5/13/2008

Prescott man arrested for brutal assault

Authorities in Prescott have arrested a local man for a knife-attack on another man last week that required more than 50 stitches to treat. Prescott Police Lt Ken Morley says 37-year old Joseph Mendibles also suffered a broken arm in the attack, in which a box-cutter was used to slice the victim. On Monday, police arrested 27-year old Jesus Guevara. The assault occurred around 1AM last Thursday at a bar on Miller Valley Road.

5/13/2008

Prescott Valley man acquitted of murder charges in child's death

A Prescott Valley man originally charged with murdering his girlfriend's 5-year-old son has instead been found guilty of lesser charges. A Yavapai County Superior Court jury Monday convicted Jesse Herrera of two counts of “negligent child abuse not likely to produce death.” He was acquitted of one count each of 1st and 2nd-degree murder. The 26-year-old could face up to four years in prison. However, a prosecutor says he'll likely be released at sentencing because he's been jailed for three years awaiting trial. Prosecutors argued that Herrera killed 5-year-old Caelob Gardner in a fit of anger in February 2005. Herrera said he was roughhousing with the boy when the child hit his head and collapsed. (Courtesy AP)

5/13/2008

Fire restrictions on Red Rock Ranger District delayed

The Red Rock Ranger District of the Coconino National Forest will NOT implement stage 1 fire restrictions tomorrow as originally planned. Given the recent slow, steady rainfall of the past day, spokesperson Kendra Bourgart says officials decided to delay the restrictions for now. Restrictions WILL still take effect tomorrow on the Prescott National Forest. Bourgart says fire managers will monitor the Red Rock District and will install fire restrictions when conditions merit.

5/13/2008

Car-jacking suspects sought at Grand Canyon

A manhunt continues at the Grand Canyon South Rim for two carjacking suspects. Thirty-six-year-old Travis Twiggs and 38-year-old Willard Twiggs are accused of stealing a car at gunpoint from two people Monday night near Lipan Point. The National Park Service believes the suspects took the car after crashing their own vehicle inside the park. The stolen vehicle is a 2008 white Dodge Caliber 4-door hatchback, bearing Arizona license plate 606-RFC.

5/13/2008

Speeding stop turns into drug arrest

A Lake Havasu City man was arrested over the weekend on charges relating to marijuana possession. 26-year old Joshua Baker was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by YCSO for speeding near Seligman. Police say K9 “Elliot” did a sniff search on the vehicle and found a jar containing 5 ounces of marijuana, a baggy containing marijuana joints and several items of drug paraphernalia. Baker was arrested on five felony counts involving the possession of illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.

5/13/2008

Kooki the Clown extradited back to Yavapai County

A woman known locally as “Kooki the Clown” was extradited back to Yavapai County. 48-year old Carrie Williams-Thompson was recently arrested on a Yavapai County warrant in California. Williams-Thompson is currently in the Yavapai County Jail in Prescott; she’s being held on 750-thousand dollars bond. Williams-Thompson is accused of stealing more than half a million dollars from an elderly woman she befriended after the woman’s husband died; she became the woman’s power of attorney. Prescott Police say Williams-Thompson used the money to buy a home, vehicles and a 5-th wheel. She’s scheduled for an EDC hearing today.

5/13/2008

Yavapai County General Election May 20

The May 20-th General Election is just a week away. Registered voters in Cordes Lakes will be deciding Incorporation; voters go to Cordes Lakes Community Center to cast their ballots. Sedona will be choosing between Incumbent Mayor Pud Colquitt and councilman Rob Adams for the Mayoral seat. Jerome has one candidate for council, Anne Bassettl; there are 2 seats to fill. Congress voters are choosing amongst 4-candidates for the Governing Board of the Congress Domestic Water Improvement District; candidates are William Ballinger Jr., Arthur Lincoln, Les Stevens and Steve Wortman. The last day to vote early in person is this Friday by 5-pm.

5/13/2008

Coconino County General Election May 20

The May 20-th General Election is just a week away. Registered voters in Flagstaff are choosing between Incumbent Mayor Joe Donaldson and challenger Sara Presler-Hoefle for Mayor; Karla Brewster, Coral Evans, Morgan Hagaman, John McCulloch, Micole Shorty and Al White are the candidates for 3 council seats. In Williams voters are choosing between Ken Edes and John Moore for Mayor; there are only 2-candidates for 3 council seats; they are Bernie Hiemenz and William Miller. The last day to vote early in person is this Friday by 5-pm.

5/13/2008

Day 13 Catch 22 Jose Rogelio Herrera-Matinez

It’s Day 13 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja is offering a 500-dollar cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Jose Rogelio Herrera-Martinez. Herrera-Martinez is a child molester, a child abuser and is also wanted for forgery. He’s a 35-year old Mexican male, 5-7, 175-pounds with long black hair that’s usually worn in a pony tail or braided. His last known address was in Prescott Valley on Morning Star Road. If you have information into the whereabouts of this fugitive, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/13/2008

Slash pile burning on Coconino National Forest

Coconino National Forest Crews on the Mogollon Rim District are conducting a prescribed burn in Bly Pit today. Approximately 5-acres of small piles are being ignited. Smoke will be visible.

