Telemarketing scams target seniors nationwide

Wave of Telemarketing Scams Target Seniors January 31, 2013

Seniors nationwide are reporting pushy, suspicious telemarketing calls from businesses going by the names "Senior Emergency Care," "Senior Safety Alert" or "Senior Safe Alert." Follow our advice to tell a legitimate sales call from a telemarketing scam.    How the Scam Works: You receive a prerecorded telemarketing call pitching a personal emergency alarm system.  The alarm, warns the recording, is necessary to protect against a long list of dangers, such as break-ins and medical emergencies. It claims that you can get an alarm system worth several hundred dollars installed for free. You are just responsible for a monthly charge of about $30.    The recording prompts you to press a button and speak to a live person for "verification." However, victims reported that staff refuse to provide basic business information, such as the address.    The exact details of the scam vary. The alarm business goes by a variety of names, including "Senior Emergency Care," "Senior Safety Alert," "American Senior Benefits Program," and "Senior Safe Alert." Typically, the calls appear to come from an area code in the surrounding region, but these numbers can be misrepresented.    In some cases, the sales calls are pushy but legitimate. In others, the calls are phishing scams that impersonate real businesses and seek credit card numbers and personal information. Use the tips below to tell a scam from a sales pitch. Many of those contacted by the telemarketers were on the Do Not Call Registry. If this includes you, you can file a complaint here. You can also file a complaint with the FTC.    How to Spot a Telemarketing Scam:   If a call does the following, it's probably a scam:    Tries to create a sense of panic. In this case, the call alarms seniors by describing a situation where they are incapacitated at home and cannot call for help. Also watch out for calls that push for immediate action.  Promises something for free... that really isn't. Be wary of "free" offers that ask you to pay a handling fee or other charges.  Implies an endorsement from a well-known organization. In this case,  the call claims the alarm system is endorsed by the American Heart Association and the "American Diabetic Association," which is really the "American Diabetes Association."   Others claim a good BBB rating, so be sure to check this on BBB.org.  Just as scam emails often contain misspellings and grammar errors, watch for errors in fraudulent calls, such as referring to the American Diabetes Association as the "Diabetic Association." The business doesn't have a legitimate mailing address and website.  For More Information    Visit the FBI's website for more information about scams targeting seniors.      To find out more about scams, check out the new BBB Scam Stopper.

Quartzsite resident Tom Cunningham honored at Veteran's concert

Quartzsite First Assembly of God held their annual Veteran's Tribute 

with Linda Lanier Friday night, Jan. 19, 2013.

Quartzsite resident Tom Cunningham 

was honored with the receipt of the American flag. 

Color Guard conducted the Flag Folding Ceremony as 

Pastor Bruce Swart read the Air Force Script of the meaning of the twelve folds. 

Tom spoke to the audience with tears of gratitude and praise for his God.

Tom and his wife, JoAnn, are very active in the community, 

volunteering for the church and other organizations. 

Below: Tom's brother, Carl, lost his life while serving in Vietnam War

The annual tribute to Veterans and Active/Past Members of 

Military, Police, Fire, Paramedics was an emotional event 

as Linda Lanier shared her passion for the 

brave men and women who serve our nation

with moving songs and stories. 

The evening ended with veterans being thanked for their service by attendees 

with lots of hugs and handshakes. The church members provided service and flag pins to the veterans.

Quartzsite Elementary School Awards Nights for both schools planned

Quartzsite School District is celebrating National School Choice Week (Jan. 27 to Feb. 2, 2013) in Quartzsite and Ehrenberg with several activities and events planned through February 1.

Quartzsite Elementary School, Quartzsite, AZ

Awards Night, January 23, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Grail Theater's Presentation "Oliver Twist", in the Ehrenberg School Gym,  January 24, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Donuts and Coffee for Parents, January 29, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

We are letting parents know that we appreciate their support and choosing Quartzsite Elementary School as the BEST choice for their child in Quartzsite, Arizona

Ehrenberg Elementary School, Ehrenberg, AZ

Awards Night, January 22, 5:30-7:00 p.m.

