Quartzsite Special Council meeting Fri. July 30, 1pm

A special meeting of the Quartzsite Town Council has been called for tomorrow, Friday, July 30th at 1pm. The one item on the agenda is regarding the grant for the Hi Jolly Wayfinding Signage and  Main St. West Beautification project.

Click below for the agenda.

http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/wp-content/uploads/073010-agd-1.pdf

Disaster assistance to Quartzsite residents/businesses re: Jan. storms

SBA Offers Disaster Assistance to

Arizona Residents and Businesses

Affected by the January Severe

Winter Storm & Snowstorm

Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Arizona residents and business owners affected by the severe winter storm and snowstorm that occurred January 18 through 22, 2010, said U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Karen G. Mills. SBA acted under its own authority to declare a disaster following the July 22, 2010 denial of the state’s request for a major disaster declaration.

The disaster declaration makes SBA assistance available in the Arizona counties of Coconino, Gila, Graham, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal and Yavapai. “The U. S. Small Business Administration is strongly committed to providing the most effective and customer-focused response possible to assist those residents and businesses affected by the severe winter storm and snowstorm with federal disaster loans,” said Mills. “Getting our businesses and communities up and running after a disaster is our highest priority at SBA.”

“Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, non-profit organizations whose property was damaged or destroyed by the disaster,” said Robert J. Blaney, SBA’s Arizona District Director. “Beginning Wednesday, July 28 at 9 am, SBA customer service representatives will be on hand at the following Disaster Loan Outreach Centers to issue loan applications, answer questions about SBA’s disaster loan program, explain the application process, help each individual complete their application and close their approved loans,” Blaney continued.

The centers will be open on the days and times indicated. No appointment is necessary.

Gila County

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Kiwanis Club of Tonto Basin

227 Old Highway 188

Tonto Basin, AZ 85553

Opens: Wednesday, July 28

Closes: Thursday, August 12

Hours: Mondays through Fridays 9 am – 4 pm

Yavapai County

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

High Desert Park Clubhouse

19001 East Jacie Lane

Black Canyon City, AZ 85324

Opens: Wednesday, July 28

Closes: Thursday, August 12

Hours: Mondays through Fridays 9 am – 6 pm

Disaster loans up to $200,000 are available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.

Businesses of any size and private, non-profit organizations may borrow up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets. SBA can also lend additional funds to homeowners and businesses to help with the cost of making improvements that protect, prevent or minimize the same type of disaster damage from occurring in the future.

For small businesses and most private, non-profit organizations of any size, SBA offers Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) to help meet working capital needs caused by the disaster. EIDL assistance is available regardless of whether the business suffered any property damage.

Interest rates can be as low as 2.562 percent for homeowners and renters, 3 percent for private, non profit organizations, and 4 percent for businesses, with terms up to 30 years. Loan amounts and terms are set by SBA and are based upon each applicant’s financial condition.

Disaster loan information and application forms are also available from SBA’s Customer Service Center by calling SBA toll-free at (800) 659 2955, emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov, or visiting SBA’s Web site at www.sba.gov/services/disasterassistance. Hearing impaired individuals may call (800) 877 8339.

Applicants may apply online using the Electronic Loan Application (ELA) via SBA’s secure Web site at https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela.

The filing deadline to return applications for property damage is September 27, 2010. The deadline to return economic injury applications is April 27, 2011.

More blood donors needed! Quartzsite Aug. 4th

Find the Hero in YOU - give blood 3 times a year

Does the blood you donate really help the local patients in our communities? Ann Trilby, Regional Donor Recruitment Representative with United Blood Services, says “Yes, it does, and the following letter from Jill Kemp, Lake Havasu resident, underscores the impact that generous donors have on another person’s life.”

“When my son, Seth, was 10 he was diagnosed with a rare lymphoma and needed continual transfusions of blood, plasma and albumin over the course of many months. At one point, he was receiving plasma and albumin transfusions around the clock for weeks. He had a rare blood type and it was often difficult to find the blood he needed. After his bone marrow transplant, with 8 year old brother as exact-match donor, his blood type has changed and is now more common. I donate to give back to the hundreds (literally) of donors who helped to save his life. He is 13 years old now and in remission from his cancer. Thank you, everyone, for paying it forward. Now it's my turn.” Jill Kemp

Trilby added, “Please take YOUR turn and donate at one of the many blood drives in your area during August. United Blood Services, along with other blood banks throughout the country, are still facing a deficit in their blood supply. Because of the seriousness of the shortage, we have scheduled several blood drives in August.

