MATFORCE DUMP THE DRUGS - SATURDAY APRIL 24TH
2021 Tax Due Date Update ADOR Extends Income Tax Deadline to May 17, 2021
The State of Arizona has announced it has moved the deadline for filing and paying state individual income taxes from April 15 to May 17, 2021. Additionally, the deadline for first quarter tax year 2021 individual estimated tax payments remains April 15, 2021.This follows the Treasury Secretary announcement that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has moved the deadline for 2020 federal individual income tax returns to May 17, 2021. The extended deadline only includes individual tax returns. The extended deadline also includes Form 140PTC and Form 140ET.The new deadline means taxpayers who file and pay after the previous April 15 deadline will not be assessed late filing or late payment penalties. Taxpayers anticipating that they will need more time beyond the new May 17 deadline to file state individual income taxes should consider filing for an extension by submitting Arizona Form 204 by May 17. Taxpayers do not need to submit Arizona Form 204 if they have already received a federal extension from the IRS. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Revenue advises taxpayers they now have until May 17 to contribute to certified qualifying charitable organizations, qualifying foster care charitable organizations, school tuition organizations, and public schools to claim the tax credits on their 2020 individual income tax return.Individuals should ensure to file accurate tax returns. Here are some key tips:
- E-file. Electronic filing is more accurate, secure and faster.
- Ensure all the necessary lines and forms are filled out correctly. Avoid math errors or miscalculations.
- Don't misspell names or use two different names.
- Make sure key information like tax ID number, Social Security number, routing number or account number are correct in all the appropriate boxes.
- If filing a paper return, use black ink and print on white paper.
- Do not staple or attach anything to paper returns.
- Don't forget to sign and date the return.
The Arizona Department of Revenue encourages taxpayers to file electronically, as e-filing is more efficient, more secure and refunds are processed faster than refunds from paper tax returns.
Check out the Arizona Department of Revenue’s FAQs website at https://azdor.gov/news-notices/faq-during-tax-season for information.
Community Cleanup in Paulden!
The Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, working with the Public Works Department, is pleased to announce a community cleanup in Paulden.
The cleanup will be at the Paulden Transfer Station, 23750 N. Marblehead Avenue.
The cleanup will be open to Yavapai County residents at no charge on April 29th, 30th, May 1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2021 from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M
Paulden Transfer Station will remain open on Tuesday and Wednesday with normal hours and fees.
Accepted items: Household appliances, BAGGED household trash, automotive batteries, unmounted tires, furniture, and yard trimmings.
Items that will not be accepted: Loose trash will be refused, liquids, hazardous materials, cars, Ni Cad batteries and dead animals.
Wildfires are never out of season and now is the time to create defensible space around your home. Cut away vegetation 5 to 30 feet from all structures. Remove all debris and dead vegetation from roofs, decks, and the ground around your home. Please remember to be cautious of sparks as you are cutting and trimming. All yard trimmings will be accepted at the cleanup.
This program is for residential use only. Commercial loads will not be accepted.
When using Yavapai County facilities, please follow the recommended CDC COVID guidelines.
For additional information, please contact the Yavapai County Public Works Department
at (928) 771-3183.
Scottish American Military Society Vietnam War Veterans Event
Chairman Brown was invited to attend and speak at the Scottish American Military Society Vietnam War Veterans event to honor the veterans on Monday March 29th at Yavapai County Courthouse Plaza.
An honor guard from Post 1297, “The Arizona Highlanders,” layed a wreath at the foot of the war memorial to commemorate Vietnam War Veterans Day, as established by President Donald J. Trump in The Vietnam War Veterans Act of 2017.
March 29th was chosen as the day to honor those who served between November 1, 1955 and May 15, 1975, regardless of location, because it was on March 29, 1973 when the United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, was disestablished. It was also the final day U.S. troops departed Vietnam and the day Hanoi released the last of its acknowledged prisoners of war.
“We wanted to take a moment to appreciate the soldiers who did not receive a warm homecoming after sacrificing much for our country during the war in Vietnam,” said PDP Executive Director MJ Smith. “We reached out to the Scottish American Society and they were thrilled to have an opportunity to honor and thank both those who made it home but still carry the scars of war and those we lost.”
