Yavapai Broadcasting News

7/4/2008

Lane 2 Fire 9,600 acres 10% contained

Crews continue to work towards containing the Lane-2-Fire burning near Crown King, which has been burning since last Saturday. The fire is now 9,600-acres and 10% contained. The next public meeting is set for Sunday at 4 at the Mayer Recreation Center. Red Cross spokesperson Tracey Keist says they’re ready for a possible increase in evacuees from the Lane 2 Fire that may need to use the shelter set up at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School this weekend. Thursday they recruited new volunteers to help out. In all 13-people became volunteers. The shelter is located at 12255 E. Turquiose Circle in Dewey-Humboldt.

7/4/2008

NTSB to have initial report next week on medical helicopter crash

The lead official investigating the fatal crash of 2-medical helicopters in Flagstaff says he'll have a report ready sometime next week. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Aaron Sauer says his team continues to gather information about two choppers that crashed Sunday. The NTSB team on Wednesday flew the same route as the 2-helicopters. In addition, Sauer says his team continues to look at surveillance video, interview with witnesses and hospital staff, and examine engine data to determine what happened before the choppers collided. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

7/4/2008

Neil Rodreick trial date canceled

This week in court, the July 16-th trial date for 30-year old Neil Rodreick was canceled. Rodreick has been jailed since January 2007. The convicted sex offender allegedly tried to enroll at a Chino Valley Charter School as a 12-year old boy. Rodreick will now be in court July 15-th for a hearing on his request for new council.

	Neil Rodreick

7/4/2008

Murder Suicide near Peach Springs

Sheriff's deputies in Mohave County say a woman and 2-men are dead in an apparent murder-suicide near Peach Springs. A sheriff's news release says detectives believe the 3 were driving east on Route-66 about 40-miles northeast of Kingman when 1-person shot the other 2 and then took their own life Wednesday evening. The names, ages and home towns of the 3 haven't been released, but all have the same last name. It isn't clear if they're related. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

7/4/2008

Sedona Mayor looking for residents to sit on 3 committees

The Mayor’s office and the City of Sedona are seeking applications to serve on three Mayor’s Advisory Committees. These include the Mayor’s Economic Steering Committee, Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability Committee, and the Community Development Committee. Application packets are available at City Hall; they need to be turned in by Thursday, July 31-st.

7/4/2008

Poor Farm Fire designated Wildland Fire Use Fire

Coconino National Forest fire managers are monitoring a lightning sparked fire that’s been slowly burning since last Friday 5-miles west of Clints Well. Officials say “The Poor Farm Fire” is being allowed to run its course; it has charred 80-acres. The Poor Farm Fire is bordered on all sides by land that has already been treated with fire and is considered a wildland fire use fire. Crews hope to allow the fire to burn up to 700-acres.

7/4/2008

Kroger ground beef recall

Public health authorities are encouraging consumers to check their styrofoam tray packages of Kroger ground beef for lots involved in a recall due to possible E-coli contamination. Consumers finding products with a sell by date from May 21-st through July 3-rd are asked to return the product to the store where it was purchased for a full refund. Also, Kroger is recalling Private Selection Natural ground beef sold in 1-pound packages if they have a sell by date of July 11-th through July 21-st.

7/3/2008

Woman murdered in Williamson Valley

YCSO Detectives are investigating a homicide. Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says the body of 53-year old Virginia Carol Kennedy was found in her home in the 74-hundred block of Bridle Path in Williamson Valley. Currently their looking for information that will lead to the arrest of a suspect or suspects. D’Evelyn says deputies responded to the home after dispatch received a call for a welfare check. Anyone with information on this case is urged to call YCSO or Yavapai Silent Witness.

7/3/2008

Lane 2 Fire 9,495 acres 10% contained

The Lane 2 Fire is now over 94-hundred acres in size, but is now 10% contained. Spokesman Mike King says many Crown King evacuees attended yesterday’s public meeting with the number-1 question being when would they be allowed to return to their homes. He says the Incident Commander wants to wait until the area is safe for the residents and the fire fighters. He stated that he would hate have residents move back in and then have to evacuate the area again. King says they’ll hopefully have a better answer to that question by the next public meeting set for Sunday at 4-pm at the Mayer Recreation Center.

7/3/2008

PANT arrests alleged Cocaine Dealer

The PANT team busted an alleged Sedona cocaine dealer. Sgt. Randy Moffitt says this is the 3-rd criminal case involving drug sales at the home of Angel Trujillo, also known as “Gordo”. Moffitt says they served a search warrant at Trujillo’s home at 360-Harmony Drive on Tuesday. Inside they seized 45-grams of powder cocaine packaged for sale, scales and other items indicating drug sales. Moffitt says the drugs are valued at $4,500.

7/3/2008

State Flags at half staff today

Governor Janet Napolitano announced that all flags at state buildings will be flown at half staff today in honor of U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Robert Hammett, 39, who died June 24 in a bomb blast in Baghdad. Chief Warrant Officer Hammett, of Tucson, joined the Army in 1990. He is survived by his wife and five daughters. Funeral services will be held Thursday in Tucson.

