Ash Fork, Arizona

The Grand Canyon

2012-01-31T18:16:00.000-08:00

Here's a shot of the Grand Canyon. It happens to be a picture my cousin Dave took.
I think it is a good photograph. What do you think?

Still kicking in Arizona – Route 66

2012-01-22T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ray Charles one said, “Get your kicks on Route 66.” To some one of the most memorable road trips that you can embark on in the U.S., Route 66 serves up a bit of nostalgia, amazing scenery and wildlife, and diners that serve food just like mom or maybe just a bit better.

The stretch of Route 66 that goes through Williams and Flagstaff is most popular, but it’s important to note that Arizona boasts the longest unbroken stretch of Historic Route 66 in existence. It begins west of Ash Fork and stretches 158 miles to the California border. If you’re a purist and prefer to take the unbroken route head out on Interstate 40 west of Ash Fork at Exit 139 and turn onto the highway once known as the Main Street of America. It’s here that you’ll think that you’ve traveled back in time. You’ll be struck by the endless Burma-Shave signs, a 1950′s brushless shaving cream famous for its advertising gimmick of posting humorous rhyming poems on small, sequential highway billboard signs.

Seligman – The Heart and Soul of Route 66

Make your first stop in Seligman. In its heyday, Seligman played host to a flourishing business community, then became a ghost town overnight. Local businesses formed an association to lobby the state of Arizona to designate Route 66 a historic highway. By 1988, the state agreed and organizations popped up all along this American route and the frenzy for Route 66 nostalgia was launched.

As you drive through Seligman, evidence of the glory days are everywhere with the Aztec Motel, the famous Snow Cap drive-in and cafes like the Copper Cart and 66 Road Kill Café, both with clever tongue and cheek menus.

Route 66 gift shops are full of trinkets and collectibles preserving the best of the fun days of Route 66. To get a better look, explore Seligman on foot.

The Wonder and Surprise of the Hualapai Reservation

As you continue west on 66, you’ll cross the Hualapai Reservation, a 100 mile stretch along the pine-clad southern side of the Grand Canyon. Whether you simply drive through or plan to stay awhile, this stretch of the trip will fulfill your desire for the outdoors. If you plan to visit the Skywalk at Grand Canyon West, a unique glass-bottomed cantilever bridge that spans 70 feet over the Grand Canyon’s rim and sits 4,000 feet above the Colorado River, consider staying at the Hualapai Lodge in Peach Springs. This might also be your chance to take a river-rafting trip or hike the breathtaking Havasu Canyon.

As you continue on your journey, check out the Keepers of the Wild Nature Park in Valentine, a non-profit rescue sanctuary for more than 150 exotic animals including tigers, lions, wolves, leopards and monkeys.

Stock up on Route 66 merchandise at the Hackberry General Store where vintage signs and artwork cover the walls. And don’t leave before you have your photo taken out front next to the 1957 red and white corvette next to the antique gas pumps.

Route 66 Museum in Kingman
Built in 1907, the Kingman Powerhouse Visitor Center is a must see. A real blast from the past, this museum is a treasure for pop-culture junkies. Make sure that you pick up a mile-by-mile guide of Route 66 from their association.

For a break, stop by Beal Street Brews a coffee shop that brews their own and offers free wi-fi located in downtown Kingman. For some comfort food and homemade root beer, Mr. D’s Route 66 Diner is across the street from the Kingman Visitor Center.

Brave the Hairpin Turns to Oatman
As you head towards the Black Mountains you will endure the torturous climb through Sitgreaves Pass. The panoramic views are worth the sweat.

Once you make it, Oatman is a theme park filled with staged gunfights, burros roaming the streets and Model T Fords driving down the main road. Shopkeepers offer handmade leather goods, handmade Indian jewelry and knives. One of the more colorful shopkeepers is known as Betty the Bead Lady, who sold beads to the Navajos for their jewelry making. Check out the Mission Inn, some say it’s the best chili they’ve ever had.

You’ve only got 25 miles left on Route 66 from Oatman to the California state line. But why leave this state, when you can see more of Arizona’s vast landscapes, learn more of its history and reminisce of its nostalgic past.

Thanks Heather
Via: examiner.com

The Trip From Payson To Ash Fork

2012-01-01T20:20:00.001-08:00

This video captures some of the beauty of the back woods on Highway 87 from Payson to Ash Fork, up through the the Lake Mary route.

Warm-hearted: Dress A Child Inc. volunteers buy winter clothes for needy kids

2011-11-27T10:54:00.000-08:00

Impoverished children - 600 of them - will be getting new clothes this week, thanks to Dress A Child Inc.

As part of the organization's annual project, 60 volunteers began shopping at Prescott retailers Nov. 1 for pants, warm long-sleeved shirts, underwear, socks and parkas for school-age children in the quad cities, as well as in Congress, Seligman, Ash Fork and Mayer. The children also receive vouchers for shoes.

In the past, Dress A Child Inc. gave new clothing to children at Christmastime, but switched to fall this year, said director Karyn Poole. "In response to feedback from donors, schools and shoppers, they wanted the clothes earlier," she said. "It's cold by Halloween, so we are targeting Thanksgiving now."

Dress A Child Inc. began in 1967 when Prescott-area nurses Bonnie Kempf and Agnes Cook noticed that some of their patients' children were without clothes for the cold weather. They asked Chapter 5 of the Arizona Nurses Association for help. Together they raised money by selling handiwork on the Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza and at the Salvation Army. They were able to buy clothing for 17 children that first year.

