PHOENIX – The state’s goal of expanding broadband internet access in rural areas is taking a big step forward with a public-private partnership. The agreement with eX2 Technology is to operate, maintain and lease space in fiber-optic conduit installed along Interstate 17 and Interstate 19, and being installed later this year along much of Interstate 40.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, in partnership with Governor Katie Hobbs and the Arizona Commerce Authority, entered into the agreement recently with eX2 Technology, an Omaha, Nebraska, firm with extensive experience working with state and local governments to manage what is often referred to as middle-mile fiber-optic infrastructure. 

This partnership represents the next step in leveraging state-owned, open-access conduit installed by ADOT to expand broadband internet access to homes and businesses in rural Arizona. It complements a state law that allows private broadband providers to install, operate, and maintain telecommunications equipment within ADOT’s right of way using conduit installed along state highways.

“This investment of a robust statewide middle-mile program will connect Arizonans in rural and tribal lands to quality broadband, providing families access to good jobs, quality health care and education, and positioning Arizona to continue its dynamic growth for years,” Governor Katie Hobbs said. 

In addition to the benefits to rural broadband connectivity, ADOT plans to use the fiber-optic conduit to provide intelligent transportation systems technology, such as overhead message boards, traffic cameras, weather stations and wrong-way driving detection. The infrastructure also will help lay the groundwork for emerging technologies like connected and automated vehicles.

“We appreciate the support and collaboration from the Governor’s Office and our colleagues at the Arizona Commerce Authority and are excited to be a part of this transformative project,” said ADOT Director Jennifer Toth. “We continue to safely connect people and empower our state’s economy.” 

The initial scope for this 25-year agreement includes fiber-optic conduit along I-17 from Phoenix to Flagstaff, I-19 from Tucson to Nogales, and conduit to be installed on Interstate 40 from Flagstaff to California. It will be available for lease by internet service providers looking to expand broadband internet access, something that’s expected to start happening in the coming months.

The new fiber-optic conduit will also advance historic broadband expansion efforts in underserved and unserved areas of the state, including more than $1 billion in funding to implement the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program and Digital Equity Program established through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Representing the largest broadband investments in state history, the programs are overseen by the State Broadband Office, which is housed within the Arizona Commerce Authority, with a goal of  achieving universal broadband access for all Arizonans.

“This agreement represents a significant step forward in our efforts to bring high-speed broadband to all Arizonans,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “The enhanced connectivity along I-17 and I-19 opens new opportunities for rural communities and will catalyze additional public and private sector investments across the state. We’re grateful for Governor Hobbs’ leadership on broadband and our important partnership with the Arizona Department of Transportation.”

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With more people getting outdoors to take advantage of the state’s warm, spring weather, it’s important to keep in mind that 13 species of rattlesnakes also call Arizona home.

Depending on location, the species that are encountered most often are the Western diamondback, sidewinder, Mojave, and black-tailed rattlesnakes.  

“Arizona has more rattlesnake species than any other state, and we can all celebrate that amazing biodiversity,” said Thomas Jones, amphibians and reptiles program manager for the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

In warm desert areas, rattlesnakes are most active from March through October. During the spring, it’s not uncommon for rattlesnakes to be out during daylight hours. As the days become increasingly hot, though, usually around early May, rattlesnakes tend to move around more at night.

April is typically an active month for rattlesnakes, as they are coming out of hibernation.

“We want people to know that there is a higher than average chance that they might encounter a rattlesnake when they are out recreating,” Jones said. 

Watch your step at home

Rattlesnakes can easily blend in with their surroundings, so a person should always be mindful where they are placing their feet and hands. Carry a flashlight at night, especially on warmer nights when rattlesnakes can be most active.

Stay on the trail

Encounters with rattlesnakes and other venomous reptiles can take place anywhere, but they are more likely to occur when a person leaves a marked trail or wanders away from a heavily traveled area. Always stay on marked trails and be aware of your surroundings. 

When encountering a rattlesnake, remember that the reptile is more concerned with being left alone. Back away from the rattlesnake, give it a wide berth, and continue on your way. An agitated rattlesnake will often hold its ground but will not give chase. 

“Although accidents certainly happen, rattlesnakes are typically not dangerous unless provoked,” Jones said.  

If a rattlesnake bite occurs:

* Remain calm and reassure the victim.

* Call 911 and seek medical attention without delay.

* Remove all jewelry, watches, etc. from the affected area.

* Immobilize the extremity and keep at level below the heart.