7/3/2008

Father of abused baby arrested by YCSO

YCSO has arrested the father of a 2-month old baby boy that in mid June was found to have numerous unreported injuries. June 19-th, 26-year old Michelle Murray was arrested for allegedly causing injuries to the child, including a fractured skull, fractured right femur, clavicle and ribs; all of the injuries were in various stages of healing. The child’s father, 20-year old Alex Allen has also now been arrested. D'Evelyn says they believe Allen lied to officers to protect his wife. Initially they told police that the injuries were caused by their daughter who pulled the baby out of its swing. D’Evelyn says Allen is charged with hindering prosecution with additional charges possible.

	Alex Allen		Michelle Murray

7/3/2008

Chino Valley man appointed to Game and Fish Commission

Governor Janet Napolitano Wednesday appointed Norman Freeman of Chino Valley to serve on the Arizona Game and Fish Commission. He replaces Michael Golightly, whose term expired this year. Freeman brings a diverse background to the commission, with experience in technology development, broadcast and land use issues. His work with wildlife has been extensive. Among other business ventures, he is the founder of Elemental Technology, a firm that developed wildlife tracking software for wildlife biologists and regulatory bodies. In 1994, he founded “Wildflight,” a privately funded operation to relocate wildlife, using corporate and private aircraft to move many species, including black bears, owls, hawks, eagles, osprey, and California condors.

7/3/2008

Idaho Fugitive caught in Verde Villages

YCSO captured a man wanted in Idaho. Dwight D’Evelyn says the case began with a traffic stop for a loud car stereo on Western Drive in the Verde Villages. D’Evelyn says the driver identified himself as 26-year old James “Pattee”, but he did not have his license with him. The deputy followed “Pattee” to his home on Date Street so he could get his wallet; there contact was made with 47-year old Joy “Pattee” who said she was James’ Aunt. As James was searching for his license, the deputy saw him pull a wallet out from behind a piece of trim in the trunk and then try to dispose of it. A records check showed that the suspect was actually James Kreider of Idaho, and that he had a $150,000 bond. It was also discovered that the woman that claimed to be his Aunt was actually his wife, Joy Kreider. Both were jailed.

7/3/2008

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place on most National Forests

A reminder to those headed into the forest for the long holiday weekend that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place on nearly all of Arizona’s National Forests, including all of the Coconino National Forest. For current fire restrictions visit www.azfireinfo.com or call 1-877-864-6985.

7/3/2008

Citizens Police Academy Graduate trying to form PV Police Foundation

A recent graduate from the Prescott Valley Citizens Police Academy wants to help the department out. Ginny Reeves says while taking the course she learned that the department is short on equipment such as tasers. She says she wants to form a Prescott Valley Police Foundation to help raise funds to purchase the equipment needed by the department. The organization would be a 501-C3. Reeves says anyone that’s good at raising funds should plan to attend a meeting next Wednesday at 7-pm at the Prescott Valley Police Station. Anyone needing more information can call Reeves at 772-0429.

7/2/2008

Red Cross looking for volunteers to help with Lane 2 Fire relief

The Red Cross is hosting a New Volunteer Orientation in hopes of recruiting local residents to help in the Lane 2 fire relief effort. Tracey Keist says those interested in helping should be at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School tomorrow morning at 10-am. Keist says with the rodeo taking place this weekend in Prescott, they’re expecting more evacuees to stay at the shelter due to hotel rooms being booked up.

7/2/2008

Lane 2 Fire 7,200 acres 5% contained

The Lane 2 Fire is now 7,200-acres in size and is 5% contained. Prescott National Forest spokesman Mike King says the thunderstorms yesterday caused the fire to grow rapidly, but crews managed to keep the fire from spreading beyond the fire lines they’ve established. King says another public meeting will be held this afternoon for those affected by the blaze, which has been burning since Sunday. The meeting will be held at Mayer Recreation Center this afternoon at 4. Those needing assistance from the Red Cross will now find them set up at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School. The Red Cross will be at that location until they are no longer needed.

7/2/2008

Cause of Lane 2 Fire linked to lost camper

The cause of the Lane 2 Fire burning near Crown King was linked to missing hikers. YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says Saturday a Phoenix woman reported hear boyfriend and 2 children overdue from a hike on Lane Mountain. As rescuers were mobilizing, the woman met another camper in the area, 49-year old David Cygan, who agreed to help her locate her family. Cygan located the missing hikers, but left them behind as he tried to find a way back to camp. Cygan also became lost. At about 9 P.M., YCSO dispatch was notified by rescue personnel of a fire in the search area. Due to darkness and heavy vegetation, the air search was called-off and additional rescue personnel were deployed on the ground. At about daybreak, search and rescue team members eventually located Tarango’s boyfriend and her three children and they were escorted out of the area to safety. Another warming fire was located Saturday night, but by the time rescuers located the Yuma man Sunday morning, his small fire was quickly turning into a wildfire. D’Evelyn says the forest service is handling the investigation into the fire; it will be up to them to decide if charges will be brought against Cygan.

7/2/2008

NTSB to move helicopter wreckage to Phoenix

The NTSB is taking the wreckage from Sunday’s helicopter crash to Phoenix. The feds will lay it out and try to piece it together as part of their probe. Officials say they have found that the tail of one helicopter showed signs that it had been hit by a rotor blade. They also located engine control units that could reveal the helicopter’s altitude and speed at the time of the crash. The medical helicopter’s collided Sunday a half mile from Flagstaff Medical Center. 6 people were killed in the crash; the sole survivor, a nurse, remains in critical condition at FMC. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

7/2/2008

Committee formed to look at raising Jail District Sales Tax

Recently, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors authorized the formation of a Citizen’s Committee to investigate the need to extend the current Jail District Sales Tax, and complete a recommendation for the Board to consider regarding the placement of an additional quarter-cent sales tax request on the upcoming November ballot. The 9 member committee is expected to submit their findings and a written recommendation to the Supervisors on or before August 4-th. The committee meetings are open to the public; they meet each Wednesday from 1-to-4 at Dewey Humboldt Town Hall. Meetings are scheduled for July 2-nd, 9-th and the 16-th.

