Wind Advisory for Quartzsite Thursday!

High winds, blowing dust could affect

driving in southwest Arizona

Reduced visibility, possible dust storms could slow traffic

PHOENIX — The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for Thursday (Dec. 1) that could impact drivers traveling in southwest Arizona.

Strong sustained northern winds from 25 to 35 mph, including wind gusts up to 40 mph, are predicted to reach Yuma and La Paz counties.

The Arizona Department of Transportation urges motorists traveling on Interstate 10, Interstate 8 and US 95/State Route 95 to use extra caution due to possible difficult driving conditions as strong winds over desert areas can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility due to blowing dust.

Motorists play in important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm. ADOT and the Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a low visibility dust storm.

▪ Check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
▪ Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
▪ Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and not near where any vehicles may travel.
▪ Turn off all vehicle lights.
▪ Set your emergency brake and take the foot off the brake.
▪ Stay in the vehicle with your seatbelts intact and wait for the storm to pass.

ADOT, along with DPS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

Drivers planning trips tomorrow are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state, or via the Web at www.az511.gov. Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay or detour travel plans if necessary.



EnviroMission engages Terracon for solar tower north of Quartzsite

EnviroMission Engages Terracon to Provide Initial Geotechnical Engineering Services for

Solar Tower Project north of Quartzsite

OLATHE, Kan. --- Terracon has been engaged by EnviroMission to provide initial geotechnical
engineering analysis, geo-seismic analysis and geotechnical consulting services for the Solar
Tower power station development in Arizona.

Terracon’s reports will inform and support Solar Tower front end engineering and design (FEED).
EnviroMission plans to build a major infrastructure power station that will use air heated by the
sun to drive turbines to generate enough renewable energy to power 150,000 homes in Arizona
and California. The iconic design will have a vast greenhouse with a tall central tower structure
that will be almost twice as tall as the Empire State Building. The proposed Solar Tower will offset 1 million metric tons of greenhouse gases per year and will abate the use of up to 1 billion gallons of potable water annually.
“Terracon is pleased to be a part of this ambitious and forward-thinking project from the ground
up,” said David Gaboury, P.E., Terracon President and CEO. “The solar tower technology should
offer significant advantages and produce clean, renewable power. We are proud to be a part of
EnviroMission’s vision.”

The following Terracon expertise is available to EnviroMission for future geotechnical engineering
services and reports:
• Subsurface Exploration and Testing
• Geophysical Testing
• Geotechnical and Materials Laboratory Testing
• Foundation Analysis and Design for Shallow and Deep Foundations
• In-situ Testing and Performance Monitoring
• Dynamic Analysis and Evaluation
• Soil Stabilization and Ground Improvement
• Pavement Evaluation and Design, Subgrade Evaluation and Material Evaluation

The preliminary geotechnical engineering report prepared by Terracon in October 2011 will
provide the basis for a further geotechnical engineering study planned for first quarter 2012 and
the final geotechnical engineering report for final design and construction.
“Terracon’s reports will contribute to important geotechnical analysis that will go to the heart of all
site-specific Solar Tower engineering and design decisions,” said Roger Davey, EnviroMission
chief executive. “EnviroMission engaged Terracon to bring the highest standard of geotechnical
survey and due diligence to ensure every engineering and design decision made by
EnviroMission’s executive project engineers is supported by technically accurate site data and
analysis.”

EnviroMission:
EnviroMission Limited is a public listed Australian company on the ASX (Australian Securities Exchange - ASX Code: EVM) and on the OTCQX foreign securities platform in the United States (OTCQX Code: EVOMY). EnviroMission is the global developer of the Australian Solar Tower renewable energy power station concept being commercialised in the United States. EnviroMission (USA) Inc, a 100% owned subsidiary of EnviroMission Limited, provides local management and representation for EnviroMission in the U.S. market. Solar Tower power station technology is large-scale installed capacity electricity generation technology, to deliver sustainable clean electricity to the wholesale electricity market. For additional information please visit http://www.enviromission.com.au/

Terracon:
Terracon is an employee-owned engineering consulting firm with more than 2,700 employees providing geotechnical, environmental, construction materials and facilities services from more than 130 offices in 39 states nationwide. Terracon currently ranks 38th on Engineering News-Record’s List of Top 500 Design Firms. For additional information about Terracon, please visit http://www.terracon.com/.