* Decrease total body activity as is feasible.

What NOT to do if a rattlesnake bite occurs:

* Do NOT apply ice to the bite area.

* Do NOT use an incision of any kind.

* Do NOT use a constriction band or tourniquet.

* Do NOT administer alcohol or drugs.

* Do NOT use electric shock treatment.

Leaving a rattlesnake alone can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten. In fact, more than half of all rattlesnake bites are provoked by the person who was bitten.  

For additional information and resources about rattlesnake bites, contact the Arizona Poison Drug and Information Center at 1-800-222-1222. 

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KINGMAN – The Arizona Department of Water Resources (ADWR) will hold an information session and public workshop for Hualapai Valley Irrigation Non-Expansion Area (HVINA) on May 7. The meeting will be held May 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. in person at Mohave Community College – Neal Campus Building 200 Room 240, 1971 Jagerson Ave.

as follows at Mohave Community College Neal Campus, with some portions held in a hybrid manner as indicated below: 

This meeting will be to further discuss the framework for the Hualapai Valley Irrigation Non-Expansion Area. ADWR staff will be available to answer any questions regarding applications for Irrigation Non-Expansion Areas. ADWR staff will have paper copies available as well. 

The webinar can be accessed remotely at https://azwater.webex.com/azwater/j.php?MTID=m85702781749226c0eb3727b7f44f5dd2, Passcode:ADWRP! Join by phone: +1-415-655-0001 US Toll, Access code: 2530 901 0036

More information is available online at the Hualapai Valley INA Webpage at https://www.azwater.gov/ama/ina/hualapai-ina and the Public Meetings calendar at https://www.azwater.gov/public-meetings.  

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Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft and Bullhead City Mayor Steve D’Amico are pleased to announce the grand opening date for the long-awaited second bridge connecting Laughlin to Bullhead City, Ariz. They invited their respective communities to save the date of Friday, June 7 for a celebration. Full details will be released once finalized in May.

“This second bridge spanning the Colorado River has been decades in the making,” said Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft, whose district includes Laughlin. “Its completion will facilitate the flow of traffic and commerce across the river, and I’m looking forward to celebrating this historic milestone with our residents.”

“We are thrilled to announce June 7 as the day to celebrate the opening of the new bridge for our communities,” said Mayor D’Amico. “We look forward to a great celebration and years of improved transportation between Laughlin and Bullhead City. Please save the date and plan on attending the celebration on June 7.”

The 724-foot-long bridge rests 35 feet above the river and carries one lane of traffic in each direction along with a multi-use trail on the south side for bicyclists, runners and pedestrians. There are two overlooks on the bridge for users of the multi-use trail. If needed, the bridge can be restriped to accommodate four lanes of traffic and the multi-use trail.

A 3.5-mile road was constructed on the Nevada side that connects with Needles Highway just north of the Fort Mojave Indian Reservation. On the Arizona side, Bullhead Parkway was extended by half a mile to the bridge and was completed in October 2020. More than 1,400 bushes were planted along the bridge roadways.

The project also features a 2.5-acre nature center pond on the Arizona side for waterfowl that can use it as refuge from the river’s boats and personal watercraft.

The bridge has been sought for decades as a means to facilitate cross-river traffic, facilitate the flow of commerce and improve access for emergency vehicles.

The bridge structure consists of precast concrete girders on drilled shaft foundations. It is located 8 miles south of Laughlin’s only other bridge, which opened in 1987 and was paid for by Laughlin founder Don Laughlin. There is a third, privately maintained bridge 6 miles south of the new structure that connects Fort Mohave, Ariz., via Aztec Road with the land at the Avi Resort & Casino on the Nevada side. It is called Veterans Bridge.

Federal funding for this new bridge was first committed in the 1990s and construction began on the $60.6 million project in November 2021. Funding was provided by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada, $34.1 million; the federal government, $20.9 million; Bullhead City, $4.5 million; and Clark County, $1 million.

The project is being delivered through Clark County Public Works with cooperation through U. S. Federal Highway Administration, the Nevada Department of Transportation, Bullhead City, the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Bureau of Reclamation, the Fish and Wildlife Service, Arizona Game and Fish Department, Nevada Division of State Lands, Arizona State Land Department, Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, and Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Fisher Sand and Gravel, of Tempe, Ariz., is the primary contractor. Construction oversight was provided by WSP, 4LEAF Consulting, Aztech Materials Testing, Newfields Environmental, Ninyo & Moore, and VTN.