As the demand grew, Kempf, Cook and Chapter 5 invited the community to participate, and the response was overwhelming, Poole said. Over time Dress A Child Inc. established partnerships with many of the area schools and community agencies that serve children. Referrals for clothing needs must come from these entities, Poole said.

Kmart, Target, JC Penney and Walmart on Gail Gardner Way in Prescott are cooperative partners, Poole said, adding that Walmart and JC Penney offer financial incentives to Dress A Child Inc. to shop with them. The Prescott Chapter of the American Sewing Guild also donates hand-sewn items such as robes, pajamas, embroidered T-shirts, vests and dressier coordinated outfits to augment the purchases, Poole said. Shoppers then deliver all the items back to the schools and community programs for distribution to the children.

This past Friday evening, Alysa Cudney and Meg Goodall were browsing JC Penney to buy clothes for youngsters on their lists.

Cudney, a first-semester nursing student at Yavapai College, became a volunteer for Dress A Child Inc. through a student nursing association. She was picking out clothing for five boys, and said, "I think it's important for somebody who is going to be a nurse to be an advocate for the community and get involved in community service."

The boys on Cudney's list ranged in age from 3 to 11 and though she found choosing clothes for them a "hard task," she has some experience since she has shopped for cousins and brothers before.

Goodall, the family advocate for Chino Valley Head Start, was on her third annual shopping trip for Dress A Child Inc., this time looking for clothes for nine children.

The experience is "really rewarding," she said. "It just adds more to my job. A lot of times I see the worst circumstances that families are in, and I actually get to do something that helps them" as a Dress A Child Inc. volunteer.

Dress A Child Inc. is an all-volunteer organization, and though its board members are nurses, volunteer shoppers are not necessarily of that profession.

The nonprofit organization depends on monetary donations to sustain its mission to provide warm clothing for needy children, Poole said.

Those interested in volunteering their time or contributing financially may log onto the Dress A Child Inc. website at www.dressachildinc.com or send an email to kapoowi@gmail.com. The clothing for each child costs about $60, Poole said.

via: the daily courier

Yavapai County supervisors try new voting centers

2011-11-19T04:58:00.000-08:00

PRESCOTT - Supervisor Tom Thurman handed his ID to Desi Zurcher Monday morning during a demonstration of a new vote center at a Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting in Prescott.

Zurcher, an election office technician, ran it through the check-in system then asked if he would like to vote on a touch screen machine or paper ballot.

Thurman then received one from a ballot-on-demand printer nearby.

When Thurman asked what would happen if he tried to vote at a different vote center, Zurcher - who put together the poll worker training program - showed him his name highlighted in red as already having voted. "If people insist that they haven't voted, they can fill out a provisional ballot and that will be compared to the vote center data to determine which is valid," said Ana Trujillo, the Yavapai County Recorder.

The Board of Supervisors will vote at their meeting Monday, Nov. 21, on whether to use vote centers in upcoming elections.

"In traditional voting, you are assigned a polling place in your precinct where you have to go and vote in order for your vote to count," said Lynn Constabile, elections director for Yavapai County. "In a vote center, all the polling places are interconnected so you can go anywhere, vote, and your vote will count."

Supervisor Carol Springer asked what safeguards exist in the system. "It's always been a sore spot with me when I read about states like Illinois where lots of dead people vote," Springer said.

Secretary of State Ken Bennett, who attended the meeting, said his office receives information from Vital Records and passes it along to the counties each day.

"We receive information from the Department of Health Services about people who pass away, look through obituaries, and have spouses sign affidavits daily," said Karen McCracken, registrar of voters for the county.

Vote centers make sense for Yavapai County where 53 percent of registered voters cast their ballots by mail, reducing the need for polling places, Constabile said.

She noted that in 2010, the county reduced polling places from 95 to 50, and that vote centers would save the county more money, by reducing the number of polling places to only 30.

Two kinds of vote centers are proposed - urban and rural, Constabile said.

Urban vote centers in Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Dewey-Humboldt, Clarkdale/Jerome, Cottonwood, Village of Oak Creek, and Sedona would be near where people work, have as many as four check-in stations with the entire county's voter registration list loaded on them, touch screen machines, and ballot-on-demand printers so that you can choose whether to vote on the touch screen or on a paper ballot for your precinct, Constabile said.

Rural vote centers in Seligman, Ash Fork, Bagdad, Beaver Creek, Congress, Kirkland, Mayer, Williamson Valley, Cordes Junction, and Black Canyon City would have two check-in stations each, paper ballots for that precinct, and touch screen machines that contain all of the ballots anyone who lives outside that area would need, Constabile said.

If the board approves the vote centers, the department suggests using them in the upcoming Presidential Preference Election and renting the printers from the City of Phoenix for $15,000 for that election before determining if the county should rent or buy, Constabile said.

When Supervisor Chip Davis asked how long the ballot-on-demand machines could be expected to last, Constabile said they had a life cycle of at least five years and cost $60,000.

via: verde independent

2011-10-22T11:40:00.001-07:00

This another test

2011-10-22T10:43:00.001-07:00

This is a test

About A Year Ago

2011-10-09T20:03:00.000-07:00

I snapped this picture on October 24, 2010 which is about a year ago. It was snowing there as you can see. The snow makes for very beautiful pictures.

Draft Congressional Map Chosen By AIRC

2011-10-04T18:36:00.001-07:00

It appears that the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission (AIRC) has determined a draft map for Congressional districts.

According to a AIRC press release, a congressional draft map has been chosen today.

Prescott, Prescott Valley and Chino Valley would all be in the same district (currently #4) as Lake Havasu City and all the river cities, Quartzite, Fortuna Foothills, Congress, Fountain Hills, Apache Junction, gold Canyon, Florence, Payson, Ash Fork, Kingman, Boulder and Colorado City.

