Public invited to meeting on AZ K-12 Math & ELA Standards

Standards Development Committee Seeks Public Input on Math/English Language Arts Standards

Parker— The State Board of Education’s Standards Development Committee will be holding a public input meeting on Arizona’s Mathematics and English Language Arts Standards in Parker, Arizona, on November 10, 2015.

In March 2015, Governor Ducey tasked the State Board of Education with reviewing Arizona’s Math and English Language Arts Standards in order to ensure that the standards are vetted, approved and controlled by Arizona, and that they are the best for Arizona’s students.

In April 2015, the State Board of Education established the Arizona Academic Standards Development Committee to oversee the development of Arizona Mathematics Standards and Arizona English Language Arts Standards.

As part of the standards review process, county superintendents across the state will be hosting public meetings to allow for feedback to the Standards Development Committee on the current academic standards.

For more information on Arizona’s K-12 Mathematics and English Language Arts Standards, please visit: https://k12standards.az.gov/

To submit feedback online, please visit: https://k12standards.az.gov/comment-standards

WHAT: Public Meeting on Arizona’s K-12 Math and ELA Standards

WHEN: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

WHERE: Parker High School Library, 1608 Laguna Ave., Parker, AZ

New Quartzsite-opoly Game Party planned for Oct. 24th

Kym Scott (L) & Joanne Winer (R)

by Joanne Winer

     The new Quartzsite-opoly game, which is a custom version of Monopoly that highlights our home town just arrived in Quartzsite. To kick off the brand new game there will be a special Game playing event held at the Quartzsite Community Center at the end of Chandler Street on October 24th. Doors will open at 2:30 pm, so come and get your seat early.  Admission is only $10 per person. All funds raised will benefit the Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce. Players will also get a raffle ticket and at 6 p.m. games will be given away to winning tickets. You will also be able to purchase the games at the event for $25.

     This game was the idea of Kym Scott of Tyson Wells Enterprises, who has long been a supporter of many organizations in town to help them raise funds to keep going. He wanted to help the Quartzsite Business Chamber by creating something that could be sold retail or wholesale, and loved the idea of this game. He got all the advertising raised, designed and created all the game pieces and cards, and even the game board and cover ideas came from him. What a tremendous job!!  We saw the prototype, and it was fantastic!!  Some of the game pieces include a saguaro, a miner, a camel, an ATV and other items specific to this area. 

     The Monopoly Game has been around since the first mass-produced games were made in 1934 in America by Parker Brothers, The games that were manufactured and put together in England were made at the Waddington facility, a place that had perfected the technique of printing on silk. During the 2nd World War, the British government approached the Waddington facility and asked them to create a way to hide silk maps and tools that could be put into the games going through “charities” to the POW camps and the allied prisoners of war. Every special game in the shipment had a secret mark on the box that was sent with a load of games for the prisoners--the Nazis figured letting them have games would keep them happy and they wouldn’t create problems from the boredom.

     Each specially marked game would have a playing board that was twice as thick as the others, with secret compartments cut into them to hold a compass, metal files, coded messages, local currency and a silk map (so it wouldn’t make a noise when opened) All they had to do was peel off the coating on the board, and underneath was their help for escape--and over 35,000 allied POWs used this game to make their way out of the POW camp and back home again!! I had never heard of this until recently, but it sure makes the game a little more interesting. After they took out their maps and tools, they destroyed the games so no one would know about this very secret effort. It is not known if any of these special games were ever known by others or if any are still around--probably not.  

    That piece of history is well known on the Internet and TV, and just makes you want to play even more. Be sure to come out to the Community Center on October 24 and see this great new game and take a chance on winning one during the raffle, which will be held at 6 p.m.  You may also buy the games at this event for $25. each. The Quartzsite Business Chamber will be selling them at the office at 101 W. Main Street. Advertisers and other businesses can buy the games at wholesale to resell, too.

   Refreshments will be provided at the Game Night. It is hoped to get lots of people to come and play with it and see what it is all about. Hope to see you there! For more information, please call the Quartzsite Business Chamber at 928-927-9321. 

   And, thanks again, Kym Scott, for all your support!

