Lewis Donaldson

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol has issued their 2025-26 budget proposal which passed the State legislature. In a memo sent to the State Legislature, the Mesa Highway Patrol requested a proposed expenditure of 150 million to upgrade facilities, hire more troopers and construct several new Mesa Highway Patrol training facilities.

Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson, said that the proposal was "necessary to continue providing exemplary service to the people of Mesa. He issued that without the funding, the MHP can't "upgrade training facilities to keep up with advancing threats to the people of Mesa." He continued to say that the agency in Fiscal Year 2024-25 spent over 88 million on patrol vehicles, facilities and hiring of troopers.

"It is essential that we receive adequate funding allocations so that we can address threats to the people of our states," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We know that threats and criminals are continuing to adapt and change, and we must meet those adaptations with equal force. We need 150 million to do just that. The people of the state deserve a law enforcement agency that can adapt to different challenges. My hope is that the State legislature will approve this budget proposal."

The Mesa State legislature is currently out of session in will reconvene in Mid February, around the 15th. It is highly anticipated that the legislature will vote to push through funding for the budget.

NEWS 28 - Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson said that the overdose of Alex Paul was a result of a suicide attempt, and cited that they still don't know where he got the drugs from that he used in the overdose. Commissioner Donaldson said that he is working with Roxwodd on their own investigation.

"We believe that Alex was looking to end his life, and text records back that up," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We requested access to his phone which his mother, Alexis Paul granted to investigators who uncovered that he had been planning to end his life in a text message that had been seen just 15 minutes before the welfare check was issued to campus police. We are thankful that he is alive, and we are working to give him and his family the resources necessary to get through this. I will say that the friend he sent his goodbye message too, was very concerned, and the messages reveal that he had tried to talk him out of it."

Roxwood College officials are issuing that regular drug screening and checkpoints will be set up throughout their campuses. The colleges board say they are thankful that Alex Paul survived and promised to crack down on the drugs being brought on campus while promoting healthy student mental health. It did not provide any additional comments on the incident.

No charges are expected to be filed and the Paul family said that he will be getting mental health counseling. Experts say that his father's death may have contributed to him trying to kill himself.

"It is very, very likely that the death of his father Kirk Paul in June, contributed to his overdose," said Psychologist Michelle Dulley. "If you look at images of him before and after his father's death, you see a drastically different 19 year old. But now, he needs healing and should attend counseling for his depression and to work through his father's death."

The 20 year old was placed into a medically induced coma upon arrival the Alden Critical Care Medical Center, and was woken up a little after 5:15 PM by doctors who say he is lucky to be alive. He is expected to return to Roxwood College Of Law And Justice.

"I am just grateful I didn't lose by baby boy," said Alexis Paul, Paul's mother. "He has been suffering through the loss of his father, and he had mentioned how depressing it was to not have his dad around. He took Kirk's death hard, and at 19, no one can blame him for it. I am just grateful that I will be able to hold my son again. He's going to get help through this difficult and dark period."

Officials at Roxwood say that they will not suspend Paul for having drugs on campus, but did say he will need to submit to regular room inspections for drugs. They said that they are also investigating where he was able to get the drugs used in the overdose.

ALDEN - The son of the Late Kirk Paul, Alex Paul, 20, was found unconscious and foaming at the mouth yesterday, and officials now say that his overdose was a suicide attempt. Investigators say they were able to obtain access to the phone by permission of his mother, Alexis. Text messages indicate that he was looking to end his life, and investigators looked at his social media profiles.

"We believe that Alex was looking to end his life, and text records back that up," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We requested access to his phone which his mother, Alexis Paul granted to investigators who uncovered that he had been planning to end his life in a text message that had been seen just 15 minutes before the welfare check was issued to campus police. We are thankful that he is alive, and we are working to give him and his family the resources necessary to get through this. I will say that the friend he sent his goodbye message too, was very concerned, and the messages reveal that he had tried to talk him out of it."

Roxwood College officials are issuing that regular drug screening and checkpoints will be set up throughout their campuses. The colleges board say they are thankful that Alex Paul survived and promised to crack down on the drugs being brought on campus while promoting healthy student mental health. It did not provide any additional comments on the incident.

No charges are expected to be filed and the Paul family said that he will be getting mental health counseling. Experts say that his father's death may have contributed to him trying to kill himself.