Arizona Attorney General's Top Tips for Holiday Shopping

With the first big day of the holiday shopping season

coming on “Black Friday,”

November 25, followed by “Cyber Monday” on November 28,

 Attorney General Tom Horne

today offered his top tips for holiday shoppers.

Attorney General Tom Horne’s

Top Tips for Holiday Shopping

(1) Bring ads for sales and “special deals” with you to the store.
Advertising a set of sales or “deals” and refusing to honor the terms of the advertisement is deceptive advertising and illegal in Arizona. Consumers using holiday sales and coupons should be careful that the specials advertised match what is advertised in stores.
Consider bringing ads with you to the store to see if prices charged match advertised prices. Read all fine print or disclosures before making your purchase. When checking out, watch the cash register display to be sure the scanned price matches the advertised or posted price. Check your receipt for accuracy before leaving the store. If you have pricing questions, ask to see the store’s pricing error policy.

(2) Understand the new rules for gift cards.
Gift cards issued by merchants (single or group, i.e. chain stores) and those issued by financial institutions (many with Visa, American Express, MasterCard and Discover brand logos) will have to follow new guidelines recently set up by Congress. Under the Credit Card Act of 2009, limitations have been placed on fees and expiration dates for gift cards. Service fees can no longer be charged until the card has been inactive for 12 months and only after that time can one fee be charged per month. Fee details and terms need to be disclosed clearly and conspicuously prior to purchase. Also, gift cards now carry an expiration date of at least 5 years from the date of purchase or the date the card was last reloaded with funds. Make sure you understand any terms or details disclosed about any fee or expiration date prior to purchasing your gift card.

(3) Do online shopping at secure Web sites.
Using secure Web sites will help ensure that personal information, such as your name, address and credit card number, is transmitted to the merchant safely, without being intercepted by a third party. You can identify secure Web sites by looking for Web addresses that begin with “https” and check for a small padlock icon at the bottom of the page. Also look for SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) certificates which allow for safe browsing and purchasing (“VeriSign” is a commonly used SSL). Credit cards are still preferred over debit cards for online shopping security.

(4) Watch out for restocking fees.
Certain stores will charge you a percentage of the price for “restocking” an item that you return for refund or credit. These fees most often apply to larger purchases such as furniture, electronic equipment or appliances. If a business charges a restocking fee, it should disclose the fee in print advertising and promotional materials as well as post a clearly visible notice disclosing the fee and how consumers can obtain the full restocking fee policy. Before making a purchase, ask if the store charges a restocking fee. If so, make sure you understand the full cost and restocking policy.

(5) Save all receipts, warranties and service agreements.
Keeping printed copies of receipts, warranties and service agreements helps you negotiate any refunds or exchanges should you have a problem or decide to return the product.
During the time of purchase, request warranties and service contracts in writing and save receipts from all of your purchases. Bring them with you if you need a refund, exchange or repair.

(6) Be cautious of toys bought for children.
Make sure you read all labels and fine print on packages of toys purchased for children. Many toys are meant for children of certain ages and may contain small pieces hazardous to very young children. Also, to verify that the toy you have bought is safe, you can check the Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov for more information.

(7) Travel safe this holiday season.
As you are booking your travel to see family this holiday season, take caution when booking through agents and online Web sites. Make sure you are working with a legitimate travel agent and remember, if the deal sounds too good to be true, it most likely is. It never hurts to take extra time researching a company or business online before using their service. Major airlines and travel companies often offer coupons and discounts while traveling over the holidays – be mindful of the small print and details regarding when purchase needs to be made and when travel dates are valid.

(8) Seasonal Employment Opportunities.
Many consumers seek seasonal employment to earn more cash during the holiday season. Be mindful of the employer you seek work from and make sure you are familiar with the company and its seasonal employment policies. Use caution when seeking employment from online job boards. Online employment boards may display employment opportunities that do not exist only as a means to obtain information from potential candidates. Use caution when providing identifying information over the internet and research companies that may not be familiar to you. Most job boards, such as Craigslist, allow users to report advertisements that are bogus are fraudulent.

If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, please contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at 602.542.5763; in Tucson at 520.628.6504; or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at 1.800.352.8431. To file a complaint in person, the Attorney General’s Office has satellite offices throughout the state with volunteers available to help. Locations and hours of operation are posted on the Attorney General’s Web site, www.azag.gov. Consumers can also file complaints online by visiting http://www.azag.gov/consumer/complaintform.html.

Occupy Small Business Saturday Quartzsite!