Yavapai County Chairman of the Board of Supervisors Craig L. Brown, and Prescott City Councilman Phil Goode both Vietnam War veterans, opened the ceremony.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Meetings Now Open to In-Person Attendance
Chairman Brown wanted you to know that.....
On Thursday, March 25, 2021, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey announced that because Arizona has seen 10 weeks of declining positive Covid-19 test results, with hospitalizations at their lowest levels in months, business guidelines would transition from requirements to recommendations.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown decided today that because we have seen such positive indications that the Covid-19 Virus is on the decline in our communities that it was time to reopen the Board of Supervisors meetings to the public. Chairman Brown said, “Starting Monday March 29, we will open our public meetings back up to in-person attendance. We will still require masks and physical distancing in County public buildings, but we look forward to seeing people in our meetings once again, and not just on the screen.”
Chairman Brown went on to explain that this is a very important time, “Yavapai County must continue to do the things we know are succeeding in the fight against Covid. Washing your hands and staying home when you are sick, are the actions that will keep us in this positive trajectory.” Chairman Brown also encourages everyone that can get the Covid Vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Yavapai County Community Health Services Director Leslie Horton said, “There are lots of appointments available on both sides of the mountain. If you are in the first three priority groups, now is the time to get your vaccine, before we open appointments up to anyone 18 or older, which we will do on Monday (3/29/2021).”
Governor Ducey’s announcement today also stated that restrictions on organized public events as outlined in Executive Orders 2020-43 are lifted and will no longer be enforced. Several Executive Orders (2020-09, 2020-36, 2020-40, 2020-43, 2020-47, 2020-52 and 2020-59) have been rescinded. That no county, city, or town may make or issue any order, rule or regulation that conflicts with or is in addition to the policy, directives or intent of this or any other Executive Order relating to the COVID-19 public health emergency, or any other order, rule or regulation that was not in place as of March 11, 2020. And finally, that his order shall expire upon the termination of the Public Health Emergency unless amended.
The full text for from the Governor’s announcement can be found here: https://azgovernor.gov/governor/news/2021/03/arizona-hits-3-million-vaccine-doses-administered-governor-ducey-announces-new
Recreation Sites in the Prescott National Forest - What's Open/What's Closed
Chairman Brown wanted you to know that the Prescott National Forest will begin opening family campgrounds across the Forest on Thursday, April 1. Several developed recreation sites will remain closed to protect public health and safety and limit the spread of COVID-19.
Developed recreation sites open:
-
White Spar Campground
-
Powell Springs Campground
-
Yavapai Campground
-
Alto Pit OHV Campground
-
Hayfield Draw OHV Day-Use Area (September 1 through May 31)
-
Granite Basin Recreation Day-Use Area
-
Lynx Lake Recreation Day-Use Area
-
Thumb Butte Recreation Day-Use Area
-
Mingus Mountain Recreation Day-Use Area
-
Sycamore Cabin (available Thursday-Sunday, with a 2 night minimum stay)
Developed recreation sites that open April 1:
-
Hilltop Campground
-
Lynx Lake Campground
Developed Recreation sites that open May 1:
Developed recreation sites that will remain closed:
-
Group Campgrounds - Eagle Ridge, Playground, Turney Gulch and Upper Wolf Creek
-
Group Day-use Sites - Thumb Butte Group Picnic Site, Groom Creek Schoolhouse Group Day-Use and Nature Trail, Spruce Mountain Picnic Area
-
Family Campgrounds - Hazlett Hollow, Lower Wolf Creek
-
Cabin Rentals – Horsethief Basin Cabin
Most developed campgrounds on the Prescott NF accept reservations, with a few sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations can be made online at Recreation.gov. Reservations for group sites for the 2021 season are not being accepted at this time.
If you are planning to visit the Prescott NF, please remember to:
-
Be a good steward and recreate responsibly.
-
Avoid crowded areas to maintain social distancing and limit group size.
-
Park only in designated areas. Do not impede emergency access by blocking roadways, fire lanes or driveways.
