It's Friday, March 12.
Winter Weather Advisory In Effect Into Friday Evening
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory that began at 3:00 a.m. Friday and will last until tonight at 6:00 p.m. The advisory applies to Flagstaff, Williams, and Prescott among other areas. Forecasters say slick roads and reduced visibility can be expected, and the weather service urged residents and commuters to expect slow-moving traffic in affected regions. Accumulations of snow are expected in Flagstaff ranging from four to eight inches; in Williams, five to nine inches; and in Prescott, two to four inches.
Weather-related delays can be anticipated on I-17 south of Flagstaff, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation as of Friday, 6:40 a.m. ADOT at 7:43 a.m. this morning reported snow covering SR-87 at Clint’s Well, 140 Eastbound at Belmont, I-17 Northbound in Flagstaff, and US 89A at Jacob Lake. For more information, individuals can call ADOT at 5-1-1.
Hundreds Of Manufacturing Jobs Slated For Flagstaff
An official with the Arizona Chamber of Commerce says an automotive manufacturing company will build its fourth production plant in Flagstaff. David Cooper, President and COO of UAJC Automotive Whitehall Industries, said Flagstaff was an ideal choice for the company, due to its location and established manufacturing sector.
“We also look forward to partnering with North Arizona University as our processes are highly automated and technical,” Cooper added in a statement.
The Michigan-based enterprise is expected to create 120 jobs over the next year and 350 within the next five years, according to the Economic Collaborative of Northern Arizona. UAJC is set to begin hiring employees next month.
AZ Senate Gives Green Light To Raise Unemployment Benefit Rates
The Arizona Senate voted on Thursday to raise the state’s weekly unemployment benefit to $320. Arizonans can currently receive a maximum of $240 a week in unemployment insurance, which is the second lowest rate in the entire nation. Republican Senate President Karen Fann proposed the legislation, which received bipartisan support from local lawmakers, including Democratic Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai and Republican Sen. Wendy Rogers. The legislation, if passed, would also allow Arizonans to engage in more part-time work without losing unemployment benefits. The bill, SB1411, now progresses to the House of Representatives for further deliberation.
YCSO Discovers Fentanyl, Methamphetamine In Drug Bust
Yavapai County Sheriff’s Officials announcedThursday evening deputies discovered $200,000 worth of methamphetamine and fentanyl pills while conducting three traffic stops. Deputies say they collaborated with Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (P.A.N.T.) and have arrested four people in connection with the drug possession. A county spokesperson says about 10,000 fentanyl pills were discovered during the Wednesday inspection. The report comes shortly after three people overdosed in Cottonwood on Tuesday alone, according to County Sheriff David Rhodes.
“Fortunately, first responders were able to revive them and buy them precious time,” he added in a statement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration last month designated the opioid epidemic in Yavapai County as the most severe drug threat in the state.
