It’s Thursday, June 10. Part of Historic Route 66 will shut down for eight days starting this evening, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation. The closure will take effect in front of Flagstaff City Hall as workers repair the nearby Rio de Flag Bridge.
Lane restrictions are also effective on Route 89 near Cameron. ADOT says drivers can expect a lowered speed limit of 25 miles per hour and other changes through the month of July.
Landfill Fire ‘Under Control’
Flagstaff officials have confirmed an active fire at the Cinder Lake Landfill north of Doney Park; Summit Fire and landfill staff are on the scene, according to a city announcement earlier this morning. Officials say the landfill is continuing to function and that the fire is not a public threat.
Stage 2 Restrictions On Tap In Flagstaff, Counties, National Forests,
The City of Flagstaff will begin stage two fire restrictions tomorrow morning at 8:00 a.m. — joining Yavapai and Coconino counties along with Coconino, Kaibab and Prescott national forests.
The city restrictions will prohibit charcoal grills, fire pits, and smoking within public places among other provisions.
The announcement comes as crews manage a fire 23 miles northwest of Flagstaff and as dry, windy conditions continue across northern Arizona.
Listen: Firefighters Continue Containment Efforts On Slate Fire
Red Flag Warning In Effect
A Red Flag Warning will go into effect today at 11 a.m. for northern parts of Coconino, Navajo and Apache counties as dry and windy conditions continue. The warning for heightened fire risk will be in effect until 6 p.m. Thursday for communities including Chinle, Kayenta, Page, F Grand Canyon Village and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service. Wind is expected to increase today, with gusts possibly exceeding 30 mph in Flagstaff, Kayenta and Holbrook among other areas.
Details Released On Fatal Crash, Investigation Ongoing, Flagstaff Police Say
Flagstaff police continue to investigate a fatal vehicle crash in late May that killed 29-year-old Joanna Wheaton and hospitalized others. An FPD spokesperson released new details Wednesday, reporting no indication that driver Normand Cloutier was exceeding the speed limit when he struck six cyclists on the evening of May 28.
Police say an outside agency will investigate the vehicle Cloutier drove for potential defects, and that the state’s department of public safety is slated to complete a forensic investigation of the driver’s blood sample.
A Kingman resident this week was sentenced to at least 16 years in prison. While driving a box truck, Jordan Barson struck a group of cyclists in December, killing five people in a collision southeast of Las Vegas.
Tech Company Moves To Prescott, Slated To Bring 200 Jobs
A technology company that designs military and industrial computer products officially opened Wednesday in Prescott. CP Technologies moved to northern Arizona from California; Governor Doug Ducey’s office estimates the company will bring 200 local jobs over the next two years. Ducey visited the facility yesterday; he applauded a trend of California companies moving to Arizona in recent years.
Vaccinations Continue On Hopi, COVID-19 Hotline Shuts Down
A COVID-19 vaccination clinic is slated for Saturday at the Hopi Health Care Center in Polacca, where doses of the Pfizer vaccine will be offered for individuals as young as 12.
The center recently shut down its COVID-19 Hotline after observing a decrease in caller volume, a spokesperson told KNAU. Officials say they’ll continue to take calls regarding the virus and vaccination appointments.
More than 51% of the population on Hopi had received a COVID-19 as of late May, according to tribal officials.
New Community Market To Roll Out In Flagstaff
A new weekly market is slated to begin next week in Flagstaff; the Downtown Community Market will open every Wednesday from 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., according to the Flagstaff Downtown Business Alliance. The event will take place on Aspen Ave. and Heritage Square leading to subsequent street closures.