5/13/2008

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions on Red Rock Ranger District tomorrow

Starting tomorrow morning at 8-am most of the Red Rock Ranger District will go into Stage-1 Fire Restrictions. Fires, campfires, woodstove and charcoal fires will be allowed only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas. Use of petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices meeting safety specifications will be allowed. Smoking will be permitted within an enclosed vehicle or building or in a developed recreation area. Some areas are already in Stage-1 Fire Restrictions and several more go into place tomorrow. For additional information about fire restrictions on public lands in Arizona and New Mexico call 1-877-864-6985 or visit http://www.publiclands.org/firenews/AZ.php

5/13/2008

Paving delays expected on Highway 89 in Prescott

Final paving work throughout the week will require lane closures on Highway-89 and 89-A in Prescott. Wednesday through Friday this week, from 8-am to 5-pm each day, paving operations on the Highway-89-A eastbound and westbound ramps at the Highway-89 intersection and Highway-89 under the new bridges will require traffic lane restrictions and detours. Motorists should expect delays

5/13/2008

Clarkdale Parks and Recreation meeting

The Clarkdale Parks and Recreation Commission will meet tomorrow night at 5:30 at the Clark Memorial Clubhouse. The Commission will hold worksessions to discuss the strategic plan process and the Halloween on Main Street Event. The meeting is open to the public.

5/13/2008

Clarkdale Council meeting

Clarkdale Council members will meet tonight starting with a special session at 5:30. During the special session the council will receive an update on the Mountain Gate subdivision development agreement and consider the Verde Highlands development agreement and amendments to that agreement. At 6 their regular meeting will begin. The council will consider amending the town code and further look at the issues relating to the Mountain Gate Subdivision and Empire Construction.

5/12/2008

Highway-89A in Sedona reduced to 1 lane this week

This week Highway-89-A in Sedona will be reduced to 1-lane in each direction to allow for a construction zone in the area of Brewer Road near Coldwell Banker and Burger King. Crews are working behind the curb line to install electrical wiring for the roundabout lighting, retaining walls, and eventually, the construction of the curb and gutter for the south side of the new Brewer Roundabout. Motorists should also expect Brewer Road to be closed for night work this week. The road will be closed from 8-pm to 6-am each night.

5/12/2008

Man killed in Prescott Valley motorcycle accident

A motorcycle rider was killed Friday evening in Prescott Valley when he sustained head injuries while trying to avoid a vehicle that pulled in front of him. Police say 60-year old Jim Custin was not wearing a helmet and suffered severe head injuries. Custin was northbound on Glassford Hill Road near Spouse Drive when a passenger car pulled out in front of him. Custin was thrown from his bike when he tried to avoid hitting the car. He was flown to a Phoenix hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The driver of the car, 70-year old Dorothy Cutlip, was uninjured.

5/12/2008

Flagstaff man dies in single vehicle rollover accident on I-40

Friday afternoon Summit Fire Department, Guardian Medical Transport and DPS responded to a single vehicle rollover on I-40 at mile-post-212 that resulted in the death of a 21-year old Flagstaff man. DPS spokesman Bart Graves says for unknown reasons the truck driven by Trevor Wynn left the Interstate and rolled onto the frontage road. Wynn was pronounced deceased at the scene.

5/12/2008

Avondale woman killed after jumping from moving semi

YCSO responded to a fatal accident on Badger Springs Road, just off I-17 Saturday afternoon. Spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says the accident involved a woman and a tractor-trailer. Investigators learned that 25-year-old Virgen Estela from Avondale, Arizona, was riding as a passenger in a tractor trailer rig driven by her fiancée, 40-year-old Ronald Porter. After exiting the I-17 onto Badger Springs Road, Estela exited the cab of the still moving tractor and was struck by the rear portion of the trailer and killed. Also present in the cab of the tractor were the couple’s two infant children who were not harmed during the incident. D’Evelyn says the events preceding Estela’s death are currently under investigation. He says Porter was not held and charges, if any, are pending the outcome of follow-up work completed by YCSO detectives.

5/12/2008

Web site and toll-free number provide fire restriction info

The various public lands across Arizona fall within a multitude of jurisdictions, each with its own way of introducing fire restrictions. Now, citizens can log online or call a toll-free number to find specific fire-restriction information for a specific location. Ken Palmrose is with the BLM. The toll-free number is 1-877-864-6985, or log on to http://gacc.nifc.gov/swcc for information about fire restrictions around Arizona.

5/12/2008

Phoenix man shot by DPS now jailed

A 49-year old Phoenix man involved in a shootout with DPS on northbound I-17 was booked into Coconino County Jail. Two DPS officers shot Scott Rapp after he exited a stolen SUV and began firing what turned out to be a stolen gun. The suspect was shot at least 5-times in the legs and torso. Rapp is being held on 1-million dollars bond on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, felony endangerment and auto theft.

5/12/2008

Winter Weather making a return to Central and Northern AZ

A very cold low pressure system is moving into the state today. Flagstaff Meteorologist Justin Johndrow says tonight and tomorrow are going to feel more like winter than spring. He says the snow level will drop to between 65-hundred and 7-thousand feet tonight with very little accumulation expected. Rainfall amounts in the lower elevations will range from a 10-th to 4-10ths of an inch. He says temperatures tomorrow will be 10-to-15 degrees cooler than today; but will rebound on Wednesday.