APS urges all customers to be aware of possible fraud

CONSUMER ALERT:

NEW SCAM HAS SMALL BUSINESS CUSTOMERS 

CALLING FAKE CALL CENTER

APS urges all customers to be aware of possible fraud

PHOENIX – Several small businesses in the Phoenix metro area have been called by individuals falsely representing themselves as APS employees. The potential victims are instructed to call a toll-free number to pay their electric bill under threat of having service disconnected within the hour.

The false number goes to a phone system that acts and sounds like the actual APS call center. Customers are asked to select a number for the service they require, including reporting an outage. After selecting the option to pay your bill, an individual picks up the phone and says, “This is Wendy (or another name), thanks for calling APS. How can I help you?”

If a potential fraud victim begins to question the fake APS employee, the response is rude, followed by a disconnection of the call.  

APS security, local law enforcement and the FBI are currently working together to apprehend those responsible.  

To help customers from becoming a victim of consumer scams, including the most recent attempts, APS provides the following suggestions:

• The only valid numbers to the customer call center are listed on customer bills
• If there is ever a question about the validity of an email, website or person claiming to be an APS representative, call the APS Customer Care Center immediately at 602-371-7171 in order to verify this information.
• Recognize the signs of a phishing email: mismatched fonts, missing hyperlinks, improper grammar and misspellings.
• Never share credit card information with an unverified source. Customers who pay by credit card at aps.com will be directed to the KUBRA EZ-Pay website which asks the customer to enter a “captcha” validation code. Any other credit card payment site is fraudulent and should not be used (A “captcha” typically uses a set of letters and numbers that the user is required to manually retype and submit).

APS, Arizona’s largest and longest-serving electricity utility, serves nearly 1.2 million customers in 11 of the state’s 15 counties. With headquarters in Phoenix, APS is the principal subsidiary of Pinnacle West Capital Corp. (NYSE: PNW).

Quartzsite Police participate in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day 2015

The Quartzsite Police Department will be participating in the 

federal D.E.A.’s “National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day” on 

Saturday, September 26th from 10:00AM – 2:00PM. 

Please bring in all of your unwanted and expired prescription medications for proper disposal. Personal information will not be gathered and you will remain anonymous. Please remove all pills from prescription containers and put into plastic baggies. For safety reasons, needles, liquids and powders should remain in their original containers. 

Proper disposal of prescription medications at the Quartzsite Police Department ensures that these medications do not get flushed into and contaminate the water systems or sit in a landfill. Most importantly, it helps keep children, teens, and adults from accessing them and unlawfully abusing them. 

As a reminder, the Quartzsite Police Department has been awarded a Prescription Drug Drop Box from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office located inside the Police Department’s front door. To use the Prescription Drug Drop Box, just read and follow the simple instructions written on the outside of the drop box. Once finished, pull the green handle and drop your unwanted prescription medications into the Prescription Drug Drop Box. 

Anybody can access and use the Prescription Drug Drop Box during normal business hours Monday thru Friday. Any questions, please call us at the QPD main phone number (928)927-4644. 

Quartzsite Visitor Guide now online!

Quartzsite, AZ - The new 2015-2016 Quartzsite Visitor Directory & Business Directory debuted at League of Arizona Cities & Towns Conference in Tucson. For the first time, over 30 cities, towns and chambers were given copies of the Guides during the conference to take back into their communities. Plus Council Member Carol Kelley distributed many as she traveled from town to town afterwards. The new Guides are now available at Town Hall for distribution. 

Publisher Shanana Rain BearCat, of Desert Messenger, took on this year’s publication after the previous publisher opted out of the project. BearCat stated, “I’m excited to provide a fresh new look for the guide. In the past only 20,000 copies were printed. This year, 50,000 copies were printed and we added 16 more pages.” 

With additional pages, there is more information Quartzsite visitors are seeking. The Business Directory is now in two sections; by categories and by name to make it easier for customers to find a local business. The Quartzsite Map was redesigned with Show Locations and Town Park Points of Interest. Readers will lean about the History of Hi Jolly Cemetery, the new Arizona Peace Trail and Sites to See in and around Quartzsite. 

BearCat continued, “It was a pleasure working with Town Manager Skylor Miller and his Staff on this project. It could not have happened without them!” 

The Digital Edition of 2015-2016 Quartzsite Visitor Guide is now available online at 

http://www.epageflip.net/t/174782-quartzsite-visitors-guide. 