-
Follow “Leave No Trace” principles, including “pack it in, pack it out” with your trash, to avoid creating a public health hazard for forest visitors and employees.
Visitors can obtain additional information by visiting the Prescott National Forest Website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/prescott/ or by following us on Facebook or Twitter.
Vaccine update: Yavapai County moves into Phase 1C
Chairman Brown wanted you to know that beginning today, Yavapai County will officially be vaccinating Yavapai County residents that are eligible in Phase 1c, which includes adults of any age with high-risk medical conditions, adults living in congregate settings as well as adults 55 and older. Yavapai County has vaccinated 24.5% of the population, administering close to 97,000 doses of vaccine and 41,000 residents fully vaccinated and all partners feel confident moving to this next phase.
Both YRMC and Spectrum have appointments available for both first and second dose appointments this week.Check the YCCHS Vaccine Information page for availability at the Points of Dispensing (PODs), as well as pharmacies listed. https://www.yavapai.us/chs/Home/COVID-19/Vaccine. If you do not have internet/computer, call 928-442-5103 for assistance.
- Community Health Center of Yavapai (CHCY) has outreach clinics planned in Paulden this Friday and for Cordes Junction later this month utilizing the Johnson & Johnson one-dose vaccine. To schedule an appointment with the CHCY clinics, call 928-442-5911.
- Spectrum Healthcare is also offering outreach clinics planned for Congress this week and for Yarnell, Wilhoit, and Jerome later this month. They are also looking at clinics in Ash Fork and Seligman in April. To schedule and appointments go to www.spectrumhg.org/town (i.e. www.spectrumhg.org/congress) or call the Spectrum Call Center at 928-414-8884.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE...Slash Program
Just so you know.......
Chairman Brown is happy to let you know that the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors, working with the Public Works Department, is pleased to announce the continuation of the annual free slash drop-off program at County
transfer stations beginning April 1, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
CAMP VERDE WILL NOT BE ACCEPTING SLASH AT THIS TIME
This free slash drop-off program will assist residents in creating defensible space around their homes and other structures. Cutting away vegetation 5 to 30 feet from all structures and removing all debris and dead vegetation from roofs, decks, and the ground can reduce the potential of a wildfire spreading to your home.
Please take advantage of the free slash drop-off program as you create defensible space around your properties.
Only the following items will be accepted: brush, branches, grass, leaves and yard trimmings. Items not accepted are lumber, stumps, roots, cactus, metal, and garbage.
All slash must be removed from plastic bags.
This program is for residential use only. Commercial loads will not be accepted.
When using Yavapai County facilities, please follow the recommended CDC COVID
guidelines.
For additional information, please contact the Yavapai County Public Works Department at
(928) 771-3183.
Bark Beetles Infesting Ponderosa Pine on Prescott National Forest
Just so you know......
Pine engraver beetles are actively infesting ponderosa pine trees across areas of the Prescott National Forest. Aerial detection surveys conducted by the US Forest Service in early February 2021 recorded a ten-fold increase in ponderosa pine mortality caused by these bark beetles since August 2020 with more than 2,000 acres impacted. The 2021 survey focused on Mingus Mountain, the Bradshaw Mountains, and the Crown King area. Most tree mortality was observed in the Bradshaw Mountains, but elevated mortality was also mapped on Mingus Mountain. Ponderosa pine mortality is expected to increase in 2021, especially if continued warm and dry conditions occur and in areas of high tree density or weakened trees.
Populations of these bark beetles have increased in response to dry and warm conditions during the last year. Because these beetles have a high reproductive potential with two or more generations per year, they can take advantage of suitable climate conditions and weakened trees. During periods of extended drought, pine trees become water-stressed and their defenses reduced giving beetles an upper hand. Often there is a lag between the start of drought and when beetle activity increases to the level that it becomes noticeable. However, usually once the drought ends and trees recover, beetle populations typically collapse, and tree mortality diminishes.
