Bob Hembree

Flagstaff

Reporter at Lake Powell Chronicle

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Articles

Alternatives considered for embattled ‘Streetscape’ design

Feb 27, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

The idea of uptown revitalization began years ago; it gained a sense of urgency when Navajo Generating Station closed. Forward-thinking community leaders and business owners knew something had to be done to keep Page alive. They knew the consequences of a small town losing a major industry, hundreds of jobs, and the tax base needed to support its infrastructure, public safety services and maintenance.
$6M water infrastructure bill passes first hurdle at AZ Senate

Feb 20, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Page’s state water infrastructure bill is back in play. Arizona Senate Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee Action voted 6-0 to push forward with Senate Bill 1520 (SB1520). Four Republicans and two Democrats worked and voted together to approve the $6 million bill sponsored by Senator Theresa Hatathlie [D] and cosponsored by Senator Catherine Miranda [D].
Vandals and loud campers prompt new laws for Page

Feb 20, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Feb. 14, Page City Council unanimously approved Ordinance No. 723-24. The new law adds camping regulations, establishes park hours and amends definitions and penalties. Camping on City PropertyCamping is prohibited in city parks and recreation areas and within 500 feet of AZ Highway 98 or 1000 feet of Antelope Valley Road except where specifically authorized by the city.
Page increases community activities for young and old

Feb 13, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

The City of Page is stepping up its game for community activities. City Manager Darren Coldwell chose Gregg Martinez to get the new programs off to a good start. Although Martinez’s business card title is economic development coordinator, he’s the city’s go-to for getting new programs off to a good start. Of the new hat for Martinez, Coldwell told the Chronicle, “Well, this is an additional title.
Vandals damage Page parks and playgrounds, reward offered

Feb 6, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Vandalism at Page’s parks and playgrounds goes largely unnoticed by residents, but the problem is there, it’s increasing, and taxpayers are paying for it. Recently, the City of Page invested over $550,000 in children’s playground equipment at John C. Page Park, referred to by residents as City Park. Vandals have defaced the new equipment repeatedly since the city celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony July 14, 2023.
High school students help clean up Red Mesa Trail

Jan 29, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Page High School students were looking for a community service project. They chose trail cleanup. The organizing students belonged to the school’s AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Club and, from experience, knew Page’s local trails needed their help.
Page police, firefighters excited about radio system upgrade

Jan 23, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

There were multiple budget items discussed at the May 16, 2023, City Council Special Agenda meeting. The golf course budget was adjusted to offset higher utilities costs. Funds were allocated for a splash pad, improvements to the animal shelter, an electronic display, an all-terrain vehicle and gate improvements for Horseshoe Bend. Page Public Library and Parks and Recreation each had a new employee added to their budgets. The Page Fire Department budget was adjusted to hire two new firefighters.
Page City Council signals shift in management powers

Jan 16, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Cost increases have peripheral consequences. If there was a theme for the Jan. 10 Page City Council meeting, it was checks and balances verses council micromanagement. Tom Geiger, retired from the National Park Service, is a member of Page Utility Enterprises Board. He was chosen to address the council on behalf of the board and PUE. Essentially, Geiger‘s presentation asked to remove unnecessary red tape so board and PUE could operate more efficiently.
Page Police miss the detox center

Jan 16, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Page is currently without a detox center, and it’s creating new challenges for police. The detox center was especially needed in extreme temperatures, but it had its limitations. “The police chief will acknowledge this,” former Encompass CEO Joe Wright said.
Prospects good for new residential treatment facility in Page

Jan 8, 2024 | lakepowellchronicle.com | Bob Hembree

Darren Coldwell began serving as Page City Manager on Nov. 12, 2019, the same month COVID-19 first appeared in China. His first summer in town, Page police reported four alcohol-related deaths, including a 50-year-old man found at John C. Page Park. In addition to addressing the pandemic chaos, Coldwell took steps to address a problem all too familiar to Page residents: public intoxication.