On January 3, 2009, a Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputy stopped a silver Ford F-150 truck for a red light violation on Bradshaw Mountain Road and Highway 69. The deputy contacted the driver, 23-year-old Olin Beecher, from Peach Springs, regarding the violation. The truck contained a passenger, 22-year-old Daniel Powskey, who is also from Peach Springs. During his conversation with the driver, the deputy could detect the odor of alcohol inside the truck’s cab and observed a 6-pack of beer in plain sight on the floorboard. Both parties admitted to drinking.

Fire managers plan to burn accumulated slash piles on Wednesday, January 7 through Friday, January 16 weather conditions permitting.  These piles are located in the Spruce Mountain/Groom Creek area, Ponderosa Park area, and Senator Highway area.

Specific days to burn are determined by current and expected weather patterns.  Depending on conditions, any of the areas may be treated during the 8 day period; we will not be burning on weekends.  These piles will be monitored and allowed to completely burn themselves out.  Smoke may be visible for numerous days in the surrounding areas.

This project is part of an ongoing effort to improve forest health by reintroducing fire into the ecosystem, reducing hazardous fuels, and creating defensible space around residential and high use areas.

According to Janis Simpson, spokesperson for the Prescott Police Department, the Tri-City DUI Taskforce was out in force throughout the county New Year's Eve to enforce impaired driving laws. Approximately 141 vehicles were stopped during this taskforce activity, however; only 4 DUI arrests were made.

The average BAC for those arrested for DUI was .152, which is an extreme level. The Tri-City DUI Taskforce wants to remind drivers to make responsible driving choices throughout the year. Designate a driver, call a cab, call a friend, and don't drive impaired.

The Tri-City DUI Taskforce will continue enforcement efforts throughout the year.

The Prescott City Council will conduct a study session at 3 p.m. Tuesday, in City Hall chambers.

A series of infrastructure improvement items and consideration of a special election for the proposed road sales tax dominate the agenda.

Infrastructure related items include improvements to water lines, tanks and booster stations; the purchase of new water meters; and an addition to the city's water and sewer models.

Council will also continue on a special election in May for extension of the existing 1-percent city sales tax that currently goes toward road improvements and open space acquisitions. Without the extension, the sales tax would sunset in 2015.

Last month, council agreed to ask voters to extend the sales tax until 2040, with ballot details such as the amount of the tax and allowable uses for the revenue, pending.

At that time, the council directed a group of interested parties to meet again to consider details such as the amount of the tax and allowable uses for the revenue.

In order to put the issue before voters in May, council is required to call the special election by its voting session on Jan. 13.

To download an official copy of the agenda, click here

Free professional tax preparation can help you keep more money in your pocket this year.

As part of AARP's Tax-Aide program volunteer's will provide free tax preparation services in four locations in the Tri-cities area starting February 2nd, 2009. All counselors are IRS certified and available to help taxpayers of all ages, including teenagers.

There is need to be an AARP member to take advantage of this service.