Infested trees are typically first noticed by a change in color of pine needles (fading) from green to straw to reddish-brown throughout the summer and early fall. When large trees are attacked by these beetles, they often exhibit a characteristic top-down fade pattern. Close inspection of tree trunks will reveal rust-colored boring dust in bark crevices and possibly popcorn-sized wads of pine resin before the needles begin to fade. By the time all the pine needles have faded to brown, the beetles that killed a tree will have vacated and pinhead-sized exit holes can be seen on the bark surface.
If infested trees are detected early after attack, trees can be felled and disposed. Note, beetles will still emerge from felled trees, so once the tree is cut it needs to be either removed from the site to a location with no hosts for the beetle or destroyed. During warm weather these beetles can complete their lifecycle in 1-2 months, so tree removal/destruction needs to be completed quickly.
Promoting vigorously growing ponderosa pine in stands with a diversity of tree species and sizes is the best long-term approach to lessening the effects of bark beetles in ponderosa pine. Typically, this is achieved through thinning, which decreases competition for water among the remaining trees. Thinning during non-drought years allows the trees ample time to adjust to and take advantage of the added space.
To provide short-term protection against bark beetle attack, individual, high-value trees can be treated with an application of insecticide sprays (registered for use on pines). Private landowners wishing to treat individual trees should contact the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management at (602) 771-1400 or Yavapai County Extension office at (928) 445-6590 for additional information. Although pheromone repellents (e.g., verbenone or MCH) may work to prevent other bark beetle species from attacking trees, no pheromone treatments have been demonstrated to protect ponderosa pine trees from the engraver beetle species currently infesting the ponderosa in the Prescott area. Keeping ponderosa pine trees well-watered during dry periods can promote vigorous growth in landscape trees and increase defense against beetle attack. Landowners are reminded to not stack beetle-infested firewood or green logs against or near desired ponderosa pine as beetles developing in this material are likely to attack adjacent trees when they emerge.
The high risk of bark beetle on the Prescott National Forest has been a major concern since the major outbreak the forest experienced from 2001-2003. Following this outbreak, which resulted in the loss of more than 90,000 acres of ponderosa pine forest, the PNF has taken proactive steps to make the forest more resilient to bark beetle attacks. In the last 15 years the Prescott National Forest has completed thousands of acres of mechanical thinning treatments in the Prescott Basin in the areas surrounding Prescott and its neighboring communities. These thinning projects have been aimed at reducing the densities of ponderosa pine forests in order to reduce inter-tree competition for water while reducing the risk of stand replacing wildfire. The Prescott National Forest is committed to continue this proactive approach at thinning to improve forest health and allow our ponderosa pine forests to be resilient to insect damage in drought years.
More information can be found at:
For proper watering techniques, refer to the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension brochure: https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.edu/files/pubs/az1298-2017.pdf
New York Times Digital Newspaper Now Available....
In Yavapai County's Public Libraries and at Home
Do you like to start your day with a cup of coffee and the newspaper? Maybe you like to stop by the library to sit and read for a while.
As of March, l st, the New York Times Digital version is available to all patrons of the Yavapai Library Network's public libraries [see list below]. This service includes unlimited article access on library computers or patrons' own devices, on the library's WIFI. The service also allows limited remote access from home computers and mobile devices.
Inside YLN public libraries, patrons will be able to access the New York Times by visiting
N YTimes.com/r egister. From home, users can access the YLN subscription by going to yin.info/databases and scrolling down to the New York Times link.
All users will need to log in with their public library card and pin, and then set up a New York Times account, as prompted, if they don't already have one. All patrons inside public libraries will be able to read the paper, while remote access is limited to the first 30 YLN patrons to log in each day. These offsite readers will have
accessor 24 hours, which means they can sign in as many times as they want during that day. The many features available to readers in the library, include:
- full access to NYTimes.com content & archives
- international, national, and regional up-to-the-minute news
- multimedia pieces with closed-captioning, plus transcribed videos, and podcasts
So, whether you're just a curious person, working on research, or enjoy the newspaper habit, the YLN has you covered, with access to one of the most revered and comprehensive daily papers in the world. All for free, at your public library.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 authorized financial rent and utility relief for Arizona renters and landlords to be administered at the state and local level. Beginning on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, renters and landlords in the twelve Arizona counties listed below will be able to apply for the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) using the online ERAP portal. Applications will be accepted through the program’s expiration on December 31, 2021 or until funding is exhausted.