Camp Verde, Sedona, Flagstaff, Williams, to name a few communities, are not in District 4. Instead, they are in District 1, which stretches all the way from Fredonia to the farthest southeastern corner.

This map will also mean that a different Congressman will need to be voted on to represent the Quad City areas, as there will not be an incumbent for the new district. Paul Gosar, the current representative for the area, will now serve District 1. He is expected to be challenged by Ann Kirkpatrick, who has already announced her intention to run again, after losing to Gosar two years ago.

Speaker of the House Andy Tobin expressed his obvious disappointment in the selection, tweeting, "So, Dems approve a map for congress dists that was amended this wkend and 1st presented today. So much for transparency, and independence."

Voting in favor of the map were Chairwoman Colleen Coyle Mathis, (I), Vice Chariman Jose' Herrera (D), Commissioner Linda McNulty (D). Commissioner Richard Stertz (R) voted no, and Vice Chairman Scott Freeman (R) abstained.

Here is the formal press release from the AIRC:

Redistricting Panel Adopts Draft Congressional Map
PHOENIX (Oct. 3, 2011) - Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission voted 3-1 today, with one abstention, to adopt a draft congressional-district map.

The map has been posted online at http://bit.ly/o1I2vo. It includes two vast rural districts: a northeastern district stretching from the Navajo Nation on the Utah border to the southeastern corner of the state that includes most of the Arizona's Indian nations; and a so-called Colorado River district stretching from the Utah border to the northern part of Yuma. It contains two so-called majority-minority districts: one in South Phoenix and one that stretches from southern Yuma east to Santa Cruz County. Three of the districts touch the border with Mexico.

As a result of reapportionment, Arizona will have nine seats in the U.S. House of Representatives for the next decade.

The draft map reflects a number of revisions proposed today by Chairwoman Colleen Coyle Mathis (I-Pima County) after hearing public reaction to the map that was considered on Friday. She led off today's meeting in Tempe by walking her fellow commissioners through those changes.

Following some discussion and a period of public comment, she urged the commission to formally adopt the map.

"I think we've worked really hard on this, and it's time to move forward," she said.

Commissioner Linda McNulty (D-Pima County) moved to adopt the map. Vice Chairman José Herrera (D-Maricopa County) seconded the motion. Mathis, Herrera and McNulty voted "yes"; Commissioner Richard Stertz (R-Pima County) voted "no"; and Vice Chairman Scott Freeman (R-Maricopa County) abstained.

The adoption of the draft map triggers a 30-day public comment period highlighted by IRC hearings around the state during the middle of October.

Following their adoption of the congressional draft map, the commissioners returned to work on a legislative-district map.

Via: Prescott News

Core business, new outlet at Olsen's Grain

2011-09-04T08:53:00.001-07:00

The trend of keeping a backyard flock of chickens for a steady source of fresh eggs has been a growth industry for the local Olsen's Grain store.
Managers Warren and Kristi Hubbard of the Flagstaff store said they've sold more than 7,000 baby chickens since last year, up several thousand from historic levels.
But it is their indirect role in the sale of pork and beef that illustrates the family-owned company's commitment to helping their customers with special orders and how it could afford to open a new location off of Highway 89 during a tough economy.
The company doesn't sell cattle or pigs, but Warren said he is quick to introduce his customers to local ranches -- also customers of his -- that can sell the livestock.
"We put people together," Warren said. "We definitely are seeing people buy pork and beef and raising them in their backyard."
The recession has also meant that his customers are buying smaller items -- bridles rather than saddles. But core staples like animal feed are still steady, Warren said.
Pet food sales, however, were not hit as hard by the lousy economy.
"The recession definitely affected the dog food (sales), but the one thing we've learned is that truly that people in Flagstaff are very fond of their animals -- they are members of the family ... I think they would go without rather than let their animals go without."
The two have seen the pet food side of the company evolve since the store opened in 1997.
"Pet food, especially dog food, has changed immensely: More natural, more holistic. All of the trends that happen to humans tend to cross-merchandise into the pet food," Warren said. "Grain-frees, Atkins diet, vegetarian to all-natural -- that is what is neat about working here. It is constantly evolving."
The newest location for Olsen's Grain is relatively small when compared to the 12,000 square feet the company has in Flagstaff. The married couple is turning to their prospective customers for advice.
"We are asking the community there what they would like us to carry so we have some different products that we will be carrying out there," Kristi said. "We can't carry everything we carry in this store just because of space."
But they are not averse to special orders.
"If there is something the customer wants and we can save them the trip coming into town, we will take it out there," Kristi said. "A portion of our customer base is in Doney Park, so to do deliveries out to the new store would take a little pressure off of (the Flagstaff) store."
The pair spent $45,000 to open the new location.
"The biggest expense, which we haven't purchased yet, is going to be a delivery truck because our deliveries have increased," Kristi said.
Customers come from as far away as Ash Fork and distant parts of the Navajo Nation to buy feed and other supplies, she said.
The Timberline location has a planned grand opening on Oct. 1 and will be offering a free rabies clinic.

Via: az daily sun

rainy night in AF

2011-08-26T21:30:00.001-07:00

It's a rainy night. I know it all too well. The floods, the mud, the streams flowing. Ash Fork monsoon season is here.