Grail Theater's Presentation "Oliver Twist", in the Ehrenberg School Gym,  January 24, 12:45-1:45 p.m.

Rootbeer Floats for students, January 25

Shredded Beef Barbacoa Dinner, January 25, 5:00-7:00 p.m. ($7.00)

Donuts and Coffee for Parents, February 1, 8:15-9:15 a.m.

We are letting parents know that we appreciate their support and choosing Ehrenberg Elementary School as the BEST choice for their child in Ehrenberg, Arizona

AT&T service down in Quartzsite areas & new phone # for Desert Messenger

It happens every year! The influx of thousands of Snowbirds overload the AT&T tower in Quartzsite, Arizona. However, AT&T recently received approval to install a new cell tower in town. 

AT&T Customer Service Rep said, "It appears a tower is severely degraded. They are aware of the problem and issued a 'ticket' for a tech to come out." 

I then asked to be transferred to a technician and Amber was awesome! After explaining the situation in Quartzsite with the huge influx of people, she suggested I spread the word about a new APP called, "Mark the Spot". AT&T's Mark the Spot is an application that provides customers a means to provide feedback on their network experience directly to AT&T. AT&T Customers can download the app and then let ATT know of technical issues right from their phone. 

Customers should call ATT from another phone to report the outage: 800-947-5096. It was  suggested the more folks who report the outages, the faster AT&T might get around to installing the new tower planned at 4-corners (corner of Hwy. 95 and Main Street). 

Mark the Spot is available for IPhone and Android 

Another issue: Amber reminded me that smart phones owners need to completely turn their phones off 2-3 times a week, as AT&T sends updates and phones need to "reboot" in order to accept the updates.

Amber said service is expected to be restored in Quartzsite around 10:30am Saturday, however, "please give us two or three days just in case..." Customers can call AT&T and ask for a credit on their bill for the inconvenience.

I'm sure glad I picked up a new phone from Verizon, and their service is fine in Quartzsite tonight!

Folks needing to reach Desert Messenger can call the new local number 

of 928-916-4235. 

I had not planned on changing numbers in January, but here we are! (the former phone will also work, once service is restored to Quartzsite!)

Shanana Rain Golden-Bear

Publisher/Editor

Desert Messenger

PO Box 3185, Quartzsite, AZ 85346

541-218-2560

928-916-4235

HARD FREEZE warning Quartzsite, Bouse thru Monday!

Hard Freeze Warning In Effect Until 5 pm MST Monday.

Freeze Warning In Effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.

The National Weather Service in Phoenix has issued a Hard Freeze Warning, which is in effect until 5 pm MST Monday. A Freeze Warning is also in effect from 5 pm Monday to 9 am MST Tuesday.

• Affected area: Quartzite And Bouse.
• Temperature: minimum temperatures generally in the lower 20s.
• Impacts: destruction of garden plants and vegetables, damage to landscaping plants and citrus trees, added hardship for homeless people and pets left outdoors, damage to exposed plumbing pipes.

PETS

• The Humane Society of Southern Arizona suggests that pet owners should either bring their animals indoors or make sure they have shelter with warm blankets to shield them from the cold.

• Pets need a place to sleep that is off the floor or ground and away from drafts.

• Dogs sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed should be taken outdoors only long enough to relieve themselves. Puppies do not tolerate the cold well.

• Dogs that spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities should be fed more, especially protein, to keep fur thick.

• Cats can freeze outside and should be kept indoors.

• Sometimes cats sleep under the hoods of cars, where it is warmer. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed in the fan belt. Before starting the engine, bang loudly on the hood to give a hiding cat a chance to escape.

PIPES

Homeowners are advised to cover exposed pipes with insulation or towels to prevent them from freezing and bursting.

