# The Williams Independent

> Local News for Williams, AZ


## Posts

- [RODEO ROAD REOPENED!](https://williamsindependent.com/rodeo-road-reopened/): Rodeo Road on the east end of town is open after being closed for several months due to construction work.
- [MONSOON UPDATE, HOW WET HAS IT BEEN?](https://williamsindependent.com/monsoon-data-how-wet-has-it-been/): With a little more that a month to go until the end of the official Monsoon Season, September 30th, the latest rainfall data shows a "wet" season overall.
- [HISTORIC CABOOSE ARRIVES IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/historic-caboose-arrives-in-williams/): A steel caboose built in 1934 for the Atchison,Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad has arrived in Williams.
- [3 KILLED ON THE 40 WEST OF WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/3-killed-on-the-40-west-of-williams/): Three people believed to be from Orange County, California were killed when their car veered off the westbound lanes of Interstate 40 and across the center median into eastbound traffic several miles west of Williams.
- [SPECTACULAR THUNDERSTORM DUMPS RAIN IN THE WILLIAMS AREA](https://williamsindependent.com/spectacular-thunderstorm-dumps-rain-in-the-williams-area/): A large thunderstorm dumped about an inch of rain on Williams and the surrounding areas overnight and provided spectacular lightning that lit up the night sky for several hours.
- [GRAND CANYON RAILWAY AND NATIONAL PARK TO REQUIRE MASKS, AGAIN!](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-railroad-and-national-park-to-require-masks-again/): The Grand Canyon Railway has notified employees and government officials that it will require all employees to wear masks while at work beginning Friday, July 1st.
- [2 SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS SNARL TRAFFIC ON THE 40 WEST OF TOWN](https://williamsindependent.com/2-serious-traffic-accidents-snarl-traffic-on-the-40-west-of-town/): Two serious accidents occurred in the rain on Interstate 40 west of Williams Sunday afternoon.
- [SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS PASS THROUGH OVERNIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/scattered-thunderstorms-pass-through-overnight/): Rain and hail hit areas of Northern Arizona Thursday afternoon and into the night.
- [PRIORITY AMBULANCE WINS APPROVAL TO SERVE PARTS OF NORTHERN ARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/priority-ambulance-wins-approval-to-serve-parts-of-northern-arizona/): The Arizona Department of Health Services has issued a Certificate of Necessity to Priority Ambulance which allows them to provide ambulance service to Yavapai County and parts of Coconino County, including the Williams area.
- [MONSOONAL ACTIVITY LIKELY THIS WEEK](https://williamsindependent.com/monsoon-activity-likely-this-week/): Arizona's monsoon season officially kicked off June 15th.
- [GAS NEARS $5 AT LOVES AND CIRCLE K](https://williamsindependent.com/gas-nears-5-at-loves-and-circle-k/): With U.S. gasoline and diesel prices hitting new record highs for the 10th day in a row, the last sub $5.00 gas in Williams is about to be a memory.
- [CANYON COASTER ADVENTURE PARK OPENS FRIDAY AT 9 AM](https://williamsindependent.com/canyon-coaster-adventure-park-opens-friday-at-9-am/): After persevering through months of Covid related delays and supply issues, the owners of the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park are opening the park for a soft launch Friday, April 8th at 9 am.
- [WILLIAMS MAYOR MOORE QUALIFIES FOR U.S. CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY RACE](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-mayor-moore-qualifies-for-u-s-congress-primary-race/): The Honorable John W.
- [COASTER PARK OPENING JUST DAYS AWAY](https://williamsindependent.com/coaster-park-opening-days-away/): The Canyon Coaster Adventure Park is expected to open in a matter of days.
- [SHED DEPOT OF ARIZONA OPENS IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/shed-depot-of-arizona-opens-in-williams/): Susan Frair, also known as "the Shed Gal", has opened a new shed business at 810 E Route 66 in Williams.
- [BIEGERT HEIRS PLAN NATURE PRESERVE AT GONZALES LAKE TO PREVENT DEVELOPMENT](https://williamsindependent.com/biegert-heirs-plan-nature-preserve-at-gonzales-lake-to-prevent-development/): In a stunning turn of events, the daughter of former Grand Canyon Railway owners Max and Thelma Biegert notified Williams Mayor John W.
- [4 CHAPLAINS DAY SERVICE HELD IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/4-chaplains-day-service-held-in-williams/): A ceremony was held at Monument Park in Williams Thursday to commemorate the 79th anniversary of the sinking of the US Army Transport ship Dorchester.
- [GRAND CANYON RAILWAY ANNOUNCES 2022 STEAM ENGINE SCHEDULE](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-railway-announces-2022-steam-engine-schedule/): The Grand Canyon Railway has announced 11 dates in 2022 when their vintage steam locomotives will pull trains the the Grand Canyon.
- [MORE SNOW ON THE WAY](https://williamsindependent.com/more-snow-on-the-way/): More snow is in the forecast for Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with significant snowfall expected Friday.
- [WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY FOR N. ARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/winter-weather-advisory-for-n-arizona/): Rain and snow are in the forecast for most of the week ahead.
- [WINTER STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR NORTHERN ARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/winter-storm-warning-issued-for-northern-arizona/): The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Northern Arizona, including the Williams area.