Fire Board President Assaulted

2011-08-23T06:51:00.000-07:00

Conflict between a volunteer fire board and a segment of the rural community it serves appears to be intensifying north of Ash Fork.
This follows an overhaul of volunteers at the fire station amid allegations from the new board that former managers misspent thousands in tax money for personal purposes.
Jim Nelson, president of the Kaibab Estates West volunteer fire board, was attacked in his driveway Friday night following a contentious public meeting outside of the fire station.
Nelson went with his dogs to lock the gate outside his home for the night and was struck on the head with a heavy object. He turned to fight off two men who had been waiting for him in the dark, one of whom he thought he recognized from that night's meeting.
"It's escalating," Nelson said.
Deputies from Coconino and Yavapai counties responded to Nelson's call for help, as did his new volunteer fire chief, but the dispatcher from his own fire department did not acknowledge the call, he said.
The Coconino County Sheriff's Office is planning to question one local resident who has recently stepped forward to speak to investigators.
There have been no arrests or charges related to the assault or any other part of the case, said Coconino County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Jim Driscoll.
This comes after Nelson and fellow board member Lisa Monville found what they said was thousands in taxpayer dollars used for personal purposes at Kaibab Estates West's fire department, a volunteer agency where firefighters are supposed to be paid small stipends and for expenses like duty-related travel.
They reported their findings to county investigators and the Coconino County Attorney's office is now weighing the case.
Investigators have said that the spending does not appear improper or out of line with spending for a fire department.
"We don't see at this point that there is a criminal act, but we're still going to be sending that to the county attorney's office for review. These were customary expenditures and it did not involve a lot of money for a fire district that size," Driscoll said.
The former fire chief has previously denied any wrongdoing or misspending of public money.
As the two started raising questions and terminating some volunteers in June and July, Nelson found a dead skunk at his gate, Monville said she received a verbal threat on her life, and a mysterious fire destroyed the department's only ambulance -- inside the locked fire station.
No firefighter responded to extinguish the fire inside the fire station.
Later, a friend of Monville's found her puppy with its neck broken, and the animal partially skinned, Monville said.
One or more individuals moved around the furniture outside Monville's home the same night Nelson was attacked, she said.
The fire department's radio repeater came unplugged several times in recent weeks.
Investigators have not determined what ignited the fire inside the fire station.
"We don't have a suspect. We have lots of rumors. We can't prove it's arson," Driscoll said.
The fire board met Friday to consider 26 different fire department matters, but was frequently interrupted by a crowd that brought chairs and drinks, Monville said.
Coconino County Sheriff's deputies planned to attend Tuesday night's meeting, as did Nelson.
"I'm going to bring a big stick and put a football helmet on for this one," Nelson said.

via: arizona daily sun

Reward offered for info on Ash Fork elk poaching case

2011-08-06T08:59:00.000-07:00

Arizona Game and Fish and an anonymous donor are offering up to $3,000 for information leading to a conviction in the suspected poaching of a bull elk north of Ash Fork.
The elk was found at Partridge Creek and was believed to have been shot and killed illegally, then left to decompose.
Anyone with information regarding this case can call (800) 352-0700 and reference case number 11-000959. Web submissions can be reported via the internet by going to www.azgfd.gov/thief. Identities will remain confidential.

Via: Arizona Daily Sun

The Ranch House Cafe

2011-07-30T15:04:00.000-07:00

I have eaten at the Ranch House Cafe before. It's ok. Nothing to write home to Mom about. I ordered the standard breakfast there. There's a "bobby burro" that some say is fairly good. Here's a review of another person:

Zach Tamburello said: (quoted from the Urbanspoon website)
"The Ranch House Cafe, to me is the best restaurant in all of Ash Fork and its a reasonable price range for any budget."

Well, There aren't many restaurants in Ash Fork. 2, maybe 3. I would think that the place has it's "regulars" and those regulars keep the doors open. The truckers from interstate 40 help keep the doors open too. Somebody is always there, even when it snows. I know of another place and I will get info on it for another post.

A place to experience on old route 66

2011-07-19T06:32:00.000-07:00

Road Kill Restaurant Review

The motto is you kill it we grill it. This is a place full of character on the old route 66 near Seligman.
The bar is very rustic with stuffed animals and the barman looked like Virgil Earp from the old cowboy days.
Good choice of beer.
We didnt eat but it had a comprehensive snack menu - and the food looked good as it came out.
A very interesting place to visit and an alternative route to the I40
via: tripadviser

70 days, 3,200 miles, 2 running shoes

2011-07-06T18:33:00.001-07:00

WILLIAMS - Heading out of Ash Fork up the hill to Williams is a grind. Semi trucks shift into low gear to make the climb and many a vehicle has been known to make a forced pit stop on the side of the highway after over heating.

Imagine what it might feel like to make the journey on foot. Running.

A handful of runners did just that last Thursday while participating in the ninth running of the Los Angeles-New York Footrace. The 70 stage, 3,200 mile race across the United States following Route 66 was first run in 1928 during the great depression. As a promotional effort to market the newly created Highway 66 from Los Angeles to Chicago, organizer C.C. Pyle sent 199 runners on their way from LA through Chicago to New York. Just 55 runners finished.

The 14 runners participating in this year's race set out from Los Angeles June 19 before facing the sweltering heat of the Mohave Desert. Participants will run an average of 45 miles per day.

Markus Mueller is no stranger to long distance running, what those in the sport call "ultra-running." In 2001, Mueller finished the 2,700 Trans Australia Footrace in 10th place. The run began in Perth in the middle of the hot Australian summer and ended in Canberra, 63 running days later. A total of 24 ultra runners were selected from around the world with only 14 runners finishing the grueling race.

Mueller said the LA to New York race is particularly difficult.

"It is really demanding and you have to take care of your feet and not run too fast," he said.