It is also best to drain pipes or leave a tap dripping in the fixture farthest from the water heater, which allows water to run through the pipes during the night.

• Seal all areas that allow cold outside air to get in where pipes are located.

• Water pipes in attics may also need to be insulated.

• If your water pipe has frozen, be patient. There is no quick remedy. Pipes will need to gradually warm up. You can use a hair dryer on the frozen section to begin the warming process. Wave the warm air back and forth on the pipe.

• Do not pour hot water over a frozen pipe, or use open-flame torches.

• If there is a burst or water is already leaking from plumbing, turn off the water at the main supply valve.

PLANTS

• Nursery workers suggest that outdoor plants need to be protected from the harsh weather by covering them with blankets or nylon frost cloths. Do not cover plants with plastic.

• Plants should be well-watered for protection because the water insulates the entire plant.

• Styrofoam cups over the tips of cacti will stop frost damage on the new growth.

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.

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 

Quartzsite Publisher responds to letter in Desert Freedom Press

In "August 2011" Volume 1, Issue 14, of The Desert Freedom Press, there is a letter to the editor on page 4 written by Michel Halor that drew my attention. The paper has no particular date, other than "August 2011", but was uploaded to the Desert Freedom Press blog today.

The letter reads:

"I would like to clear my name from the false statements made in the May 18th, 2011 Volume 7 issue 131 of the Desert Messenger - in reference to my having a warrant and theft of stolen property.
These statements are in full, false, and I am considering this libel and defamation.
This has been a recurring issue on many occassions. I'm relaying this to you versus the DM because I hold little faith this would ever reach print or be edited truthfully. With all due respect, they need to get their facts right, this is not only embarrassing, but misinformation spreads rumors."
Michel Halor

Those are some rather strong accusations. The only reference I found to the name above was on Page 17 of Desert Messenger's May 18, 2011 issue under the Arrest Report from QPD. This report was emailed to the Desert Messenger by Linda Conley, previous clerk at Quartzsite Police Department. She is also one of the famous "Quartzsite 10", who now works for La Paz County Attorney's office.

I gotta say, that if my name mistakenly appeared under an arrest report, I sure as heck would not wait until 3 months later to complain to another paper about the situation. Jennifer Jones, of the Desert Freedom Press, should have done her due dilligence before printing such a letter (unless she was intentionally trying to shed a negative light upon the Desert Messenger)!

A notice to all readers: All errors/corrections submitted before deadline, are published in the next available edition of the Desert Messenger. Deadline dates are published (in multiple locations) in EVERY issue of the Desert Messenger!

The 2011-2012 publication schedule, along with each deadline, is available online at http://www.desertmessenger.com/. Advertisers and readers, alike, rely upon the Desert Messenger to "hit the streets" on the publication date (if not before) with reliable news, events and entertainment for Quartzsite and surrounding areas.

Every issue since May 5, 2010 is archived online at www.epageflip.net/title/6362 (under the folder icon at top of landing page). Readers may subscribe to a free service to receive emails when the current issue becomes available. Just click on the brown "subscribe" button on the right hand side of the landing page. As soon as the paper is uploaded, an email will be sent to subscribers FREE! Most times this is before the papers even reach town! Get the news first and subscribe FREE!

Desert Messenger begins our 8th year publishing local news, events and entertainment. Stay tuned for the Best of Quartzsite coming soon!

Intermittent lane closures on Interstate 10 east of Quartzsite begin Monday

Motorists should expect 15 minute delays

The Arizona Department of Transportation will begin to repair segments of pavement along Interstate 10 between Quartzsite and the Bouse Wash Rest Area Monday (Aug. 22) and through Wednesday (Aug. 31). Intermittent lane closures are planned during work hours which will take place between 2 a.m. and 6 p.m. each day. There will be no work on Fridays or over the weekend. Drivers should plan ahead and expect approximately 15 minute delays.