"It is very, very likely that the death of his father Kirk Paul in June, contributed to his overdose," said Psychologist Michelle Dulley. "If you look at images of him before and after his father's death, you see a drastically different 19 year old. But now, he needs healing and should attend counseling for his depression and to work through his father's death."

The 20 year old was placed into a medically induced coma upon arrival the Alden Critical Care Medical Center, and was woken up a little after 5:15 PM by doctors who say he is lucky to be alive. He is expected to return to Roxwood College Of Law And Justice.

"I am just grateful I didn't lose by baby boy," said Alexis Paul, Paul's mother. "He has been suffering through the loss of his father, and he had mentioned how depressing it was to not have his dad around. He took Kirk's death hard, and at 19, no one can blame him for it. I am just grateful that I will be able to hold my son again. He's going to get help through this difficult and dark period."

Officials at Roxwood say that they will not suspend Paul for having drugs on campus, but did say he will need to submit to regular room inspections for drugs. They said that they are also investigating where he was able to get the drugs used in the overdose.

NEWS 28 - Kirk Paul who served as the 19th Governor of Mesa from 2021 until 2023, has died at the age of 42, succumbing to the injuries he sustained during a targeted shooting at his private hotel room on Tuesday morning. Paul was rushed to hospital immediately, before being transferred to Nox City Medical Center, where died around 7:25 PM this evening.

The Paul family was seen with their protection detail walking out of the hospital, visually emotional following their final goodbyes after he passed. Alexis Paul gave an update to how her two kids were handling his death.

"They're doing the best they can with what they've just learned," said Paul. "Kirk was a guiding light for the kids, and now he is no longer here with us, its hard for them to understand that. Alex definitely understands the extent of his death, but Lisa doesn't which makes it 100 times more heartbreaking. We're all doing what we can do to support both of them."

Alexis, lost her eldest son Matt Paul back in October 2022 due to a drunk driver, and was still grieving her son before Kirk was shot. She is expected to retain her security team, courtesy of Governor Joshua Adamson.

"We are beyond saddened by his death and we look forward to the day he gets justice," said Alexis Paul. "He was a fighter, and I know he would be proud of what our family has done to support him during his final days of life. The outpouring of support during this time has been tremendous and I can't thank you all enough."

Kirk Paul had been placed on life support days before his death, but Alexis Paul said that she decided to take him off of life support "because it was what he would have wanted." Paul is entitled to a state funeral as he was a former Governor of Mesa, so it is heavily like that he will receive one. Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson already lowered flags to half staff in honor of the former Governor.

"There will be a lot of action going on from now until the day he is buried, so please give our family the space we need to grieve," continued Alexis. "This is hard for us and the decision I made today will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am going to miss Kirk so much. It's going to be hard."

The Mesa Highway Patrol and the Alden District Attorney are now upgrading the shooters charges to felony murder of a government official. They say that his death "changes the outlook of this case."

"We are beyond words, but we can say this, now that Kirk Paul has sadly passed away," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We will fully investigate this homicide investigation and ensure adequate justice is served for the Paul family."

ALDEN - Former Mesa Governor Kirk Paul has died at the age 42 after fighting for his life for 2 days. The former governor was shot on June 25, 2024 early in the morning at his private hotel room. The Governor died at little after 7:00 PM this evening.

"We are beyond saddened by his death and we look forward to the day he gets justice," said Alexis Paul. "He was a fighter, and I know he would be proud of what our family has done to support him during his final days of life. The outpouring of support during this time has been tremendous and I can't thank you all enough."

Kirk Paul had been placed on life support days before his death, but Alexis Paul said that she decided to take him off of life support "because it was what he would have wanted." Paul is entitled to a state funeral as he was a former Governor of Mesa, so it is heavily like that he will receive one. Mesa Governor Joshua Adamson already lowered flags to half staff in honor of the former Governor.

"There will be a lot of action going on from now until the day he is buried, so please give our family the space we need to grieve," continued Alexis. "This is hard for us and the decision I made today will stick with me for the rest of my life and I am going to miss Kirk so much. It's going to be hard."

The Mesa Highway Patrol and the Alden District Attorney are now upgrading the shooters charges to felony murder of a government official. They say that his death "changes the outlook of this case."