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KINGMAN – An arrest is reported after a Kingman woman alleged her ex-husband deliberately struck the bike she was riding Saturday afternoon, April 20. Mohave County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) deputies responded to the victim’s residence after being notified a vehicular assault had occurred in the area of Northfield Ave. and Tommie Dr.

“She advised that she had been struck by a vehicle,” said MCSO Public Information Officer Anita Mortensen. “The victim alleged that while riding her bike she heard a vehicle accelerating and saw a white SUV driven by her ex-husband.”

The woman reportedly claimed the vehicle clipped the rear wheel of her bicycle, sending her flying over the handlebars and onto the ground.

Mortensen said deputies observed injuries consistent with her account. She said a look at the collision scene and the vehicle provided additional corroborating evidence.

Mortensen said the subject in question, Michael Gadjoyan, 36, Kingman, provided inconsistent stories when interviewed about his involvement. She said he was arrested and booked into the Adult Detention Center for aggravated assault and endangerment.

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BULLHEAD CITY – Get ready for a day of golf, community spirit and support for the Mohave Community College Bighorns men’s and women’s soccer teams!

The Bighorns Athletics Booster Club is proud to host the Bighorn Scramble Calcutta/Golf Tournament at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club in Bullhead City. It brings together all levels of amateur golf enthusiasts and community members to raise funds in support of the first-ever college athletic teams in northwestern Arizona.

The event kicks off with the Bighorn Scramble Calcutta on May 3rd at 5:30 PM at the Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse in Bullhead City, located at 3663 Bullhead Pkwy. The golf tournament takes place the next day, May 4th, at Laughlin Ranch Golf Club, 1360 William Hardy Dr, with a shotgun start at 7:30 AM.

Gary Reynolds, Bighorn Athletics Booster Club Member and golf tournament organizer, expressed his excitement about the event. “We are thrilled to host the Bighorn Scramble and invite everyone to join us for a fun-filled weekend of golf and camaraderie,” said Reynolds. “Your support will make a meaningful impact on our Bighorns soccer teams and our community.”

The cost to participate is $125 per player, which includes range balls, hole-in-one prizes, cash prizes, and lunch.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with tee sponsor signs for $100 and Corner Kick Sponsorships for $500, which include a tee sponsor sign, logo/name on the corner kick banner, and 4 tickets to the Calcutta/Registration Party.

To register as a player or sponsor, and for more information about the event, please visit www.BighornScramble.com. For questions about the tournament, please contact Gary Reynolds at (928) 716-8182.

Current event sponsors include Los Matadores, Fairway Village Estates, Baron Services, Desert Palms Medical Associates Inc., TWN Communications, Callaway Financial Group, Laughlin Ranch Golf Club.

Don’t miss this chance to have fun, support local athletics, and be a part of history as we cheer on the MCC Bighorns in their inaugural season. Join us at the Bighorn Scramble and help make a difference!

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MOHAVE COUNTY – More than 800 vehicles carrying thousands of friends will be joining the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona on May 3, 4, and 5 for a weekend of adventure! Historic Route 66 Fun Run participants from across the globe will meet in Seligman to travel a 140-mile stretch of Route 66 with events planned in nearly every community along the way. The procession will conclude in Topock/Golden Shores with an awesome award ceremony to cap off the weekend. Saturday is the big event in downtown Kingman, with over 800 classic cars on display on Route 66 and Beale St., from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please visit www.66funrun.com for full event schedule.

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KINGMAN – The 46th Annual Kingman Festival of the Arts will be held at Metcalfe and Locomotive Parks on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

Local artisans will display their creations including paintings, ceramics, photography and jewelry. This year there will be  a Marketplace where you can shop for fun and exciting merchandise, gifts and decor. Also featuring food, beer, mimosas, and live music and entertainment provided by Leonard Interior, Casey Frank, AZ Blue Raz, KP Studio, AZ Blue Rayz, GoodHeart and BAHIRA/Hot Hips Belly Dancers. The festival is presented by Kingman Route 66 Rotary Club Foundation, with net proceeds going towards Rotary local and international service projects. For further information contact Tina Greenwood at 801-979-7123 or email her at rt66rotaryforms@gmail.com.

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PHOENIX, AZ – Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee announced the appointment of Mohave County Treasurer SueAnn Mello to the State Board of Investment. Treasurer SueAnn Mello has devoted her career to public service in her community. Prior to her election in 2023 as Mohave County Treasurer, SueAnn served as a staff member at the Mohave County Treasurer’s Office for over 16 years.