- [THREE TO EIGHT INCHES OF SNOW POSSIBLE TUESDAY NIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/three-to-eight-inches-of-snow-possible-tuesday-night/): The Flagstaff Office of the National Weather Service is warning of an approaching storm that could deliver up to 8 inches of snow in Northern Arizona.
- [VERY COLD WEATHER ALERT! ARE YOU PREPARED?](https://williamsindependent.com/very-cold-weather-alert-are-you-prepared/): According to the National Weather Service, temperatures in Northern Arizona are expected to dip in the single digits tonight and Saturday night.
- [STORM DROPS ABOUT AN INCH OF SNOW](https://williamsindependent.com/storm-drops-about-an-inch-of-snow/): The Williams area received about an inch of snow overnight, following a day of intermittent rain.
- [SNOW FALLING IN WILLIAMS AREA](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-falling-williams-area/): Light snowfall has begun in areas surrounding Williams.
- [IT'S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS](https://williamsindependent.com/its-beginning-to-look-a-lot-like-christmas/): It's definitely beginning to look a lot like Christmas around Williams. The foreign tourists are back, along with tourists from all over America.
- [SNOW? GET READY FOR A CHANCE MONDAY NIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-get-ready-for-a-chance-monday-night/): The National Weather Service has updated its forecast for the Williams and Flagstaff areas to include a 30% chance of snow showers on Monday night, decreasing into Tuesday.
- [TAD WYGAL CHOSEN TO BE NEXT WILLIAMS POLICE CHIEF](https://williamsindependent.com/tad-wygal-chosen-to-be-next-williams-police-chief/): Longtime Williams Police Sergeant Tad Wygal has been chosen to replace retiring Police Chief Herman Nixon.
- [POLAR EXPRESS RUNS FIRST TRAIN OF THE SEASON](https://williamsindependent.com/polar-express-runs-first-train-of-the-season/): A sold-out crowd boarded the first Polar Express train of the season Friday night. The sold-out train departed Williams at 5:30 P.M.
- [AMBULANCE SHORTAGE CREATES DANGEROUS SITUATION FRIDAY NIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/ambulance-shortage-creates-dangerous-situation-friday-night/): A lack of ambulances created a dangerous situation Friday night in Williams when 3 medical aid calls came in to 911 within minutes of each other shortly after 9 PM.
- [WILLIAMS PD CAPTURES DRIVER AFTER WILD PURSUIT](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-pd-captures-driver-after-wild-pursuit/): A man from Southern Arizona is in custody after a dangerous pursuit on city streets. The chase started shortly after 8 p.m. when a Williams P.D.
- [JEFF PETTIT DIES FROM COMPLICATIONS OF COVID 19](https://williamsindependent.com/jeff-pettit-dies-from-complications-of-covid-19/): The Williams Fire Department announced that long time Firefighter and Williams resident, Jeffrey Leon Lawrence Pettit, died after a brief battle with Covid 19.
- [The Assange Case Isn’t About National Security, It’s About Narrative](https://williamsindependent.com/the-assange-case-isnt-about-national-security-its-about-narrative/): As someone whose life’s work before his imprisonment was combing through documents of an often classified nature, he’d have been in a prime position to know.
- [CAR FIRE DAMAGES LOVE'S GAS ISLAND](https://williamsindependent.com/car-fire-damages-loves-gas-island/): A small van caught fire at the Love's Truck Stop on Grand Canyon Blvd near Interstate 40 while fueling around 3:30 am Thursday morning.
- [FEMALE TOURIST HIT BY TRAIN IN DOWNTOWN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/female-tourist-hit-by-train-in-downtown-williams/): A 41 year old woman visiting Williams from Illinois with her young children and 19 year old brother was hit and killed by an eastbound freight train as she crossed the tracks on Grand Canyon Boulevard around 3:40 p.m.
- [4TH OF JULY FIREWORKS CANCELLED](https://williamsindependent.com/4th-of-july-fireworks-cancelled/): Mayor John Moore, after consulting with the U.S Forest Service and local Fire Departments, has decided to cancel the Williams 4th of July fireworks show given the dry conditions and fires burning in the region.
- [COCONINO & KAIBAB FORESTS TO CLOSE WEDNESDAY AT 8 A.M.](https://williamsindependent.com/coconino-kaibab-forests-to-close-wednesday-at-8-a-m/): Due to fire danger, dry conditions, and persistent wildfire activity during a time when firefighting resources are sparse, the entirety of the Kaibab National Forest and the Coconino National Forest will close for public safety, beginning Wednesday (June 23) at 8 a.m.
- [WILLIAMS PIONEERS MAX & THELMA BIEGERT DIE WITHIN DAYS OF EACH OTHER](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-pioneers-max-thelma-biegert-die-with-days-of-each-other/): Williams pioneers Max and Thelma Biegert have passed away in Southern Arizona within days of each other.
- [COCONINO COUNTY ENTERS STAGE 1 FIRE RESTRICTIONS](https://williamsindependent.com/coconino-county-enters-stage-1-fire-restrictions/): The Coconino and Kaibab National Forests and unincorporated areas of Coconino County will enter Stage 1 campfire and smoking restrictions May 14 at 8 a.m.
- [NORTH COUNTRY HEALTHCARE OFFERING MAMMOGRAM SCREENINGS IN MAY](https://williamsindependent.com/north-country-healthcare-offering-mammogram-screenings-in-may/): Early detection saves lives!