Turning the American economy around in one day

PHOENIX, Ariz.,—The facts are indisputable, the opportunity right before us—right now, said Farrell Quinlan, Arizona state director for National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a group for the true engine of the American economy.

“There is only one way out of this recession, and that’s when small businesses – not big corporations – start ringing up sales. Period!” said Quinlan, who is calling on Arizonans to reserve the day after Black Friday for a trip to their nearest small business to make a purchase or two.

Indeed, all the evidence bears Quinlan out. In its latest Small Business Profiles for States and Territories, the U.S. Small Business Administration pegs small-business employers as constituting 97 percent of all of Arizona’s employers, providing almost half of all private-sector jobs.

But Quinlan’s group, the National Federation of Independent Business, which has been The Voice of Small Business since 1943, has been doing its own research on issues particular to small businesses for seven decades. In its latest NFIB Small-Business Optimism Index, a key bellwether economic measurement used by Federal Reserve chairmen and Congress, it found the No. 1 problem facing small businesses continuing to be “poor sales,” followed by government regulations and taxes.

“Small Business Saturday is about Main Street, not Wall Street,” writes Dan Danner, president and CEO of NFIB. “It’s about entrepreneurs and families selling things that the chains and e-commerce companies aren’t. Only small businesses can offer truly unique gifts and the most genuinely friendly customer service. Small Business Saturday is also about supporting the local economy. The chain stores are owned by bigger companies that are probably based somewhere other than your hometown, but small businesses are usually owned by your neighbors. When you shop at a small business, you’re supporting your local economy and your local job base.”

Small Business Saturday is a concept started by American Express last year. NFIB is helping encourage its adaptation into a longer-term theme. Quinlan, however, qualified his piggybacking on an unrelated hot topic, “I just want people to occupy a small business on Saturday long enough to make a purchase so others may occupy that small business.”

Extreme Couponing in Quartzsite for youth

"EXTREME COUPONING"

SPEND A LITTLE....
SAVE A LOT...
& HELP A CHILD

The Youth Group of Quartzsite Alliance Church (QAC), with the generosity of many Quartzsite merchants and vendors, has put together a "Coupon Card" that will be available by mid Dec. The card will cost $10 and there will only be 1000 of them printed, so watch for the Youth Group at participating businesses, and buy a few!! These discount cards will make a great gift for friends and neighbors. If you're a merchant who couldn't participate with a discount at this time, perhaps you'd like to buy a few cards for special customers as a "little something" gift. The cards are good until May, and each discount is a "multi-use", not just a one-time use....What A Deal!!


A huge thanks goes to the following businesses for their participation. They are: Lifestyles RV, Burger King, Q-Town Cafe, Quartzsite Beauty Salon, Hwy 95 Jerky/Deli Store, La Casa Del Rancho Cafe, Herb's Hardware, Palo Verde Cafe, The Main St. Eatery, K & B Tools, & Gran'ma's Apple Pie.

The funds from this fund raiser will be used to take Quartzsite youth to a Christian Rally at Disney Land, with an afternoon at Disney Land., but also, some great basic Bible teaching.

If you have any questions or would like to reserve your cards now, please call our
Youth Pastor, Jeremiah Holcomb at 928-916-9571 or
call Jeannie Helms at 916-833-7232.

Thanks again Quartzsite for your help and support of our youth!

Jeannie Helms-QAC

Quartzsite Solar Energy tower public meeting, Dec. 14

BLM Offers Public the Chance to Comment

on Solar Power Project in Western Arizona

Quartzsite, Ariz. – The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the Western Area Power Administration today released the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed Quartzsite Solar Energy Project.

The release of the draft EIS begins a 90-day period in which the public can comment on the proposed project and the proposed amendment to the BLM Yuma Field Office Resource Management Plan. The comment period ends Feb. 10, 2012.

Public meetings on the project are scheduled:

Dec. 14 ~ 12-2 p.m. at the QIA

Quartzsite Improvement Association (QIA) Building
235 East Ironwood Street
Quartzsite, AZ 85346

Quartzsite Solar Energy, LLC, a subsidiary of SolarReserve, LLC, proposes to construct a 100-megawatt solar-powered electrical generation facility in La Paz County, Arizona. The project is proposed on 1,675 acres on BLM-administered land 10 miles north of Quartzsite and adjacent to Arizona State Route 95.

The proposed project would use concentrating solar “power tower” technology to capture the sun’s heat to make steam, which would power traditional steam turbine generators.