We need more lifesavers!”

Area blood drives:

Monday, August 2
10:00am to 4:00pm
Pioneer Hotel and Gambling Hall – Granny’s
Laughlin
Call Wanda at (702)298-2442

Arizona State Prison – Kingman Complex (closed drive for employees only)
8:00am to 6:00pm
Golden Valley
Contact Tina Murtaugh at tina.murtaugh@mtctrains.com

MadDog Fitness Center
1:00pm to 5:0PM
Riverview Mall
Bullhead City
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Maddogfitness or call (702)638-7400

Tuesday, August 3

Unisource
7:00am to 1:00pm
2498 Airway
Kingman
Call Leon at (928) 681-6510

Golden Nugget – Arcade
1:00PM TO 7:00PM
Laughlin
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Goldennuggetlaughlin or call Cari at (702) 298-7130

Chicago Title Insurance Company
2701 Andy Devine
8:00am to 1:00pm
Kingman
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Chicagotitle or call David Bekaert at 928-263-0085

Wednesday, August 4

Golden Nugget -The Arcade
8:00am to 2:00pm
Laughlin
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Goldennuggetlaughlin or call Cari at (702) 298-7130

Kingman Community
10:00am to 6:00pm
Kingman Regional Medical Center
The Wellness Center
3269 Stockton Hill
Kingman
Walk-ins welcome

Golden Valley Kiwanis
Golden Valley Baptist Church
Higley and How 68
3:00pm to 7:00pm
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: goldenvalleykiwanis or call (702) 638-7400
Golden Valley

The Aquarius
Scorpio Room
11:00am to 5:00pm
Pease make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Aquarius or call Pam at (702) 298-5118
Laughlin

Thursday, August 5

Kingman Community
9:00am to 5:00pm
Kingman Regional Medical Center
The Wellness Center
3269 Stockton Hill
Kingman
Walk-ins welcome

Parker Community
Parker Senior Center
8:00am to 1:00pm
Parker
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in: go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Parkercommunity or call (702) 638-7400

GFWC Quartzsite Community
Quartzsite Senior Center
Noon to 6:00pm
Quartzsite
Call Jeannia at (928) 927-5800 for an appointment

Friday, August 6

Tropicana Express - Coronado Room
9:00am to 3:00pm
Laughlin
Appointments at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in: go to “ Donate Blood”
and enter sponsor code: Tropicanaexpress or call Karina at (702) 298-6226

Saturday, August 7

Marine Corps League Auxiliary
American Legion – 181 Paseo del Sol
8:00am to 1:00pm
Lake Havasu City
Please make an appointment at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood” and enter sponsor code: Marineauxiliary or call (702) 638-7400

Fraternal Order of the Eagles #3744
4536 N. Patsy Drive
Noon to 5:00pm
Kingman
Appointments at www.unitedbloodservices.org click on “Account Log in” go to “ Donate Blood”
and enter sponsor code: Kingmaneagles or call Jerry Carreiro at (928) 279-6332

St. John’s United Methodist Church
1730 Kino Ave
8:00am to 2:00pm
Please contact Lorraine Tucker at (928-565-4841 for an appointment
Kingman

Thank you!!!!!
Ann Trilby
United Blood Services
Donor Recruitment Representative
(702) 808-1629

Find the Hero in YOU - give blood 3 times a year

Quartzsite Town Council Agenda for Tues. July 27

The Town of Quartzsite Common Council will meet on Tuesday, July 27 at 7pm at the Town Hall, 465 N. Plymouth, Quartzsite. Everyone is welcome. Please attend to learn about the decisions your elected officials are making for all of us.

And check out the new window coverings reducing heat entering the building. A very creative and inexpensive solution by Al Johnson, Building Official.

CLICK HERE FOR AGENDA

Little Scholars' Preschool receives grant to expand

The Little Scholars' Preschool, located on the Scholars' Academy campus in Quartzsite, is now accepting 3-5 year olds. Classes begin Sept. 7th. This is a FREE Program, sponsored by E.Q. Scholars Inc. and the Arizona Early Childhood Development and Health Board (First Things First). Applicants must meet income guidelines.

