in the area. She is 6’00, 140 lbs, has black hair, and brown eyes.

If anyone sees Ericka or has any information on her whereabouts, please call 911 or contact the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414.

Traffic fatalities in Arizona dip slightly in 2023

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PHOENIX – Traffic fatalities in Arizona decreased slightly in 2023 but are still near all-time highs, according to the state’s annual report on motor vehicle crashes on all roads, including local streets.

There were 1,307 traffic fatalities across the state last year, a decrease of 0.98% compared to 2022, according to the 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report. Figures show crashes associated with alcohol impairment and inappropriate speed or speeding continue to be leading causes of deaths and injuries, providing an urgent reminder for Arizonans to avoid engaging in unsafe driving behaviors.

Fewer pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities occurred in 2023. Pedestrian fatalities fell by 12.3% and bicyclist fatalities were 10.2% lower than in 2022. Despite these improvements, the 1,307 traffic fatalities in 2023 is the second-highest annual fatality total ever recorded in Arizona and only slightly behind the 1,320 deaths recorded in 2022.

The Arizona Department of Transportation produces the annual Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report, which is a compilation of traffic crash reports provided by law enforcement agencies around the state. The document reflects reported crash data for all Arizona roadways, including city streets, county roads, reservation roads and state highways.

While the number of traffic fatalities were down by about 1% in 2023 compared to 2022, the total number of crashes on all of Arizona’s roadways was up 1.6%, 122,247 in 2023 compared to 120,356 in 2022.

The statistics show that, like in previous years, crashes and fatalities are overwhelmingly driven by driver behavior, primarily involving speed, impairment, and failure to use seat belts.

“Every fatality represents someone’s loved one,” ADOT Director Jennifer Toth said. “We need everyone using the roads to work together to reduce these preventable crashes, and we’re working with partners around the state on safety strategies to help meet ADOT’s vision of safely connecting people.”

But ADOT, which maintains the state highway system, can’t do it alone. More traffic fatalities occurred on local roads (828) than on state highways (479), and urban areas saw nearly twice as many fatalities (853) as rural areas (454).

Among factors cited, speed – determined by law enforcement to be unlawful or too fast for conditions – was reported in crashes resulting in 446 fatalities and 20,682 injuries during 2023. This accounted for 34.1% and 38.2% of the totals, respectively. During 2022, speed was a factor in 436 fatalities and 20,137 injuries.

Alcohol-related fatalities have increased in each of the past four years. The 332 killed in alcohol-related crashes represent 25.4% of all traffic fatalities. Male drivers were involved in 72.7% of crashes where alcohol was involved. Drivers ages 25-34 accounted for 35.4% of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Most alcohol-related crashes occur on weekends and at night.

“Everyone expects to come home when they leave their house,” said Jesse Torrez, Director of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. “Speed, distracted driving along with helmet and seat belt usage are a conscious choice. All of these choices can save lives. We have to remind ourselves and others to take a moment and think about home.”

  • There were 258 motorcyclist fatalities in crashes during 2023, which is the highest figure in at least 20 years and an 11.2% increase from 232 during 2022. There are more motorcyclists than ever on Arizona’s roads. Since 2019, Arizona has seen a 33% increase in motorcycle registrations, going from 209,719 to 279,569.

  • Overall, failure to use a safety device, such as a seat belt or helmet, saw fewer fatalities and injuries in 2023 than 2022. In 2023, there were 361 fatalities and 3,239 injuries, while 2022 saw 376 fatalities and 3,301 injuries.

  • The report shows that at least 8,657 drivers involved in collisions during 2023 were engaged in “distracted driving behavior” and 62 of these distracted drivers were involved in fatal crashes. These figures are likely undercounts because drivers may not admit they were distracted or because a distracted driver died in a crash.

The 2023 Arizona Motor Vehicle Crash Facts report and reports for previous years are available at azdot.gov/CrashFacts.

Lockett Fire operations nearing completion

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TUSAYAN – Crews completed planned ignitions around the entire perimeter and in the interior of the Lockett Fire planning area yesterday, bringing the total number of acres treated to 2,782.