7/2/2008

Cliff jumper killed at Lake Mead identified

The man that jumped 90-feet off a cliff at Lake Mead last weekend and died has been identified. Officials say witnesses reported that 27-year old Sean White of Prescott landed in the water in an awkward position. Authorities spent 2 hours searching for White’s body; this is the first cliff-diving death the Lake Mead park has seen this year.

7/2/2008

Prescott Valley man arrested for assaulting police officer

A Prescott Police officer suffered a broken kneecap while trying to detain a suspect that was allegedly threatening several grocery store employees with a knife. Lt. Ken Morley says officers responded to the store on a report of a subject that had assaulted an employee while being detained for shoplifting. The suspect fled the store, but returned a short time later armed with a knife. Arrested for assaulting an officer and resisting arrest was 19-year old Peter Somerlik of Prescott Valley. Morley says Sgt. Hayter was the officer injured in the struggl; she was taken to YRMC for treatment.

	Peter Somerlik

7/2/2008

$1,000 reward offered in Pharmacy burglaries

Yavapai Silent Witness and RxPATROL are offering a $1,000 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of the suspect or suspects in the recent burglaries at the Spring Valley Pharmacy in Spring Valley. YCSO has taken 3-burglary reports since mid April at the pharmacy; each time prescription medications were stolen. Anyone with information about these crimes is urged to call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232; remember you never have to give your name, just your information.

7/2/2008

Crime and Meth related crimes down in Yavapai County

Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk has announced a drop in the number of felonies filed in Yavapai County Superior Court by 8 % from the previous fiscal year. Polk says there are a number of factors that contributed to the drop; our law enforcement agencies, the work of several dedicated narcotics task forces, the success of our drug court programs, and the countywide crackdown on methamphetamine, stiffer sentencing laws for those caught dealing or transporting meth, and MATForce for pushing meth awarness and its devastating effects to the forefront. Polk says 2-years ago 60-to-80% of crimes committed in Yavapai County were meth related; that number has dropped to 20%.

7/2/2008

Voters to decide school district consolidation in November

Yavapai County School Superintendent Tim Carter says voters in 2 locations in Yavapai County will be deciding school consolidation this November. In the Verde Valley district consolidation will include the Cottonwood Oak Creek School District, Clarkdale Jerome, Mingus and Valley Academy or Career and Technical Education. In southern Yavapai County the districts include Hillside, Kirkland, Skull Valley and Yarnell. Carter is asking that anyone wishing to submit a pro or con statement for the publicity pamphlet have them turned in to his office in Prescott by August 6-th. Additional information about the proposed consolidations can be found at www.ade.az.gov

7/2/2008

Animal Disaster Services looking for trailer donations

Animal Disaster Services is in need of 2 enclosed trailers to help store emergency supplies and equipment. The trailers will be loaded and ready to quickly relocate near Red Cross shelters in emergency situations. Spokesperson Dee Spitler is asking that 2 dual-axle trailers, at least 18-feet long. Animal Disaster Services takes care of the pets of those evacuated because of an emergency. Currently they have a shelter established in Mayer; most of the pets they’re caring for belong to the firefighters. Spitler says they’re equipped to handle all pets, from birds to horses. If you can help call 928-776-1771.

7/2/2008

Yavapai Silent Witness breaking records after moving to YCSO

Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja says the program is breaking records this year that after relocating to the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office. Skurja says since the move, calls to the 800 line have doubled and arrests and rewards are up. He says in the first 6-months anonymous calls have led to 115 felony arrests and over $16,000 in rewards have been paid out. If you have information about criminal activity any where in Yavapai County call 800-932-3232. The 800-number is in operation 24-hours a day 7-days a week.

7/1/2008

Portion of Bradshaw District closed due to Lane 2 Fire

Prescott National Forest officials have implemented an Emergency Fire Closure on the Bradshaw Ranger District in order to protect public and firefighter health and safety due to the Lane 2 Fire. Officials have closed the Bradshaw Ranger District south of Mayer/Goodwin Road.

7/1/2008

Lane 2 Fire public meeting set for tomorrow

Prescott National Forest spokesperson Debbie Maneely says they’ve scheduled another public meeting for tomorrow afternoon at 4 at the Mayer Recreation Center. The Incident Management Team will give an update on the fight against the Lane 2 Fire and conduct a quick question and answer period.

7/1/2008

Red Cross Reception and Care Center moved

The Red Cross Reception and Care Center set up at Mayer High School has been moved, that according to spokesperson Tracey Keist. The center has been set up at Bradshaw Mountain Middle School. Keist says everyone needed more room. Additional firefighters are moving into the school and Keist says they’re preparing for additional people that may need a place to stay during the holiday weekend.

