At a recent Winslow City Council meeting, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office’s (NCSO) Major Crimes Apprehension Team (MCAT) presented their findings, which included a significant increase in the seizure of dangerous drugs from the previous year.
“MCAT made 228 physical arrests in 2022, these are not speeding arrests or anything like that. These arrests are long-term felony investigations into major crimes that result in an arrest,” said Chief Deputy Brian Swanty.
In 2021, MCAT seized 832.2 pounds of methamphetamine and 622,046 fentanyl pills, while in 2022, they seized 471.2 pounds of meth and 2.2 million fentanyl pills. Although there was a decrease in methamphetamine seizures, there was a significant increase in fentanyl pills. The MCAT team collaborates with local and non-local law enforcement agencies and participates in long-term investigations to apprehend criminals.
A successful joint operation in May of last year, involving MCAT detectives, NCSO K9s, NCSO Patrol, Show Low Police Department, Snowflake-Taylor Police Department, and the Phoenix Drug Enforcement Bureau, led to the seizure of 11 ounces of methamphetamine, 4,946 suspected fentanyl pills, 15 felony arrests, two firearms, and the execution of three residential warrants.
Marijuana apprehensions by MCAT went down dramatically between the years 2021 and 2022, which stems partly because of the legalization of the drug in Arizona at the end of 2020. A major reason in favor of the legalization is it would decrease the revenue streams for drug cartels in Arizona and Mexico. However, as Swanty explained, “when the push for legalization happened, the cartels plowed over their marijuana fields and planted poppy to make heroin. As well as began to ship fentanyl from China where it is made into pills in Mexico and brought here through our southern border.”
The council also heard a presentation from the Winslow High School Honor Society about a project that they would like city assistance in completing. The project would involve installing a volleyball court between the city’s indoor pool and its skate park on Loy Englehardt Way. The high school’s honor students, Kai Tafoya, Clementine Richey and Ashley Hughes put together an in-depth analysis of the project, including getting quotes from McCauley Construction for the sand and finding specific pricing for all other equipment required.
“When I first saw this presentation in our packet, I literally thought it was put together by the city’s public works department!” said Mayor Birdie Cano to the high schoolers.
City Manager David Coolidge, who the Honor Society had previously met with to discuss the plan, informed the students that the city does have plans for the space but not for the next five to eight years. The city is willing to allow for the project as long as they are willing to give up the space when the city needs it in a few years.
After the presentation, the council asked how much of the $8,880 that the project is estimated to cost would the Honor Society like for the city to pitch in. Michelle Jones, the Honor Society sponsor, told the council that they are currently fundraising where 100% of the proceeds will go towards the project, and they will know much more about their needs from the city when the fundraising has concluded.
Winslow Public Works Director, Tim Westover, addressed the city council on the topic of “No Mow May,” an initiative aimed at promoting the health and preservation of bee populations by not mowing lawns during the month of May. Westover identified ideal locations for the city to participate, such as the large grassy areas near the community garden and the city’s 9/11 memorial. This would give a great habitat for the bees right next to the community garden that would be filled with plants early in the growing cycle during the spring month.
Westover explained that he is unsure of this being a thing the city encourages for their citizens because in cities that have encouraged No Mow May, they have had to deal with weeds arising because oftentimes citizens do not mow their lawns at the end of the month and end up doing more harm than good. Westover emphasized the importance of the campaign as a public information effort to preserve bees, creating a more inviting habitat for these crucial pollinators, which play a vital role in crop development. This is particularly significant for areas like Winslow, which is located in a food desert.
Westover acknowledged the potential risks associated with No Mow May, such as an increase in weed growth and propagation. However, he expressed hope that the initiative would serve as an opportunity to educate the public about the harmful effects of certain pesticides on bee populations. Additionally, the program could be used to inform community members about best practices for pesticide use, such as spraying at night when bees are less active, to minimize their impact on these vital insects.
In other business, the council:
* Approved an agreement between the city and Winslow Little League, Inc. for their 2023 season for use of city-owned baseball fields and a $5,000 donation for equipment costs for the program.
* Approved Resolution No. 1913 authorizing the renewal of the City of Winslow’s membership in the Rural Arizona Group Health Trust.
* Approved the purchasing of a lot in the 500 block of West 2nd Street for $2,000, with no immediate plans for development.