Helicopter operations will continue today to locate areas which did not receive fire effects and determine if further isolated ignitions are required. Crews on the perimeter of the planning area will be patrolling to ensure the fire stays within containment lines, and resource advisors will work to identify areas requiring rehabilitation, such as on dozer lines, hand lines, and other areas impacted by firefighter activity to mitigate potential erosion issues in the future. Crews and equipment will be working along forest roads and smoke may cause decreased visibility – drive with caution.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will remain in effect today and is expected to lift by tomorrow morning.

Although ignitions are complete, smoke and isolated flames will still be visible in the days to come as larger dead-and-down fuels, large stumps, and some snags continue to be consumed. Increasing cloud cover, humidity, and chances for rain coupled with decreasing temperatures will moderate remaining fire activity, resulting in fewer visible flames and decreased smoke production on the Lockett Fire. Winds will continue carrying smoke to the south, settling in low areas in the vicinity of the fire at night. The National Weather Service forecast calls for an increasing chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms this weekend and into next week.

Eighty personnel from the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service are currently assigned to the Lockett Fire. Crews will begin to be released from the incident in the coming days, with some crews remaining to patrol the Lockett Fire and be readily available for initial attack on any new fires in the area.

Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition, and these efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

Coconino County Honored Again as 2024 NACo Digital Counties Survey Winner

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County is pleased to share the exciting news of being recognized as one of the top counties in the United States for deploying digital technology practices for better government in the 2024 National Association of Counties (NACo) Digital Counties Survey, conducted by the Center for Digital Government.

This is the fifth consecutive year the Coconino County Information Technology Department has placed in the Top 10 counties within the up to 150,000 population category. The County is being recognized for Aligned Leadership, Cybersecurity, Constituent Centric, Data Driven Government, IT Investments, Resilience, Continuous Innovation, Connected Infrastructure, and Business Process Alignment. Some of the accomplishment areas to highlight are the citizen assistance application known as SeeClickFix, Digital Transformation, IT Security, and evacuation map enhancements.

“This accomplishment would not have been possible without the ongoing commitment our staff provides as public servants,” commented Matt Fowler, Coconino County Chief Information Officer. “We have an amazing team and to place in the Top 10, five years in a row, demonstrates the passion and dedication we have for our communities.”

The SeeClickFix application utilizes customized GIS data to geo-filter information, allowing citizens to open a request using their location to return a customized list of available services. Using pre-configured location-based zones allows for quick decision making and dissemination of information. The SeeClickFix system also integrates with the Public Works Department and Flood Control District asset management software. This bi-directional integration creates functionality to provide citizen updates through their request while providing work history within the application. In times of non-emergency, SeeClickFix is used to capture daily requests for County assistance, information, and inquiries. The platform provides quick links to essential information including the County’s situational awareness hub, the County’s website, fire restrictions, current state road conditions, and a call button to the call center during emergency events.

Digital transformation initiatives include scanning historic records for publication on the county’s website. Older County records have been preserved on various mediums including microfilm, microfiche, and bound books which require an in-person appointment at the record holder’s office for access. In August of 2023, Coconino County was awarded a $1,000,000.00 grant from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission, with an approximate $500,000 in County match funding to modernize records for the Recorder’s Office. The project will encompass microfilm conversion, digitization of bound books, digital storage and retention, and online public access.

Coconino County solicited an RFP and contracted with a specialized scanning agency for conversion of microfilm. A book scanner capable of producing Federal Archiving Standards (FADGI) scans was purchased to support the digitization of bound books and will allow for future transformation projects. After digital conversion, the documents will be hosted and served on the Coconino County website. This will provide an online repository for document access to the public. This project does not prevent in-person visits to government offices, but rather expands access to a much larger digital audience. This grant-funded project represents a multi-year initiative to be finalized by October of 2025 with an anticipated file conversation of 633,334 documents and an estimated 1.9 million images, not including books.