"We are beyond words, but we can say this, now that Kirk Paul has sadly passed away," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We will fully investigate this homicide investigation and ensure adequate justice is served for the Paul family."

NEWS 28 - The Mesa Highway Patrol, Mesa's official state law enforcement agency, has announced that it proposed a change to the color scheme of all of its 500,000 patrol vehicles, scattered across the State of Mesa. The proposed change was announced yesterday afternoon.

"The colors currently used by the Mesa Highway Patrol were first introduced back in 1980," said Mesa Representative Terry Longfellow. "It shows that the MHP has yet to modernize and adapt to the newer times, where image prevails at projecting an image of change and professionalism. It is a needed change and I hope it passes."

Governor Joshua Adamson's office will have the final say on whether the Mesa Highway Patrol's Brown and Whites get a repaint or if the bill will die on arrival to the Governor's office. It not very likely that Gov. Adamson won't sign it, but there is always a slim chance that he may veto it.

"I believe change is an important thing, and the Mesa Highway Patrol is no stranger to change," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are ready to modernize our agency, by changing the paint scheme of our patrol cars. We hope that those change will show our agencies willingness to adapt and change with the times, and ensure our agency flourishes into the future."

The state legislature is scheduled to discuss the proposal during next week's session. Other topics include the spending budget of the Mesa Highway Patrol, and other items related to the agency.

ALDEN - A proposal was introduced in the Mesa House of the People, to in part, change the color scheme and design of the Mesa Highway Patrol's vehicles, used daily by troopers of the agency. The proposal is listed under several other key bills aimed at directing Mesa into the future and to modernize it's standing within the State and its fleets of over 500,000 MHP vehicles scattered throughout the Terracotta State.

"The colors currently used by the Mesa Highway Patrol were first introduced back in 1980," said Mesa Representative Terry Longfellow. "It shows that the MHP has yet to modernize and adapt to the newer times, where image prevails at projecting an image of change and professionalism. It is a needed change and I hope it passes."

Governor Joshua Adamson's office will have the final say on whether the Mesa Highway Patrol's Brown and Whites get a repaint or if the bill will die on arrival to the Governor's office. It not very likely that Gov. Adamson won't sign it, but there is always a slim chance that he may veto it.

"I believe change is an important thing, and the Mesa Highway Patrol is no stranger to change," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are ready to modernize our agency, by changing the paint scheme of our patrol cars. We hope that those change will show our agencies willingness to adapt and change with the times, and ensure our agency flourishes into the future."

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol and Federal Investigators have revealed the name of the shooter who shot killed 5 people on May 1, 2024. They also say that he had a history of domestic and physical violence and was in and out of mental institutions.

"From what we have found, it appears that this shooting was a an volcano ready to erupt," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "He had been arrested 16 times for simple battery, 25 times for violently raging on family members, destruction of property and assault. He was also arrested 2 times for domestic assault. He was given a license to carry a firearm and the falls on the hands of the Weapons and Licensing Department of Mesa. There is no other way around it."

The State Attorney General Joshua Wallard says he will investigate the Mesa Department Of Weapons And Licensing and the Director Brett Crank for his role in issuing the shooter a weapons license, which is a very drawn out process and takes dozens and dozens of reviews. The AG did not respond to our request for comment.

The shooter, is identified as 42 year old Micheal McCallahan of Davenport, Mesa. He was killed after pointing his gun at Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers. The troopers who shot and killed the man are receiving praise from political leaders, police agencies around the State and residents of the state for their quick and effective reactions.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - Governor Joshua Adamson has ordered flags to fly at half mast until Wednesday in honor of the victims who tragically lost their lives in a shooting at an Alden Product Mart Store on Thursday. The flags are expected to raised at sunset on May 8, 2024.

The shooting occurred a little after 6:45 PM on May 1, 2024, the shooter was quickly identified by Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers and Alden Police Department Officers who moved quickly to eliminate the threat. The shooter, whose identity has yet to be released by the MHP, turned the gun on the police who responded by shooting and killing the suspect.

"Our troopers and the incredible officers of the Alden Police Department moved quickly to identify the threat, and address that threat as their training has prepared them for," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are continuing to work with the Alden Police Department and the Alden County Sheriff's Office and Federal investigators."