5/12/2008

Jury deliberating fate of Jesse Lopez Herrera

The jury began deliberating the fate of Jesse Lopez-Herrera late Friday afternoon and those deliberations are ongoing today. The Prescott Valley man is on trial for the February 2006 beating death of 5-year old Caelob Gardner, his estranged girlfriend’s son.

5/12/2008

Day 12 Catch 22 Miguel Angel Lonzo Franco

It’s Day 12 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja is offering a 500-dollar cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Miguel Angel Lonzo Franco. He was part of a group who murdered 3 men near Wickenburg back in February of 2006. He is a 43-year old Mexican male, 5-6, 170-pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. If you have information on the whereabouts of this suspect, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/12/2008

Prescott woman bites cop

A Prescott woman made things worse on herself when she bit an officer that was trying to restrain her. 29-year old Laurel Winslett allegedly shattered a glass door while arguing with an ex-boyfriend. When police went to her home to arrest her for criminal damage and disorderly conduct, she resisted arrest. In the patrol car she allegedly beat her head against the window. When officers tried to restrain her, she bit one on the forearm. An additional charge of assault on an officer was tacked on when she was booked into jail.

5/12/2008

22 Fire now 600-acres 50% contained

The 22-Wildland Fire Use Fire has now reached 600-acres and is 50% contained by natural boundaries. Kaibab National Forest spokesperson Punky Moore says forest managers have a designated amount of acreage they’ll allow the lightning sparked fire to burn before they extinguish it. She says they hope to treat 1,200-acres before the fire is doused. moore says the 22-Fire is monitored on a daily basis.

5/12/2008

Mingus Baseball Team wins 4-A Division-2 State Championship

Congratulations go out today to the Mingus Union High School varsity baseball team. The team won the 4-A Division-2 state championship Saturday afternoon. The Marauders went up against Notre Dame and won with a final score of 4-to-1. Chino Valley also made it to the state championship for their 3-A division. The final score was 10-0 after 5-innings. Chino lost to Safford.

5/12/2008

Camp Verde Fire responds to 2 rollover accidents

Camp Verde Fire responded to a rollover accident on eastbound Highway-260 at 1-am Saturday morning. Spokesperson Barbara Rice says there were 7-teenagers in the car; 4 were transported to VVMC with minor injuries. She says they also responded to another rollover accident early this morning on I-17. The single occupant was taken to VVMC for assessment. The cause of the accidents is under investigation.

5/12/2008

6th annual Sedona cleanup this weekend

The 6-th annual Sedona Clean-up will be held this Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The City of Sedona, Coconino County, Sedona Fire District and the Forest Service are urging Sedona residents to get rid of their combustible materials. Slash materials, such as brush, tree and shrub trimmings and bagged leaves and pine needles can be dumped for free at Station #4, located on Forest Road in Uptown Sedona. Cactus and construction materials will not be accepted. Fire officials say this is a great time to create defensible space around your home. For more information call 282-6800.

5/12/2008

Camp Verde fire linked to plasma TV

Camp Verde Fire responded to a residential fire at 4-am Saturday morning. Spokesperson Barbara Rice says crews responded to a home on Holloman Street where they found a plasma screen TV on fire. The flames were quickly doused and the house was ventilated. Smoke detectors allerted the family to the fire. NO one was injured.

5/12/2008

Four young people injured in a rollover crash near Chino Valley

YCSO and Chino Valley Fire responded to a single vehicle accident on Big Chino Road Sunday afternoon. Battalion Chief Jack Miller says the vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed just prior to the rollover crash. The 16-year old driver was taken to FMC with chest trauma; the 13-year old passenger was taken to YRMC with a possible pelvis injury. A 3-year old boy and 1-year old girl were also taken to FMC by helicopter with serious injuries. He says they don’t know if the driver and 13-year old passenger were wearing seatbelts; the 13-year old was ejected. Both of the small children were in car seats.

5/9/2008

Day 9 Catch 22 Hector Reyes-Munoz

It’s Day 9 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja is offering a $500 cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Hector Reyes. Reyes used a machete to try and kill a man in Prescott Valley back in August of 2002. He has warrants for attempted murder and aggravated assault. Reyes is a 31-year old Mexican male, 5-6, 175-pounds who likes to wear a goatee and his hair is usually short and he has a small scar below his right eye. His last known address was on North Tani in Prescott Valley. If you have information on the whereabouts of Hector Reyes, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/9/2008

Day 9 of trial for Jesse Lopez-Herrera

Today is day-9 of the trial for Jesse Lopez-Herrera. The Prescott Valley man was arrested in February 2006 for allegedly beating his girlfriend’s 5-year old son to death. Nine days was set aside for the trial; the case could go to the jury today.

5/9/2008

Fire and Smoking restrictions in place on portions of Tonto Forest

Fire and smoking restrictions have been imposed in most of the Tonto National Forest. Wood and charcoal fires are generally prohibited because of the danger of wildfires due to drought and hotter weather. Some developed campgrounds, however, are exempt from the restrictions. Smoking, meanwhile, is prohibited outside of a clear area. Petroleum-fueled stoves, lanterns, and heating devices are allowed.