Continuous enhancements of pre-defined evacuation maps are utilized during emergency events to quickly identify areas for evacuation and notify responders, decision makers, and the public. The collaborative project between the County’s IT Department, Sheriff’s Office, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Emergency Management (CCEM) departments resulted in a publicly accessible, interactive map of evacuation zones. Users can view each of the county’s evacuation zones and their status, as well as search for a specific address. The maps integrate into the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs (DEMA) to provide evacuation zone data statewide.

“We are honored to have placed in the Top 10 for our population category in this year’s Digital Counties Survey. We are extraordinarily proud to have placed alongside so many highly respected County agencies,” added Helen Costello, Deputy Chief Information Officer. “Thank you to our Information Technology team and Coconino County leadership for all the hard work and support in providing innovative solutions to our customers and constituents.”

The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute focused on technology policy and best practices in state and local government. CDG is a division of e.Republic, the nation’s only media and research company focused exclusively on state and local government and education.

Arguments Sought ‘For’ and ‘Against’ Coconino County Ballot Question

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FLAGSTAFF — On November 5, 2024, Coconino County will hold an election asking voters to allow Coconino County to permanently adjust its 1979-80 base expenditure by the amount of $7.7 Million. The additional expenditure authority would be used for County services and programs, including but not limited to law enforcement, road improvements and maintenance, emergency response, and other County services. The ballot question relates only to an adjustment in the base expenditure; it does not involve or result in a tax increase or decrease.

Coconino County will prepare an informational pamphlet for the election. The pamphlet will be mailed to all households of registered voters in the County prior to the November 5, 2024, election. Arguments “For” and “Against” Proposition 482 are being requested by the County for inclusion in the informational pamphlet.

Anyone who would like to submit a “For” or “Against” statement regarding the election can mail or hand deliver their statement to Coconino County Clerk of the Board, 219 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001.

The statement may not exceed 300 words and must include the original signature of the submitting party. If the argument is sponsored by an organization, then it must be signed by two of the organization’s executive officers. If the argument is submitted by a political committee, then it must be signed by the committee’s chair or treasurer.

The person(s) signing the argument must provide their mailing address and phone number (other than the city or town and state of residence, this information will not be printed in the pamphlet).

Arguments must be received by 5:00 p.m. (Arizona Time), August 7, 2024, in the Coconino County Clerk of the Board’s Office at 219 E. Cherry Avenue, Flagstaff, AZ 86001.

For more information regarding the statements, call 928-679-7145.

Increase in Hantavirus Activity, Two Deaths Reported in Coconino County

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FLAGSTAFF — Coconino County has seen an increase in hantavirus activity. Three hantavirus cases have been reported in the past 15 months, two of which have died (67% mortality rate). Previously, Coconino County’s last reported hantavirus case occurred in 2016.

Arizona has also been experiencing an increase in hantavirus activity. From January 1 to July 1, 2024, seven human cases of Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) have been confirmed, resulting in three deaths in Arizona.

HPS is a severe and sometimes fatal respiratory illness caused by the infection with hantaviruses. Hantavirus is spread from rodents, primarily the deer mouse in Arizona, to people through airborne transmission from viral droplets spread through handling or stirring up materials contaminated with rodent urine, saliva, or feces. Hantavirus is not spread person-to-person.

HPS is not limited to one geographic location. It can be present in many areas in the southwestern region of the United States where there is rodent activity, even if mice are never seen.

Symptoms of the illness can be fever, headache, and muscle aches progressing rapidly to severe difficulty in breathing and, in some cases, death.

To prevent HPS, public health officials recommend the following clean-up methods for areas that may have rodent activity:

  • Prior to starting cleanup, open all doors and windows, especially in areas that have been closed for an extended period such as a garage, storage shed or second homes that are not used year-round. Leave open for 30 minutes before cleaning and if possible, allow direct sunlight on the area.
  • Do not stir up dust in the infested area by vacuuming, sweeping, or any other means. This will allow virus particles to go into the air, where they can be breathed in, and potentially causing infection.
  • When rodent droppings or nests are found in and around the home, spray them liberally with a household disinfectant (such as one-part bleach to nine parts water) and allow them to soak for at least 15 minutes. Any rodent droppings and rodent nests should be sprayed with a pesticide to kill fleas before disinfecting or disposing the carcasses.
  • After disinfecting, wear rubber gloves and clean up the droppings with disposable materials such as paper towels, rags, or disposable mop heads.
  • Seal all materials, droppings or nests in double plastic bags and dispose of them in the trash.

