Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University President Dr. John P. Johnson named 2 new Deans to the school. Ronald Madler has been appointed the new dean for the College of Engineering at Embry-Riddle’s Prescott campus. Dr. Madler will take over from Dr. Richard Felton who announced his retirement last spring after 22-years of service. Dr. Gary Northam, chair of the Safety Science Department, was tapped to serve as interim dean of the College of Aviation. Dr. Northam currently oversees the academic programs in aviation safety for undergraduate study as well as the Master of Science in Safety Science.

Hunters are being advised of a lightning caused fire that’s burning on the Kaibab National Forest. The Hobble Fire is burning 18-miles northeast of Williams in Game Management Unit 7W. The fire is being managed for resource objectives and may continue burning in a sizable area near the Hobble Mountains over the next few weeks. Currently, there are no closures associated with the fire. Smoke will be visible during the day and will remain in surrounding areas overnight.  

The Coconino National Forest will soon begin improving access to existing restrooms at 2-popular trailheads on the Red Rock Ranger District. This includes the Bell Rock Vista and Courthouse Butte trailhead parking areas located north of the Village of Oak Creek along Highway-179. Construction work is scheduled to begin Tuesday and should be finished by late October. Although daily trailhead parking is still available, construction activity may create some inconvenience between the hours of 6-am to 6-pm, including weekends.

Prescott Police concluded an extensive investigation this week with the arrest of 23-year old Aaron Isaacson. Lt Andy Reinhardt says a search warrant was served at Isaacson’s home Wednesday morning. The search resulted in the seizure of a half-pound of marijuana, dangerous drugs, steroids, $8,300 and 2 handguns. Reinhardt says Isaacson was booked into jail on a handful of felony drug charges.

Nine people who authorities say were part of a meth distribution network on the Navajo Nation have pleaded guilty in federal court. Nearly 2-dozen people were charged earlier this year for their roles in supplying the Tuba City area with meth. Nine have entered pleas so far and await sentencing, while the cases for 13 others are pending trial. One defendant faces up to 80-years in prison and $4 million in fines; most others are facing up to 20 and 40 years. (Thanks to AP)

The U.S. Forest Service is reviewing whether an eastern Arizona ranger whose tip led to the capture of two of the most wanted fugitives in America can receive reward money under the agency's ethics guidelines. An Apache Sitgreaves National Forest spokeswoman said Wednesday that local forest officials would like the ranger to receive the money. But she says tentative word from officials in Washington, D.C., is that he cannot. The U.S. Marshals Service and the operator of a privately run prison had offered a combined $40,000 for information leading to the arrest of three inmates who escaped from the state prison in Kingman. (Thanks to AP)