To arrange for pick up, call Janet at Town Hall, 928-927-4333.  

Quartzsite Town Hall is located at 465 N. Plymouth Ave. Quartzsite.

Update on Mittry Lake Fire NE of Yuma

Mittry Lake Fire

UPDATE TUESDAY, AUG. 18 9 AM

RESOURCES:  There are currently 1 engine, 1 Fire Boat, 2 water tenders, one dozer, and overhead personnel totaling approximately 30 people.

CURRENT STATUS:  The Mittry Lake Fire has burned on both sides of Mittry Lake Road.  Today firefighters will work on hot spots along Mittry Lake Road and will work to rehab to the jetties that were burned.

CLOSURES:  Mittry Lake Road continues to be closed starting at the Betty’s Kitchen turn-off and opening up again on the east side of the Boat Ramp.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: MONDAY, AUG. 17 4 PM

CONTAINMENT:  80% contained.

CLOSURES:  Mittry Lake Road continues to be closed starting at the Betty’s Kitchen turn-off and opening up again on the east side of the Boat Ramp.

CURRENT STATUS:  The Mittry Lake Fire has burned on both sides of Mittry Lake Road.  Today firefighters were able to complete a line around the 18-acre spot fire across the Lake on the northwest corner of the fire.  Containment lines around the perimeter of the fire held even with the gusting winds throughout the day.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

UPDATE: MONDAY, AUG. 17 8AM:

FIRE NAMED:  Mittry Lake Fire

  

LOCATION:  The fire is located near the Mittry Lake Boat Ramp approximately 8 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona.

TIME REPORTED:  August 16, 2015, at approximately 4 a.m.

ACRES BURNED:  Approximately 60 acres 

RESOURCES:  There are currently 1 engine, 2 Type II crews, 2 Fire Boats, 2 water tenders, one dozer, and overhead personnel totaling approximately 60 people.

LAND STATUS:  Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

VEGETATION:  Salt cedar, arrowweed, and mesquite

RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES THREATENED:  No structures threatened at this time. Agencies supporting the fire include Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Proving Ground, Rural Metro, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Buckskin Fire Department, and the Arizona State Forestry Department. 

CONTAINMENT:  40% contained.

CAUSE:  Human caused, under investigation

CLOSURES:  Mittry Lake Road is closed at Betty’s Kitchen.

CURRENT STATUS:  The Mittry Lake Fire has burned on both sides of Mittry Lake Road.  Today firefighters will focus on holding the containment lines and checking for any hot spots within the fire perimeter.

Firefighter and public safety continue to be top priorities for this fire.  The public is advised to stay away from the area until the fire in completely contained.  

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A fire northeast of Yuma broke out early Sunday morning 

The following is an update from BLM released Sunday afternoon:

Mittry Lake Fire

FIRE NAMED:  Mittry Lake Fire 

Mittry Lake Wildlife Area is located in the southwestern corner of Arizona on the lower Colorado River about 18 miles northeast of Yuma.

  

LOCATION:  The fire is located near the Mittry Lake Boat Ramp approximately 8 miles northeast of Yuma, Arizona.

TIME REPORTED:  August 16, 2015, at approximately 4 a.m.

ACRES BURNED:  Approximately 40 - 60 acres 

RESOURCES:  There are currently 2 engines, 1 Type II crew, 2 Fire Boats, and overhead personnel totaling approximately 40 people.  A Type II crew, a dozer, and a front end loader have been ordered.

LAND STATUS:  Bureau of Land Management (BLM)

VEGETATION:  Salt cedar, arrowweed, and mesquite

RESOURCES AND STRUCTURES THREATENED:  No structures threatened at this time. Agencies supporting the fire include Bureau of Land Management, Yuma Proving Ground, Rural Metro, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Arizona State Forestry Department. 

CONTAINMENT:  10% contained.

CAUSE:  Human caused, under investigation

CLOSURES:  Mittry Lake Road is closed at Betty’s Kitchen.

CURRENT STATUS:  The Mittry Lake Fire is currently burning on both sides of Mittry Lake Road.  Firefighters are working on the ground and also on the water to help contain the fire.

Firefighter and public safety continue to be top priorities for this fire.  The public is advised to stay away from the area until the fire in completely contained.  