- [CITY HIRES FIRE MARSHAL](https://williamsindependent.com/city-hires-fire-marshal/): The City of Williams has hired a new Fire Marshal for the Williams Fire Department.
- [2 DEAD IN PLANE CRASH NEAR WILLIAMS AIRPORT](https://williamsindependent.com/2-dead-in-plane-crash-near-williams-airport/): Coconino County Deputies located the wreckage of a plane reported missing after it departed Sedona for the Grand Canyon.
- [SAVE MEANT TO RESCUE YARD SALE THIS WEEK](https://williamsindependent.com/save-meant-to-rescue-yard-sale-this-week/): A community yard sale to benefit the non profit animal group, Ave Meant to Rescue is scheduled for Friday April 16th & Saturday April 17th.
- [Face masks now required in all National Parks and federal buildings](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-is-still-open-obviously/)
- [Development near Grand Canyon one step closer](https://williamsindependent.com/development-near-grand-canyon-one-step-closer/)
- [Grand Canyon outlines lethal removal of bison from North Rim](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-outlines-lethal-removal-of-bison-from-north-rim/): Skilled shooters will get the first opportunity next fall to help reduce the herd of bison roaming the far northern reaches of Grand Canyon National Park.
- [Arizona coronavirus cases grow slightly; total now at 12](https://williamsindependent.com/arizona-coronavirus-cases-grow-slightly-total-now-at-12/)
- [Serial Bank Robbery Suspect Arrested, Charged with Seven Arizona Bank Robberies](https://williamsindependent.com/serial-bank-robbery-suspect-arrested-charged-with-seven-arizona-bank-robberies/): PHOENIX, AZ—On Friday, August 28, 2020, the FBI’s Violent Crimes Task Force, with assistance from the Phoenix Police Department, arrested Scott David Williams, 59, without incident following a bank robbery.
- [Arizona’s western yellow-billed cuckoo to remain protected](https://williamsindependent.com/arizonas-western-yellow-billed-cuckoo-to-remain-protected/): Audubon experts are celebrating the U.S.
- [APS TO CONVERT RETIRED NAVAJO ELECTRIC PLANT TO NATURAL GAS](https://williamsindependent.com/aps-to-convert-retired-navajo-electric-plant-to-natural-gas/): Arizona Public Service (APS) has announced plans to repurpose two retired units at its Cholla Power Plant in Navajo County, Arizona, for natural gas-fired generation.
- [ROUTE 66 AUTHOR AND HISTORIAN DIES IN CRASH NEAR FLAGSTAFF DURING CARAVAN](https://williamsindependent.com/route-66-author-and-historian-dies-in-crash-near-flagstaff-during-caravan/): T. Lindsay Baker, a historian and author of 2 Route 66 related books, died Thursday morning in an accident on Interstate 40 near Flagstaff while participating in the Route 66 Centennial Caravan.
- [JURY FINDS FORMER WILLIAMS PD LIEUTENANT JOHN ROMERO NOT GUILTY](https://williamsindependent.com/jury-finds-former-williams-pd-lieutenant-john-romero-not-guilty/): A Coconino County jury has found a former Williams Police lieutenant not guilty of two aggravated assault charges after a short deliberation following a 2 day trial.
- [TRIAL OF FORMER WILLIAMS POLICE LIEUTENANT BEGINS TODAY](https://williamsindependent.com/trial-for-former-williams-police-lieutenant-begins-today/): The criminal assault trial of former Williams Police Lieutenant John Anthony Romero, 48 is set to begin today in Flagstaff.
- [WILLIAMS HISTORIC ROUTE 66 CAR SHOW PACKS TOWN](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-historic-route-66-car-show-packs-town/): Visitors from far and wide packed Williams this weekend during the 11th Annual Historic Route 66 Car Show hosted by the American Legion Cordova Post 13, and sponsored by the Grand Canyon Railway.
- [GRAND CANYON RAILWAY DEBUTS "AMERICA 250 LOCOMOTIVE"](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-railway-debuts-america-250-locomotive/): The Grand Canyon Railway and Hotels "America 250 Locomotive" took its first run to the Grand Canyon and back to Williams, Arizona Friday June 5.
- [OPINION- PROTECTING OUR MOUNTAIN: WILLIAMS NEEDS FASTER ACTION ON WILDFIRE PREVENTION](https://williamsindependent.com/protecting-our-mountain-williams-needs-faster-action-on-wildfire-prevention/): Over the years I have traveled to Williams, Arizona for personal and business reasons.
- [ARIZONANS FACE HIGHEST MEMORIAL DAY GAS PRICES EVER](https://williamsindependent.com/arizonans-face-highest-memorial-day-gas-prices-ever/): With oil prices currently just below $100 a barrel, Arizonans are facing Memorial Day weekend gasoline and diesel prices that are the highest ever recorded for the holiday weekend.
- [WILLIAMS VIKINGS CAPTURE FIRST STATE BASEBALL TITLE IN DRAMATIC FASHION!](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-vikings-capture-first-state-baseball-title-in-dramatic-fashion/): The Williams High School Vikings etched their names into Arizona High School baseball history Saturday, May 16, defeating Heber Mogollon 10-5 to claim the 1A state championship at Tempe Diablo Stadium.