5/9/2008

Day 11 Catch 22 Richard Simental

It’s Day 11 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja is offering a 500-dollar cash reward for information that leads to the capture of Richard Simental. Simental vandalized a car not belonging to him to the tune of $2,000. He’s a 20-year old white male with a very dark complexion. He’s 5-7, 170-pounds with black hair. He has numerous tattoos, short hair and likes to wear a goat-T. Police say that his last known address was at 514 Dameron in Prescott. If you have information on this subject call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/9/2008

Day 10 Catch 22 Claudio Duran Lopez

It’s Day 10 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja is offering a 500-dollar cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Claudio Duran Lopez. Lopez was part of a group who murdered 3 people near Wickenburg back in February 2006. He is a 36-year old Mexican male, 5-10, 175-pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in Phoenix. If you have information on this fugitive, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/9/2008

Sedona emergency sirens to be tested next Friday

In preparation for the upcoming fire season the Sedona Fire District will test the emergency siren system designed to notify residents of Oak Creek Canyon and Uptown Sedona of severe emergencies that require evacuation. Interim Fire Chief Bill Boler says the test will take place on Friday, May 16-th at 1:30-pm. The test serves 2-purposes; it shows that the system is working and will be available when needed and residents, businesses and visitors become aware of what to expect in an actual emergency. The siren was first used 2-years ago during the Brins Fire.

5/8/2008

Child Pornography operation in Ash Fork dismantled

The Coconino County Sheriffs Office has dismantled a child sex ring in Ash Fork. Spokesman Gerry Blair says 51-year old Donald Leacock was allowing men to have sex with his 16-year old wife while he photographed and filmed the acts; he then would make them available on the internet. Blair says the investigation began in February when a 14-year old girl living in Leacock’s home requested a civil stand by to assist her in moving out of house in the Kaibab Estates. The girl told deputies that Leacock had fondled her and had taken nude photos of her and several other under age females. Search warrants were served at the home in Ash Fork and a second house in Phoenix where computers were seized. The computers contained multiple images and movies of suspected child pornography. The investigation also revealed that the abuse began, when the now 16-year old wife, was only 12 years of age. Leacock, and a second man, Howard Leventhal are both being held on numerous felony charges. Detectives are still looking for additional witnesses, suspects and victims.

5/8/2008

Benefit concert to be held for musician Danny Rhodes

A benefit concert and softball tournament will be held for Verde Valley musician Danny Rhodes, who is fighting gastric cancer. The day-long event will be held Saturday, May 17th, at Cottonwood’s Riverfront Stadium. Organizers Christian Hutcheson and Michael Greer say featured performers will include the Neon Raiders, the Knuckleheads, the Yellow Moon Band featuring Teddy Rocha and Cazz-Jazz, beginning at Noon. Zoomers in Cottonwood is donating hot dogs and hamburgers. There will also be softball and horse-shoe tournaments, bounce-houses and other activities for children. There will also be T-shirts for sale, prizes and raffle items, with all proceeds going to Danny Rhodes and his family. Volunteers are still needed. For information, or to make donations, call 274-5597, 300-9972 or 649-0220.

5/8/2008

Day 8 Catch 22 Douglas Francis Dishon

It’s Day 8 of Catch 22 and today Yavapai Silent Witness is offering a 500-dollar cash reward for information that leads to the arrest of Douglas Francis Dishon. Dishon is wanted for sexual abuse of a child and for child molestation. He is a 57-year old white male, 5-10, 195-pounds with brown hair that’s graying and brown eyes. He usually has a mustache and likes to comb his hair straight back. Director Steve Skurja says Dishon’s last known address was in Dewey-Humboldt on Colina Lane; he once owned the Cherry Stage Stop Antiques at Highway-69 and 169 in Dewey Humboldt. If you have information on this fugitive, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/8/2008

Insurer agrees to pay $500,000 for Labarranca Fire

The insurer of a fence company accused of sparking a 2006 wildfire that destroyed 5-buildings in the Village of Oak Creek has agreed to pay $500,000. The money will go to the Forest Service to help cover the cost of battling the La Barranca fire. The US Attorney's Office in Phoenix says the 836-acre fire was sparked in June-2006 by a grinding tool being used by the fence companies employee. The fire burned 5-buildings and forced the evacuation of 200-people from their homes. Officials say the half-million dollar settlement should send a strong message about human carelessness as Arizona heads into the 2008 wildfire seasons.

5/8/2008

Verde River clean up this Saturday

Volunteers are needed to help out with this Saturday’s Verde River clean up project. It’s part of National River clean up Week. The clean up starts at 8-am and will take place on 80-acres of state park land near Camp Verde off Finney Flat Road; signs will direct volunteers in the right direction.

5/8/2008

Burglary at Omnitronix Engineering in Cottonwood

Cottonwood Police are investigating a burglary that occurred last night at Omnitronix Engineering at 280-South Main Street. Sgt. Gary Eisenga says the burglary occurred between 1-am and 5-am this morning. An unknown suspect used a rock to break out the glass in the front door to gain entry. Stolen was a computer scanner valued at 125-dollars; damage to the door comes to 500-dollars. Anyone with information on this burglary should call 634-4246 or Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-32-32.

5/8/2008

DPS drug money seizures for April

DPS seized just over $332,000 in drug money during the month of April. The largest money seizure came during a traffic stop on April 5-th when an officer stopped a vehicle on I-17 near Cordes Junction. A search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of $112,000 in a secret compartment.