Desert Messenger publication schedule for 2015-16

Quartzsite, AZ -

Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper released the publication schedule for the upcoming season. Now it our 12th year, Desert Messenger News is your source for news, events & entertainment in the Quartzsite area.

The Messenger is published the first & third Wednesday of the month from September through May, with special monthly editions in June, July, and August.

For advertising rates and more details, visit www.DesertMessenger.com

Be sure to visit the new www.QuartzsiteCalendar.com for a full calendar of events!

Sex offenders alert in Quartzsite, AZ

COMMUNITY NOTIFICATION

LEVEL 3 SEX OFFENDER ALERT

The Quartzsite Police Dept. issued two Level 3 Sex offender alerts last week pursuant to ARS 13-3825, the Community Notification of Sex Offender Law.

The offenders have indicated that they will be living in Quartzsite. Notification must be made when certain sex offenders are released from the Arizona State Prison, accepted under an Interstate Compact or released from the county jail back into the community.

The individual has been convicted of a sex offense which allows for community notification. He is not wanted by the Quartzsite Police Dept at this time. This notification is not intended to increase fear; rather it is our belief that an informed community is a safer community. Citizen abuse of this information to threaten, intimidate, or harass sex offenders will not be tolerated.

The Quartzsite Police Dept. may be reached at 928-927-4644. If you have information regarding current criminal activity on this or any other offender, please call 928-927-4644, 311 Non-Emergency, OR Call 911.

Phoenix Motorists traveling I-10 to CA should expect delays east of Quartzsite

Phoenix motorists traveling to California should plan ahead, expect possible delays

ADOT to start Interstate 10 pavement work east of Quartzsite today

PHOENIX – Motorists traveling to and from California along Interstate 10 need to plan ahead and allow extra travel time as the Arizona Department of Transportation starts a pavement improvement project in La Paz County east of Quartzsite, beginning on Monday, July 6.

Approximately 90 miles west of downtown Phoenix, crews will remove and replace pavement on the westbound and eastbound lanes along an 11-mile segment of I-10 (mileposts 41-52).

The work is scheduled to take place weekdays during daylight hours between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m. During work hours, I-10 will be narrowed to one lane in both directions.

The speed limit will be reduced to 55 mph through the work zone. Drivers are advised to plan for delays of up to 15 minutes.

No work is scheduled on weekends or holidays. The $8.1 million improvement project is scheduled to be completed by this fall.

ADOT works to inform the public about planned highway restrictions, but there is a possibility that unscheduled closures or restrictions may occur. Weather can also affect a project schedule. To stay up to date with the latest highway conditions around the state, visit the ADOT Traveler Information Center at az511.govor call 511.

Quartzsite Red, White & Kaboom! Family event & Fireworks planned for Friday, July 3rd

Quartzsite, AZ -
Red, White & Kaboom!!!

Family Fun & Fireworks is being planned for Friday, July 3rd at the Town Park Pavilion.

Once again the community will be gathering to celebrate Independence Day. Our celebration this year will be on Friday July 3, 2015.

Quartzsite Transit newly named The Camel Express (by popular vote) will be providing transportation to the activities. Please call Town Hall at 928-927-4333 prior to July 3^rd to make reservations for transportation.

Fireworks will start shortly after 9:00 pm.

Activities will start at 5:00 pm and include a water slide for the kids, rock stacking contest, dunk tank, corn hole games, frozen T-shirt contest, hot dogs, corn on the cob, free watermelon & more!

All community groups are welcome to set up a tent or displays sharing their information and events.

Call Quartzsite Town Hall for more details: 928-927-4333.

Quartzsite Stabbing suspect arrested in Sacramento

Quartzsite, AZ - Roy Lee Barnhart, also known as "Waterboy Roy" was arrested in Sacramento, California in connection with the May 31st stabbing of one male and female victims in Quartzsite, Arizona.

In a press release issued today, Chief Ernie Renfro of the Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) proudly announces through good police work and the assistance of the Sacramento (CA) Police Department SWAT team, Barnhart was arrested today, June 5th, 2015, for the extraditable Felony arrest warrant in the City of Sacramento, California. Barnhart will receive an extradition hearing and eventually returned to La Paz County jail in Parker Arizona.