- [RED FLAG ALERT ISSUED BY NATIONAL WETHER SERVICE FOR WEDNESDAY](https://williamsindependent.com/red-flag-alert-issued-by-national-wether-service-for-wednesday/): The Flagstaff office of the US National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Alert for parts of Northern Arizona, including Williams and the Grand Canyon due to the potential for high winds.
- [JET FUEL PRICES AND SHORTAGES COULD SPELL DISASTER FOR WILLIAMS TOURISM](https://williamsindependent.com/jet-fuel-prices-and-shortages-likely-to-lead-to-decreased-tourism/): With the head of the International Energy Agency recently declaring that Europe has "maybe six weeks or so of jet fuel left" many travel experts are predicting a serious slowdown in tourist travel to the United States.
- [JOHN MOORE FILES TO RUN FOR MAYOR OF WILLIAMS!](https://williamsindependent.com/john-moore-files-to-run-for-mayor-of-williams/): Former Williams Mayor John W. Moore filed the required paperwork to run for Mayor of the City of Williams late Monday afternoon.
- [FORMER WILLIAMS PD LIEUTENANTS CRIMINAL ASSAULT TRIAL SET FOR JUNE](https://williamsindependent.com/former-williams-pd-lieutenants-criminal-trial-set-for-june/): The criminal assault trial of former Williams Police Lieutenant John Romero has been set for the first week in June in Flagstaff.
- [HIGHWAY 64 MEETING LEAVES RESIDENTS FRUSTRATED](https://williamsindependent.com/highway-64-meeting-leaves-residents-frustrated/): An impromptu Sunday afternoon meeting to discuss safety on Highway 64 announced seemingly at the last minute by State Senator Wendy Rogers left many residents frustrated after it became obvious that ADOT planned little more than minimal upgrades to the highway.
- [DPS REPORT SHOWS FIRED WILLIAMS PD LT. MAY HAVE INTENDED TO ASSAULT THEFT SUSPECT](https://williamsindependent.com/dps-report-shows-fired-williams-pd-lt-may-have-intended-to-assault-theft-suspect/): A just released report from the Arizona Department of Public Safety reveals new details in the violent takedown of a handcuffed theft suspect by former Williams Police Lieutenant John Romero.
- [A WET, NOT WHITE CHRISTMAS IS FORECAST](https://williamsindependent.com/a-wet-not-white-christmas-is-forecast/): A large atmospheric river is forecast to impact the West Coast this week and then move into Northern Arizona just in time for Christmas.
- [GAS PRICES HIT 5 YEAR LOWS](https://williamsindependent.com/gas-prices-at-5-year-lows/): Gasoline prices have dropped to the lowest level seen in nearly 5 years having reached a national average price of $2.89 for a gallon of regular gasoline.
- [FIRED WILLIAMS POLICE LIEUTENANT CHARGED WITH 2 FELONIES FOR ACTIONS IN VIOLENT ARREST](https://williamsindependent.com/fired-williams-police-lieutenant-charged-with-2-felonies-in-violent-arrest/): Fired Williams Police Lieutenant John Romero has been indicted by a Grand Jury on 2 counts of Felony aggravated assault stemming from a violent arrest on October 20th, 2022 in which Romero allegedly slammed a handcuffed suspect to the ground causing serious injuries.
- [LOCAL SURVIVES GEAR UP LANDING AT WILLIAMS AIRPORT](https://williamsindependent.com/local-makes-gear-up-landing-at-williams-airport/): A single engine plane made a partial gear up landing at Williams H.A. Clark Airport this afternoon.
- [GAS PRICES NEAR LOWEST IN 4 YEARS AHEAD OF BUSY TRAVEL WEEKEND](https://williamsindependent.com/gas-prices-near-lowest-in-4-years-ahead-of-busy-travel-weekend/): Gas prices are near their lowest level in four years just ahead of the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel period.
- [1 KILLED, 2 INJURED IN INTERSTATE 40 ROLL OVER](https://williamsindependent.com/3-injured-in-interstate-40-roll-over/): At least one female adult was killed and two small children injured when the car they were riding in left the westbound roadway of Interstate 40 and rolled off the right side.
- [EXTREMELY DETAILED MOON PICS MADE FROM 81,000 IMAGES](https://williamsindependent.com/extremely-detailed-moon-pics-made-from-81000-images/): The most advanced pictures of the moon didn't come from NASA, they were taken and assembled from over 81,000 images taken over 4 days by Iraq-based photographer Darya Kawa Murza.
- [Walmart’s Thanksgiving Feast Hits Record Low Price](https://williamsindependent.com/walmarts-thanksgiving-feast-hits-record-low-price/): Walmart revealed on Tuesday that its Thanksgiving meal basket for 2025 will cost under $4 per person, the lowest price since the program began in 2022.
- [GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK UPDATE](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-national-park-update/): As of today, Oct. 1, Grand Canyon National Park remained open, despite the government shutdown.
- [HUNDREDS TURN OUT FOR CHARLIE KIRK VIGIL IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/hundreds-turn-out-for-charlie-kirk-vigil-in-williams/): A large crowd attended a vigil held in honor of Charlie Kirk Saturday night in downtown Williams.
- [WILLIAMS TO HOLD CANDLELIGHT VIGIL 8 PM SATURDAY](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-to-hold-candlelight-vigil-8-pm-saturday/): Former Williams Mayor, the most Honorable John W.