7/1/2008

Helicopter Accident victims identified

Authorities have released the identities of 6-people killed when two Bell 407 helicopters ferrying patients collided and crashed near FMC. One of the helicopters was operated by Air Methods from Englewood, Colorado. The other was from Classic Helicopters of Woods Cross, Utah. Three people on the Air Methods aircraft died. They're identified as the pilot, 50-year old Pat Graham; the flight nurse, 36-year old Shawn Shreeve; and the patient 54-year old Raymond Zest. Another 3-people on the Classic helicopter died. They are the pilot, 54-year old Tom Caldwell; 36-year old paramedic Tom Clausing; and a 26-year old patient, Michael McDonald. A flight nurse on the Classic helicopter, 36-year old James Taylor, is in critical condition at FMC. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

7/1/2008

Cottonwood Budget calls for sales tax increase and road improvements

The Cottonwood City Council is coming closer to adopting their 2008/2009 Fiscal Year budget. Mayor Diane Joens says the council’s intent is to retain all city services, move forward with key road projects and ask the public for an 8/10-ths of 1%increase in the sales tax. Joens says one key project they would like to move to the front burner is the improvements needed on 12-th Street between Highway-89-A and Fir. She says they hope to get through the design phase this year. The council will review the tentative budget on July 15-th with adoption expected at their August 12-th meeting.

7/1/2008

NTSB sifting through helicopter crash site

Federal investigators will begin looking at wreckage today to determine what caused 2-helicopters to collide a half-mile from Flagstaff Medical Center. Sunday's fiery collision killed 6-people aboard the 2-emergency medical aircraft. NTSB officials say FMC’s outdoor cameras captured the accident on video, but it will take some technical work to remove the time stamp that blocks footage of the collision. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

7/1/2008

UBS to hold blood drive in PV this Saturday

United Blood Services is holding a blood drive this Saturday at the StoneRidge Community Center in Prescott Valley from noon-to-5. All those that donate blood from now through August 31-st will be automatically qualify for a drawing for a new Saturn to be given away September 17-th. To make an appointment call 1-877-448 GIVE or visit www.UnitedBLoodServicesAZ.org

7/1/2008

Timberline/Fernwood Neighborhood Watch Meeting

Tonight from 6:30-to-8, at Summit Fire Station #33, Coconino County Sheriff Bill Pribil and County Supervisor Liz Archuleta will hold a Neighborhood Watch meeting with residents living in the Timberline and Fernwood areas. Also attending the meeting will be County Health Director Barbara Worgess and Animal Management Officers Shannon Young and Jack Roberts. For more information about the Neighborhood Watch program call the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office at (928) 226-5089.

7/1/2008

Aggressive bees destroyed

Verde Valley Fire District responded to Cove Parkway Friday on a report of aggressive bees. Captain Bill Ferguson says they used foam to subdue the bees and then a bee keeper was brought in to remove the hive. In all 50-pounds of hive and honey were eradicated from the structure. Ferguson says due to the aggessive nature of the bees they opted to destroy them as opposed to moving them. The bee removal took all of Friday and Saturday.

7/1/2008

Trailburglaries continue to increase in Sedona

Sedona Police and the Coconino County Sheriffs Office are asking the publics help in catching those responsible for a rash of trailhead burglaries. Sedona Police spokesman Ron Wheeler says they had 10-vehicle burglaries this past weekend. If possible leave cameras, purses and wallets at home; if you have them with you lock them in the trunk. There have been 2-dozen or more trailhead burglaries in the Sedona area this summer.

6/30/2008

Flags to be flown at half staff for fallen AZ soldier

Governor Janet Napolitano announced today that all flags at state buildings will be flown at half staff Tuesday, July 1, in honor of U.S. Navy Hospitalman Dustin Burnett, 19, who died June 20 in Farah Province, Afghanistan. Hospitalman Burnett, of Fort Mohave, is survived by his mother, stepfather, and brother. Funeral services will be held in Bullhead City Tuesday.

6/30/2008

6 killed in Medical Helicopter crash in Flagstaff

Two Medical Helicopters crashed after colliding about a half-mile from Flagstaff Medical Center Sunday. Six people were killed in the crash with one nurse critically injured. The choppers crashed on a forested hill east of FMC and a few hundred yards from a neighborhood. An explosion on one of the aircraft after the crash injured 2 emergency workers who arrived with a ground ambulance. They suffered minor burns and spent the night at the hospital. The crash also ignited a 10-acre brush fire, which was quickly doused. The helicopters were out of Colorado and Utah. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

6/30/2008

Public meeting planned today for Lane 2 Wildfire

Prescott National Forest spokesperson Debbie Maneely says they’ve scheduled a public meeting today for anyone wanting more information about the Lane 2 Fire, which forced the evacuation Sunday of Crown King. The meeting starts at 4:30 this afternoon at Glassford Hill Middle School in Prescott Valley.

6/30/2008

Crown King evacuated due to Lane 2 Fire

The Lane 2 Fire was at 500-acres Sunday night and 0% contained. The blaze, first reported Saturday, forced the evacuation of Crown King and the Horsethief Basin Recreation area Sunday afternoon. Spokesman Rick Hartigan says a Type-2 Incident Management Team took over the fight of the fire last night and additional resources will be arriving today. Hartigan says the Lane 2 Fire is proving difficult to fight; it's currently 0% contained. There are some road closures in place; Crown King Road, Senator Highway to Crown King and Forest Road 192. An area closure is in place for Crown King.