QPD Detectives Mike Lancaster and Hilario Tanakeyowma filed the below mentioned complaint/charges with the assistance of the La Paz County Attorney’s Office Deputy County Attorney Kellen Marlow and obtained a signed felony warrant from Judge T.W. Carnevale located at Justice Court #4 for two felony counts of Aggravated Assault with a Weapon/Dangerous Instrument and two felony counts of Disorderly Conduct with a Weapon/Dangerous Instrument. There may be additional charges to follow.

The stabbing took place on Sunday, May 31, 2015, when, around 8:00 AM, QPD was called to the scene of a fight where a male and female were stabbed by another older male suspect later identified as Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: Waterboy Roy at the Cactus Patch Mobile Park located in Quartzsite, Arizona.

A male victim was bleeding with a deep single stab wound to the lower back area. A female victim received minor cuts from the suspect’s knife. The Quartzsite Fire Department was dispatched to the scene where the male stabbing victim was airlifted to the West Valley Hospital in Phoenix with a serious stabbing injury.  The male victim has since been released from the West Valley Hospital and is recovering from his injuries.

Witnesses observed the fight between the two individuals, whereas the witnesses identified Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: "Waterboy Roy" as the person who stabbed the male and female victims and fled from the scene. Chief Renfro assigned Detective Hilario Tanakeyowma to conduct a follow-up interview with the victim at the West Valley Hospital in Phoenix and obtain his medical condition. QPD worked late into the night attempting to locate the stabbing suspect Barnhart,

Chief Renfro would like to thank the community members in advance for your assistance in the capture of Roy Lee Barnhart AKA: "Waterboy Roy."

The Quartzsite PD is dedicated to working hard to protect our citizens and visitors.
Ernie Renfro
Chief of Police Town of Quartzsite
Office: (928) 927-4644
erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Quartzsite Summer Program Calendar thru July 9th released

Quartzsite, AZ - Town of Quartzsite hosts their annual Summer Program for youth at the Community Center. This year is jam-packed with events for every day! Each day has a theme planned with lots of brand new experiences planned for the children. Children will participate in Yoga & Tai Chi, Rock Painting, Quartzsite Police Tape Maze Race, Quartzsite Fire Dept. Demonstrations, Mexican Folk Dancing, Native American Gourd Painting, Army Boot Camp Obstacle Race, Wacky Science Experiences, Nature Scavenger Hunts, Water Fun and so much more!

Quartzsite First Assembly of God Church provides the youngsters with a meal each day. Staff and volunteers have worked countless hours to provide an education and fun summer program for the youth. The 6-week Summer Program started Monday, June 1st and runs through July 9th. For more information, visit ci.quartzsite.az.us. Or call Quartzsite Town Hall at 928-927-4333.

Federal Judge dismisses Jennifer Jones' Quartzsite Free-Speech case

By Shanana Rain BearCat
Publisher, Desert Messenger
Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper

2:12-CV-01383 JAT Jones v. Town of Quartzsite et al

Jennifer Jones 

Quartzsite, AZ - Jennifer Jones, a local dog groomer, political activist, and former state candidate, lost her infamous Civil Rights case against the Town of Quartzsite in U.S. District Court Phoenix Division Tuesday, May 26th, 2015. (Jones was also publisher of a Quartzsite tabloid, but January was her last edition.)

In his ruling, U.S. District Senior Judge James A. Teilborg wrote, "this Court is dismissing this case with prejudice for failure to prosecute pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b,) He continued stating, "judgment for Defendants on all counts. Plaintiff to take nothing, and the complaint and action are dismissed with prejudice." (meaning Jones is barred from bringing an action on the same claim.)

Jones had filed no less than 6 cases against the Town in Federal Court. This case was originally filed on June 27, 2012 by Jones herself. Since then, two attorneys requested to be withdrawn from representing Jones in separate filings, so Jones represented herself Tuesday. In September, 2014 the Court dismissed all complaints but First Amendment Freedom of Speech complaint. In one of her earlier complaints, Jones claimed that Quartzsite Town Council and Police Department had harassed her with warrant-less searches in an attempt to discourage her political activities. A court tossed that 2010 case a year later, a similar lawsuit filed in 2012 fell apart for failure to prosecute. As recently as March 30th this year, U.S. District Judge Diane J. Hemetawa ruled in favor of the Town of Quartzsite, against Jones for failure to prosecute.