Rodent-proof your home:

  • Prevent rodents from entering the home by plugging or sealing all holes and gaps to the outside greater than 1/4-inch in diameter. Use steel wool, thick wire screen, metal flashing or cement to seal holes.
  • Eliminate or reduce rodent shelter around the home by removing outdoor junk and clutter, and by moving woodpiles, lumber, hay bales etc., as far away from the house as possible.
  • Do not make food easily available to rodents. Do not leave pet food in dishes and dispose of garbage in trash cans with tight-fitting lids.
  • Prevent mice infestation inside your home with the use of traps and proper removal.

    • More information regarding HPS is available at www.cdc.gov/hantavirus/hps.

Fire managers plant to conduct firing operations this week on the Lockett Fire

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TUSAYAN – The Lockett Fire experienced no growth over the weekend, staying within interior control lines built Friday and strengthened Saturday and Sunday. Today, crews will continue making improvements to prepare the planning area perimeter area along Forest Roads 307 and 310 and along dozer and hand lines connecting the two roads.

Fire managers are planning to conduct firing operations beginning Tuesday to remove fuels and create a buffer along the planned area, allowing fire to move slowly and naturally through the interior while mitigating opportunities for escaping beyond the control lines. To reduce risks to ground crews, fire managers on the Lockett Fire plan to use a helicopter or an Uncrewed Aerial System (or drone) to conduct reconnaissance and ignitions in areas where entry by foot or vehicle is unsafe or impossible due to high temperatures and hazardous terrain. Prior to ignitions, a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) will be put in place as a buffer zone of safety for ground and air crews.

The Lockett Fire planning area is surrounded by areas which have experienced prescribed and natural fire and is burning in the footprint of the 2014 Belknap Fire. These fires align with the Southwest ponderosa pine/grassland environment 10-year fire-return interval, the natural historic average time between wildfires in this ecosystem. The intended outcome of this fire includes encouraging the growth of native plants, increasing species diversity in the understory, and the restoration of wildlife habitat.

Once ignitions begin, smoke will be visible various forest roads in the vicinity of the fire, along State Route 64/East Rim Drive within Grand Canyon National Park, and the Town of Tusayan. A 3-mile section of the Arizona Trail south of Grandview Tower will be temporarily rerouted along Forest Road 310.

Managing naturally caused wildfires across the landscape is a very effective tool in restoring the forest to a healthier condition, and these efforts align with the Forest Service’s 10-year Wildfire Crisis Strategy, which aims to increase the use of fire on the landscape as well as other treatments to improve forest resiliency for generations to come.

Blue Envelopes help drivers with autism during traffic stops

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PHOENIX – Arizona is launching a program through which drivers on the autism spectrum can place their credentials in special blue envelopes to enhance communication with law enforcement officers during traffic stops.

This voluntary program, which includes education for law enforcement officers, follows a model used successfully in Connecticut. The envelope will have instructions for the driver and law enforcement officer to follow and advise the officer that the driver may respond differently to instructions in situations that can increase anxiety.

To provide the necessary groundwork and training, the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is partnering with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and the University of Arizona’s Police Department, Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (ArizonaLEND) training program.

“When I heard about this program in Connecticut, I was extremely fascinated and intrigued to see if we could incorporate it here in Arizona,“ ADOT MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is thrilled to be partnering with DPS and the University of Arizona Police Department to help calm what can otherwise be potentially stressful situations.”

This program will function similarly to the one Connecticut established in 2020. The blue envelope is a voluntary way to hold important vehicle documents such as insurance and registration, while also being a communication tool between the driver and law enforcement during an interaction.

“This program provides explicit support for drivers who choose to participate,” said Jennifer Casteix, UArizona Clinical Professor and ArizonaLEND faculty member. “Better understanding of communication differences should positively impact these interactions.”