Click on the link for more information: https://des.az.gov/ERAP
A message from the US Department of Veterans Affairs regarding COVID - 19
|
An update on how the Veterans Administration will contact you about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.......
We continue to contact Veterans as they become eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. We base eligibility on VA and CDC COVID-19 risk criteria. Within each risk group, we may first contact Veterans who’ve told us that they plan to get a vaccine. This helps us do the most good with our limited vaccine supply.
What does this mean for me?
When you signed up for these updates, you told us that you plan to get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you. Your local VA health facility may use this information to contact you when your risk group becomes eligible.
Note for caregivers: If you’re a designated primary or secondary caregiver in our Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers, your facility will tell you if you can get a vaccine at the same time as the Veteran you care for.
You should know:
How will VA contact me when I can get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Your local VA health facility may contact you by phone, email, or text message. If you’re eligible and want to get a vaccine, we encourage you to respond.
But before you provide any personal information or click on any links, be sure the call, email, or text is really from VA.
- Text messages will always come from 53079.
- Emails will always come from a va.gov email address.
- If someone calls you from VA and you don’t recognize the phone number, ask for a number to call them back. Then call your local VA health facility to verify.
|
Your facility may invite you to get a vaccine in different ways:
- They may invite you to a large vaccination event, like a drive-thru clinic.
- They may offer you a specific date and time to get a vaccine.
- They may ask you to schedule an appointment.
|
Why would VA contact Veterans who plan to get a vaccine first?
At this time, we still have a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines. And we must follow strict requirements for how to store and handle these vaccines. Because of this, we often need to bring Veterans in quickly to get a vaccine so we don’t waste any doses.
Contacting Veterans who we know plan to get a vaccine helps us do the most good with our limited supply.
Please know: By sharing your plans for getting a vaccine, you help us better plan our efforts. But we’ll contact every eligible Veteran in each risk group to ask if they want to get a vaccine. You don’t need to call or come to a VA facility to request or reserve a vaccine.
Get answers to common questions about COVID-19 vaccines at VA
|
Area Closures Coming Soon to Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte
PRESCOTT, AZ, January 15, 2021 - Prescott National Forest officials would like to give folks a heads up that they have three more weekends for climbing opportunities before the Forest implements restrictions on climbing and other activities on the cliff faces of both Granite Mountain and Thumb Butte on Monday, February 1st, 2021. Both sites have been consistently occupied by peregrines annually for more than 23 years. These annual closures provide the undisturbed setting and quality nesting habitat essential for peregrines to successfully raise their young.
The closures will begin February 1st and last until July 15th. For both locations, the closures will be the same as they have been for over 23 years. On Granite Mountain, it is prohibited to be upon any part of the Granite Mountain rock cliff face or the rim above the rock face and extending 100 feet back from the edge of the cliff face by rock climbing or any other means of access. On Thumb Butte, both the north and south climbing faces, the top of Thumb Butte, and the areas at the base of the climbing faces will be closed to entry. These area closures for the peregrine do not impact or close any system trails; Trails 33 at Thumb Butte and 261 in Granite Basin Recreation area will remain open for hiking.
Maps of the closed areas will be posted throughout both the Thumb Butte and Granite Basin Recreation Areas. The Prescott National Forest is asking local birders to share their field observations of peregrine falcons with our resource managers to provide a better picture of peregrine nesting progress. Please send observations, photos and information to Noel Fletcher at noel.fletcher@usda.gov.
Peregrine falcons were once listed under the Endangered Species Act. They continue to be managed under the protection of the federal code of regulations as well as state and federal law. Managers consider the needs of the peregrines and the recreation desires of people and the values of Granite Mountain Wilderness to strike a balance where people and birds can effectively use the same space at different times for their respective purposes.
If you have any questions about the peregrines and their management please feel free to email Noel Fletcher, Forest Wildlife Biologist at noel.fletcher@usda.gov .
