Yuma Hospital changes visitor guidelines during flu season

Yuma Regional Medical Center Changes 

Visitor Guidelines 

During Flu Season

(January 11, 2013 – Yuma , AZ )  Yuma Regional Medical Center (YRMC) is experiencing high patient volumes, which is normal during this time of year because of Yuma ’s winter visitor population and it being peak flu season. However, to protect patients, families and staff from unnecessary exposure to the flu virus, YRMC is changing its guidelines for those who visit patients during flu season. Effective immediately, people under the age of 18 will not be permitted in patient care and waiting areas during flu season. You may be asked for identification. An exception will be made for anyone under 18 who is the parent of a patient or person receiving services. YRMC is also asking people over the age of 18 who are experiencing the following symptoms not to visit patients:

• Fever
• Cough
• Aches/pains
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Chills
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Feel as if you might have the flu
  

“Flu” refers to illness caused by a number of different influenza viruses. It can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to severe. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at greater risk for serious complications. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), and persons who live in facilities like nursing homes.

The best way to prevent the flu from spreading is to practice good hand hygiene; wash your hands with clean, running water and apply soap. Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds and then rinse well under running water and dry with a clean towel or air dry them. If you already have the flu, the best prevention is to stay home.  

Due to YRMC’s high patient volumes, the newly developed third floor of the tower was opened yesterday, a day ahead of schedule. This provides an additional 36 patient beds, and will alleviate patient overflow.

Freeze warning for Quartzsite and southern Arizona

Freeze Warning In Effect from midnight MST /11 pm pst/ tonight to 5 pm MST /4 pm pst/ Sunday.

Freeze Watch now in effect from Sunday afternoon
through Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Freeze Warning, which is in effect from midnight MST /11 pm pst/ tonight to 5 pm MST /4 pm pst/ Sunday. The Freeze Watch is now in effect from Sunday afternoon through Tuesday morning.

• Affected area: the greater Phoenix area including all outlying suburbs, Wickenburg, Gila Bend, Quartzsite, Buckeye, Casa Grande and Coolidge.
• Temperature: around 30 in the urban areas, low to mid 20s in the outlying areas. Similar temperatures are expected Sunday night and Monday night but there is still some uncertainty if clouds move into the area.
• Impacts: Extended freezing temperatures could cause damage to plants, irrigation pipes, and water lines going into homes.

Recommended actions

A Freeze Warning means Sub-freezing temperatures are imminent or highly likely. These conditions will destroy or damage crops and other sensitive vegetation.

A Freeze Watch means Sub-freezing temperatures are possible. These conditions could destroy or damage crops and other sensitive vegetation.

Excerpted from ready.govBefore:

Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

• Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
• Sand to improve traction.
• Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
• Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
• Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

More about:

What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.

During:

Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.

Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.

Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

More about:

What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.

What is a Freeze Warning?

A Freeze Warning is issued when significant, widespread freezing temperatures are expected. Minimum shelter temperature is forecast to be 32�F or less during the locally defined growing season. Source: nws.noaa.gov

Arizona AG Horne issues consumer warning

Horne Issues Consumer Warning About New Mortgage Ploy

PHOENIX (Wednesday, January 09, 2013) -- Arizona homeowners should be on the lookout for a mailing that appears to be a legal document, but may be a ploy against mortgage consumers, Attorney General Tom Horne said today.

The mailing comes in an envelope that appears to be an official legal or government document, but there is no company name or return address on the envelope or the letter itself.  A call to the toll-free number in the letter reveals the company as Fresh Start, based in New York.

The letter informs homeowners that they may be eligible to join a national lawsuit or make a potential legal claim against a mortgage lender.  The pitch from Fresh Start is that the homeowner must first pay $2,700 for the company to do “research” and then another $2,500 to retain a lawyer.  Such up-front fees are a violation of federal regulations and Arizona consumer fraud laws.

“This is the latest in a seemingly endless series of illegal or possibly illegal ploys related to Arizona’s mortgage crisis,” Horne said.  “Fresh Start claims to offer so-called audit services as a precursor to directing consumers to obtain legal assistance for mortgage holders who may have been victimized in the mortgage crisis.  But they first require as much as $5,200 up front from a homeowner. This is a blatant violation of Arizona law.”

Horne added, “The irony in this case is the consumer who brought this to the attention of my office has not been victimized in the mortgage crisis, but Fresh Start indicated he may be eligible for relief anyway and should pay the initial up-front fee for ‘research’.  Consumers need to be wary of this and other similar ploys.”

A copy of the letter is online here: https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/Mortgage-Ploy-Letter.pdf 

Happy New Year Quartzsite!

As we enter the new year, and the old year fades behind us, I encourage everyone to embrace the peace of the season. This past year has brought many shades of sadness and challenges, but together we can move forward in the hopes of a better future for our community and beyond.


It's natural for us to look back upon the previous year, along with all our successes and learning experiences. When I reflect upon our community, I see that our volunteers are the heart of Quartzsite. Without Volunteers, our community would not be the beautiful place I call home. For a small town, the incredible amount of participation from volunteers is totally amazing! No where else can you see the level of volunteerism as in Quartzsite, Arizona!