5/7/2008

Narcotics detectives arrest Prescott man

A Prescott man was arrested early Tuesday after a search warrant was served at his home on Turqoise Drive. Detectives with the PANT team spent two months observing the activities of 34-year old James Robert Colligen. Inside the suspect’s home, police reportedly found a half pound of marijuana and a small amount of cash. Colligen was arrested without incident. He was booked on charges including the possession, sale and use of marijuana.

5/7/2008

Local students make Earth Day pledge

ADEQ Director Steve Owens announced today that nearly 17-hundred elementary and junior high school students throughout Arizona signed ADEQ's "Earth Day Pledge" last month, promising to recycle and conserve energy and water and to protect Arizona's resources. Among the schools with the most students signing the pledge were 528 students from the Territorial Elementary School of Chino Valley and 104 students from the Chester Newton Montessori School of Camp Verde.

5/7/2008

Chino Officer injured in T-bone accident recovering

A Chino Valley Police Officer, struck by an alleged DUI driver Friday night, is recovering. Detective Vincent Schaan says the officer suffered some fractured ribs and bone chip in his foot. He says the officer is a victim in the case and his name will not be released. He says the suspect, 33-year old Jonathan Blomberg, remains hospitalized in Phoenix with serious injuries. Blomberg T-boned the officers patrol car after fleeing from a routine traffic stop.

5/7/2008

Bridgeport Annexation tabled by Cottonwood City Council

Cottonwood Mayor Diane Joens says the idea of annexing Bridgeport property off Cove Parkway into the city was tabled. She says some of the property owners want to annex; another group doesn’t. Joens says all those involved in the area in question need to unite and then approach the council with a request to annex. The council discussed the matter during their Tuesday night meeting.

5/7/2008

Cottonwood Recreation Center moving forward

Plans are moving forward to build a recreation center in Cottonwood. Mayor Diane Joens says the facility will not be as big as the initial concept, but will still include the majority of the amenities. The council received an update on the project Tuesday night. She says rumors that the project was going to be dropped are incorrect. The city has already spent nearly a million dollars on the design phase of the project and the money for the construction has already been secured. Joens says the council is also hopeful that the majority of the project will be built by local sub-contractors, which will help bolster the local economy. The city hopes to break ground by this Fall.

5/7/2008

Nude man caught hiking near Sedona

YCSO is looking for anyone that may have been the victim of a nudist that was approaching people on hiking trails outside Sedona back on April 28-th. Dwight D’Evelyn says 2-women called YCSO reporting a nude man that approached them and indicated he was getting closer to nature. He then offered to take pictures of the victims. A short time later a second call reported a man hiding in some bushes near the Fay Canyon Trailhead. Officers arrived and arrested 61-year old John Mosley of Utah. D’Evelyn says detectives feel there may have been additional victims, some of which may have been juveniles. If you have information on this case, call YCSO.

5/7/2008

Home Invasion suspect still sought by police

An individual considered a person of interest in connection with a home invasion robbery and pursuit in Clarkdale and Cottonwood, remains unaccounted for. Clarkdale Police would like to talk to 25-year old Wesley Stewart of Cottonwood. Currently in custody is 31-year old Aryan Meyers of Camp Verde. April 29-th, 2 men forced their way into a home and demanded money, at gunpoint, from the victim; they allegedly made off with 38-hundred dollars. Police pursued the suspects down UVX road in Cottonwood; during that pursuit, one suspect jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot.

5/7/2008

PV to hold Budget Worksession this afternoon

Prescott Valley Council members and town staff will sit down for a worksession this afternoon at 4. The topic of discussion will be the proposed 2008/2009 Fiscal Year Budget. Each Department head will make a presentation to the council on what their projected costs will be during the next Fiscal Year.

5/7/2008

Day 7 Catch 22 Joel Medina-Ortiz

It’s Day 7 of Catch 22 and today a $3,000 dollar cash reward is being offered for information that leads to the arrest of Joel Medina-Ortiz. Prescott Police say Medina-Ortiz murdered 23-year old Daniel Cook by stabbing him to death. The murder occurred at a hotel on East Gurley Street in Prescott on October 28, 2006. Yavapai Silent Witness Director Steve Skurja says Medina-Ortiz is a 30-year old Mexican male, 5-9 and weighs about 180-pounds. He once lived at 802 2-nd Street in Prescott. If you have information on the whereabouts of Joel Medina-Ortiz, call 1-800-932-32-32.

5/7/2008

No wildfires currently burning in AZ

According to the Arizona State Fire information office there are currently no wildfires burning in the state. To date this year there have been 267-wildfires that have charred a total of 19,546-acres. Only 9 of the fires charred 100 or more acres; the remaining fires have been kept at under 100-acres.

5/7/2008

Second Hand Smoke winner named

The Coconino County Health Department has announced a winner in their media campaign against Secondhand Smoke. Deidre Peaches and Shelby Ray, with Outta Your Back Pack Media, are the winners. The video features images of a mother and daughter going about daily activities at home. Only the hands of the mother are shown as she lights up a cigarette with her daughter nearby. Smoke floats across the screen as the toddler approaches her mother. The video content and production creates a strong emotional impact and communicates that there is no safe level of exposure to secondhand smoke. The PSA will air on Cable One and at Harkins Theaters in Flagstaff.