After his interim appointment at the University of Arizona in May 2023, Police Chief Chris Olson shared his desire to bring the Blue Envelope Program to the university. Creating partnerships with University of Arizona units that specialize in autism research and caring for the community have been key in laying the groundwork for this program at the University of Arizona.

According to Chief Olson, “The Blue Envelope program is an outstanding public safety initiative that seeks to improve communication between police officers and autistic drivers during traffic stops.”

Director Jeffrey Glover of the Arizona Department of Public Safety said, “The AZDPS is proud to support and be a part of the Blue Envelope Program. A program like this, seeking to enhance safety for both members of the public as well as all law enforcement officers in the State of Arizona, is absolutely invaluable.”

“We are implementing this program with an evidence-based approach to better support law enforcement and autistic drivers to improve safety outcomes,” said Dr. Nell Maltman, UArizona Assistant Professor with the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences.

Training with officers and volunteer drivers to simulate a traffic stop with the blue envelopes will be happening next week at the University of Arizona’s Tucson campus.

The envelopes are expected to be available through ADOT MVD offices, various law enforcement locations as well as other locations across the state starting in May.

For additional information about this program, please visit azdot.gov/BlueEnvelope.

Moonset Pit green waste disposal to begin May 4

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WILLIAMS — The Kaibab National Forest, in cooperation with the communities of Parks and Sherwood Forest Estates will be re-opening Moonset Pit on May 4, 2024 for residents to dispose of green waste materials from private property.

The pit will be open every other Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. until September 7, 2024. Moonset Pit is located just west of the Parks community, east of Spitz Springs on the north side of old Route 66.

Green waste may be disposed at the pit only while staff is present. They may close due to lightning.

Local area residents are encouraged to take advantage this free opportunity as they make their private property defensible against the threat of wildfire this season.

Users may discard natural woody debris such a logs, limbs, branches, brush, needles, and leaves. Stumps/roots must be clear of dirt and rocks.

No bagged substances, lumber, construction material, household garbage or any other items can be deposited at the site.

This service would not be possible without the volunteers who have helped manage the site over the last 15+ years. For additional information or to volunteer to staff Moonset Pit, contact community coordinators Kathie Krushinksy, Sue Hamilton, or George Chambers. See attached flyer for contact information.

Protect yourself, protect a bear

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PHOENIX — With Arizona’s hottest months right around the corner, how black bears forage for typical food sources will become more challenging. As a result, the chances of them wandering into populated areas in search of an easier meal will be on the rise.

While bears are typically shy and tend to avoid humans, their excellent sense of smell can be problematic for both the animals and humans. Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) officials advise those living or visiting bear country to avoid feeding wildlife and to not leave trash, food or other attractants accessible (such as pet food or bird seed). Unfortunately, a fed bear is a dead bear.

“If a bear becomes habituated to getting food from trash cans and other human sources, it’s only a matter of time before it loses its fear of humans and begins to actively search out human food sources,” said Larry Phoenix, AZGFD regional supervisor in Flagstaff. “At that point, the bear becomes a threat to public safety.”

Here are some tips to avoid attracting bears:

Keep them away from your home

Keep all trash inside a secured area until collection day. If that’s not possible, keep food waste in a bag in the freezer and place those in the trash as close to collection time as possible.
Take bird feeders down at night.
Keep pet and livestock food inside or remove all uneaten food.

When camping

Keep your food and attractants secured and inaccessible to bears. Do not keep food in your tent.
Don’t burn left-over food or trash on the grill.
Set up your campsite away from places where bears might forage for food, such as creeks, rivers and other bodies of water.

When hiking

Don’t wear scented lotions, deodorant or perfumes.
Make noise or hike in groups.
Hiking with a pet? Keep it on a leash at all times.

In case of a bear encounter

Do NOT run.
Back away slowly while keeping your eyes on the bear.
Make yourself look bigger than you are by flaunting your arms or pulling your shirt/jacket up higher than your head.
Throw items and yell at the bear.
If attacked, fight back.

Bear sightings in areas where there is human activity should be reported to AZGFD’s dispatch center at 623-236-7201. For questions, or to obtain a brochure on living with bears, visit www.azgfd.com/wildlife-conservation/living-with-wildlife/.