6/30/2008

Prescribed burn turns into wildfire

Kaibab National Forest fire fighters are working a wildfire 9-miles west of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. The Walla Valley Fire started out as a prescribed burn last week, but then quickly got out of control. At last report the Walla Valley Fire was 425-acres in size and 25% contained. There are 136 personnel working the fire which is not threatening any structures.

6/30/2008

Prescott man killed in Lake Mead diving accident

National Park Service officials say the body of a man who dived off a 90-foot cliff into Lake Mead and never surfaced has been recovered. The 23-year old from Prescott, was with a group of friends on the Arizona side of the lake at an area known as Sidewinder Cove on Sunday when he dived off the cliff. A park service spokeswoman says a Nevada wildlife warden in the area arrived within 15-minutes and called in park rangers to help in the search. His body was found by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department divers late Sunday. Park service officials said diving off cliffs at the popular lake can be extremely dangerous because of underwater obstacles or very deep water. The victim’s name has not been released. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

6/30/2008

Public meeting planned for Chapel Sewer Extension and Storm Drain project

All residents of the Chapel Area Subdivisions in Sedona are invited to attend a meeting regarding the upcoming Chapel Sewer Extension and Storm Drain Project. Residents will be able to view the project and meet with the Tiffany construction team and Public Works personnel. Work on the project is scheduled to begin the first week of August. Crews will work Monday through Thursday from 7-am to 6-pm, and Fridays from 7-to-4. The meeting will be held Tuesday, July 16-th from 6-to-9 at Sedona United Methodist Church on Indian Cliffs Drive.

6/30/2008

Both drivers DUI according to Prescott Valley PD

Prescott Valley Police responded to a 2-vehicle non injury collision in the 6000 block of Frontage Road. The accident also involved 2 businesses that were damaged; Pearl’s Place and Spas Plus. Spokesperson Gene McFarland says for unknown reasons the vehicle driven by 54-year old Maria Del Carmen Lambert left Frontage Road and hit the vehicle driven by 35-year old Steven Stephenson; both are from Prescott Valley. Lambert’s vehicle continued through a parking lot striking the 2 buildings. McFarland says during the investigation it was determined that both drivers were DUI and both were arrested. Lambert was also charged with criminal damage for the $30,000 in damage caused to the businesses.

6/30/2008

Those injured in Friday helicopter crash improving

YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says the medic and nurse that suffered serious injuries during last Friday’s crash of a medical helicopter near Ash Fork are both improving, but remain in ICU. The pilot, who was not injured seriously, continues treatment. The FAA and NTSB are handling the investigation. The chopper was flying from Prescott Airport to Ash Fork to pick up a patient that was injured in a motorcycle accident.

6/30/2008

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in place tomorrow on Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest officials would like to reminder campers that Stage 1 Fire Restrictions go into place tomorrow on the entire forest. Currently restrictions are only in place on the Red Rock Ranger District. For up to date fire restrictions across the state call 1-877-864-6985 or go to www.azfireinfo.com

6/30/2008

Voter Registration up in Arizona

With it being a presidential election year, voter registration is way up in Arizona. Secretary of State Jan Brewer says there are now over 2.7-million registered voters in the state, up 39-thousand since March 1-st. There are 1,045,365 registered Republicans, up 8,591. Democrats have 935,638 voters up 19,650 since March 1-st. Libertarians have over 16-thousand voters; the Green party has 32-hundred and Independents have over 732-thousand voters, an increase of 76-hundred.

6/30/2008

Highway 89/69 Traffic Interchange construction restrictions this week

Prescott motorists should be advised of some restrictions this week on the Highway 89/69 Traffic Interchange project. Today through Wednesday Highway-89 will be restricted at the intersection with the VA Hospital until the new signal is activated; Wednesday from 8-pm to 6-am Highway-89 northbound will be closed at Highway-69 to facilitate bridge work. A detour will be in place. ADOT will halt work on all road projects for the upcoming 4-th of July weekend. Roadwork will not take place Friday, Saturday and Sunday; it will resume Monday.

6/30/2008

CV Marshals break up underage drinking party

Law enforcement agencies continue to have a Zero tolerance on underage drinking. Friday night the Camp Verde Marshals Office broke up a party on East Clinton Lane. Deputies charged 22-year old Perry Carter with 3-counts of furnishing alcohol to a minor. 20-year old Roger Groza was charged with minor consumption and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. 18-year old Andrew Lewis was also charged with minor consumption. A 16-year old female juvenile was turned over to her parents. The 3 adults were taken to jail.

6/30/2008

Those with health problems should avoid smoke from Lane 2 Fire

Smoke from the Lane 2 Fire near Crown King may pose health risks for residents spending time outdoors. Yavapai County Health Departments Brian Supalla recommends limiting or avoiding outdoor activity for children, the elderly and those with asthma or sensitivity to the smoke. Supalla says use the recycle or re-circulation mode on your air conditioner, stay inside and keep your windows and doors closed, keep airways moist by drinking lots of water; breathing through a wet washcloth can also help relieve dryness, contact your doctor or health care provider if you have symptoms such as chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.

6/30/2008

Rollover accident sends 2 to the hospital

Montezuma Rimrock Fire and DPS responded to a single vehicle rollover accident on northbound I-17 this morning. The accident happened near mile marker 296 and resulted in the closure of 1 northbound lane. Fire Chief Michael Van Dyke says they had 2-patients, a male and female each 20-25 years of age. He says the male passenger was flown to FMC for treatment of head injuries; the female driver was transported by ground to FMC with minor injuries.