5/7/2008

Kaibab Forest Wildlife Waters Project available for public review

The Kaibab National Forest has released the environmental assessment for the Tusayan Wildlife Waters Project. The EA analyzes the proposal to decommission 1-wildlife water catchment and reconstruct it at another location; to construct 24-new water catchments; and, to construct a 12.2-mile-long water pipeline connecting 2 existing catchments and 3-new catchments. The purpose of the project is to increase the availability of reliable water sources for wildlife. Public comments on the proposal will be taken through June 3-rd.

5/7/2008

Search for Cottonwood Police Chief on hold

Cottonwood City Manager Doug Bartosh says he hasn’t decided yet on whether or not they’ll search for a new Police Chief. Jodi Fanning has been the acting chief since Bartosh became the cities manager. Bartosh says Fanning’s been doing a great job so far and would like to give him additional time to show the city what he can accomplish.

5/6/2008

Lightning strikes could spark wildfires

The National Weather Service in Flagstaff is watching a low pressure system moving through the state today. Meteorologist Ken Daniels says we’ll have a chance of thunderstorms through the day. Daniels says they've seen increased lightning activity, especially north of the rim. He says some of the storms are very high meaning very little rain will hit the ground, but that won’t stop the lightning. There is concern that lightning strikes could touch off some wildfires.

5/6/2008

Huge disaster drill in Prescott Valley today

A disaster drill that involves more than a dozen agencies and hundreds of personnel is taking place in Prescott today. Central Yavapai Fire spokesman Charlie Cook says the scenario follows an escalating school-shooting situation. Citizens will likely see equipment and personnel from many Phoenix-area agencies in Prescott Valley today.

5/6/2008

Reward offered in trailhead burglary

Yavapai Silent Witness is offering a cash reward for information that helps solve a weekend car burglary at a Sedona trailhead. Two hikers returned to their vehicle at the Chavez Ranch Road trailhead around midday Friday, someone had broken into the vehicle and stolen camera equipment, credit cards and other items. The credit cards were used that same day in Sedona and Flagstaff. The victims had seen a group of young men in the parking lot prior to their hike. Anyone with information should call Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232.

5/6/2008

State-wide DUI numbers released

The Governor’s Office of Highway Safety today (Tuesday) released the final numbers for the 4-day Cinco de Mayo DUI Task Force. Statewide, police made 2710 individual traffic stops, with 179 DUI arrests. Of those, 162 were misdemeanor DUIs; 65 were extreme DUIs and 17 were aggravated DUIs. The average blood-alcohol content of those arrested was .150-percent.

5/6/2008

Recreation Center and Annexation on Cottonwood Council agenda

The Cottonwood City Council will hold a special session tonight at 6. The council will receive an update on the recreation center project, which most of it appears will be scrapped. The council will also receive an update on the proposed annexation of a portion of Bridgeport; it includes the land west of Bridgeport Bridge.

5/6/2008

PV makes $42,000 during online auction

The town of Prescott Valley netted more than 42-thousand dollars during its first online auction of surplus equipment, vehicles and other items. Town buyer Dave Schurkamp says the auction exceeded his expectations. The town sold about 40-items during the auction that ran for about 2-weeks. By comparison, the town netted only about 9-thousand dollars in 2007 during a live auction.

5/6/2008

Dewey-Humboldt library expands hours

The Dewey-Humboldt Town Library will have expanded hours, beginning May 13th. The facility will be open from 10AM to 5PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; from 12:30 to 7PM on Thursdays, and from 10AM to 2Pm on Saturdays.

5/6/2008

Weed control coming to Sedona

Weed control measures in Sedona will begin on Monday, May 19th, and run through that Wednesday. The area being treated is five feet off the curbs and also the medians on Highway 89A from Sedona Red Rock High School to the “Y”. The contractor will use natural ingredient-based herbicides. Motorists are asked to be aware of workers along the roadway on those days.

5/6/2008

US Women’s Olympic Softball Team to play in Prescott

The 2008 USA Women's Olympic Softball Team is coming to Prescott, as part of their 40-city tour throughout the US. The team will be in Prescott on Sunday, May 25-th competing in an exhibition game against the ASA Regional All-Star team. The game will take place at Ken Lindley Field at 7:30-pm. Tickets are $10 and available through the Prescott Parks and Recreation Department.

5/6/2008

Neighbor dispute leads to assault in Prescott Valley

An ongoing dispute between neighbors over property rights and trespassing lead to one being assaulted and the other being taken to jail. YCSO spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn says 71-year old Julio Munoz told deputies that 50-year old Thomas Weaver assaulted him with a cane. Deputies observed that Munoz had an open cut on the right side of his head, an injury to his right eye and bruising to his left shoulder and arm. D’Evelyn says deputies contacted Weaver who was extremely intoxicated; Weaver’s currently on probation and is restricted from possessing alcohol. Weaver was arrested for assault and probation violation. Weaver’s blood alcohol was .30%.