These cases are related, in one way or another, to a Town Council meeting on June 28th, 2011 when Jones was ejected and arrested (later dismissed) during a public comment period. The video of the arrest soon went viral.

According to the Court, Jones had called the Court's chambers Friday, May 22nd, indicating that she intended to file a motion to continue the trial scheduled for Tuesday, May 26th, the next business day. The court notified Jones that the trial will begin Tuesday as scheduled and if a motion was filed, the Court would not rule on it before Tuesday. The court also Ordered Jones to appear for the hearing. Judge  Teilborg stated that Jones must be prepared to proceed to trial  in the event the Court denies the motion. "If plaintiff fails to appear or if the Court denies the motion to continue and Plaintiff is not prepared to proceed to trial at that time, her case will be dismissed for failure to prosecute pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 41(b)."

After much publicity, Jones finally had her day in court, but filed two Emergency motions before the 9 am hearing Tuesday morning. The subpoenaed Jury Pool was assembled next door; the attorney for the Town, Larry Jay Crown of Titus Brueckner & Levine PC, was in attendance along with witnesses for the Town: former Quartzsite Town Manager Alexandra Taft, Former Quartzsite Chief of Police Jeffrey Gilbert and former Quartzsite Police Detective Richard Patterson. Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster was in attendance supporting Jones.

Judge Teilborg denied Jones' first motion which asked the court to deny a previous motion allowing witnesses to testify via telephone.

Jones then pleaded her case for an extension. She explained that many of her witnesses were in public service and "it would be impossible for them to testify without a subpoena." Jones said there was no "physical way" to serve her witnesses all over the state of Arizona in a timely manner. She also explained she was learning very quickly, but did not expect to have to represent herself in this case.

Jones complained about not having a vehicle and having to drive multiple times to Phoenix. Jones complained about the long distance drive to Phoenix from Quartzsite. She also stated it was not possible for her to travel without making prior arrangements for her show dogs to be cared for. Jones said she made "every effort possible" to find a location in Phoenix for her dogs. Jones also reached out to people through social media, but "could not find anyone willing to accommodate the dogs with electricity."

She said she had problems with her email; admitting to not reading an important notice from the Court.

"Given I only had 21 days to spontaneously have 15 witnesses to prepare questions for, to locate if I could, to get subpoenas issued for, to get subpoenas served for...Nowhere in my logical mind did it occur to me that the May 26th date was being carried over," said Jones. She said she thought they were "back to the point of proposing dates."

Judge Teilborg mentioned Jones' lengthy document seeking an extension, calling it a masterpiece with citations and rulings a lawyer might prepare. He asked Jones how long she worked on it. Jones replied, "Every waking moment from the 12th [of May] until last night until about 10 pm." Judge Teilborg suggested the amount of time spent on the document could have been used to get subpoenas out and preparing her witnesses.

Jones said she didn't think the judge would actually approve her most recent attorney's request to withdraw from the case. "Never in a million years did I dream that you would grant that order" and not be allowed time to seek additional counsel. She stated she even went to the Arizona Governor's Inaugural and asked former Governor Jan Brewer's son if he would take a look at the case, but she didn't hear back from him.

Jones admitted fault in that she "did misunderstand the plain reading of what was in front of me. I'm throwing myself on the mercy of the court" and was not ready to proceed at this point.


After a 25 minute recess, the Court reconvened. Judge Teilborg denied Jones' motion for an extension. He said, "to move the case forward would invite the same litany of failures and excuses from the Plaintiff."

The Judge stated, "Plaintiff's claim that she was unaware of the trial date simply is not credible."

He said, "Plaintiff CHOSE to file in Federal Court in Phoenix."

Regarding the jurors, Judge Teilborg said, "some may have come from regions even further than Quartzsite!"

The Judge also stated Jones did not seek more time to find counsel after her 2nd attorney asked for withdrawal. Earlier this month, the clerk of the court sent an email to Jones with full instructions to prepare for trial date of May 26th.

Judge Teilborg stated Jones "disregarded Court's orders." He also stated, "The court has bent over backwards to accommodate the plaintiff's needs."