Covid Vaccinations
In Yavapai County, we are working to establish vaccination locations and offerings in order to accommodate the needs of our residents. Both hospitals and approximately 25 other local healthcare providers have signed up as vaccine providers as of now. We will also be rolling out a CDC Retail Pharmacy Partner program in the coming weeks (maybe as early as Jan. 19th) that will allow our local pharmacies to carry and administer vaccine. Currently, vaccinations for the Phase 1a groups (healthcare providers and healthcare support occupations, Emergency Medical Service Workers, and Long Term Care facility residents and staff) have been conducted by YCCHS, YRMC, VVMC and Spectrum Healthcare and are our priority. We are hoping to have many of these other local providers and pharmacies on-board by the end of January to help with the phase 1b populations. More information will be posted to our website at www.yavapai.us/chs as we have more updates on when, where and how people can sign up or show up for vaccinations.
For now, we are asking the public to be patient. We are only being allocated 3,900 vaccines per week in Yavapai County, and the 1b population alone is over 70,000 individuals. This is going to take us weeks, if not months to work through the 1b populations with such a limited vaccine supply. We are hoping to start vaccinating 1c populations in Spring of this year, unless more vaccine is made available to us, allowing us to expedite the process. We are currently updating our website with information, and will have more updates in the coming weeks. Please stay tuned, and we will continue to work hard to roll out the vaccine as efficiently and effectively as we can with the limitations we are facing.
Leslie Horton, MA, MCHES
Director
Yavapai County Community Health Services
Northern Az VA Health Care System COVID Vaccine Process
Click on the link to get the most recent information from the Prescott Veterans Hospital regarding COVID 19 vaccinations: GOV Delivery Message COVID Vaccine.pdf
Ladders Area Along the Verde River Closed to Protect Nesting Bald Eagles
Just so you know.....
The Forest Service is closing the Ladder’s bald eagle breeding area along the Verde River to the public on December 1, 2020. The closure is expected to last through June 30, 2021 when the bald eagle nesting season ends, and fledglings are independent. Should nest failure occur and re-nesting not be attempted, the closure will be opened early. The special closure is necessary to reduce human disturbances to the eagles during their nesting season in the Verde Valley. The possible consequences of people disturbing nesting eagles include abandonment of eggs and loss of young.
The closure area is south of Camp Verde on the Prescott National Forest. It is the two-mile section of the Verde River and adjacent National Forest lands in the vicinity of the "Verde Falls" downstream to below the confluence with Sycamore Canyon. Road closures include all of Forest Road 9709R from the junction of Forest Road 574 (Salt Mine Road). Trail closures include Forest Trail 16 and a portion of Forest Trail 508 at the trail junction with the powerlines, north of the trailhead at Rodeo Flat Tank, to the junction with Forest Road 9709R.
River rafters may pass on the river in the closure area but are restricted from stopping, taking out watercraft, or delaying their passage through the area except as needed to scout rapids and for emergencies. Signs are posted along the river to mark the closure boundaries.
Common uses of the area such as hunting, target shooting, fishing, and hiking are prohibited during the closure period. Violation of the closure is punishable by a fine of not more than $500 or imprisonment for not more than 6 months or both.
Eagle watchers may be stationed at the closure area to protect nesting eagles and to monitor the eagles' activities for the Arizona Bald Eagle Nestwatch Program. Protection of this breeding area occurs annually through the cooperation of the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Prescott National Forest, and the public.
If you have any questions about the bald eagles and their management on the Verde Ranger District, please feel free to call Albert Sillas at (928) 567-1124.
Bald Eagle Closure Coming to Lynx Lake
Just so you know....
The Prescott National Forest will implement the closure restrictions on the east side of Lynx Lake including the John’s Tank Trail on Tuesday December 1st, 2020. The John’s Tank Trail will be closed to public entry from the lake over to the Salida Gulch trail through next June to provide protection to nesting bald eagles. The closure is needed to protect nesting bald eagles as they begin another breeding attempt this season. Arizona Game and Fish Department assessed the trail relative to the new nest location and they feel that the trail is too close and visible to the nest to remain open for the breeding season. Meanwhile, the trail around the edge of Lynx Lake will remain open to hiking as it is not near or visible from new nest location. The nest can be easily seen to the east on the horizon from the boat launch at the South Shore Day Use area.