5/6/2008

Moonset Pit available for free slash dumping

Moonset Pit will once again be open this year for free slash dumping. Kaibab National Forest spokesperson Jackie Denk says they and the Sherwood Forest Estates Fire Department are working together to make the pit available. Denk says the pit will be manned by fire personnel from 9-to-3 each day that it’s open. Days of operation will be May 24-th, June 21-st, July 19-th and August 16-th. Only natural, woody debris will be allowed.

5/5/2008

Prescott and Central Yavapai Fire announce Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Prescott Fire and Central Yavapai Fire will both go into Stage-1 Fire Restrictions on Wednesday, May 14-th. As of May 14-th no burn permits will be issued….use of model rockets will be prohibited….smoking will be confined to within vehicles, residential yards and designated smoking areas….and cooking, warming, or campfires will only be allowed at single and multi-family residences and town parks as long as they are monitored at all times.

5/5/2008

Fire restrictions to begin May 14th

Both the Central Yavapai and Prescott Fire Districts will begin stage 1 fire restrictions on Wednesday, May 14th. Fire officials say the lack of moisture coupled with strong winds have left conditions very dry. Central Yavapai spokesman Charlie Cook says even those with burn permits will have to curb their activities. Stage 1 restrictions mean smoking is not allowed outside vehicles, residential yards or designated smoking areas. Model rockets are not allowed. Cooking and warming fires are still allowed at private residences and developed camping or picnic sites.

5/5/2008

Trucker caught with millions in pot

DPS officers seized 2.5-million dollars in marijuana during a traffic stop on I-17 near Anthem. A K-9 Unit alerted to the back of the commercial truck, which appeared to be hauling styrofoam plates. Located were 184-bundles weighing 20-to-25-pounds each. Officials say 41-year old Denzil McFarlane of Florida was arrested and jailed on charges of possession and transportation of marijuana for sale.

5/5/2008

Brush fire in Rimrock

Firefighters were called to a grass fire on Brocket Ranch Road in Rimrock around 5PM Sunday night. Montezuma-Rimrock fire crews were assisted by a team from Verde Valley Fire. Flames were spreading into some trees when firefighters arrived. The cause of the fire is unknown.

5/5/2008

Prescott Valley auction nets over $40K

The town of Prescott Valley netted more than $42-thousand during its first online auction of surplus equipment, vehicles and other items. Town buyer Dave Schurkamp says the auction exceeded his expectations. The town sold about 40 items during the auction that ran for about two weeks. By comparison, the town netted only about $9,000 in 2007 during a live auction. (Courtesy AP)

5/5/2008

Fight at park results in two arrests

A fight which at one point may have involved as many as 20 people at Cottonwood’s Riverfront Park Sunday ended in the arrests of two people. Police arrived to find one subject with a bloody nose and witnesses saying the suspect had run off down the river. Police quickly apprehended four subjects, including 23-year old Ismael Hurtado and 30-year old Brant Overbee. Upon questioning, police learned that Hurtado had been in a fight with the victim; Overbee ended up being arrested on an outstanding warrant.

5/5/2008

DPS shoots car thief suspect

At approximately 9-pm Friday night, DPS was involved in a pursuit and shooting with a man suspected of stealing a vehicle. Spokesman Bart Graves says the incident occurred near the Rocky Park exit on Northbound I-17. He says the suspect was airlifted to Flagstaff Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition after undergoing surgery. The incident remains under investigation and the name of the suspect has not been released.

5/5/2008

Kooki the Clown to be extradited back to Yavapai County

A woman known locally in Prescott as “Kooki the Clown” will be extradited back to Arizona on charges she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from an elderly Prescott woman. Lt. Ken Morely says 48-year old Carrie Williams-Thompson was arrested on a warrant in California. He says the investigation revealed that Williams-Thompson befriended the woman after her husband died and stole over 500,000 dollars from her. Morely says Williams-Thompson became the victim’s Power of Attorney and used the victim’s money to purchase homes, vehicles and a 5-th wheel. Charges against the victim include fraud, theft, forgery, financial exploitation and unlawful use of power of attorney.

5/5/2008

Timberline and Fernwood neighborhood meeting

Coconino County Sheriff, Bill Pribil and Coconino County Supervisor Liz Archuleta would like to invite residents of the Timberline and Fernwood community to the monthly Neighborhood Watch meeting. It will be held tomorrow night from 6:30-to-8 at the Summit Fire Station. Representatives of the Summit Fire Department will give a presentation on the 2008 Wild Land Fire Season.

5/5/2008

DPS seizes $2.5 in marijuana

DPS officers seized 2.5-million dollars in marijuana during a traffic stop on I-17 near Anthem. A K-9 Unit alerted to the back of the commercial truck, which appeared to be hauling styrofoam plates. Located were 184-bundles weighing 20-to-25-pounds each. Officials say 41-year old Denzil McFarlane of Florida was arrested and jailed on charges of possession and transportation of marijuana for sale.

5/5/2008

Emergency landing in Chino Valley

Sunday night, the Chino Valley Police Department responded to the report of an airplane down. Detective Vincent Schaan says officers made contact with the pilot 43-year old Daniel Fisher and his passenger, 25-year old Nicholas Fisher, both of Poquito Valley. The plane landed in a vacant field along Road 3 North. The plane suffered damage to the front landing gear, prop, and nose but stayed upright during the landing. Both the FAA and NTSB have been contacted and will be conducting follow up investigations.