- [AMERICANS TO SEE $3,752 AVERAGE TAX CUT UNDER ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL](https://williamsindependent.com/americans-to-see-3752-average-tax-cut-under-one-big-beautiful-bill/): The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4, 2025, will deliver an average tax cut of $3,752 to American taxpayers in 2026, according to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation.
- [GATEWAY SANDWICH CO. MAKES YELP TOP 100 LIST!](https://williamsindependent.com/gateway-sandwich-co-makes-yelp-top-100-list/): The Gateway Sandwich Company on Route 66 in Williams has been added to the prestigious Yelp Top 100 Sandwich Shops in the United Staes list.
- [YES, THAT IS A 13 FOOT TALL STATUE OF JOHN MOORE ON ROUTE 66!](https://williamsindependent.com/yes-that-is-a-13-foot-tall-statue-of-john-moore-on-route-66/): In preparation for the Route 66 Centennial next year, Marshall Noriega decided he wanted to build an eye catching display at his business, Cars of the Mother Road on Route 66 at 4th Street in Williams.
- [CALIFORNIA GAS CRISIS HEADED FOR ARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/california-dysfunction-may-cause-arizona-gasoline-crisis/): A California Republican State Assemblyman is sounding the alarm after attending a closed door briefing that disclosed that Governor Newsome and the Democrat controlled state government have set the stage for a gasoline crisis that could lead to $10 to $12 a gallon gas prices, as well as gas rationing.
- [FORMER WILLIAMS PD LIEUTENANT'S CASE REFERRED TO OUTSIDE PROSECUTOR](https://williamsindependent.com/former-williams-pd-lieutenants-case-referred-to-outside-prosecutor/): A little more than a month after the Arizona Department of Public Safety completed an investigation into the actions of former Williams Police Lt.
- [WELL KNOWN WILLIAMS LOCAL KENNETH "COWBOY" HENRY PASSES AWAY AT 80](https://williamsindependent.com/well-known-williams-local-kenneth-cowboy-henry-passes-away-at-80/): The Henry and Fizzell family announced that Kenneth "Cowboy" Henry passed away on June 6, 2025 at home with his loving wife, Karen Henry, by his side.
- [MAN INJURED WHEN DRAG CAR EXPLODES AT ROUTE 66 CAR SHOW IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/man-injured-when-drag-car-explodes-at-route-66-car-show-in-williams/): A man in his 70s was injured when the motor in his drag car exploded as he tried to start the car sending metal shrapnel flying.
- [GRAND CANYON AIRPORT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER ON LIST OF MOST UNDER STAFFED](https://williamsindependent.com/grand-canyon-airport-air-traffic-control-tower-on-list-of-most-under-staffed/): The deadly midair collision of a military helicopter and an American Airlines passenger jet with 64 passengers on board near Reagan National Airport outside Washington, D.C.
- [MEMORIAL DAY GAS PRICES LOWEST IN OVER 20 YEARS](https://williamsindependent.com/memorial-day-gas-prices-lowest-in-over-20-years/): GasBuddy, the fuel savings platform, forecasts the national average price of gasoline to be $3.08 per gallon on Memorial Day.
- [POWER OUTAGE AFFECTS MORE THAN 1200 CUSTOMERS IN AND AROUND WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/power-outage-affects-more-than-1200-customers-around-williams/): High winds are believed to be the cause of a power outage in and around the City of Williams.
- [PRELIMINARY CAUSE OF HOTEL FIRE DETERMINED](https://williamsindependent.com/preliminary-cause-of-hotel-fire-determined/): A possible cause of the fire that the Williams Fire Department responded to in a guest room at the Econo Lodge at 750 N. Grand Canyon Blvd.
- [WILLIAMS HOTEL FIRE](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-hotel-fire/): The Williams Fire Department responded to a fire in a guest room at the Econo Lodge at 750 N. Grand Canyon Blvd. in Williams at 4:13 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.
- [DPS COMPLETES INVESTIGATION OF FORMER WILLIAMS POLICE LIEUTENANT](https://williamsindependent.com/dps-completes-investigation-of-former-williams-police-lieutenant/): The Arizona Department of Public Safety has finished their investigation into the actions of former Williams Police Lt.
- [APS WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN INCLUDES POWER SHUT OFFS](https://williamsindependent.com/aps-wildfire-mitigation-plan-includes-power-shut-offs-2/): Arizona Public Service (APS), the largest electricity provider in Arizona, briefed the Williams City Council April 24th on the utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
- [APS WILDFIRE MITIGATION PLAN INCLUDES POWER SHUT OFFS](https://williamsindependent.com/aps-wildfire-mitigation-plan-includes-power-shut-offs/): Arizona Public Service (APS), the largest electricity provider in Arizona, briefed the Williams City Council April 24th on the utilities Wildfire Mitigation Plan.
- [NOAA PREDICTS ABOVE NORMAL 2025 MONSOON SEASON](https://williamsindependent.com/noaa-predicts-above-normal-monsoon-season/): The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently issued its forecast for Arizona's monsoon season that runs from June 15th through September 30th.
- [RANCHER'S DOG SAVES TODDLER NEAR SELIGMAN](https://williamsindependent.com/ranchers-dog-saves-toddler-near-seligman/): A Seligman rancher's Anatolian Pyrenees dog is being called a hero after he found a 2 year old boy that had wandered away from his home and spent the night alone in the wilderness.