When Senior Judge James A Teilborg of U.S. District Court DISTRICT OF ARIZONA (Phoenix Division) asked if Jennifer Jones was ready to move forward 

with the hearing, Jones replied, 

"No, your honor, I'm prepared to go home and take care of my dogs." 

CASE DISMISSED.

Quartzsite Police arrest suspect in 3-year-old case

Quartzsite, AZ - Quartzsite Police arrested Daniel Thomas for 1st Degree Homicide and Arson of an Occupied Structure on the 3-year-old Linda Thomas Case. Here is the full Press Release issued this afternoon. 

"May 19, 2015
On Tuesday, May 19, 2015, at approximately 6:35 AM, Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) arrested Thomas Daniel for 1st Degree Homicide and Arson of an Occupied Structure on the identified victim Linda Garrett. The date of the offenses occurred on August 23, 2012. Thomas Daniel was charged and booked into the La Paz County Jail for the above mentioned charges.

On August 23, 2012, in the evening hours, victim Linda Garrett’s deceased body was found with multiple stable wounds and partially burned inside her mobile home located at 855 E. Rogers Road, space #21 in Quartzsite, Arizona. The late Linda Garrett was a long time resident of Quartzsite and liked by many. QPD case officers Mike Lancaster and Hilario Tanakeyowma received DNA from the Arizona Department of Public Safety Crime Lab matching Thomas Daniel taken from the deceased body of Linda Garrett.

On this date, QPD served search warrants for vehicles and the residence located at 410 S. Riggles road, space #WH2 in Quartzsite, Arizona. QPD is currently investigating and attempting to identify additional suspect(s) in this case. At this time, QPD will submit all evidence for forensic examination in support of the all charges. We are asking for assistance from anybody who has legitimate information on the death of Linda Garrett by contacting QPD Officers Lancaster and Tanakeyowma at the below listed phone number. The QPD continues to vigorously investigate all leads of the case surrounding the murder of Linda Garrett.

Chief Renfro would like to thank the community members for their patience with this investigation and the assistance from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, La Paz County Attorney’s Office and the Arizona Attorney General’s Office in Phoenix. The Quartzsite Police Department is dedicated to working harder and protecting our citizens. We will continue to pursue all those involved in this case and will not stop until justice has been served on all the perpetrators of this violent crime. See attached photograph of Thomas Daniel."

Ernie Renfro
Chief of Police
Town of Quartzsite
Office: (928) 927-4644
erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Quartzsite Police arrest 2 in Saturday's drive-by shooting

Quartzsite Police arrest 2 in Saturday's drive-by shooting

By Shanana Rain BearCat

Publisher Desert Messenger

Quartzsite- AZ- In the quiet town of Quartzsite a drive-by shooting took place Saturday, May 16th. Evidently it was a targeted shooting, not a random act of violence. A family member of the victim said there was a planned one-on-one fight planned, but the victim backed out. Quartzsite Police Department has arrested the alleged shooter and a female. The following is the press release issued this morning.

May 18, 2015

On Saturday, May 16, 2015, at approximately 4:16 PM, Quartzsite Police Department (QPD) was called to the scene of a shooting at the intersection of Palo Verde and Main Street in the Town of Quartzsite, Arizona. This information was provided to the QPD from the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher from a 911 caller.  QPD Officer Conley and Sergeant Frausto arrived on scene and observed numerous individuals and a Hispanic male, later identified as Roberto Chavez, Jr., bleeding with a single gun shoot wound to the upper arm and back area. The Quartzsite Fire Department was dispatched to the scene where the shooting victim was airlifted to West Valley Hospital in Phoenix with serious injuries.  A short time later, QPD located the described shooter’s vehicle at 621 Spring Street in Quartzsite.  Chief Renfro called and assigned case Detective Mike Lancaster to the West Valley Hospital to interview and obtain his medical condition. The Quartzsite Police Department has spent hours processing the vehicle and scene by gathering evidence and witness statements.  QPD worked late into the night attempting to locate the shooting suspect(s).  

 

Ryan Rangel

Gloria Huerta

On Sunday May 17, 2015, at approximately 1:09 PM by good police work, QPD located and arrested Ryan Rangel for Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault at Hadlock’s “Shady Spot” space number 6 (#40) in Quartzsite.  Also, Gloria Huerta was arrested and charged for Hindering and Facilitation of a fugitive. Both Ryan Rangel and Gloria Huerta were booked into the La Paz County Sheriff’s Department jail in Parker, Arizona for the above listed charges.  QPD will file long form charges through the La Paz County Attorney’s Office on the driver of the get-a-way vehicle identified as Orlando Tinoco for Attempted First Degree Murder and Aggravated Assault.