Little Scholars' Preschool hs Certified Teachers, State Aligned Curriculum, DHS & DES Licensed, Kindergarten Transition Plan, and Assessment Testing.


"High Quality early care and education promotes young children's health and promotes their deveopment and learning." (Pediatrics 2005)

Transportation will be provided for students living in Ehrenberg. Call 928-927-9420 for more details on the preschool program.

Chief Jeff Gilbert article on front page of Parker Pioneer

Today's Parker Pioneer contains front page story about Quartzsite Police Chief. Read the full story here:

http://www.parkerpioneer.net/articles/2010/07/21/news/parker06.txt

Whooping cough epidemic in California

California officials have declared a Whooping Cough Epidemic!
A six baby has died in LA County. Local residents and folks working with the public need to be aware of the disease and take precautions to prevent the spread of the illness.

There have only been 7 cases in Eastern Riverside County which includes the Coachella Valley and Blythe, none fatal. For the full story, visit: http://www.kesq.com/news/24326233/detail.html

The following information is from the Arizona Dept. of Health Services, http://www.azdhs.gov/phs/oids/epi/disease/pert/pertussis_g.htm

What is pertussis?

Pertussis is a highly contagious bacterial infection that is vaccine-preventable. Coughing is the primary symptom of pertussis; fever is not present or is minimal throughout the course of illness. The cough of a patient with pertussis may begin as a mild cough and progress to attacks (paroxysms) of coughing, accompanied by gagging and/or vomiting. Some persons with pertussis make a "whoop" sound when they breath in after coughing.

Who can get pertussis?
Pertussis may affect anyone regardless of their age and vaccination status. It is most common in unimmunized or inadequately immunized persons (who typically experience more severe disease) and persons with waning immunity (protection from the vaccine lasts 5-10 years from the last dose).

How is pertussis spread?
Pertussis is spread through close contact with droplets from the mouth and nose of an infected person. Spread can happen when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

What are they symptoms of pertussis?
The initial symptoms of pertussis are similar to a mild cold and include runny nose and mild cough. The illness then progresses to episodes of severe coughing spasms. These episodes may ultimately last for several months duration and tend to be worse at night. Vomiting may occur after coughing episodes. The person with pertussis may look and feel healthy between coughing episodes. Immunized children, adolescents, and adults may have milder symptoms than unimmunized persons.

How soon after infection do symptoms appear?
Symptoms may appear between 7 - 10 days after exposure to an infected person (range 4-21 days). Rarely, this period may be as long as 42 days.

How long can someone spread pertussis?
A person with pertussis is considered infectious for 21 days after the onset of cough. Treatment with an appropriate antibiotic will shorten the infectious period to 5 days after the initiation of treatment if started early in the course of illness.

What can be done to prevent the spread of pertussis?

The cornerstone of pertussis prevention is immunization. Before age 7 and preferably at school entry, children should have received 5 doses of DTaP vaccine. Adolescents and adults in need of Td should receive TdaP in its place, and any adults who have close contact with an infant less than one year of age should receive Tdap.

Persons with pertussis should stay home and avoid close contact with others until completion of 5 days of a prescribed course of antibiotic treatment.
Persons with any coughing illness (or other contagious illness) should avoid contact with infants and expectant mothers.

Handwashing may prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including pertussis.
Caretakers of infants should take measures to limit the spread of contagious diseases, including pertussis, to infants in their care.

La Paz County explores Bankruptcy and restructuring options

Parker, Arizona - In an extraordinary meeting on Monday, July 19, 2010, the La Paz County Board of Supervisors voted to hire a bankruptcy lawyer to evaluate restructuring and other financial options as a result of the Yakima judgment. Many Quartzsite residents were in attendance, including Mayor Ed Foster, Town Manager Alex Taft, Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert, Council Members Joe Winslow, Patricia Anderson, and Barbara Cowell.