Bald eagles have used Lynx Lake as a nesting site for the last twelve years. The Forest Service closed the area east of the lake to minimize disturbance to the eagles. Lynx Lake can be a very productive site for a pair of bald eagles nesting and raising young.
“Last year was fraught with challenges and obstacles for the nesting pair including a third adult eagle entering the territory and challenging the resident male. After a physical struggle between the males, the resident male was taken to Liberty Wildlife Center for treatment for lead poisoning. After his recovery and release, the resident male bald eagle went on an amazing summer migration north visiting 5 states and covering over two thousand miles round trip! He has returned to the area between Prescott, Flagstaff, and Williams and his new home remains to be seen. All of this is possible because of a solar backpack GPS unit that was placed on him by the Arizona Game and Fish Department after his recovery. This bird is providing valuable information to managers about the travels and habitat use of adult breeding bald eagles in north central Arizona.” said Wildlife Biologist Noel Fletcher.
The U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Arizona Game and Fish Department would like to thank everyone for their cooperation while the closure was in effect.
If you have any questions about the bald eagles and their management on the Bradshaw Ranger District, please feel free to call Noel Fletcher at (928) 443-8020.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Review New Justice Center Website
Chairman Brown wants you to know that....
At the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday August 2, the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors had the opportunity to review and comment on a new website launched on Monday (8/31/2020). The new website, YavapaiJustice.com says, “This website is here to provide you with the history and illustrate the need for a new Justice Center in Prescott as well as keep you updated on construction developments for this project.”
Yavapai County Public Information Officer David McAtee presented the website to the board and stated that the design and content was a collaborative effort between the County Administration, ITS and Facilities. McAtee said, “Everyone came together to make this happen and I think the public will really enjoy the information as well as the weekly updates as the construction of a new Justice Center progresses.”
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Chairman Craig Brown said during the presentation, “I am very impressed with this site and I know many of the people who have already seen it are impressed. The website is to provide information to the public and I look forward to seeing just how many people come to the site to get accurate information.”
The site contains a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page where you can read some of the most common questions as well as submit your questions, that will be answered by Yavapai County Administration. New questions may be added to the FAQ page if appropriate.
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Mary Mallory said, “I just appreciate having a place where people can go to get correct information and I am proud of the fact that this County is making good decisions in support of law enforcement for this county.”
Yavapai County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Randy Garrison said, “This is a great project (Justice Center) and will be so beneficial to so many of our communities, and the citizens that live on both sides of the County. I am proud of the work being done with the Justice Center as well as telling the story of how we got here. The site looks great and you have all done a terrific job with it. I appreciate all the hard work.”
Senate passes Route 66 Centennial Legislation
The Route 66 Centennial Commission Act (S1014) passed by unanimous consent out of the U.S. Senate on August 10th....click here to read more: PR42_Centenial_Commission_Bill_02.pdf
Yavapai Library Network Releases $50K for E-Materials
Click on the link to learn more: Press Release 50K .pdf
Testing Sites in Yavapai County
Click on the link to review information on providers that are testing for COVID-19. Testing will only be done if there are certain symptoms that are identified: Testing Sites in Yav Co1.pdf
Local Food Banks
YAVAPAI FOOD BANK
8866 E. Long Mesa Dr.
Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314
Office Phone: 928.775.5255
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8AM-4:30PM
Closed Saturday and Sunday
Food Distribution Schedule:
Tuesday and Wednesday 3:00-5:00PM
Thursday and Friday 1:00-3:00PM
At this time there are no requirements for food distribution and is based on a first come first served basis.
No current needs.
PRESCOTT COMMUNITY CUPBOARD
FOOD PICK UP LOCATION
313 W. Goodwin St.
Prescott, AZ. 86303
Office Phone: 928.778.4622 or 928.778.2122 (after 2pm)
Office Hours:
Unavailable at this time
Food Distribution Schedule:
Monday -Friday 2:30-4:30 PM
***Registration to receive food from Prescott Community Cupboard Food Bank must be done at our local Catholic Charities Community Services office first before you can pick up food.