Runners must maintain a minimum pace of 3.5 miles an hour for each stage or face disqualification. All stage times are totaled with the fastest runner named the winner.

Unfortunately, Mueller is no longer in contention to win the foot race after missing the cut off time heading into Needles, Calif. as well as on the Kingman leg of the race.

"Now, I have taken three days off in Flagstaff and just joined today again," Mueller said, adding he will finish out the race despite his official disqualification.

Every morning, an orientation meeting is held to go over the race route for the day. Organizers scout each route the day before to insure that all roadways are passable. Most racers have one support person following by car with water and food. Mueller said most racers stop every three miles, more in the hottest deserts, to rehydrate and fuel up.

Mueller said the 30-mile Ash Fork to Williams leg of the journey was actually one of the easier segments of the race.

"It is kind of a rest day for the runners," he said.

Just what drives runners to take on such a difficult journey, pushing their minds and bodies to the limit? Mueller said long distance running provides a different t perspective, another way to take a look at the world we live in.

"The motivation for me, and I think for the rest of the people, is just to see the country at a human pace," Mueller said. "You see things you would never see otherwise and you actually grasp every detail that is along the road - the good and the bad."

The race winds through the Navajo Reservation this week heading for New Mexico north of Los Alamos.

"We are in really remote areas, so support will be kind of difficult," Mueller said.

The race eventually ends in New York City by Central Park August 27 after crossing 14 states - California, Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey and New York.

What do you do after 70 days on the road?

"Just drink a beer," Mueller said.

For more information visit www.lanyfootrace.com

via: williams news

Memorial Day 2011

2011-05-30T08:48:00.001-07:00

We take time out to honor our men and women of the military who are serving and who have served to make our country free.
This video was made on Monday, May 30, 2011 in the town of Ash Fork, home of many veterans. I was driving down double A ranch road and made the right at Lewis Ave. I continued down Lewis to 6th st., made a left then another quick left onto Park Ave. Every year they put out the American Flag to commemorate Memorial Day. Everybody, please let's take a moment of silence.

The Wind Crys Ash Fork

2011-05-29T17:09:00.000-07:00

Today and yesterday, the wind howled through the town of Ash Fork. I think the winds were clocked at 65 mph. The surrounding cities also experienced strong winds. When I look up at the roof of the house, I see the antenna spinning around violently. It grinds and creaks and keeps me up at night. I would go up there and repair the post, but I might get blown off the roof! Anyway, tomorrow is supposed to be a calmer day. I think I'll wait until tomorrow.

Arizona congresswoman among 12 shot at Tuscon grocery

2011-01-08T11:08:00.000-08:00

What's going on these days?? The following article is from CNN.

(CNN) -- At least 12 people were shot at a Tucson grocery store on Saturday, and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was among them, a Democratic party source told CNN.

Giffords, 40, was holding a constituent meeting at the grocery store when the shooting occurred, according to a schedule posted on her website.

CNN could not confirm conditions for Giffords or any of the others wounded, but the Tuscon Citizen newspaper was reporting that Giffords was shot in the head.

The Democratic source described the situation as "pretty serious,"

The shooting occurred at a Safeway shortly after 10 a.m. MST, according to sheriff's spokesman Deputy Jason Ogan.

Pictures from the scene showed a Giffords banner hanging from the storefront.

At least two victims with gunshot wounds were transported at Northwest Medical Center, according to spokesman Richard Parker.

First Seven Days of 2011

2011-01-07T19:26:00.000-08:00

Well, here we are with the first week in. Tonight we had some big clouds in the sky. The sun went down, but nothing really great popped up, then some great reflection were there! I had to scramble to get this picture. The snow is still on the ground, but it is melting away.

Chief of Grand Canyon To Retire Soon

2010-12-07T17:46:00.000-08:00

The head of the Grand Canyon National Parks is retiring on January 1, 2011. Steve Martin has been there for about 4 years.
Superintendent Steve Martin worked his way from river runner to head of the Grand Canyon following many years in administration for the Park Service.
Parking at the canyon has changed in his term. It has moved away from the edge. It used to be people's first view.
Lately, Mr. Martin wanted more flood-simulating flows from Glen Canyon Dam upstream of the Grand Canyon, and led another effort to find a compromise on how many tour flights should be available over the park.

Another Awesome Sunset

2010-09-23T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here we both are looking at this awesome sunset. It never ceases to amaze me. Arizona is the king when it comes to sunsets.

Grand Canyon's future at 'grave risk,' report says

2010-08-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Haze blurs the skies over the Grand Canyon, tour planes break the backcountry silence, uranium mines are making a comeback near the canyon's rim and the Colorado River has lost its muddy mojo.

Add to those threats a perpetually underfunded budget and the picture that emerges is a national park where efforts to protect resources are increasingly compromised, a conservation group said Monday.

In an 80-page "State of the Parks" report, the National Parks Conservation Association analyzed the most serious threats to the Grand Canyon. Some come from outside the park, such as air pollution that blankets the region and future mining operations that could contaminate water flowing downstream into the canyon.

TUSAYAN, ARIZ.: Grand Canyon town has its own chasm

NO NEW CLAIMS: Interior to halt uranium mining

Some threats come from within, such as the popular but noisy air tours that draw complaints from visitors backpacking into the canyon's more remote corners.

Most of the issues raised would require significant amounts of money to fix, changes in state and federal policies, concessions by private businesses, or all of those, but the association said if the problems are left unchecked, the very nature of the park could change forever. Future visitors could find the most majestic views obscured, and habitats for native species could vanish.