The public may also submit their comments by mail or by e-mail. Written comments can be sent to: Liana Reilly, NEPA Document Manager, Western Area Power Administration, P.O. Box 281213, Lakewood, CO 80228-8213. Emails may be sent to QuartzsiteSolarEIS@wapa.gov.

For a great story on this project visit: http://www.yumasun.com/news/blm-74500-solar-project.html

Special meeting County Supervisors Tues. Nov. 22, 1pm, Quartzsite animal control services

NOTICE / AGENDA
WORKSESSION OF THE
LA PAZ COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute §38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and to the general public, that the La Paz County Board of Supervisors will hold a Worksession, open to the public, on Tuesday, November 22, 2011, at 1:00 p.m., at the Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, located at 1108 Joshua Avenue, Parker, Arizona.

Purpose of the Worksession:
Discussion regarding Animal Control Services in the
Town of Quartzsite

This notice/agenda was posted at the La Paz County Board of Supervisors Office located at 1108 Joshua Avenue, Parker, Arizona, on Monday, November 14, 2011, on or before the hour of 5:00 p.m.

Public hearing on redistricting of Quartzsite, Mon. Nov. 14 1pm

NOTICE / AGENDA

PUBLIC MEETING/HEARING

OF THE

LA PAZ COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS

Pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute § 38-431.02, notice is hereby given to the members of the

La Paz County Board of Supervisors, and to the general public, that the La Paz County Board

of Supervisors will hold a Public Meeting/Hearing, open to the public, on

Monday, November 14, 2011, 1:00 p.m.,

at the Quartzsite Senior Center, 40 Moon Mountain Road,

Quartzsite, Arizona.

Purpose of the Public Meeting/Hearing:

Discussion of proposed re-districting of the La Paz County Board of Supervisor Districts and Community College District

There is a public hearing planned for Salome on

Wednesday, November 9, 2011, 9:00 a.m.,

at the Centennial Community Center,

located at 69725 Centennial Park Road,

Salome, Arizona.



Rockin' in Quartzsite - A Celebration of the Arts Sat. Nov. 5, 5-8pm

Quartzsite, AZ- Proud Neighbors of Quartzsite (PNQ) presents “Rockin’ Reveal” Artist Reception on Sat. Nov. 5th at the “Rock Motel”, Tyson Wells Show grounds, 100 W. Kuehn. Get a sneak peak at the beautiful Rock Art before they hit the town !

 The 3rd Annual "Rockin' in Quartzsite-A Celebration of the Arts" is a free event

Pictured here is one of the new Rock Art Pieces! Just amazing work! Don't miss out seeing them all together Sat. night! Refreshments will be served.


Attendees will once again vote for their favorite Rock Art. The 2010-11 People’s Choice winner was “Water in the Desert” painted by Jo Stoltz.

The Rock Art will be displayed throughout the winter season followed by the Rock Auction on March 3rd. Funds raised support local organizations. Check out the fun this Saturday 5-8pm at the Rock Motel!

Memorial for Quartzsite town employee, Gary Lynn Howell

GARY LYNN HOWELL

Gary Lynn Howell passed away at home from heart failure on October 31, 2011. He is survived by his loving wife, Tona and his children, Shon, Millie, Gary Jr., Robert, Amanda, and Angie. He also has 11 grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Marvin, Danny and Trudy.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10am on Monday, November 7th

at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, located at

455 S. Riggles Rd., Quartzsite.

Gary was a loving and devoted husband and father. He served more than 26 years in the Army and Army Reserve. He loved his home and country. At the time of his death, he was working for the Town of Quartzsite as Code Enforcement. He loved living in Quartzsite. He loved people and people loved him back.

There will be a Summerland Farewell for friends and family at Gary’s home (645 Spring Lane) at 6pm for a final sendoff. Parker Funeral Home Dignity Memorial has taken care of details. 928-669-2156


PLACED BY TONA HOWELL, WIFE. 801-718-8322.

Blowing dust advisory for Friday near Quartzsite, southern AZ

PHOENIX — With the National Weather Service issuing a wind advisory for Friday (Nov. 4), motorists in southern Arizona could have their travel affected on two major interstates.


A cold front with strong sustained southwest winds from 25 to 35 mph, including wind gusts up to 50 mph, is expected to impact most of the state. Widespread blowing dust is expected along stretches of I-10 between Tucson and Phoenix, and from Phoenix to Quartzsite. In addition, dust is possible on I-8 between Casa Grande and Yuma.