(928) 778-2531
434 W Gurley Street
Prescott, AZ 86301
catholiccharitiesaz.org
Food bank registration hours at Catholic Charities are weekdays, Monday through Friday, 10:00am to 3:30pm.
No current needs.
PRESCOTT VALLEY FOOD BANK
8671 E. Spouse Drive, Suite A
Prescott Valley, AZ. 86314
Office Phone: 928.772.4490
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 12:00-2:45PM
Food Distribution Schedule:
Monday-Friday 12:00-2:45PM
Walk-ins served with no referrals required. Photo ID and proof of address required.
No current needs.
CHINO FOOD BANK
840 E. Road 1 S
Chino Valley, AZ. 86323
Office Phone: 928.636.8478
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday 8:00-5:00PM
Food Distribution:
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 11:00AM-1:45PM
(subject to change)
ID or proof of address required.
No current needs.
PAULDEN FOOD BANK
195 Aspen Rd.
Paulden, AZ. 86334
Office Phone: 928.499.5240
Office Hours:
Varied
Food Distribution:
Thursdays 12:30-2:00PM
ID or proof of address is required. Arrive early; number system is used for distribution.
No current needs.
New Remote Video Building Inspections Available
Yavapai County Development Services is pleased to announce its new Remote Video Building Inspection program. Now, homeowners and contractors can have many common building inspections performed by streaming video using their personal electronic device such as a tablet or a cell phone.
The new Video Inspection program uses the Skype video calling application. Once the user has a Skype account, they can schedule a video building inspection by going to their online Development Services account by visiting www.citizenserve.com/yavapaicounty. At the scheduled time, an inspector will call the homeowner or the contractor and provide a series of instructions to walk through and inspect the work area. At the end of the call, the inspector will let the homeowner or contractor know if the inspection passed or failed. That information is also immediately recorded into the user’s building permit record.
The new Video Inspection program builds on other Development Services Department improvements over the last few years. Recently, Development Services transitioned to a paperless permitting system called CitizenServe. According to Jeremy Dye, Assistant Director in Development Services, “Development Services is always looking for ways to enhance our services and find efficiencies. This new video inspection program makes it easier to schedule and conduct inspections. It is also a time saver because an inspection is scheduled for a specific time, so someone isn’t waiting onsite for an inspector to show up.” Mr. Dye further states, “Video Inspection is also a good option right now for preventing the of spread the COVID-19 virus because the inspector is not physically on the job site.”
What if someone lives in an area that doesn’t have adequate cell coverage? Field inspections can still be scheduled for all inspection types by following the same online scheduling process. For additional information and instructions on how to schedule a Remote Video Building Inspection, please visit www.citizenserve.com/yavapaicounty.
For questions or additional information, please contact Jeremy Dye, Assistant Director of Development Services, at (928) 639-8151, or by email at Jeremy.dye@yavapai.us.
For the latest updates on COVID - 19....
Be sure to visit the Yavapai County Community Health Service Department website for the latest accurate information regarding COVID-19 in Yavapai County. Their website is: http://www.yavapai.us/chs
Williamson Valley Road Safety Improvements
Supervisor Brown would like to provide you with an update on the Williamson Valley Road safety improvements:
The Phase 3 safety improvements for Williamson Valley Road relate to widening for turn lane construction and lowering of the roadway (for improved sight distance) at the intersection of Kelly Dr/Oneal Rd/Stringfield Dr.
The current schedule for this work is to put finishing touches on the construction plans this spring (2020), then provide them to utility companies late this spring so they can begin to do some relocations necessary to be out of the way for construction activities. There is a large concrete box culvert under Williamson Valley Road just south of this intersection that will need extending to allow for the widening project, and we are intending on constructing just the box culvert extension work in the winter months of 2020/2021 (this work should have minimal impact to the traveling public as most of the work will be outside the existing guardrail on the sides of the roadway which we will leave in place for the time being). Then we have funding budgeted for the widening/lowering/turn lane improvements in the 21/22 fiscal year (July 1, 2021-June 30, 2022). It is our intent to construct the bulk of the Phase 3 improvements during that 21/22 fiscal year.