The work consists of removing and replacing pavement along segments of eastbound and westbound I-10 beginning east of Quartzsite to the Bouse Wash Rest Area. Trucks carrying loads wider than 12 feet will not be allowed to travel through the work zone during work hours.

Message boards will advise drivers of lane restrictions. To ensure safety in the work zone, the speed limit will be reduced to 45 mph. Law enforcement will be on-site to help monitor speeds and control traffic.

ADOT advises drivers to proceed through the work zone with caution, slow down and be alert for construction equipment and personnel.

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 www.az511.gov or call 5-1-1.

Quartzsite Elementary School Free & Reduced-Price Meals policy

Quartzsite Elementary School District free and reduced-price meals policy

Quartzsite Elementary School District No. 4 has announced its policy for providing free and reduced-price meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Each school and/or the central office have a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

The household size and income criteria will be used to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits. Children from households whose income is at or below the guidelines are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who are members of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households, Cash Assistance (CA) units or Food Distribution Program on the Indian Reservation (FDPIR) households are automatically eligible for free meals. SNAP/CA families will be certified by the determining official via Direct Certification. Foster children who are the legal responsibility of a welfare agency or court may also be eligible for benefits regardless of the income of the household with whom they reside. Eligibility for the foster child is based on the child’s income.

Application forms are being distributed to all households with a letter informing households of the availability of free and reduced-price meals for their children. Applications also are available at the school secretary’s office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meals, households must fill out the application and return it to the school. The information households provide on the application will be used for the purpose of determining eligibility and verification of data. Applications may be verified at any time during the school year by school or other program officials.

For school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits, households receiving FDPIR only have to list their child’s name and FDPIR case number. An adult household member must sign the application. Households which do not list a FDPIR case number must list the names of all household members, the amount and source of the monthly income received by each household member, and the Social Security number of the adult household member who signs the application. If the household member signing does not have a Social Security number, he or she must indicate a Social Security number is not available. An adult household member must sign the application.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price policy, Renee King, food Services Manager, will review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the ruling of the official may wish to discuss the decision with determining official on an informal basis. Parents wishing to make a formal appeal for a hearing on the decision may make a request either orally or in writing to Renee King, Food Services Manager, P.O. Box 130, Ehrenberg, Ariz. 85334, or call 928-923-7900.

If a household member become unemployed, or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels.



Non-discrimination statement. This explains what to do if you believe you have been treated unfairly: “In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call 800-795-3272 or 202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.”

Finally The truth reaches the masses! As i posted previously, Quartzsite is NOT under Martial Law!

Jennifer Jade Harris Jones and twice-censured Mayor Ed Foster have had their stories spread around the world claiming that Quartzsite is under Martial Law. The Media jumped on the story showing up in town the past few days. CBS Channel 5 KPH0's Donna Rossi and Steve Stout gave a clear and factual report of what is actually going on in Quartzsite, Arizona. See link below!

http://kpho.m0bl.net/w/main/story/31780723/

Quartzsite council meeting draws media attention

Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster walked out of this morning's budget meeting, claiming it was an illegal meeting because town did not post the agenda 24 hours in advance. Quartzite and surrounding areas were without power the majority of the day yesterday. Evidently postings were made on bulletin boards but not on town website due to power outage.
Meeting was officiated by Vice Mayor Barbara Cowell. Council voted to hold a meeting on the budget in a week and allow public to review the proposed budget. There was a strong Media present at the very short meeting. No arrests were made.

Salome loses landmark

Salome's historic restaurant and burned this morning. Carole Mackley posted photos. See link below:

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0CaMWbVwyaMWHp

False reports of State of Emergency in Quartzsite!