After voting to hire Randy Nussbaum, of Nussbaum & Gillis of Scottsdale, the three supervisors heard from the public. Quartzsite Council member Winslow and Anderson spoke of their disapproval of bringing bio-solids (human waste) through Quartzsite into the county landfill. Chief Gilbert shared his concerns about the supervisors’ earlier vote of not providing benefit packages for new full time employees within the Jail District (hiring "full time temporary" positions instead). Gilbert explained many Quartzsite citizens have concerns that trucks carrying bio-solids may be going through Quartzsite, again, up Hwy. 95 to the landfill. He said, “We have our mayor here today, and hopefully he’ll get up and say a few words in regards to the town as well.” Mayor Foster did not speak and left the building shortly after the meeting. Starr BearCat of Quartzsite also spoke about her concerns for bringing “bio-solids into our backyard”. BearCat also suggested, “if Yakima wants the golf course, give it to them.” However, the supervisors did approve putting to bid for Grass Seeds for Emerald Canyon Golf Course.

After public comments, the supervisors went into Executive Session seeking legal advice with their attorneys in order to consider its position relating to the County Landfill and restructuring and other financial options, as a result of the Yakima judgment.

For an explanation of Chapter 9 form of bankruptcy from La Paz County Manager, Dan Field, watch: http://www.youtube.com/user/QWatchingEyes#p/u/1/o1kl3HRo-0w

For Quartzsite Police Chief Gilbert's comments to La Paz County Supervisors see:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv8b7VYL7Io&playnext_from=TL&videos=Ag1zFcHyMDo

Other county business included approving the tentative budget for 2010-2011.  Supervisors approved keeping many employees at same salary and asking some employees to become "Full Time Temporary" positions, rather than full time with benefits. Supervisor Drum explained, "We are in tough times, here folks. We need people to work with us during these times."

Also approved were two Memorandums of Understanding between the La Paz County Public Health and Education Program with the Parker School District and the Quartzsite School District, for coordinating prevention programming to the local schools in those two districts.
The Supervisors also approved "Free Golf" for residents, on Sundays only, from August 1st through August 29th, 2010. The park price will still be $10/person.

Greyhound breaks down west of Quartzsite

Quartzsite, Arizona - Monday, July 19, 2010 Afternoon temperatures reached 116 degrees Monday afternoon, when the Los Angeles bound Greyhound bus just stopped running as it travelled westbound on Interstate 10. The driver managed to pull it to the side of the road just a few miles west of Exit 17. 

Arizona Dept. of Public Service and Quartzsite Police Department officers arrived on the scene shortly thereafter. Pastor Jeff Jones, of Quartzsite Alliance Church was listening to the scanner when officers put out a call to shuttle the passengers back into Quartzsite, and volunteered his church's 12 passenger van to help. Town of Quartzsite staff also answered the call, as the Town Transit Service van appeared on the scene. Between the two vehicles all 44 passengers were rescued from the searing desert heat and driven to McDonald's where they were given free water and allowed to cool off until a replacement bus arrived hours later. Kudos to everyone for their quick response!

HOPE (Visions of Whitefeather)

What was all that black smoke Saturday?

FIRE at ADOT, Quartzsite

Saturday afternoon, July 10, 2010 thick, black smoked rose high in the sky, from behind the ADOT maintenance yard just south of I-10 on Kuehn. The black smoke drew lots of curious onlookers. Tires stored behind the building went up in flames. The Quartzsite Fire Dept. was on the scene and knocked down the fire in a short time.

Quartzsite Mike receives help from Best Auto

Quartzsite Mike, (right) and his friend, Ralph Martin, (left)

telling stories of the good ol' days!

"Quartzsite Mike" wanted to move his non-running RV from the back of his property to the front, under shelter, so his friend, Ralph Martin, made arrangements with Johnny DelPino, of Best Auto, to move it for free. Johnny and three of his workers: Joey, Ray, & Ronnie, arrived shortly after 7 am Friday with a tractor to move the long RV.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quartzsite Mike owns the famous "Welcome Back, Snowbirds" sign on the corner of Washington and W. Sunset. Mike said he's lived in Quartzsite for "a real long time, at least 30 years!"

 

 

It was quite a scene as the tractor pulled the RV out onto the street, around the corner, and backed it into the driveway, under the metal shelter. Now Quartzsite Mike can access it more easily.


By the way, Quartzsite Mike is 86 years young.

When asked about his youthful appearance, he said, "I just keep busy!"

His cactus are beautiful and he even has a small orchard in the back.

If you see Johnny around town, be sure to say thank you for his creative solution to Mike's challenge!