“I am proud to appoint Mohave County Treasurer SueAnn Mello to the Arizona Board of Investment. Treasurer Mello has shown an exemplary commitment to public service and her experience managing local public funds will bring an important voice to the Board,” said Arizona Treasurer Kimberly Yee. “Treasurer Mello understands the importance of rural Arizona needs and the responsible stewardship of Arizona taxpayer dollars.”

The State Board of Investment reviews all investment activities of the Arizona State Treasurer’s Office and board members serve as trustees for the Permanent Land Endowment Trust Fund. The Board of Investment is also responsible for the approval of the Treasury investment policy and provides oversight of the AZ529 Education Savings Plan. Treasurer SueAnn Mello will be replacing former Pima County Treasurer Beth Ford, who recently retired after honorably serving on the Board of Investment for 15 years.

“I am grateful to Treasurer Yee for entrusting me with the opportunity to serve on the Arizona State Board of Investment,” said Treasurer SueAnn Mello. “It is an honor to serve Arizona in this capacity and I look forward to contributing to the important decisions in advancing investment growth and prosperity to our state.”

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Dear Editor,

Mr. Dickson, I agree we should elect politicians that work for the people! Yes, Kingman and Mohave County in general is considered one of the most conservative counties in Arizona. You believe Capitalism isn’t regulated?  This current administration has nothing but overregulate since day one. You talk about wealth disparity. Let’s see I believe Congress, the Senate included, is supposed to regulate how taxes, fees, and fines are collected. I wonder why Congress hasn’t closed the loopholes in the tax code? How do some members of Congress leave millionaires after their term[s] are up? They must be content with the laws that are written. They benefit while we struggle. Why should the wealthy as a whole be punished for being successful? Of course, they take advantage of the loopholes to keep as much of their money as possible. You blame Capitalism for the high price of pharmaceutical drugs. There are solutions for this. Greed by individuals in big Pharma and other large corporations do not represent the whole. Eliminate the “Middleman” business model. Negotiate drug prices across state lines and our country’s borders. Our former President was working on this before the COVID 19 panic. Whoops! I forgot to mention the oil in the pipeline coming down from Canada was Alaskan oil being transported down to our refineries near the Gulf. Now President Biden is closing oil leases in Alaska putting more people out of work!  Electric vehicles are in the infancy stage. Hybrid vehicles have been proven reliable and save consumers a lot of money on fuel. This administration has bullied automobile manufactures to produce electric vehicles regardless of their cost, reliability, and driving range to achieve a radical environmental agenda. Until electric vehicles can self-charge like gas and hybrid vehicles, what’s the point? Mr. Dickson, the bi-partisan immigration bill was a watered-down solution accomplishing nothing to solve the problem of illegal immigration. Former president Trump’s “stay in Mexico” policy worked! Many immigrants file for asylum without any proof they are being tortured or harassed by their government. Mr. Dickson, doesn’t it bother you that young military age men are coming here not vetted from all over the world? What a slap in the face to all the immigrants that waited their turn and became United States citizens! You blame the Christian right. Being a Christian is not the problem! The problem is unchecked immigration is putting our citizens at risk! France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a celebration of independence from tyranny. Challenging the results of the 2020 election is not a crime! As far as all the indictments of former President Trump by known anti-Trump prosecutors would Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton fair any better if the tables were turned? Mr. Dickson, then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had a major influence on the Capitol Police’s decision not to request security help from National Guardsmen. All her to many years in the Speaker position carried a lot of weight! You say former Vice President Pence was doing his job certifying the Electoral College vote when he could have requested a national recount to put the people’s minds at ease once and for all. The Capitol Police weren’t the hero’s they portrayed themselves to be. Still no charges filed against the Capitol Policeman who shot an unarmed female protester! There are still protesters being held without due process of law! You say corporations and wealthy individuals should pay their fair share of taxes when they pay more even with the loopholes in the current tax law. Since our government decided to tax our income in the early years of the 20th Century it would have been more fair to have a flat tax so every working person pays the same rate and those who make more pay more, make less pay less. Former president Trump’s tax cuts have benefited everyone. People get to keep more of their hard earned money. The key thing is the government also must cut spending beyond its means! When one thinks about it citizens shouldn’t be taxed for working and producing. We pay enough taxes when we buy products, fuel, and property. Since our money valuation went off the gold standard our money is worth less and less. The reckless spending by the Biden administration is causing out of control inflation leading our country on a dangerous path!     

Jack Goyeneche

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