The Quartzsite Police Department continued to vigorously investigate all angles and aspects of the case surrounding the shooting of Roberto Chavez, Jr.  At approximately 1600 hours, the QPD recovered the weapon used in the shooting of Roberto Chavez, Jr.  At this time, QPD will submit all evidence for forensic examination in support of the all charges.

Chief Renfro would like to thank all the community members who provided valuable information and assisted us in the capture of Ryan Rangel. The Quartzsite PD is dedicated to working hard and protecting our citizens. 

Ernie Renfro

Chief of Police

Town of Quartzsite

Office: (928) 927-4644

erenfro@ci.quartzsite.az.us

QPD seeking 3 suspects in Saturday's Quartzsite drive-by shooting

Quartzsite, AZ - The Quartzsite Police Department is currently searching for three suspects allegedly involved in a shooting Saturday, May 16, 2015 in Quartzsite. Ryan Rangel, Gloria Huerta, and Jack Lane, two of which are depicted below are wanted for questioning.

If you are aware of the whereabouts of these individuals, please do not make contact with them as they may be armed and dangerous and you are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.

UPDATE:

On May 17th, 2015 at 1:15pm the Quartzsite Police Department has arrested Ryan Rangel, identified as the Shooter in the drive-by shooting on May 16th. Full press release to follow.

Drive by Shooting in Quartzsite this afternoon

Quartzsite, AZ - Tonight, Quartzsite Police Department issued a press release regarding a drive by shooting which took place this afternoon in Quartzsite. 

MEDIA RELEASE:

On May 16th, at approximately 1620 hrs, the Quartzsite Police Department responded to a call of shots fired at Pattie's RV Park, located at 544 East Main Street. Upon arrival, a victim was found to have been shot on the left upper arm.

The victim, who has been identified, was flown to one of the Phoenix area hospitals.

At this time, Quartzsite Police is currently attempting to locate two persons of interest that may have been involved in the shooting and/or have information in connection to the incident. An all-points bulletin has been sent out to all state agencies to attempt to locate these two suspects.

If anyone has information please call
Quartzsite Police Dept at 928-927-4644 or
email qpd@ci.quartzsite.az.us

Desert Messenger to publish NEW 2015-16 Quartzsite Visitor Guide

Quartzsite, AZ - Desert Messenger is proud to coordinate with the Town of Quartzsite in publishing the New 2015/2016 Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory. The Guide will debut at the Arizona League of  Cities and Towns Annual Conference in August, 2015. The Guide will be available for year-round distribution at local businesses and distribution centers, too! 

The Official Guide will be widely distributed this year with 50,000 copies for excellent circulation (a whopping 250% more copies than in previous years!) The Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce volunteers are excited as they will be able to mail more copies to Chamber offices around the nation. 

Advertising is a real bargain this year! Ad prices are actually lower than last year’s rates. There’s also a new selection of full color Ad Sizes this year, which offers something for every advertising budget. 

We’re also adding 16 more pages, so the 2015/2016 Official Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory will have more of the information visitors are seeking.  The entire publication will be posted to multiple high traffic websites, including TOWN OF QUARTZSITE, DESERT MESSENGER, & VISIT QUARTZSITE, etc. as an E-Edition Flip Page with direct links to the advertisers.

         2015/2016 PRINT ADVERTISING RATES

        • Full Page -                 Back Cover - $1,300

        • Full Page -                 Front/Back Inside Cover/Pg. 3 - $1,100

        • Full Page Regular -     $900

        • 1/2 Page H                $550

        • 1/2 Page V                $550

        • 1/3 Page                   $350

        • 1/4 Page -                 $300

        • 1/5 Page -                 $225

        • 1/8 Page -                 $150

To Reserve your Ad Space in the 2015/2016 Official Quartzsite Visitor Guide & Business Directory, 

Email Rain at Editor@DesertMessenger.com. 

or Call 928-916-4235.

Deadline is June 20th, so get your space reserved today!