Quartzsite Town Council met in an emergency meeting earlier today to handle the recent throngs of death threats made to council members and QPD officers. Mayor Ed Foster claimed to media around the state that the Council declared a State of Emergency and Martial law. According to AZ Central he is now back-peddling that claim.
According to many reliable sources, there is no State of Emergency in Quartzsite, Arizona!! There will be an announcement within 24 hours of the council's decisions.

Please stay calm everyone and get the facts straight before sending fear out into the public!!!

Laguna Fire burns north of Yuma UPDATE

UPDATED!
Laguna Fire Continues Burning North of Yuma








Yuma, Ariz. - A wildfire has burned approximately 400-600 acres along the Colorado River

about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz.

Yuma, Ariz. - Fire fighters are holding the 400- acre Laguna Fire along the Colorado River about 15 miles north of Yuma, Ariz. Fire fighters made good progress Thursday on the Laguna Fire. The acreage burned is unchanged at approximately 400-600 acres. Currently the fire is estimated at 40% contained with full containment May 23, 2011.

Mapping will be done later today or early Friday.

Most of the fire activity today occurred in islands of vegetation inside the fire perimeter. Fire fighters used two helicopters - Type 1 and Type 3 - to drop water on the fire taken from nearby Mittry Lake. A fire boat operating on the Colorado River pumped water directly on the flames.

Approximately 130 fire fighters are working the Laguna Fire including engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Department of Corrections, Imperial County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments ; and crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management. Fifty fire fighters and two engines will work through the night tonight taking advantage of the cooler temperatures and higher humidities.


The Laguna Fire was reported May 18 and is burning in salt cedar,
willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The
fire started in California and hopped the river into Arizona. The fire
appears to be human caused and is under investigation. Approximately 95%
of the fire is in Arizona.

The fire grew quickly and burned one historic structure in the
Betty’s Kitchen Recreation area on the California side. A BLM water truck
was damaged as well.

All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people
that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.
Conditions are ripe for rapid, large-scale burning … all it takes is a
single spark.



For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews




PREVIOUS POST:

The Laguna Fire was reported late Wednesday afternoon (May 18) and is burning in salt cedar, willow, cottonwood, and mesquite in the Colorado River riparian area. The fire started in California and hopped the river into Arizona. The fire appears to be human caused and is under investigation. There is no estimate of containment at this time.

Approximately 95% of the fire is in Arizona.

A large array of fire fighting resources are currently on hand or enroute to the fire. Fire engines and crews from the Rural/Metro, Imperial County, and Yuma Proving Grounds Fire Departments worked with crews from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management fought the fire through the night. About 60 people are on the fire now and additional fire crews have been ordered. Fire fighters plan to remain on scene tonight. Two bull dozers are being used.
The fire grew quickly and burned one historic structure in the Betty’s Kitchen Recreation area on the California side. A BLM water truck was damaged as well.

A Type III Fire Management Team is on scene or enroute and will assume management of the fire later today. All fire fighting agencies in southern Arizona want to remind people that Fire Restrictions are in effect and ask people to be careful outdoors.

Conditions are ripe for rapid, large-scale burning … all it takes is a single spark.

For fire restriction information in Arizona and New Mexico:

Call Toll Free: 1-877-864-6985

Visit the website: www.publiclands.org/firenews

ADOT Summer Travel Driving Tips

ADOT offers Memorial Day weekend and

summer travel driving tips

PHOENIX – As many Arizonans look ahead to Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer travel season, the Arizona Department of Transportation is urging drivers to plan ahead and follow important safety tips.

As summer temperatures soar each year, drivers should make sure they’ve had their vehicle’s condition checked before they head out on a trip. Weather conditions can change and monsoon storms can arrive suddenly, creating dust-filled winds and cutting visibility along the highway up ahead.

Allowing extra travel time is a good idea, too. Unscheduled closures due to crashes or other incidents, including wildfires, can affect highway travel. Existing work zones for highway improvement projects, even when work is not taking place over holiday weekends, can add time spent on the road.