"When you look at all of the challenges, you find out that the Grand Canyon is at risk, at grave risk," said David Nimkin, the group's Southwest regional director. "We made a deal when we created the national parks, that we would support them, and we need to do that."

The conservation association is a nonprofit group, founded in 1919 by the first National Park Service director, that aims to protect national parks. It lobbies Congress and government agencies, often to stop policies and legislation that could harm resources.

Although much of the report focuses on the environmental issues, the lack of money is a common thread in each chapter. The report suggests that Congress and past administrations have failed to adequately finance national parks, leaving the Grand Canyon and other sites with too little money for roads, visitor centers, trails and people to look after the park and its resources.

The federal budget provides 38% of the canyon's operating funds, the report said, an amount slightly less than other national parks. The rest is made up of entrance fees, grants and donations. The park also struggles with more than $200 million in deferred maintenance and unmet infrastructure needs.

The Park Service acknowledges the budget gap at the park. The Grand Canyon's is a little larger than most, park Superintendent Steve Martin said. That makes it tough to provide a good experience for 5 million annual visitors.

"You hate to have to bring up some of the realities of what it takes to run a park," he said. But the lack of adequate money "affects your ability to do resource management. It starts to affect your ability to carry out your whole mission."

Martin said the report as a whole is largely accurate and reflects many of the Park Service's own concerns.

Among other threats outlined in the report:

• Management of the Colorado River. The construction of Glen Canyon Dam in the 1960s tamed a once-wild and muddy river, turning it cooler, clearer and less able to support the Grand Canyon's natural environment.

Sediment that once built beaches and wildlife habitat along the river is now trapped behind the dam. Native fish struggle to survive in cooler water, which is better suited to non-native trout, which eat the native fish.

"The heart and soul of the Grand Canyon is the Colorado River," said Dan McCool, director of environmental studies at the University of Utah. "That river is in danger of becoming a sterile, man-made channel, lined with invasive species and filled with invasive aquatic species."

• Uranium mining. Higher prices for uranium ore have renewed interest in opening new mines on public lands near the Grand Canyon. More than 1,000 new claims have been filed in recent years, a prospect the parks group and other critics argue would harm the canyon.

"At least 100 mines that are 20 acres or larger will be operating in and around the canyon in the next 20 years," said Roger Clark, who works on mining issues for the advocacy group Grand Canyon Trust in Flagstaff, Ariz.

Mines also threaten the watershed, the parks group's report said, with the risk of uranium or mining waste seeping into the Colorado River, a source of drinking water for more than 20 million people downstream.

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar has imposed a temporary moratorium on new mining claims, but an environmental study of the issue has been delayed and only Congress can make the ban permanent.

• Air and noise pollution. Regional haze from power plants and cities hundreds of miles away can mar the views of the canyon, while noise from air tours disturbs the silence, the report said.

Cleaning the air would require pollution controls on power plants. Such controls, under review by the Environmental Protection Agency, would be expensive and are opposed by power providers.

The noise issue has dogged the Park Service for years, though the latest proposal to regulate tours is due out later this year. The plan could include new limits on the number of flights allowed overall, the times tours can fly and the flight paths they can take.

Martin said he welcomed the park group's report, even if it presented an often gloomy assessment.

"The truth is it's such an incredible place, and it's worth making sure we give it the best and most thoughtful concerns," he said. "Hopefully, we'll be able to take care of it for the long haul. As time goes on, parks will become more valuable to everyone."

via: AP and Arizona Repuplic

Several Injured In Chino Valley, Arizona Biker Shootout

2010-08-21T21:47:00.000-07:00

CHINO VALLEY, AZ - Authorities say a neighborhood in a northern Arizona community is on lockdown after a gunfight involving rival motorcycle gang members Saturday.
Yavapai County Sheriff's Office spokesman Dwight D'Evelyn said that around 12:15 p.m. several calls were made to report shots fired near Yuma Drive and Road 3 North in Chino Valley, about 100 miles northwest of Phoenix.
D'Evelyn said when deputies and Chino Valley police officers arrived they took several several suspected motorcycle gang members into custody. Dozens more were detained for questioning.
According to Kim Stam, manager of a nearby bar, the shooting occurred between members of the Hells Angels and Vagos motorcycle clubs. YCSO officials say members of each club live near each other.
"This has been coming for a long time," Stam said. "They want this to be their town, one of them."
Officials said four or five people were injured in the shooting and that one was air-lifted to a Valley hospital. Two others were treated at Yavapai Medical Center and another was treated and released at the scene.
D'Evelyn said a number of people have been detained as detectives sort out and identify those involved in the shooting. An official with YCSO at the scene said a two square mile area around the scene has been cordoned off.
A Yavapai County Sheriff's Office SWAT member told ABC15 that possibly up to 100 more bikers may be headed to the area. Extra law enforcement has responded to the area in case more bikers show up.
Officials say the motive for the shooting is unknown.

via: 15.com

Another Great Sunset

2010-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:00

As I was driving into Ash Fork, I noticed that the clouds looked like they would cooperate. I snapped this shot with my iPhone 4.

Another Day In Paradise

2010-07-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in the morning about 8:30am. It's about 74 degrees and really nice outside. The monsoons are still here, but they usually don't happen until the afternoon. I want to play some golf today and stay dry. That's hard to do.

Sunrise in Williams

2010-07-25T07:37:00.000-07:00

I woke up early today. I made my way down the road. Williams was my destination. The sun came up, so I shot this picture.

Spider in Ash Fork

2010-07-25T07:26:00.000-07:00

You just never know what you are going to run into up here. A tarantula crossed my path a few days ago. He's friendly I believe.