6/27/2008

Three arrested in robbery police call an inside-job

Three people have been arrested in what Prescott Valley Police say was an inside job armed robbery. After the Friday night robbery of the Burger King restaurant, police questioned two employees, and found inconsistencies with their testimony and what was found on the security video. Police spokesman Gene McFarland says police arrested the 40-year old Craig Edson as the mastermind of the plot, as well as employees 17-year old Mario Gandara and 25-year old Jason Massi. The three were charged with felony armed robbery.

	Craig Edson		Jason Massi

6/27/2008

Legislation fails that would allow smaller counties to keep electing judges

Arizona lawmakers have failed in a last-minute push to allow several of the state's small-but-growing counties to keep electing Superior Court judges. Yavapai County was included in the bill. The House rejected a proposed constitutional amendment that would have raised a population threshold that requires appointment of judges rather than elections. Supporters of the change say it would permit continued election of judges in Yavapai, Mohave and Pinal counties. Those three counties have populations that could cross the current 250,000 threshold in the next census. The legislation would have raised the population threshold for adoption of the so-called "merit selection" system to 600,000. (Courtesy AP)

6/27/2008

Child with meningitis dies at VVMC

A child recently died from meningitis at Verde Valley Medical Center in Cottonwood. Yavapai County Health Director Robert Resendes says all those that may have been exposed to the deadly virus were treated. He says rumors that there was a panic at the hospital are untrue. He says they handled the situation exactly as they should have. Meningitis is a bacteria that attacks the brain. Resendes says the county typically has 0-to-1 cases each year; the last fatal case was 6-years ago.

6/27/2008

Medical helicopter crashes near Ash Fork; three injured

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office says three people were hurt when a medical helicopter crashed early this morning as it arrived to pick up a patient near Ash Fork. Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says the pilot, flight paramedic and flight nurse were hurt. They were taken to Flagstaff Medical Center. None of the injuries appear to be life-threatening. There is no word on what caused the crash. The chopper was arriving at an accident scene to transport an injured motorcycle rider to the hospital. The flight originated from the company's base at Prescott airport, one of several Air Evac runs in Arizona. The crash happened at about 3:30 this morning.

	This medical helicopter crashed early today while arriving to pick up an injured motorcycle rider near Ash Fork. Three crew members were injured.

6/27/2008

Three major wildfires burning in Arizona

There are 3 major wildfires burning in Arizona. The 8,000 acre White Tank Fire is burning 5-miles west of Tubac in southern Arizona; it’s 15% contained. Crews have been focusing on digging a trench between the fire and Aliso Springs Canyon subdivision which is about a mile away. Firefighters southeast of Tucson are trying to steer the 5,000-acre Distillery fire in a Rincon Mountains wilderness area toward natural barriers while protecting structures and power lines. In eastern Arizona, firefighters battling the uncontained, 5,600-acre Hot Air Fire have burned out vegetation around an electrical complex and lookout point.

6/27/2008

No sign of West Nile in Yavapai County

The West Nile virus season is in full swing, but fortunately there’s been no sign of it in Yavapai County. Yvapai County Health Department Director Robert Resendes says they've been trapping and testing mosquitoes from around the county and so far all have come back negative for the virus. West Nile virus is transmitted by mosquitoes; it causes severe flu like symptoms that in some cases can be fatal. The best way to avoid mosquitoes is to not be outdoors at dawn and dusk when they’re most active. It’s also recommended that you remove standing water from your property which makes for a perfect mosquito breeding ground.

6/27/2008

Highway 260 construction ahead of schedule

For the most part roadwork along Highway-260 between Western Drive in Cottonwood and Thousand Trails has not caused any inconvenience to motorists. ADOT Resident Engineer Tom Ward says the project is moving forward and is currently ahead of schedule. He says in the next month traffic will be restricted at Prairie Lane and Western Drive as the 2 new northbound lanes are constructed in the area. Ward says the project is scheduled for completion in April, 2009. He says within the next month the bridge girders will be going into place and crews will have to close Prairie Lane as the 2-new northbound lanes are constructed in the area.

6/27/2008

Bald Eagle closure extended at Lynx Lake

The Prescott National Forest is extending the closure restrictions around the east side of Lynx Lake until the bald eagles have left the area. Spokesperson Debbie Maneely says the trail has been closed to public since December to provide protection to the nesting eagles, which raised 2 eaglets this year. Maneely says this is the 2-nd time in the 8-years that the eagles have nested at the site that they’ve successfully raised 2 young. She says the closure will remain in place until the eagles leave for their summer migration north to the Dakotas.

6/27/2008

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in effect Tuesday on all of Coconino National Forest

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will go into effect Tuesday morning at 8-am on the entire Coconino National Forest. Currently they’re only in place on the Red Rock Ranger District. Karen Malis-Clark says they can’t stop Mother Nature from starting wildfires with lightning, but they can reduce the chance of human caused wildfires.

6/26/2008

Prescott Valley Police Commander Janik to retire

Veteran law enforcement officer Commander PJ Janik of the Prescott Valley Police Department will retire Saturday after 30 total years of police service. Janik was a police officer in Tempe before coming to Prescott Valley in 1996. He retired in 1999, though returned to active service soon thereafter. Prescott Valley Police Chief James Maxson credited Janik with a lengthy list of achievements, including photo enforcement, the DARE and School Resource Officer programs, and with the design of the department’s uniforms and black-and-white patrol cars.