A couple of existing highway work zones to be aware of – especially at the start and end of the Memorial Day weekend – are located along Interstate 10 at the Hassayampa River bridges 40 miles west of downtown Phoenix and at the Interstate 17 bridges at Munds Park 20 miles south of Flagstaff. The highways are narrowed to one lane in each direction at those locations.

ADOT reminds motorists to drive with caution and offers the following summer driving tips:

•Check your vehicle (Examples: check tire condition and pressure, oil and other fluid levels and inspect belts and hoses)
•Expect the unexpected when out on the road – pay attention. And buckle up
•Get plenty of rest before traveling and take regular rest breaks
•Be patient and alert to changing road conditions
•Plan your travel route and check alternate routes. Have a map
•If your vehicle breaks down or you need to change a flat tire, pull completely off the roadway. Please be cautious in areas with taller grass or brush – hot vehicle components can spark a fire.
•Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (even prescription drugs can limit your ability to safely operate a motor vehicle)
•Cell phones or satellite devices help in an emergency – make sure they are fully charged
•Obey the posted speed limit, check for changing speed limit conditions
•Signal in advance for lane changes and turning maneuvers
•Take plenty of food and water
•Slow down in areas known for high winds and dust storms and be prepared to exit the roadway if extreme weather conditions occur


Before heading out on the road, drivers are encouraged to call 5-1-1 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information site at www.az511.gov to check on updated highway conditions around the state. You also can get additional ADOT updates via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ArizonaDOT or Facebook at www.facebook.com/AZDOT.

Good News for pronghorn near Quartzsite, AZ

Reestablishing Endangered Sonoran Pronghorn Populations Gets Green Light

Preparation of Release Site at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge

to Proceed

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) announced today the final rule to establish two non-essential experimental populations of the endangered Sonoran pronghorn under section 10(j) of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). This final rule will set in motion the reintroduction of Sonoran pronghorns to establish up to two new populations as envisioned by the recovery plan.

The final rule includes provisions to construct a captive breeding and release facility in King Valley on the Kofa National Wildlife Refuge in Arizona and to establish a second U.S. population of endangered Sonoran pronghorn. An additional future population has also been approved for Barry M. Goldwater Range (BMGR) East, a property managed by Luke Air Force Base. Arizona Game and Fish Department, working in coordination with the Service, will take the on-the-ground lead in implementing construction and eventual monitoring of pronghorn at these two new sites located in the southwest portion of the state.

“Establishing two new Sonoran pronghorn populations will advance recovery for one of North America’s most imperiled land mammals,” said Benjamin Tuggle, Regional Director of the Service’s Southwest Region. “Only nine years ago, drought nearly extirpated this species in the U.S., but through the continued, far-sighted efforts of conservation biologists, numerous federal land managers, the U.S. Air Force, Native American Tribes and the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the pronghorn will now be returning to a portion of their historical habitat in the U.S.”

The Sonoran pronghorn has been protected under the ESA since 1967. The ESA provides a critical safety net for America’s native fish, wildlife and plants. This landmark conservation law has prevented the extinction of hundreds of imperiled species across the nation and promoted the recovery of many others.

The final rule designating an experimental population will publish in the Federal Register on May 4, 2011, and become effective on June 6, 2011, designating any reestablished Sonoran pronghorn populations as an “experimental, nonessential population” – a designation under the ESA allowing for greater management flexibility in reintroducing new populations within the species’ historical range. The Service has completed an environmental assessment and selected the Kofa site, historically occupied by the species, as a preferred location for reestablishing a new population to expand its range and bolster pronghorn numbers. The Luke Air Force Base commander will sign on as a cooperator in the project and final environmental assessment.

Measures to create a pronghorn breeding enclosure on the Kofa refuge will be conducted by Refuge staff and contractors with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. A core population of 11 breeding-age pronghorn will be moved to the enclosure next winter. By late 2013, up to 20 two-year old offspring are expected to be released from the facility into suitable adjacent habitat.