The families of the victims were all contacted by law enforcement and Product Mart Chief Executive Officer Ronald Chlabowy also sent out a letter of condolences through the Product Mart Corporate website.

State officials are also investigating the shooting as a domestic terrorist activity. They say that these shootings aren't a result of just random probability. They are deemed targeted attacks, even if the shooting was at random. The man has been identified by police, but they say they will not release the names of the deceased shooter pending the full results of the investigation.

JESSTOPIAN NEWS NETWORK - A gunman, 45, has been killed following a sickening attack on shoppers of a Downtown Alden Product Mart in Mesa. The shooting began a little after 6:22 PM, and concluded around 7:47 after Mesa Highway Patrol Troopers shot and killed the man shooting at them.

"Our troopers did the right thing and did an incredible job eliminating the threat," said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We are praying for the families of the victims as they cope with their great losses. We are continuing to work with Product Mart to obtain important video evidence and Product Mart has opened their CCTV footage to MHP, APD, and ACSO."

"The senseless tragedy, that unfolded today at an Alden Product Mart should not happen again, but we can not restrict gun owners," said Governor Joshua Adamson. "Due to the shooting that unfolded today, calls for heavier gun legislation is being echoed across the state, but we cannot do that. Our hearts hurt for the victims we lost today, and we will continue to support them in anyway we can."

The Mesa Highway Patrol says it took out the suspect a little after 7:45 PM this evening. According to police, the suspect turned the gun on police and was subsequently shot to death by police. The investigation into the store shooting is being conducted, and Product Mart staff and Corporate is fully cooperating with investigators.

"Our company is deeply saddened by the tragic events at store 698," said the company in a joint statement. "We are praying for the families of the victims of the shooting and will continue to cooperate with investigators. Our company is committed to providing the necessary resources to law enforcement and thank them for their quick actions and working with Product Mart associates to evacuate the store. The store in question will be closed until further notice."

ALDEN - Governor Joshua Adamson is responding to the first rainfall that has hit the state as it braces for 25 plus inches of rainwater. The governor moved headquarters temporarily to Washington County, Mesa, where he will direct the State's response to the flooding and storms set to hit the state for the next 4-5 months.

"We are activating our resources, including the Mesa Highway Patrol's Water Division and they will begin patrolling around Alden county on boats looking for looters, robbers, thieves and others brave enough to try to commit crimes in the area." said Governor Adamson. "This is serious folks and I mean real serious. MHP troopers and emergency response personnel are risking their lives for your safety, so any resident caught not out of the homes, will be either arrested or issued fines totaling J 20,000."

MHP Commissioner Lewis Donald says that he is directing troopers to arrest all violators of the orders. He says that the MHP water division is activating 52 boats, with Alden's troop only having 25 boats on hand, Washington County, delivering 27 additional boats last night.

"We are thankful to our Washington County, Troop G, for the support in ensuring that Troop F and parts of Troop C are getting coverage for the floods they are about to experience and we look forward to continuing to serve our flooded neighbors," said Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "We also remind Alden County residence that our troopers will arrest violators of Executive Order 0200118, which includes the evacuation order itself."

ALDEN - Governor Josh Adamson and the State of Mesa is preparing for a heavy rainfall, and flooding that will accompany the State's flood season. Governor Adamson is preparing the Mesa Highway Patrol's Water Division to activate over 25 boats, with more being sent in from other areas of the State.

"It is important that residents continue to follow the Governor's directions as flooding is expected to reach levels of 24-26 inches," said Mesa Highway Patrol Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. "Please folks, flood waters are dangerous, get out while you can because the Governor has already made in clear that emergency services will not be available during the flooding. Please make sure you are stocked up on food and fresh water."

Governor Adamson has continued to sign executive orders, and is continuing to provide guidance as the state prepares for the heavy rainfall and flooding.

"We are continuing to adapt, change and update our directions as those needs arise," said Governor Adamson. "We ask that residents continue to follow instructions from their local officials, who are getting constant updates from my office. It is important that residents take these instructions seriously, as flooding will reach 24 inches. It is also important that residents follow the instructions of law enforcement so that a quick and efficient evacuation can occur."

The State says it will continue to provide updates as more information is released to it. It also says that Residents should continue to check in at the Governor's Website and the official Mesa website for continued and hourly updates.

