ADOT Releases Snowplow Name Winners/Release Attached
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The Advent of Radio Broadcasting in Northern Arizona
The history of radio in Northern Arizona is a fascinating narrative of technological innovation and cultural development, highlighting how communication and entertainment evolved in this region. The first documented commercial radio station in Northern Arizona emerged in the early 20th century, setting a precedent for the region’s media landscape.
Early Beginnings
The initial foray into radio broadcasting in Arizona began with amateur radio activities. However, it wasn’t until 1921 that the state saw its first commercial radio station. In Phoenix, an amateur station partially operated by a young Barry Goldwater transitioned to a commercial license in 1922 under the call sign KFCB, later becoming KOY. This station, while not in Northern Arizona, set the stage for subsequent broadcasting developments throughout the state.
Northern Arizona's Radio Pioneer
The first radio station in Northern Arizona specifically dates back to 1948, when KNAU, now known as Arizona Public Radio, began broadcasting from Flagstaff. KNAU was initially established as a non-commercial educational station, focusing on serving the community with educational content, news, and cultural programming. This station was pivotal in bringing public radio to the region, fostering a connection between the university and the broader community.
Statistical Overview of Early Radio in Northern Arizona
Number of Stations: By the mid-20th century, Northern Arizona had only a handful of radio stations. KNAU was the first, but it wasn’t until later decades that more stations would join the airwaves.
Coverage: Initially, KNAU’s signal was limited to the immediate Flagstaff area, but expanded over time to reach much of Northern Arizona, providing a vital source of information and entertainment to more remote areas.
Programming: In its early days, KNAU focused significantly on educational content, reflecting its roots with Northern Arizona University. By the 1970s, the station had expanded its programming to include news, classical music, and community-oriented shows.
Impact and Evolution
The introduction of KNAU marked a significant milestone in Northern Arizona’s media history. It not only provided a platform for local voices, but also played a crucial role in emergency broadcasting, which was particularly important in an area prone to natural events like forest fires and snowstorms. The station’s commitment to public service has been a consistent theme, offering weather updates, emergency information, and community announcements.
Audience Growth: Over the years, the listenership of KNAU and subsequent stations in Northern Arizona has grown, paralleling the area’s population increase. From its inception, KNAU has seen a steady rise in audience, especially with the introduction of FM broadcasting, which provided clearer sound quality and broader coverage.
Technological Advances: The shift from AM to FM in the region allowed better sound quality and stereo broadcasting, significantly enhancing the listening experience and attracting a broader audience.
In conclusion the journey of radio in Northern Arizona began with KNAU in 1948, marking the start of an era where local voices could reach into the homes and lives of the community. This station’s establishment was not just about broadcasting music or news, it was about building community resilience, sharing cultural experiences, and providing education. As Northern Arizona continues to grow, the role of its radio stations remains vital, bridging distances with sound and information in a way that continues to resonate with the region’s diverse populace.
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ADOT Releases Snowplow Name Winners/Release Attached
March 19, 2025
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The votes have been tallied for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s third Name-A-Snowplow Contest and Arizonans have chosen six names. After counting more than 14,000 votes, the winning snowplow names are: CTRL + SALT + DELETE Blizzard of Oz Scoop Dog Darth Blader Plowasaurus Rex Sleetwood Mac These winners beat out nine other finalists in the Name-A-Snowplow Contest, and the names have been placed on the six of ADOT’s snowplows at maintenance yards in Arizona’s high country. “Darth Blader” and “CTRL + SALT + DELETE” are stationed at a maintenance yard in Flagstaff, and “Blizzard of Oz” and “Sleetwood Mac” are located just west of them in Williams. “Scoop Dog” will respond to winter weather in Payson along State Route 87 and State Route 260, and “Plowasaurus Rex” will patrol highways near Globe. This contest helps bring awareness to the important work that ADOT snowplow operators do to make highway travel safer when winter storms hit Arizona. ADOT has 200 snowplows and 400 operators who work around the clock to lay down deicer and clear highways of ice and snow when winter storms hit. For your safety and the safety of other drivers and snowplow operators, if you encounter snowplows on highways: Never attempt to pass a snowplow. Stay at least four car-lengths behind snowplows and equipment. Slow down and give the plow extra room. Find more winter driving safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow. About 2,100 names were submitted in the first phase of the contest in January. Those entries were whittled down to 15 finalists that the public voted on. Sixteen people entered variations of “CTRL + SALT + DELETE,” 11 people submitted “Sleetwood Mac,” and 11 people submitted the name “Blizzard of Oz.” The name “Scoop Dog” was submitted 46 times, “Darth Blader” was submitted five times, and “Plowasaurus Rex” was submitted four times. These six winners join our previous winners in the Name-A-Snowplow Contest: “Snowbi-Wan Kenobi,” “Fast and Flurryous,” “Scoopacabra,” “Alice Scooper,” “Snowguaro” and “Frost Responder.” ADOT’s snowplows are used year-round. Outside of the winter season, the plow blade is removed and the trucks are put to work on highway projects and in response to unplanned events.
CAFMA Community Smoke Alarm Walk a Success
March 19, 2025
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3/19 Central Arizona Fire and Medical Authority thank the volunteers that helped with last Saturday’s Community Smoke Alarm Walk.
Sedona City Council to hear from APS on Wildfire Preparedness
March 19, 2025
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3/19 The Sedona City Council will hold a special meeting next Wednesday at 3.