In northern Arizona, an unseasonably strong low pressure system and cold front will bring winter weather conditions this weekend, and could result in the first significant snowfall of the season, according to the NWS.

The Arizona Department of Transportation urges drivers to take extra precaution as strong winds over desert areas can result in sudden periods of limited or zero visibility. Motorists play in important role in safety when operating their vehicles during a dust storm. ADOT and the Arizona Department of Public Safety recommend the following driving tips when encountering a dust storm.

▪ Check traffic immediately around your vehicle (front, back and to the side) and begin slowing down.
▪ Do not stop in the travel lane unless the vehicle traffic in front of you has come to a stop
▪ Look for a safe place to pull completely off the paved portion of the roadway.
▪ Stop the vehicle in a position ensuring it is a safe distance from the main roadway and not near where any vehicles may travel.
▪ Turn off all vehicle lights.
▪ Set your emergency brake and take the foot off the brake.
▪ Stay in the vehicle and keep your seat belts on.
▪ Wait for the storm to pass over and away from the area before re-entering the roadway.

ADOT, along with DPS, will continue to work as a public safety team to support Arizona’s highways and drivers and will closely monitor conditions on the highways while maintaining driver safety.

Drivers planning trips tomorrow are urged to monitor travel conditions by calling 5-1-1 within Arizona, 1.888.411.ROAD outside the state, or via the Web at www.az511.gov. Because weather conditions can quickly evolve, drivers are encouraged to regularly check in with ADOT’s Traveler Information Service. Motorists should delay or detour travel plans if necessary.

FEMA & FCC Nationwide EAS test planned for Wed. Nov. 9th noon Arizona time

FEMA, in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), will conduct the first nationwide Emergency Alert System (EAS) on Wed. November 9 at noon Arizona time. All radio, television, cable, wireless cable, satellite audio and radio service providers will participate in the national test, which will last for approximately three minutes.

FEMA Press Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct the first nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). The nationwide test will occur on Wednesday, November 9 at 2 p.m. eastern standard time and may last up to three and a half minutes.


The EAS is a national alert and warning system established to enable the President of the United States to address the American public during emergencies. NOAA's National Weather Service, governors and state and local emergency authorities also use parts of the system to issue more localized emergency alerts.

Similar to local EAS tests that are already conducted frequently, the nationwide test will involve broadcast radio and television stations, cable television, satellite radio and television services and wireline video service providers across all states and the territories of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and American Samoa.

On November 9, the public will hear a message indicating that "This is a test." The audio message will be the same for both radio and television. Under the FCC's rules, radio and television broadcasters, cable operators, satellite digital audio radio service providers, direct broadcast satellite service providers and wireline video service providers are required to receive and transmit presidential EAS messages to the public. A national test will help the federal partners and EAS participants determine the reliability of the system and its effectiveness in notifying the public of emergencies and potential dangers nationally and regionally.

"A national test of our Emergency Alert System, with the vital communications support and involvement of participants, is a step towards ensuring that the alert and warning community is prepared to deliver critical information that can help save lives and protect property," said Damon Penn, FEMA's Assistant Administrator of National Continuity Programs. "Because there has never been an activation of the Emergency Alert System on a national level, FEMA views this test as an excellent opportunity to assess the readiness and effectiveness of the current system. It is important to remember that this is not a pass or fail test, but a chance to establish a baseline for making incremental improvements to the Emergency Alert System with ongoing and future testing. It is also important to remember that the Emergency Alert System is one of many tools in our communications toolbox, and we will continue to work on additional channels that can be a lifeline of information for people during an emergency."

"The upcoming national test is critical to ensuring that the EAS works as designed," said Jamie Barnett, Chief of the FCC's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau. "As recent disasters here at home and in Japan have reminded us, a reliable and effective emergency alert and warning system is key to ensuring the public's safety during times of emergency. We look forward to working with FEMA in preparation for this important test."

Over the past two years and as part of ongoing national preparedness planning efforts, FEMA, the FCC and other federal partners, state, local, tribal and territorial governments, Emergency Alert System participants and other stakeholders have been working toward making this test a reality.

As the federal, state, tribal, territorial and local governments prepare for and test their capabilities, this event serves as a reminder that everyone should establish an emergency preparedness kit and emergency plan for themselves, their families, communities, and businesses. Anyone can visit www.Ready.gov for more information about how to prepare for and stay informed about what to do in the event of an actual emergency.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

For more information visit http://www.fema.gov/emergency/ipaws/eas_info.shtm