6/26/2008

Cottonwood couple victimized in online scam

The Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office says a Cottonwood couple was recently victimized while trying to buy a recreational vehicle online. Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says the victims found an RV valued at 100-thousand dollars, listed for about half that by a seller who claimed to be a soldier based in Kansas. The victims sent the seller two “Moneygrams” totaling 45-hundred dollars; they all agreed via email to meet in Albuquerque to transfer ownership. The buyers went to the meeting but the seller never showed up. The checks were collected and cashed in California and the seller cut off all online contact with the victims.

6/26/2008

Local firefighters join effort in Surprise

Fire crews and apparatus from Cottonwood, Chino Valley and the Central Yavapai Fire District have been dispatched to help fight the Gila River Indian Reservation fire near Surprise. The 400-acre blaze prompted the evacuation of about 20 homes Wednesday night. Fire officials in Surprise say no homes were threatened by the flames, but thick smoke was a concern. The evacuations were voluntary. Firefighters describe the scene as difficult to access. The fire is burning in the Gila River bed, which contains heavy overgrowth.

6/26/2008

Tip-A-Cop in Flagstaff

This Saturday, June 28th, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office will hold its 2nd Annual Tip-A-Cop Luncheon at the Flagstaff Outback Steakhouse. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics of Northern Arizona. Seating is limited to the first 170 people. Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detention Officers will be serving from 11AM to 1:30PM. Take out is also available. The cost is $15, payable at the door.

6/26/2008

Hot Air Fire now 5,600 acres 0% contained

The Hot Air Fire continues to burn on the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest. Spokesperson Iris Estes says at last report the fire had charred over 56-hundred acres and was 0% contained. She says crews are back burning in an effort to create a fire line around the blaze. Estes says the fire is burning along both sides of Highway-191 which remains closed due to smoke. She says the Hot Air Fire was caused by lightning during a thunderstorm Sunday night.

6/26/2008

Leave pets at home when hiking in the summer heat

YCSO would like to remind hikers who take their dogs on trail hikes to consider the welfare of the animal when making those plans. Monday afternoon a hiker called for help after his 9-year old dog became extremely dehydrated and could no longer walk near the Bell Rock trailhead in the Village of Oak Creek. Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says fortunately other hikers in the area provided water for the dog and assisted the owner with cooling it off. D’Evelyn says this is becoming a common call. Pet owners need to remember that the ground and rocks are hot and can cause burns to the pads on dog’s feet, and without frequent water stops, dehydration is likely. The same should be remembered when taking your dog for a walk on asphalt. If it’s to hot for you to touch, it’s to hot for a dog to walk on. D’Evelyn says YCSO rescue teams will not be deployed when a domestic animal is the only cause of a rescue.

6/26/2008

Senate passes state budget plan

Senate leaders narrowly won approval of a budget plan by their sharply divided chamber early this morning as lawmakers struggled to solve the state's budget crisis. The next key step in that process could come as early as midday today with scheduled formal House votes on a rival plan by House GOP leaders. Both plans would erase a big revenue shortfall that has some lawmakers worried about a possible partial state government shutdown after the current fiscal year ends next Monday. The House version has more spending cuts and less borrowing. With a 16-10 vote on the main spending bill, the Senate approved the leaders' $9.9 billion plan shortly after 5-am. (Thanks to AP Phoenix)

6/26/2008

Prescott makes it easier to access zoning and FEMA flood info

The City of Prescott's Web Developer has launched a new internet based tool that provides citizens with easier access to Zoning and FEMA flood information. To use the tool, requestors will need a parcel number, which will generate a report indicating the Zoning District, and FEMA flood zones and flood panel information for the parcel submitted. http://www.cityofprescott.net/services/building/lookup.php

6/25/2008

Court ruling allows Springer to remain on ballot

A series of rulings by Yavapai County Visiting Superior Court Judge Peter Swann will allow incumbent Yavapai County Supervisor Carol Springer to remain on the September election ballot. A challenger to Springer, Georgene Lockwood, had filed a complaint alleging that some of Springer’s nominating petition signatures were invalid, and even that Springer had committed criminal forgery in verifying her petitions. Of that claim, Judge Swann wrote that the “plaintiff’s position lacks factual and legal merit.” A review of Springer’s 604 nominating signatures by the County Recorder showed that 31 should be disallowed because the signers either signed multiple times, had earlier signed for competing candidates or were otherwise not qualified to sign. This action reduced Springer’s petitions to 573 names, still more than the 461 required by law.

6/25/2008

Fire in Clarkdale

Workers using a chop-saw to cut up metal started this morning’s fire at a property on North Broadway in Clarkdale. Responders from around the Verde Valley descended on the site around 10:20AM. Moore says they have not yet determined a dollar amount on the losses. There were no injuries and no structures were damaged.

6/25/2008

Prescott police continue to study suspicious death

Prescott police are continuing to look into the Sunday night death of 33-year old Robert Ontiveros. Rescuers were summoned by a mysterious 9-1-1 call from a man who said his friend was not breathing. Authorities arrived to find Ontiveros deceased and the caller gone. The cause of the man’s death is not yet known. Lt Ken Morley says they are also trying to locate a man named “Kevin,” who was described by the victim’s mother as a friend of her son. The caller had identified himself as “Kevin Smith,” though police do not believe that he used his real last name. Anyone with information is urged to call Prescott PD.

