White Mountain Joint Information System

Springerville, AZ…All campgrounds on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests (ASNFs) are open for business this holiday weekend, along with Arizona State Parks previously thought to be closed due to Arizona State budget restraints.

The ASNFs’ target to reopen Hoyer Campground near Greer, AZ has arrived and will reopen Friday,

July 3.  A very popular site on the ASNFs, Hoyer has received some much needed upgrades. Amenities for the holiday weekend include vault toilets, showers and potable water.  The dump station will NOT be operational over the weekend due to a maintenance issue.  Accessible camp sites with accessible picnic tables/grills/parking, toilets and water hydrants are available. No reservations for the Hoyer campground will be needed and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The reservation system for other camp sites may be accessed at www.recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

U.S. Highway 273 to Big Lake having been closed for over two years will remain open, but will begin the second phase of road reconstruction from Sunrise to Crescent. Following the Fourth of July weekend, Big Lake recreation users are encouraged to begin taking an alternate route of U.S. Highway 261, known as the Mexican Hay Lake Road.  Beginning July 13 through October 31, thirty-minute delays are expected, which will be about the same amount time to take the detour.

Due to the forecast for rain there are currently no fire restrictions on the ASNFs this holiday weekend.  The Forest Service encourages campers to use existing fire rings when available, do not leave any fires unattended and to extinguished all campfires before leaving the area.  Campers are also encouraged to dial the “593″ for updates for “Red Flag” conditions.  The information line updates National Weather Service warnings, which prohibits fires of any kind.

For further information call the ASNFs Supervisor’s office at (928) 333-4301.

News Release

This Incident, located NNW of the town of Springerville is now 100% contained.  All remaining resources will be released at noon today, with the exception of one local engine which will patrol the area for the next few days.

Source: Arizona State Forestry Division

You’ve heard a lot in the past week or so about the so-called “swine flu,” and its impact on our community. There has been a lot of conflicting information out there. In cooperation with your child’s school district, I am sending this letter today to share with you the impact of this new flu virus on your children and their school, and to let you know what you can do to help.  more 

Spanish Version

“Because current data does not suggest that this strain of H1N1 is behaving any differently than seasonal flu, I am recommending schools in Maricopa County no longer dismiss classes due to a confirmed case.” said Dr. Bob England, director of Maricopa Department of Public Health.

News Release: http://593info.org/news-releases/maricopa-schools