Quartzsite Town Council Meeting Tues. July 13

Town of Quartzsite Council meeting will be held on

Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 7pm. The public is invited.

One discussion will be to change the meeting time from 7pm to 3pm.

Plus an update from Town Attorney on the recount of May's election.

Click here for the agenda

Quartzsite Cruise In

There will be another “Cruise In” held on Saturday, July 10, in Quartzsite, at the Q-Check Shell for anyone who wishes to bring their classic or antique vehicles to show off. There is no fee to be there. It is just a fun evening for everyone. The Q-Check will again have many specials for everyone attending, including hot dogs, drinks and ice cream. If you have a classic or antique vehicle and would like to show it off, please feel free to join in the fun.

Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy another great evening on July 10 as they hold their 2nd “Cruise In”. If the interest keeps up, plans are to hold this event every other Saturday night throughout the summer. Perhaps it will be so popular that it will be held through the winter months also. Come on out and join in the fun!

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite membership meeting

Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ)
will meet this Thursday, July 8, at 4pm
at the Senior Center.

We are working on plans for the upcoming season, Rockin' in Quartzsite!

Discussions to include creating a positive Internet exposure for Quartzsite, Arizona Centennial events participation and updates, and more!

There are no membership dues required. Bring a friend and join the fun!

La Paz County Planning & Zoning meeting 9am Aug. 5 (corrected)

PUBLIC NOTICE


The La Paz County Planning and Zoning Commission will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010 in the Board of Supervisor’s meeting room at 1108 Joshua Avenue, Parker, Arizona to consider the following:

1. CP2010-001 – Major Comprehensive Plan Amendments- La Paz County- Security Capital, LLC. Security Capital, LLC (applicant) seeks to develop up to 1,157 acres of major manufacturing and associated industrial uses. The proposed Future Land Use Plan and text amendment will provide an appropriate land use designation for future development, construction and operation of major manufacturing and associated industrial uses within an identified Employment Center land use designation. The proposed major amendment will change the Future Land Use Map designation from Medium Density and Rural Residential to Employment Center on approximately 1,157 acres.

2. CP2010-002 – Major Comprehensive Plan Amendments- La Paz County- Next Light Renewable Power, LLC. Next Light Renewable Power, LLC (applicant) seeks to develop up to a 400 acre solar farm. The proposed Future Land Use Map Amendment will clarify that a solar energy generation facility is consistent with the existing Comprehensive Plan Rural Community planning area designation. This designation will allow for consideration of a solar and wind energy production facility by the Board of Supervisors as either a future planned development or through standard zoning practices, including a potential future special use permit.

3. CP2010-003 – Major Comprehensive Plan Amendments- La Paz County Centennial Employment Center. La Paz County (applicant) seeks to allow potential solar development within the Centennial Employment Center as defined on the Future Land Use Map. The proposed text amendment will clarify that a solar energy generation facilities are consistent within the existing Comprehensive Plan Employment Center located at County Road 75E and I-10, known as the Centennial Employment Center. This designation will allow for consideration of a solar energy production facility by the Board of Supervisors as either a future planned development or through standard zoning practices, including potential future special use permits.

4. CP2010-004 – Major Comprehensive Plan Text Amendments- La Paz County. La Paz County is proposing a major amendment to add Comprehensive Plan text clarifying the process for Major and Minor text amendments, including density and intensity limits and associated thresholds used to determine the type of application required.

If the Commission makes a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors on these dockets, the Board of Supervisors will hold public hearings on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 3:00 p.m. at the same location to consider the Commission’s recommendation. Written comments received prior to the hearing will be placed in the record.
If you need further information, please contact the Department of Community Development at 1112 Joshua Avenue, Suite 202, Parker, AZ 85344. The telephone number is (928) 669-6138.

Respectfully Submitted,

Scott Bernhart, Director

La Paz County Department of Community Development

Desert Messenger issue available online

The next issue of the Desert Messenger will hit the streets tomorrow, Wed. July 7. However, you can get a sneak preview of the e-edition, which will be available this afternoon around 3pm.
Find it  HERE! Or visit http://www.desertmessenger.com/

You can also sign up to receive emails when the current issue becomes available, so you will always be in touch. Keep checking here for the latest news, as it will be a long month before the August issue!

Make http://www.quartzsiteblog.com/ your home page for latest news in Quartzsite!