This Is The Life!

2010-06-25T12:35:00.000-07:00

You know what they say: "I bad day fishing is better than a good day at work" I believe that. Well, The fish are not biting, but the view is great and I got a lunch packed. We went fishing at a nearby lake in Williams.

Flagstaff Fire

2010-06-19T22:07:00.000-07:00

Here's some news I picked up from another site about the Flagstaff fire. I will try to get some photos/videos as soon as I can.

June 19, 2010

Emergency Alert - Hardy Fire

The Flagstaff Fire Department reports that the fire is currently moderating and they are not seeing the amount of torching and spotting that was witnessed at the onset of the fire. The Hardy Fire started at approximately 1 pm this afternoon and is located southwest of Herold Ranch and Little America. The fire is currently 400 plus acres with o% containment as of 6:30 p.m. The Flagstaff Fire Department reports that the fire is currently moderating and they are not seeing the amount of torching and spotting that was witnessed at the onset of the fire.Fire fighting resources on the Hardy Fire include the United States Forest Service, the Flagstaff Fire Department, the Summit Fire Department, Highland Fire Department. A Type 2 team has been ordered.
The Flagstaff Fire Department has evacuated Little America Hotel, homes surrounding Herold Ranch Road, the Sinagua Heights neighborhood and the Coconino Humane Society Shelter. Neighborhoods on stand by include the Foxglenn neighborhood, the Continental Country Club neighborhood and the Amberwood neighborhood. Power has not been affected in any neighborhoods.
The Red Cross has set up a shelter at Mt. Elden Middle School. Evacuees are encouraged to register at Mt Eden Middle School to ensure information can be relayed when it becomes available. All animals evacuated need to be sheltered at Second Chance Animal Shelter.
Flagstaff Fire Fighters have identified a possible point of origin and are investigating.
An emergency operations center has been established to coordinated resources. The public can call 1-888-679-8393. An emergency declaration is being prepared to allow local jurisdictions to request additional resources from the State of Arizona.
Ready Coconino was used to notify residents to evacuate and to let residents know that their area is on stand by.

Elephant Rocks Golf Course

2010-06-05T12:25:00.000-07:00

We did some practice putts and drove a few balls on the driving range
in Williams. It sure is nice here.

Largest Shopping Cart

2010-05-29T13:35:00.001-07:00

I was at the Mobile station in Ash Fork this morning and I saw the
biggest shopping in the world. The driver said it was made for
parades. It was mounted on top of a cool dragster type car. He couldn't even drive under the station. He had to back out.
I could put a years worth groceries in that thing. Video coming.

A trip to Payson

2009-12-27T21:02:00.000-08:00

I took I-17 from Flagstaff to Payson. I was watching all the snow everywhere as I drove. I stopped the truck, jumped out and took several shots of the immediate surroundings...Beautiful!

Ash Fork on the 4th

2009-07-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

This is a little cruise through Ash Fork on July 4, 2009. They put up American flags on both sides of the street. I shot this video looking out through my dirty window shield. It took me awhile to figure out what those little jumping spots were.

The Clouds

2009-06-14T20:20:00.000-07:00

This picture does go back to 2008 sometime. I seem to remember about April 2008. You can see a little sliver of the cabin in the photo. The rain came down and the clouds formed afterward. The clouds are very beautiful here in Ash Fork.

Flashback

2009-04-12T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is a flashback photo I took in the winter of 2007. It shows that Ash fork can get it's fair share of snow. It looks like a Christmas Card! By the way....Happy Easter Everybody!

The Hummingbirds of AshFork

2009-03-28T16:38:00.000-07:00

I was lucky enough to get some decent footage of the beautiful hummingbirds of Ash Fork. When it gets cold, they fly to Mexico for the winter. In the spring, when things warm up a bit, they fly back. These little guys are amazing. Sometimes, they don't like to share as you can see.

The Trees of Ash Fork

2009-03-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

The majority of trees that we have here in Ash Fork are Juniper trees. Oh sure, we have other trees, like pine, but the Junipers rule here.

Rainbow Heaven

2009-03-20T18:40:00.000-07:00

Whenever it rains here in Ash Fork, you can bet that there will always be a beautiful rainbow afterwards. I caught this one right outside the house.

Behold! Sunset!

2009-03-19T18:24:00.000-07:00

This my home. The picture was taken a couple of years ago. It was warm that day. We want you to visit! Ash Fork is a beautiful place, don't you agree? Arizona has the best sunsets in the whole world. Erika asked me to snap this picture. She is smiling because she really likes it here!

Another Flagstaff Picture

2009-03-15T22:19:00.000-07:00

Hi All. I wanted to post another picture of the recent trip thru Flagstaff. I was coming from Payson, headed towards Ash Fork. The picture is a view out my truck window.

Read The Writing on The Wall!

2009-02-21T11:47:00.000-08:00

This photo was taken a few years back of some old writings on some boulders out in the Juniperwood Ranch area. They are ancient, to my knowledge. I don't know what it says. Does anybody else know?

The Road To Flagstaff

2009-01-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

So sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I wont even go into it. Christmas '08 turned out o.k. for the most part. I was on my way home to Ash Fork from Payson and I couldn't help but take some beautiful shots of the snow and all its glory.

Lots of Wind

2008-06-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

These days have been filled with wind. It only subsides when the sun sets. It howls all through the house. I was thinking of putting up a windmill so I could capture some of this.

Wild Elk Sighting in Williams

2008-05-10T20:21:00.000-07:00

I was just a few minutes behind my brother when he phoned me and said that he had seen an elk just off to the left of the highway. I got the camera ready and not much more than 2 minutes passed and there he was. The he was a she (doe). The long snout told me it was an elk and not a deer. The sighting was between mile marker 158 and 159.

