PHOENIX - The Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley seats about 5,100 spectators for sporting events. For seven months during the pandemic, though, it sat empty – except for the ghosts of dearly departed minor league teams.
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The Vancouver Canucks appear likely to move their farm team out of Utica next season.
Utica Comets president Robert Esche has registered “Utica Devils” as a trademark, so that’s our first clue. The New Jersey Devils have reportedly informed the folks in Binghamton, where their AHL team is currently located, that they will be moving out after this season.
“The Canucks and Comets have been in partnership since 2013-14 and continue to enjoy a great working relationship,” the Canucks said in a statement shared with Daily Hive. “While a formal decision on the future of the affiliation has not been reached, Vancouver and Utica will exercise due diligence and explore all options on the future of their partnership.”
• Feb 23, 2021
Rep. Deb Haaland Faces Confirmation Hearing
Congressional Rep. Deb Haaland is facing a confirmation hearing this morning to lead the nation s Department of the Interior. If confirmed, Haaland would be the first Indigenous person to gain a cabinet leadership position in American history.
Haaland is a Pueblo of Laguna tribal member and identifies as a 35th generation New Mexican. She previously worked as a tribal administrator and directed services for adults with disabilities.
As secretary, Haaland would oversee the Bureau of Indian Affairs along with waterways, wildlife, and other aspects of federal land. Haaland has expressed opposition to fracking and in 2016 traveled north to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. Some Republican lawmakers have indicated disapproval of Haaland’s nomination, arguing her platform would jeopardize American jobs.
Arizona Vaccine Administration Surpasses 500,000 Doses
More than half a million vaccine doses have been distributed so far statewide, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services. Arizona passed the milestone on Wednesday; officials report all 15 counties have officially moved into some form of the 1B vaccination phase. The most recent update shows Greenlee, Coconino, Pima and Santa Cruz counties exhibit the highest vaccination rates per 100,000 people.
The state has established multiple mass vaccination sites, including the Findlay Toyota Center in Prescott Valley and the soon-to-open Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Health officials say those who received vaccinations already at the Glendale State Farm Stadium are guaranteed a second appointment and can register online. Governor Doug Ducey on Tuesday passed an advisory in an effort to further accelerate the state’s vaccination process.
Snowfall Blankets Northern Arizona After Record Dryness
The region’s latest winter storm brought more than two feet of snow into parts of Coconino, Navajo, Gila and Yavapai counties. In its final report, the National Weather Service recorded up to 25 additional inches of snow in Williams, up to 28 in Payson, and up to 35 in Kachina Village south of Flagstaff. The abundant precipitation comes after Arizona recorded its driest monsoon season to date in 2020.
The NWS has predicted slick road conditions for northern Arizona into Wednesday morning. The state’s Department of Public Safety yesterday recommended avoiding travel after a tractor-trailer slid off I-40 in Flagstaff. Forecasters expect scattered rain and snow showers to return on Friday. Up-to-date road closures can be found at the Arizona Department of Transportation’s website and official Twitter.