In the future, a new population will be established on BMGR-East, located east of State Route 85. Offspring reared at nearby Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge captive-breeding facility will be initially moved to a holding pen to be constructed on BMGR-East for acclimation of the animals prior to release on the site.

The Service does not expect that this action will impede border security efforts in any way and is committed to coordinating closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and other partners before implementing release of Sonoran pronghorns into BMGR-East.

Sonoran pronghorn originally ranged widely throughout the Sonoran Desert in southwestern Arizona and northern Mexico. The Sonoran pronghorn is extremely skittish and extremely fast. Because it uses distance and speed as protection from predators, it prefers wide open spaces.

“I am very proud of the work our agency has conducted on this species over the last 20 years. We nearly lost our herd of Sonoran pronghorn in 2002 when fewer than 20 animals remained. Fortunately, we were given a second chance at recovery, and active, aggressive, hands-on management brought this species back from the knife’s edge of extirpation,” said Larry Voyles, Director of the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “This project provides a good model for cooperation between state and federal wildlife agencies and the Department of Defense, who brought together the resources and expertise necessary to pull off a truly important accomplishment.”

Sonoran pronghorn are now confined to an increasingly isolated and fragmented portion of their former range as a result of human settlement and associated development. Today, there are an estimated 102 animals in the U.S. limited to Barry M. Goldwater Range, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, Bureau of Land Management lands, and two Mexican populations totaling about 470 animals.

The full descriptions of the release plans and locations, environmental assessment, Finding of No Significant Impact (NEPA) and experimental population rule are available at http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/Library/ or http://www.fws.gov/southwest/es/arizona/Sonoran_Pronghorn.htm or by contacting the Refuge Manager, Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge, 1611 N. Second Ave., Ajo, AZ 85321 (520-387-6483).

America’s fish, wildlife and plant resources belong to all of us, and ensuring the health of imperiled species is a shared responsibility. To learn more about the Service’s Endangered Species program, go to http://www.fws.gov/endangered/.

Established in 1939, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge near Yuma encompasses 665,400 acres of pristine desert. The Refuge provides essential habitat for Desert Bighorn Sheep, the California Fan Palm, and other wildlife and plants. This will be the first population of Sonoran pronghorn on the Refuge.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

Quartzsite Ad hoc committee meeting, Today, 2:30pm

Quartzsite Town Hall published a Notice of Possible Quorum regarding a meeting today for the Ad Hoc Committee at 2:30 at Town Hall.

Questions arise about who is the focus of the ad hoc committee this time. Is it Mayor Ed Foster again? Is it another council member? Attend the meeting today and we all will find out who's ethics are being questioned.

Quartzsite's Desert Messenger DEADLINE Wednesday!

The Desert Messenger, Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper, publishes the first and third Wednesday of each month Sept. thru May. The Snowbirds are arriving by the thousands and this next issue will have the highest circulation of the season!

The Deadline for the JANUARY 19TH ISSUE is this WED. JAN. 12th.

If you wish to submit an ad,  please reserve your space early. To keep a balance between editorial content and retail advertising space, there may come a point of being "sold out"! Thank you so much to all the advertisers who have supported this community paper! You all are awesome!

Sending prayers to all affected by the tragic events yesterday in Tuscon. With so much hatred and anger in the world, our nation, our state and our very own community, I pray for those suffering loss and fear tonight. We are all connected to each other. May we all learn from this experience and treat each other with respect and kindness. 

Could Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster be censured AGAIN?

The agenda for regular meeting of the Quartzsite Town Council
of Tuesday, December 14 is now online. 

Item 121410 – 6, the last on the agenda, states 
"Discussion and possible action to censure Mayor Foster"
submitted by Council Member Joe Winslow. 


Use the link below for the full agenda. Remember, the PDF will take awhile downloading.

http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/121410%20agenda.pdf