Wild Havilina!

2008-05-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Here's a short video I took this morning while doing my daily walk. They surprised me, because I haven't seen any wild havilina on the property until now. I was walking on the road back to the house and I just happened to have the camera with me. I tried to get a zoom going, but the video came out a little blurry. However, you can still see them there grazing. One of the pigs caught my scent and told the others "let's go now". They scurried off, but not without a nice little show. Enjoy.

Mini-Flashback

2008-04-29T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of our cabin in Ash Fork. The picture was taken at night with the moon shining and the lights in the house shining too.

Another Beautiful Day in Ash Fork

2008-04-23T14:44:00.001-07:00

The sun came out early today and it's been shining all day. The birds are out and there is spring in the air. I will post a picture soon.

The Hummingbirds are Back

2008-04-20T22:26:00.000-07:00

Yes they are. The tempurature has warmed up enough to sustain life for the hummingbirds. They fly to Mexico for the winter. In the spring, they come back. This picture is a mini-flashback to 2007. I will post a 2008 hummingbird photo soon.

A Warm Day

2008-04-14T13:55:00.000-07:00

Well, today turned out to be the warmest day so far this year. With the gentle wind, it makes for a beautiful day. I think there is going to be a string of warm days this week.

A View through the Rocks

2008-04-13T15:25:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of some family as viewed through some of the big rock we have here in Ash Fork. Some of these rocks are as big as a car. They are scattered all over the area. In Williams, they have a name for them; Elephant Rocks. This picture can be seen on the JJ blog also. The JJ blog can be found at http://jj.trovillion.net.

Ash Fork - Night of the Lunar Eclipse

2008-04-10T09:22:00.000-07:00

This is a mini-flashback to February 20, 2008. This picture was taken in the late afternoon on the night of the lunar eclipse. Major clouds were all around. I was disappointed. My chances for a good photo shoot were dashed, so I thought. Later that night, I managed to get some shots. I took this picture from the shoulder of Interstate 40, heading westbound. Those of you that know the area, and know me, will recognize the construction shown here.

No Rain Just Clouds

2008-04-08T13:00:00.000-07:00

Well, it didn't get wet here in Ash Fork, at least not yet. We have some clouds hanging around. We really need a little rain. I know the snow has just melted away (about 2 weeks ago), but we could use a shower here and there.

The Rain Passed Us Up (For Now)

2008-04-04T19:01:00.000-07:00

Well, It looks like the rain we were supposed to get yesterday did not materialize. That's O.K. I love this beautiful sunshine we are having right now. The wind has died down a bit. If you don't mind, I'm going to end this post, and go out, and get my golfing game on.

A Purple Sunset

2008-04-02T20:07:00.000-07:00

I was doing the dishes and I just happened to look out the window. I quickly grabbed my camera to snag this picture. I thought it was cool because it had a lot purple in it, hence, "A Purple Sunset". You just never know what nature will deal you out here.

FLASHBACK 2 Years ago- Rain!

2008-03-31T23:55:00.000-07:00

Every so often, I will post some retro news from the past. It helps to bring things into perspective.
Your comments will be appreciated. Here's a clip from August 2006.

Possible Rain Coming!

2008-03-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

Yes, I think it's on it's way. I checked the weatherman and he said that Williams and Flagstaff may get some rain on Thursday, April 3. We will have to wait and see.

Windy Windy here on the Hill

2008-03-30T19:07:00.000-07:00

It is a windy day here. The power went out for awhile. It's back up now. I checked the weather and it looks like Williams might be getting rain.

Yet another reason why I love this place

2008-03-13T00:13:00.000-07:00

Here's a recent picture of a sunset a few months back. It gives you an idea why people love it here in Ash Fork, Arizona.

New Blog Look

2008-03-02T16:47:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody. I am in the process moving this Ash Fork blog onto a new template. I am doing this because the new format allows for better presentation. Please be patient, because there could be a few hiccups along the way.The URL address will be the same (ashfork.org), but it will have a different face.You can also reach this blog by typing ashfork.net. More news about Ash Fork is coming soon. Thanks for viewing. I have to move all the posts and comments over one at a time, so it will take some time to get it all transferred. You comments are welcome.

Another White Monday in Ash Fork

2008-02-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

The snow came down hard last night around 7:00pm. I took a couple of pictures, looking out from the front porch and back porch. When I looked this morning, all I could see was white everywhere. The snow packed in pretty good, but the sun is shining now and the snow is melting slowly. I managed to walk out a few and snap this picture.

A View Out My Front Porch

2008-02-03T18:51:00.000-08:00

The snow is really coming down tonight. This is a view of my front porch around 730pm.

Snow in Williams

2008-01-30T19:04:00.000-08:00

You better believe it. It seems that the snow in Williams never melts. This picture was taken a few days ago.

Snow on the Road

2008-01-26T23:41:00.000-08:00

This is a quick picture to show everybody what it's like out here on the road. The camera was on a tripod. This picture was taken a few days ago in Williams.

Snow is Coming Again

2008-01-21T20:24:00.000-08:00

This picture will give you an idea of how much snow we got. I think we are getting more snow later on this week, but I'm not sure we get this much. It's cold here, but beautiful. I am going to use this shot for my Christmas cards next year!

Welcome to Ash Fork

2007-03-24T22:42:00.000-07:00

I would like to welcome all of you to this great community of Ash Fork, Arizona. This web log has just started an I encourage you to post a comment.