- [WILLIAMS POLICE LIEUTENANT FIRED FOR USE OF EXCESSIVE FORCE](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-police-lieutenant-fired-for-excessive-force/): Williams Police Department Lieutentant John Romero has been fired as the result an investigation into his actions in the arrest of a petty theft suspect that was caught on a police body camera.
- [2 KILLED IN INTERSTATE 40 PILE UP CRASH](https://williamsindependent.com/2-killed-in-interstate-40-pile-up-crash/): According the the Arizona Department of Public Safety, 2 people were killed and at least 16 injured in a pile up in snowy weather on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at approximately 3:27 p.m on westbound Interstate 40 near milepost 159.5 in Williams.
- [LUNAR ECLIPSE TO CREATE "BLOOD MOON"VISIBLE IN WILLIAMS THURSDAY NIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/lunar-eclipse-to-create-a-blood-moon-late-thursday-night/): Williams is well positioned to view a Blood Moon created by a total lunar eclipse late Thursday March 13, and into the early morning hours on Friday.
- [THE 5 DAYS NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE IS FREE THIS YEAR](https://williamsindependent.com/the-5-days-national-park-entrance-is-free/): The National Park Service offers free admission on certain days of the year to the more than 400 National Parks and other designated sites.
- [WILLIAMS POLICE LIEUTENANT PLACED ON LEAVE PENDING INVESTIGATION](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-pd-lieutenant-placed-on-leave-pending-investigation/): Williams Police Department Lieutentant John Romero has been placed on paid administrative leave while an investigation is conducted into his role in the arrest of a petty theft suspect that was caught on a police body camera.
- [DOGE LAYOFFS HIT NOAA AND WEATHER SERVICE](https://williamsindependent.com/doge-layoffs-hit-noaa-and-weather-service/): The Trump Administration announced a reduction of approximately 880 positions at the 13,000 employee National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration today, representing about 5% of the workforce.
- [SNOWSTORM ON THE WAY!](https://williamsindependent.com/snowstorm-on-the-way/): According to the National Weather Service, Northern Arizona is expected to see areas of rain and snow that will move across the region Thursday into Friday.
- [WHEN WILL WE LOSE THE LAST WWII VETERAN?](https://williamsindependent.com/when-will-we-lose-the-last-wwii-veteran/): Of the 16 million Americans that fought the Axis powers in World War II, less than 70,000 remain alive today according to the U.S.
- [WARMER WEATHER THIS WEEK](https://williamsindependent.com/warm-weather-this-week/): Temperatures are expected to be as much as 20 degrees above normal for this time of year.
- [JUDGE ORDERS CALIFORNIA TO ISSUE CONCEALED CARRY LICENSES TO OUT OF STATERS](https://williamsindependent.com/judge-orders-california-to-issue-concealed-carry-licenses-to-out-of-staters/): An order issued by U.S District Judge Sherilyn Garnett allows members of Gun Owners of America, the Second Amendment Foundation, California Rifle & Pistol Association and Gun Owners of California, Inc.
- [KAIBAB ESTATES WEST FIRE LEAVES FAMILY HOMELESS](https://williamsindependent.com/fire-destroys-kaibab-estates-west-home/): A pre dawn house fire destroyed a home on Pinto Drive in Kaibab Estates West. The fire was reported around 5 a.m.
- [WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY ISSUED](https://williamsindependent.com/winter-weather-advisory-issued/): The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of Norther Arizona, including Williams and the Grand Canyon.
- [WILLIAMS APPOINTS NEW POLICE CHIEF](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-appoints-new-police-chief/): The City of Williams has selected Gregory James to be the next Chief of Police, replacing current Chief Tad Wygal who is retiring after 28 years at Williams P.D.
- [WILLIAMS COULD BECOME AN AIR TAXI HUB](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-likely-to-become-air-taxi-hub/): China has just given approval for its first air taxi company to begin operations in China with fully autonomous commercial air taxis.
- [BLACKSTONE SELLS MOTEL 6 TO LARGE INDIAN HOTEL OPERATOR IN CASH DEAL](https://williamsindependent.com/blackstone-sells-motel-6-to-large-indian-hotel-operator-in-cash-deal/): America's iconic budget motel chain Motel 6 is being sold to Indian hotel operator Oyo in a deal with Blackstone the owner of Motel 6's parent company G6 Hospitality.
- [CITY PARTNERS WITH ARIZONA RANGERS](https://williamsindependent.com/city-partners-with-arizona-rangers/): The Williams Police Department announced new collaboration with the Arizona Rangers aimed at enhancing safety for residents and visitors in Williams while optimizing available resources.
- [GOP TAKES CONTROL OF THE HOUSE](https://williamsindependent.com/gop-takes-control-of-the-house/): Republicans are projected to take the majority in the House Representatives giving the GOP control of the House, the Senate and the White House.
- [TRUMP WINS DECISIVELY!](https://williamsindependent.com/trump-wins-decisively/): Donald J. Trump has won the race to be the next President of the United States, handily beating Kamela Harris.
- [ARE YOU REALLY PREPARED FOR WHAT IS NEXT?](https://williamsindependent.com/are-you-really-prepared/): Two wars, a hurricane, and a contentious election 5 days away.