RUFUS - Normandy Actress Lalani Deutch has died at the age of 25, following a car accident. Deutch's car was traveling down I-820 when a vehicle from oncoming lanes, lost control and struck her vehicle crushing her under it.

Lalani was on her way to a movie announcement when the accident occurred. She is survived by her Husband Nicholas Deutch, Sons Nathan and Marcus, Mother Sara and Father Martin. No funeral arrangements have been announced by the family at this time.

"The driver who struck Mrs. Deutch will face felony murder charges," said MHP Commissioner Donaldson. "He was driving with a blood alcohol content of .016, two times the legal limit."

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol is currently investigating a stabbing that left a teen dead, and a community rocked.

According to the Mesa Highway Patrol, the victim had gotten into a verbal altercation with one of her roommates, who reportedly grabbed a knife from the kitchen, and viciously attacked the victim with it.

The Mesa Highway Patrol is holding the roommate for questioning and to allow a psychological evaluation to be conducted.

”This is a horrific scene, and the Alden Community is shocked by the victims death,” said MHP Commissioner Lewis Donaldson. “Our investigators are working diligently to ensure we have a solid case and the murderer goes away for a while.”

No further details have been released by the MHP as of yet, and the medical examiner’s office is expected to release its report by Monday.

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol has recently seized over 900K worth of Drugs and other Narcotics after a raid of a Ashburn Home. The Agency announced that it would begin issuing search and seizure orders. The agency over the last 2 months has seized over two tons of narcotics, which were seized from an Ashburn Home, in Ashburn, Mesa.

"Our troopers conducted a raid at 359 Roystein Blvd, Ashburn, Mesa. During the initial contact, troopers advised seeing cocaine in small packages, likely that would have been distributed across the state," said MHP Commissioner Donaldson. "The troopers than made contact with 18 other guys, all of whom are in MHP custody. These troopers did an incredible job seizing over 2 tons of coke and other narcotics from the home."

The Mesa Highway Patrol is seeking support from Governor Kirk Paul to continue the program, a program that Paul proposed. Paul has hinted at a potential extension to the program for another 4 years. No official word has confirmed this decision though.

The Program codenamed Operation Drug Free Streets was formulated by Paul last year, and had funded the program through 2024. The operation saw the apprehension of over 2,554 drug distributors, bosses and drug traffickers. That number is expected to grow substantially in the next year and is expected to project Paul to another term.

The Mesa Highway Patrol, has promised to continuing enforcing these programs as long as they are in effect. Kirk Paul has also publicly expressed support for the efforts of the State and local agencies that have complied with the governors directive.

No further details have been provided as for when an extension to the program will be announced or can be expected. Reports from the Governor's office have been ineffective in announcing that.

ALDEN - It is with a heavy that we announce the passing of Trooper Kirt Oslow, who managed to cling to life, but unfortunately, he ultimately died from his wounds. Trooper Oslow was only 2 years into the job when he was struck by suspect gunfire to the right lung and upper left temple.

Trooper Oslow, was the second trooper of that fateful traffic stop to die, and he will be honored as a hero of the State according to Governor Kirk Paul and Commissioner Lewis Donaldson.

"They died heroes, and nothing less will suffice," said Governor Paul. "These troopers put their lives on the line every single day to ensure, you, me, and our children are safe at school, home, sports practice, and other sporting events. It hurts my heart to think how two young men could lose their life because of a heartless, senseless felon. Absurd."

Commissioner Donaldson has requested that the two troopers receive a medal of valor for their devotion to the job, and the Governor's office responded positively.

"Absolutely. These troopers deserve our gratitude, not anger, and our hugs not threats. I will authorize the troopers to get the State's highest honor, the Medal Of Valor," said Paul. "We will ensure that they and all troopers before them are remembered for their dedicated service."

Our State thanks these troopers for their selfless service to our state and our local communities. O'Latter is now likely to face the death penalty.

NEWS 28 - Mesa Highway Patrol Trooper Ron Nickelson is being called a hero, not only by his colleagues, but by the Alden Police Department, Alden County Sheriff's Office, State Governor and Attorney Generals Office.

Trooper Nickelson, who of course, took the fatal shot that killed felon and hostage taker Ryan Kleymer, after he raised his AR-15 at troopers and a group of Alden PD Officers.