6/25/2008

DPS forms team aimed at apprehending violent offenders

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is developing a multi-agency, multi-jurisdictional statewide plan to identify and arrest suspects with outstanding felony warrants. The Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, or VCAT, will be made up of 20 law enforcement agencies, including the Prescott and Flagstaff Police Departments and the Coconino County Sheriff’s Department. Particular emphasis will placed on finding felons associated with illegal immigration operations.

6/25/2008

Game and Fish unveil online events calendar

Wildlife and outdoor recreation enthusiasts can now learn about upcoming fishing clinics, hunting seminars, nature talks and more by visiting the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s Outdoor Calendar at www.azgfd.gov/calendar. The department posts its public events and activities, and has added an online feature that allows outdoor organizations and other government agencies to submit their public events as well.

6/25/2008

House committee bans mining near Grand Canyon

One million acres of public land around the Grand Canyon would be off limits to any new mining for three years under an emergency resolution adopted by a House committee. The House Natural Resources Committee voted 20-2 Wednesday to compel the Interior Department to withdraw the property from any new mining claims. Supporters said a rush of claims to mine the area for uranium threatened the natural landscape. Republicans said mining is not a threat and walked out in protest before the vote. The committee vote is all that is needed to stop new mining claims. (Courtesy AP)

6/25/2008

Sedona Council tables Highway 89-A safety issues

The Sedona City Council Tuesday tabled the proposed Highway-89-A safety issues that were approved on a 5-to-2 vote earlier this month. The council tabled the issues due to confusion between what the city wants and what ADOT will allow. Mayor Rob Adams says the council will revisit the matter in July. Some of the ideas on the table include reducing the speed limit to 35, the installation of traffic signal at Andante and enforcing all road user laws.

6/25/2008

Clarkdale Fire responds to blaze in Patio Town

Clarkdale Fire and neighboring agencies responded to a fire in the Patio Town area shortly after 10-am this morning. The fire has been extinguished, but details into what happened remain unknown at this time.

6/25/2008

Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund nearly gone

Flooding in the Midwest has significantly drained the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. She says they expect to spend 25.5-million dollars; they’ve raised 10-million. She says they need the publics help. Spokesperson for the Grand Canyon Chapter, Tracy Kiest says the flooding in the Midwest is the largest disaster response they’ve had since Hurricane Katrina. If you would like to help call 1-800-RED-CROSS or go online at www.redcross.org

6/25/2008

Mayer pharmacy burglarized again

For the 3-rd time this year the Spring Valley Pharmacy in Mayer has been burglarized. YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says deputies arrived to find a window broken out on the west side of the building. Once inside, deputies saw that the pharmacy area had been forcibly entered and narcotics had been stolen. A majority of the drugs stolen included Oxycodone, aka “Oxycontin” and Morphine, which were all in tablet form. D’Evelyn says the same type of burglary occurred on June 1-st and on April 20-th. Anyone with information on these crimes should contact YCSO or Yavapai Silent Witness.

6/25/2008

Car parts employee arrested for embezzlement

A Cornville man was arrested by Cottonwood Police on charges he stole more than 11-hundred dollars from a local car parts store he was employed at. 35-year old Daniel Lavash is charged with creating fictitious cash refunds and then keeping the money. The store provided police with a computer printout showing times, dates and cash register and computer pin numbers. Lavash reportedly admitted the thefts to the stores Loss Prevention Manager.

6/25/2008

$3,500 in property stolen from truck

Cottonwood Police responded to an apartment complex on North 10-th Street on a report of a burglary. The victim told officers that 4-monitors, 2-computers and 2-boxes containing personal items were taken from his truck sometime Monday night. The items were sitting in the extended cab portion of his truck; the victim couldn’t remember if he locked the door. The stolen items are valued at $3,500.

6/25/2008

Moonset Pit open for additional dates for free dumping

The Kaibab National Forest and Sherwood Forest Estates Fire Department have added more dates to the 2008 schedule for local residents to use Moonset Pit. Residents can deposit forest debris such as tree limbs and pine needles from their private property at the cinder pit, which is located just west of the Parks community off old Route-66. The pit will be open from 9-to-3 on the following Saturday’s; July 5-th and 19-th and August 2-nd and 16-th.

6/25/2008

Reward offered for stolen dirt bikes

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to the recovery of 2 dirt-bikes stolen Saturday from the Motoplex on Highway-260. The reward is being offered by Vaughn Law offices in Cottonwood. The bikes were owned by 2-boys, ages 14 and 15. The theft has caused there dream of racing to come to a stop. The 1-st bike was a 2008 green Kawasaki 250F #444 racing plates; the 2-nd was a 2007 yellow Suzuki RM250 K7 #209 racing plates. Anyone with information on the thefts of these bikes should call Cottonwood Police or Yavapai Silent Witness.

6/25/2008

Brazilian Bicyclist riding around the world

A 25-year old Brazilian named Renato Campinho is riding his bicycle around the world to raise awareness for environmental issues. Campinho started in South America in March and is currently in Sedona. Today he’s riding to Flagstaff and efforts are underway to find him a place to stay for the night. If you can help, call Global Community Communications Alliance at 204-1206. Campinho intends to cover some 125,000 miles. He has currently visited every country in South and Central America and Mexico without incident. By the end of his jouney he hopes to ride through Russia, China, Japan, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, and Africa. He expects the ride to take 5 years to complete.