5/5/2008

PNF proposing fee changes for 2009

The Prescott National Forest would like your comments on a proposal to increase fees at several campgrounds and day use sites across the Forest. The fee changes would take effect in 2009 and would remain unchanged for a 5-year period. Fees on the Prescott National Forest have been the same since 1998. The proposal would remove fees at 2-sites and increase fees at 29-sites. Fee changes would occur at 11-family campgrounds, 4-group campgrounds, 13 day use sites, 2 OHV areas and 1 group day use site. Day use fees would increase from $2-$3 to $5. Camping fees would increase from $6-$10 to $10-$18. Camping fees would also include vehicle access to all day use areas. For more information, questions or comments about any of these fee change proposals, please visit the Forest’s website at: www.fs.fed.us/r3/prescott/projects/rec-fee-proposal. The deadline for comments is June 30-th.

5/5/2008

Verde River cleanup this Saturday in Camp Verde

Volunteers are needed to help out with this Saturday’s Verde River cleanup project. It’s part of National River Cleanup Week. The cleanup starts at 8-am and will take place on 80-acres of state park land near Camp Verde off Finney Flat Road; signs will direct volunteers in the right direction.

5/5/2008

$600,000 in marijuana found hidden in flatbed truck

DPS seized a large amount of marijuana during a traffic stop on I-17 over the weekend. A K-9 officer made the stop near mile marker 289 in Camp Verde. Sgt. GR Manera says the deputy thought he found a hidden compartment in the flatbed portion of the truck. He says the marijuana was en-route to New York where the street value would have been $600,000. The name of the suspect was not released; Manera says they believe this wasn’t the first time the man had traveled through Arizona with a truckload of pot.

5/5/2008

Trailhead Burglary near Sedona

YCSO is investigating a trailhead burglary that occurred near Sedona Friday. Dwight D’Evelyn says an NAU student and her friend went for a hike on Chavez Ranch Trail; when they returned they discovered a lot of property missing from the vehicle. D’Evelyn says a window had been left partially open. Items stolen include a LG brand cell phone, Bank of America Visa debit card, a Sony “Cyber Shot” Digital Camera, check book, 3 credit cards, Wells Fargo debit card, gas cards and a set of car keys. D’Evelyn says by the time YCSO was contacted, the cards had been used to make purchases in Sedona and Flagstaff.

5/5/2008

Abandoned campfires found on PNF

Prescott National Forest patrols this past weekend found 7-abandoned campfires. Debbie Maneely says in one case the fire escaped the campfire ring and charred a 10-th of an acre. Stage-1 fire restrictions go into place on the Prescott National Forest on Monday, May 14-th at 8-am.

5/5/2008

Small Fire near Flagstaff quickly contained

On Saturday the Summit Fire Department and US Forest Service responded to a brush fire in the area of the Anasazi Trails subdivision. The caller said the fire was moving through the grass and was within 200-yards of a home. The Onika Fire was contained at 1.5 acres and did not reach any structures. It was human caused and may be connected to an abandoned campfire.

5/3/2008

Police officer, civilian and DUI suspect injured in crash

A Chino Valley police officer and his civilian ride-along passenger were injured just after 9PM Friday night when their car was hit by a suspected drunken driver. An officer attempted to stop 33-year old Jonathan Blomberg for suspicion of DUI. Instead, Blomberg sped away, clocking over 65 miles-per-hour through a residential area. Police say Blomberg was still moving fast as he approached the corner of Road One East and Road One North, where he smashed broadside into the police car. The officer and passenger’s names have not yet been released; both were taken to YRMC. Blomberg was seriously hurt and was flown to a Phoenix hospital. He faces charges including aggravated assault, aggravated DUI, endangerment and felony flight.

5/3/2008

Visitor applauds efforts of Prescott responders

The following item was submitted by Kim Kapin with the City of Prescott. On Saturday, April 26, 2008, Prescott Fire Department responded to an injured child call south of Lynx Lake. The following is the text of an e-mail sent to The City of Prescott from Mandy Greenwalt of Austin, Texas on behalf of her family, recent visitors to Prescott: My niece, ten year old McKenzie, had fallen off her bike and down into a rocky riverbed, fracturing her skull and breaking her wrist and was air-lifted to St Joe's in Phoenix. My brother and sister-in-law stated how grateful they were for the Prescott Fire Department's response and immediate care for Mack. While they said it felt like forever for help to arrive due to the stress of the situation, they knew that the response was quick and the crew knew exactly what to do. They said firefighters even helped them disassemble their camper so that they could get on the road after the helicopter was en route. The professionalism and competence exhibited by your folks was outstanding! My husband is a firefighter for Austin Fire Department, and we both volunteer for Manchaca Volunteer Fire Department. I work as a command admin for the Austin Police Department. We understand emergent, traumatic situations all too well! Allow me to express my gratitude and appreciation for your exceptional crews! Minutes count with head injuries. PFD did much to help my family. On their behalf, thanks to you and your responders! Mack is doing well. She was in surgery for about 5 hours, and from what I understand, has a metal plate in her forehead and across her frontal sinuses to block them. Her wrist is broken; ankle sprained and her sternum is cracked. But, she went home today, probably with some physical therapy to work on!! She is happy to be home; all her scans were good! Prescott Fire Department will hold a special place of honor and respect in our family!