Some of the places you'll find Volunteers in Quartzsite are:
The Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA), Senior Center, Food Bank, Quartzsite Business Chamber of Commerce, Quartzsite Community Thrift Store, the Salvation Army, Citizens on Patrol (COP), Quartzsite Historical Society and Museum, La Paz County Search & Rescue, VFW Post 769, Operation Hero Comfort, Quartzsite Rotary, GFWC Women's Club, Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and Youth Coalition, Isaiah 58 Project, Friends of the Library, Quartzsite Art Guild,  Adults Sharing with Kids (ASK), Quilters Club, "Heart"ists, Boy Scout Troop,  Metal Detector Club, Roadrunner Gem and Mineral Club, Ham Radio Club, RC Flyers, PTA, Cactus Dodgers Dancers, Volunteer Parents at the Rec Program, our incredible BLM Camp Hosts and Volunteers, Musicians at all the Jams and Events, the countless Volunteers at RV Park events, RV Rally Organizers, Event Coordinators, and all our Church Volunteers who lovingly serve their congregations. There are other folks who generously give, supporting quietly behind the scenes, such as our local business owners and vendors.


Then there are the Quartzsite Residents serving on the municipal boards year-round: Hi Jolly Cemetery Board, Vendor Board, Parks Board, Health & Development Board, Library Board, Personnel Board, Municipal Utilities Board, Planning and Zoning Board, Municipal Property Board, Public Safety Retirement Board, and the Board of Adjustments. The Arizona Centennial Board recently completed their commission and provided the town with many events over the two years they were active. Funds raised provided metal camel silhouettes which will be placed in key locations around town... watch for three to be placed shortly at the new Community Center!

Volunteers do their work quietly, because they love serving their community. Of course, in every community there are those who love to complain, but do not participate in the joy of giving. Volunteers experience incredible gifts when they share freely of themselves.

I've heard it said, "there's just something special about Quartzsite..." Well, it's obviously the people. That's what makes Quartzsite so special. Our hundreds of volunteers who share their wisdom, strengths, and knowledge with others, encouraging each other along the way.

So as we welcome in a new year, let us remember to be kind to each other and thank the volunteers for their service to Quartzsite. Those of us who live full time in Quartzsite experience the blessings of our volunteers. Those visiting Quartzsite may marvel at how the heck can this little town handle the influx of millions of visitors. It's the volunteers... our amazing people!

I am so grateful to be living in a community where people smile at one another walking down the street, and strangers wave as I'm driving by. It's the simple things that make a difference!

I am so grateful for all of you!

Wishing you a wonderful New Year full of gratitude!

Shanana "Rain" Golden-Bear
Publisher/Editor Desert Messenger

QPD increasing patrols on New Year's Eve

www.roadtrafficsigns.com

Quartzsite Police Department Chief Jeff Gilbert

encourages citizens to

Please Be Safe this New Year's Eve

During this holiday season, law enforcement officers will be out in full force looking for drunk and impaired drivers. Please enjoy the Holiday season, but to do so responsibly by getting a designated driver, not a DUI!

And please remember that in 1999, 14-year-old Shannon Smith was killed by a stray bullet from random gunfire while in her own backyard. It's now illegal to shoot a gun into the air, under Shannon's Law, and breaking this law is a felony in Arizona.

The Quartzsite Police Department wishes everyone a safe and Happy New Year!

VIDEO: Christmas in Quartzsite 2012

Greetings from sunny Quartzsite! 

Saturday, December 22nd, 2012 was Community Unity Day in Quartzsite! Organizers Gene and Maggie Ross gathered local folks from all walks of life to be Bell Ringers for our Salvation Army. Gene had already been busy for weeks, as Santa's helper, ringing that bell day in and day out, raising funds.

Also included in this video are Christmas light decorations from around town. (670 Olinger will be a dedicated separate video.)The beautiful flute music is from Quartzsite's own Mark Church. "Merry Christmas from Redfeather Rose Entertainment". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbnwoEYkYE8

When questioned about the importance of loose change donated, Gene said, "It all adds up. Just last week, there was about $400 of loose change donated! That will help a lot of people in Quartzsite!"

Funds raised stay in Quartzsite to help folks with vouchers for food, propane, & fuel at local businesses, rent, clothing and other emergency help to get folks back on their feet.

Maggie and Gene are very active members of the Covenant Lutheran Church, donating both money and lots of time for the community. This was a wonderful project and lots of folks volunteered to help.

Quartzsite Solar Energy Project moves forward

The Western Area Power Administration (WAPA or Western) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) have completed the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Quartzsite Solar Energy Project and a related amendment of the BLM's Yuma Resource Management Plan.

Quartzsite Solar Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of SolarReserve, LLC, is the proponent for the project. It plans to use solar tower technology to produce up to 100 megawatts of solar-powered electricity in La Paz County, Arizona. The project is proposed on 1,675 acres of BLM-administered land 10 miles north of Quartzsite and adjacent to Arizona State Route 95.


The company plans to construct a 653-foot tower surrounded by an array of mirrors. The mirrors would focus the sun’s rays on a point at the top of the tower. The concentrated heat would be used to create steam, which would be used to power traditional steam turbine generators.

Western, a Department of Energy agency, took the lead in preparing the EIS. The project would require tie-in to Western’s power transmission lines.

Major projects that involve Federal land or resources are required by Federal law to be evaluated in an EIS. The EIS, which has been in development for more than two years, evaluates the effects of the proposed project on all resources, including wildlife, groundwater, cultural, and vegetation. The issues were considered, avoided, minimized or mitigated appropriately. 

In addition to evaluating whether to allow use of the land, the BLM is evaluating a proposal to amend the Yuma Resource Management Plan, which was adopted in January 2010. The amendment would change the visual resource management class for the proposed site to a category that would allow construction of a tower.

The EIS identifies BLM’s preferred alternative, which generally coincides with Quartzsite Solar Energy’s proposal.

Information on the project and a link to the draft EIS is available on the BLM Arizona web site at www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/energy/solar/quartzsite_solar_energy.html.


The Final EIS is available for review at:

http://ww2.wapa.gov/sites/western/transmission/interconn/Documents/quartzsite/FinalQSEIS.pdf