"We are thankful for the quick actions of Trooper Nickelson," said Commissioner Donaldson. "He saved a lot of lives taking that shot. He will be heavily supported throughout this upcoming trial."

Other agencies and departments that were at the scene have all concluded the same, especially the Alden Police Department, who had officers that could've been killed without Trooper Nickelson's quick actions.

"Our department owes a debt of gratitude to Trooper Nickelson. Not only did he save the hostage, but he saved well over 10 lives," said Alden PD Chief Matin Yager. "I believe that he will not only get off, he should be honored for his incredible decision making skills."

Alden County Sheriff Bert Abbot also extended his thanks to Trooper Nickelson for saving a few of his Deputies.

Governor Kirk Paul has also expressed how proud and grateful he was to have Trooper Nickelson on the Mesa Highway Patrol Team. He said that Trooper Nickelson will be honored for saving many people.

"It makes me proud that my Troopers have, day in and day out, successfully manage to keep the residents of our great state safe. Not only keeping us safe, but the quick thinking of Trooper Ron Nickelson of the Alden Division of the MHP," said Governor Paul. "It is troopers like him that exemplify what it means to be MHP Trooper. Our state is grateful for his dedication to service and the courage to keep us all safe."

The Alden Police Department has invited him to receive a medal of valor for his service and for keeping Alden Officers safe from Kleymer. He has accepted after approval from his supervisors, who were unopposed to him receiving the awards.

ALDEN - Early this morning, at around 1:30 AM, the Mesa Highway Patrol was called to the home of a domestic violence victim, after her ex-husband attempted to break into her home. The woman, whose identity is not being released, stated that her husband, Ryan Klaymer, had been involved in several drug rings during their 18 year marriage.

According to other members of her family, he was wanted on outstanding murder charges. The victim was too afraid to call on him, in fear he would retailiate against her. He arrived at her front door around 12:55 AM. Troopers and Alden Police are attempting to end an hour long standoff with police.

”No officers or troopers have been hurt this far, and we hope to end this peacefully,” said MHP Commissioner Donaldson. “He is facing several felonies, including violating felon in possession laws as well as kidnapping laws.”

The Mesa Highway Patrol, Alden Police and Alden County Sheriff’s Office are all seeking his surrender. The Alden Police called in its Special Weapons and Tactics team to aid in taking the suspect into custody.

ALDEN - The Mesa Highway Patrol is looking for a suspect who shot at two Mesa Highway Patrol troopers who were struck by the driver's bullets when they approached his vehicle. The driver, 55-year-old Kevin O'Latter, of Ashburn, is being sought for his role in the shooting.

"Our troopers are on a full effect Be On The Look Out(B.O.L.O). They are being advised to use extreme caution and request backup on traffic stops," said Commissioner Donaldson. "This man has no regard for human life, as displayed when he attempted to kill our troopers. Residents are being asked to use caution and not to give rides to unknown persons, or let any unknown individuals into their homes. They are also being asked to report any suspicious activity to any Police Department or Law Enforcement Official."

The Mesa Highway Patrol posted an alert on its website. Please use caution at all times and call 911 for any suspicious persons or behavior. Never engage a BOLO subject and stay inside a locked building. Stay away from windows and doors or access points.

NEWS 28 - The Mesa Highway Patrol is preparing for the funeral of former Mesa Governor Parker Heaton's funeral and procession. According to the MHP, they are going to begin preparing road blocks on major side streets that lead to Alden Avenue, the main stretch of road leading to the Governor's Mansion and the State capital.

"Troopers will be stationed at major access and side roads that lead to Alden Avenue," said Commissioner Donaldson. "We are going to release a map of roads that will be blocked, and areas to avoid. We do ask residents to be mindful of roads they are driving on."

The funeral procession is expected to begin at 2:00 PM, with Heaton's casket arriving at the Governor's Mansion by 1:30 PM. The burial will be done privately by the family, and high level security will be around the venue to ensure complete privacy of the family as they say their final goodbyes.

Governor Paul said that he will speak at the funeral, honoring his predecessor and paying his respects to the late Governor. Lt. Governor Adamson will not attend the funeral due to meetings scheduled during the funeral.

The Mesa Highway Patrol will be at the event as security, and Governor Kirk Paul has directed the Highway Patrol to provide security at the funeral. He also directed them to guard Heaton's body and to ensure no unauthorized access to the funeral is committed.