Eleven callers to Yavapai Silent Witness will have a little spending money in their pockets. During a recent meeting of the Silent Witness Board, 11 new cases were presented. Eighteen people have been arrested on 116 felony charges that include forgery, homicide, drugs, aggravated assault, tampering with evidence, auto theft and burglary. The arrests took place in such areas as Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, Wickenburg and Mayer. Police have seized 7 vehicles, 2 Harley Davidson motorcycles, 75 thousand dollars in cash and 80 thousand dollars worth of illegal drugs. As a result of the arrests, the callers will share 3 thousand dollars in reward money. If you have information on criminal activity, call Yavapai Silent Witness at 1-800-932-3232. Cash rewards ranging from 100 to 1 thousand dollars will be offered to callers whose information leads to a felony arrest.
Tonight the Prescott Valley Town Council will consider a project that will add effluent to the regional aquifer. Before Council is a more than 873 thousand dollar contract with the Capital Improvements company for construction of 5 basins and distribution pipelines. A new recharge facility for the effluent, or treated sewage will be built south of Lakeshore Drive and east of Fain Road, near the dry bed of the Agua Fria River. That facility will be used to recharge water supplies in the Prescott Active Management area. The basins will allow the water to percolate deep into the ground. Council will also consider a one hundred twelve thousand dollar amendment to a professional services agreement with Westland Resources, for construction services during the meeting, which starts at 5:30 in the Library Auditorium on Civic Circle.
Months of road closures and headaches for detoured drivers on South Mount Vernon Avenue in Prescott are almost at an end. Initial paving operations are complete and crews have been conducting utility adjustments, installing temporary striping and restoring landscaping this week. South Mount Vernon remains closed to through traffic during work hours. Construction of retaining walls on Senator Highway is also complete. New water line is being installed on the roadway at Haisley Road and Nathan Lane and new storm drains and catch basins are still under construction. You’re asked to watch for reduced speeds, lane restrictions and flagging operations during work hours, which are 7 am to 6 pm through tomorrow.
Work started in May and was expected to be finished next month, but recent monsoon rains have pushed the completion date to mid-November.
Entertainer Andy Williams will be remembered for his Christmas shows, and Prescott Valley was his last stop on his final holiday tour in 2007. Just weeks after his 80th birthday, Williams took to the stage at Tim’s Toyota Center. During a call-in to Q and A with Sandy Moss on KQNA in December 2007, Williams explained what he most enjoyed about performing in front of a live audience. Williams also shared some advice for young singers. Following the Prescott Valley concert, Williams continued to hold Christmas shows at his Moon River Theatre in Branson, Missouri and another one had been scheduled to start November 1st. He died Tuesday night at the age of 84 following a yearlong battle with bladder cancer.
If you’re interested in water quality testing, head to Cottonwood this Saturday for Verde River Days. Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials have announced water testing starts at 10 am at Dead Horse Ranch State Park. Those who want to learn about how water is tested for pH balance, dissolved oxygen and temperature need to show up at the ADEQ booth in the children’s area of the Park. This event is also being done as part of the World Water Monitoring Challenge. Results of the testing will be entered into an international database for teachers and students to use for environmental education. The 24th annual Verde River Days runs from 9 to 3 and admission is free. Other activities include fishing, canoe and kayak rides and sand castle building.