- [SNOW POSSIBLE THIS WEEKEND!](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-possible-this-weekend/): The Flagstaff office of the National Weather Service has issued a forecast calling for the possibility of snow starting Thursday night through Sunday morning.
- [FULL MOON THURSDAY IS A SUPER MOON](https://williamsindependent.com/full-moon-thursday-is-a-super-moon/): The next full Moon will be on Thursday morning, Oct. 17, 2024, at 7:26 a.m. EDT. It will be the largest super moon of the year and may an orange color.
- [NEW WEAPON AIMS TO REDUCE POLICE SHOOTINGS BY 50%](https://williamsindependent.com/new-weapon-aims-to-reduce-police-shootings-by-50/): Axon Enterprises, the maker of Taser electronic stun guns and other less-than-lethal weapons, has introduced a significant upgrade to the current generation of law enforcement Taser.
- [NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE SAYS HOTTEST SUMMER ON RECORD IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/national-weather-service-says-hottest-summer-on-record-in-williams/): The Flagstaff office of the National Weather Service released data claiming to show many parts of Northern Arizona having the "hottest summer on record".
- [JUDY MOORE PASSED AWAY FRIDAY NIGHT AT HOME IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/judy-moore-passed-away-friday-night-at-home-in-williams/): Judith Moore, wife of former Williams Mayor John Moore passed away peacefully surrounded by family at her home in Williams late Friday night.
- [CANDIDATES FOR POLITICAL OFFICES ADDRESS VOTERS IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/candidates-for-political-offices-address-voters-in-williams/): Candidates vying for the offices of County Supervisor District 3, Williams Mayor, and Williams City Council appeared at a forum held at the Williams Middle School Thursday night.
- [4 TUNDRA WOLF PUP SIBLINGS A BIG HIT AT BEARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/4-tundra-wolf-pup-siblings-a-big-hit-at-bearizona/): 4 adorable Tundra Wolf pups are proving to be a huge hit with visitors to Bearizona in Williams.
- [BALLOON ACCIDENT IN WILLIAMS CAUSES INJURIES AND DAMAGE](https://williamsindependent.com/balloon-accident-in-williams-causes-injuries-and-damage/): A hot air balloon being filled to give tethered rides above Williams Saturday was sent aloft by a micro burst of wind that caused a mini tornado.
- [JULY 4th HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES AROUND WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/july-4th-holiday-activities-around-williams/): The July 4th holiday period is one of the busiest times of the year in Williams, and this year will be no different.
- [MONSOONAL RAIN POSSIBLE THIS WEEK](https://williamsindependent.com/monsoonal-rain-possible-this-week/): According to the U.S. National Weather Service in Flagstaff, Northern Arizona could see the first monsoonal rain later this week.
- [WILDLAND FIRE AT CAMP NAVAJO AT 100 ACRES AND SPREADING](https://williamsindependent.com/wildland-fire-at-camp-navajo-at-100-acres-and-spreading/): A wind driven fire has broken out at Camp Navajo Thursday afternoon.
- [JUDGE TOSSES MAEBE AND HASTINGS CITY COUNCIL BIDS](https://williamsindependent.com/judge-tosses-maebe-and-hastings-city-council-bids/): Coconino County Superior Court Judge Cathleen Brown Nichols disqualified Williams City Council candidates Larry "Michael" Hastings and Cameron Maebe due to issues with their petition signatures and/or paperwork.
- [Where To Eat](https://williamsindependent.com/where-to-eat/): 137 W Railroad Ave.
- [Business Directory](https://williamsindependent.com/business-directory/)
- [7 FILE FOR CITY COUNCIL SEATS, 2 FOR MAYOR](https://williamsindependent.com/7-file-for-city-councils-seats-2-for-mayor/): A total of 7 people have filed to run to fill the 3 Williams City Council seats with terms ending this year.
- [GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN AVERTED FOR 45 DAYS.](https://williamsindependent.com/government-shutdown-averted-for-45-days/): The United States Senate has voted 88-9 to pass the House's Continuing Resolution stopgap funding bill, which stripped out funds for Ukraine, and will keep the US government running for another 45 days.
- [WHAT A GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN MEANS FOR WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/what-a-government-shutdown-means-for-williams/): With little time left and no plan, Congress is very unlikely to avoid a shutdown of the government at 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Sunday, October 1st.
- [ROAD REPAIR BEGINS ON ROUTE 66 NEAR BEARIZONA](https://williamsindependent.com/road-repair-begins-on-route-66-near-bearizona/): Road paving crews have begun work to replace a portion of Route 66 on the east end of Williams near the entrance to Bearizona.
- [WILLIAMS POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS RESPOND TO TRAIN DERAILMENT IN GARLAND PRAIRIE](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-police-and-fire-departments-respond-to-train-derailment-in-garland-prairie/): The Williams Police and Fire Departments responded to a train derailment shortly after 11 p.m. Thursday night near the Garland Prairie railroad crossing.
- [SNOW AND BITTER COLD IN THE FORECAST](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-and-bitter-cold-in-the-forecast/): The first of two weather systems will arrive Sunday night into Monday bringing snowfall to higher elevations, including Williams and the Grand Canyon.
- [WARMER TEMPS EXPECTED TO CAUSE "BIG MELT" THIS WEEKEND](https://williamsindependent.com/warmer-temps-expected-to-cause-big-melt-this-weekend/): With daytime temperatures expected to reach highs in the low 50s this weekend in the Williams area, significant melting of the snow pack is likely.
- [CRITICAL MISSING CHILD IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/critical-missing-child-in-williams/): A 13 year old Williams resident has been missing since around 2 p.m. Thursday.
- [WESTERN SNOWPACK AT 40 YEAR HIGHS](https://williamsindependent.com/western-snowpack-at-40-year-highs/): The recently measured snowpack levels in the Sierras and the Upper Colorado River Basin are nearing 200% of their historical averages for this time of year.
- [BREAK IN SNOWFALL GIVES ROAD CREWS TIME TO PREPARE FOR MORNING TRAVEL](https://williamsindependent.com/break-in-snowfall-gives-road-crews-time-to-prepare-for-morning-travel/): While much needed break in the snow falling has given ADOT, Coconino County, and the City of Williams crews time to prepare the roads for morning travelers, travel remains difficult and dangerous in most areas and driving is not recommended unless absolutely necessary.
- [WILLIAMS FIRE HELPS RESCUE 2 CHILDREN FROM INTERSTATE 40 CRASH](https://williamsindependent.com/williams-fire-helps-rescue-2-children-in-interstate-40-crash/): Multiple crashes during heavy snowfall brought traffic on westbound Interstate 40 to a standstill late Sunday afternoon west of Williams.
- [SNOW AND RAIN THIS WEEK INTO NEXT](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-and-rain-this-week-into-next/): A massive flow of moist air over the Pacific moving eastward is expected to drop significant rain and snow over Northern Arizona starting Tuesday night.
- [BITTER COLD EXPECTED TONIGHT!](https://williamsindependent.com/bitter-cold-expected-tonight/): While the last few days haven't exactly been a tropical picnic, tonight is expected to bring even colder temperatures across northern Arizona.
- [SNOW POSSIBLE STARTING SUNDAY NIGHT](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-possible-starting-sunday-night/): The National Weather Service is forecasting the possibility of 8 to 12 inches of snow in the Williams area starting Sunday night through late Monday night or early Tuesday morning.
- [FIRE DESTROYS HOUSE JUST WEST OF WILLIAMS CITY LIMITS](https://williamsindependent.com/fire-destroys-house-on-west-end-of-williams/): A wind driven fire destroyed a single family home Sunday afternoon in the Whispering Pines subdivision at the west end of the William just outside the city limits.
- [DELAYED AMBULANCE RESPONSE MAY HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO LOCAL MANS DEATH](https://williamsindependent.com/delayed-ambulance-response-may-have-contributed-to-williams-mans-death/): Ambulance response times are again under fire after a Williams resident dies while waiting for a Lifeline ambulance after 911 was called for help.
- [WHERE TO DINE OUT ON THANKSGIVING](https://williamsindependent.com/where-to-dine-out-on-thanksgiving/): Continuing its long tradition of welcoming Thanksgiving diners, Miss Kitty's will again be serving turkey with ham dinners from noon until closing this Thursday.
- [LATEST ELECTION RESULTS POINT TO A HOBBS WIN FOR GOVERNOR](https://williamsindependent.com/latest-election-results-point-to-a-hobbs-win-for-governor/): The latest vote count release Monday evening shows Kari Lake trailing Katie Hobbs by 20,481 votes in the race to be the next Governor of Arizona.
- [COASTER PARK SNOW MAKING CREATES DANGEROUS SITUATION ON ROUTE 66](https://williamsindependent.com/coaster-park-snow-making-creates-dangerous-situation-on-route-66/): The law of unintended consequences was in full effect today as the snow making machines used by the Canyon Coaster Adventure Park to create snow for its tubing hill overshot their mark and created ice on Route 66 in front of the park.
- [SNOW LIKELY IN WILLIAMS AREA THURSDAY](https://williamsindependent.com/snow-likely-in-williams-area-thursday/): The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisory is in effect for November 2-5.
- [DOWNTOWN CRASH LEADS TO HIT & RUN DUI ARREST](https://williamsindependent.com/downtown-crash-leads-to-hit-run-dui-arrest/): A suspected hit & run drunk driving suspect is in the custody of Williams Police after he allegedly struck a large truck and pushed it onto the sidewalk in front of the Grand Canyon Hotel on Route 66 in downtown Williams.
- [FLU SEASON OFF TO AN EARLY START IN WILLIAMS](https://williamsindependent.com/flu-season-off-to-an-early-start-in-williams/): Residents in and around Williams are reporting catching an Influenza virus in the last 2 weeks.
- [DEMOCRAT KATIE HOBBS REFUSES TO FACE VOTERS AGAIN](https://williamsindependent.com/democrat-katie-hobbs-refuses-to-face-voters-again/): Arizona Democrat candidate for Governor Katie Hobbs failed to show up at a town hall event hosted by Spanish-language media Wednesday.
- [TORNADO CAUSES DAMAGE IN JUNIPINE ESTATES](https://williamsindependent.com/tornado-causes-damage-in-junipine-estates/): According to the National Weather Service, a tornado deemed to be an EF-1 on the National Weather Service Enhanced Fujita Scale with three-second wind gust estimates up to 100 mph struck north of Williams, Arizona in the Junipine Estates Subdivision.

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