BLM cautions drivers-watch for burros Hwy 95 south of Quartzsite

Use Caution When Traveling on Highway 95

Yuma, Ariz. - The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Yuma Field Office continues to ask the public to use caution when traveling on Highway 95 between Yuma and Quartzsite, especially between Mile Posts 45 - 65.

“Recently, there have been several traffic accidents associated with wild burros along Highway 95 and five burros were killed in one accident this morning,” said BLM Yuma Field Manager John MacDonald.  “We are very concerned about the safety of the traveling public and also the burros that roam in the area.  Please be extra careful when you drive through that stretch of the road after dark.” 

“The wild burros normally live along the Colorado River during the summer months because of the water source; however, because of the recent rains, they are crossing Highway 95 to get to their food and water,” stated Wild Horse and Burro Specialist John Hall.  

The BLM Yuma Field Office completed a wild burro gather in June, gathering 350 wild burros from the Cibola-Trigo Herd Management Area (HMA) north of Yuma, Arizona.  “We estimate there are still approximately 350 burros left in the HMA,” said Hall.  “Our appropriate management level for wild burros in the HMA is 165.”

For more information, please call John Hall at 928-317-3202 or Lori Cook at 928-317-3243.

Quartzsite's Jennifer Jones speaks at Meet the Candidates Forum in Wenden, AZ

Wenden, Arizona- Thursday, July 26th, the McMullen Valley Chamber of Commerce held a Meet the Candidates Forum. The room was packed with La Paz County voters and candidates, along with Arizona state candidates, and U.S. candidates. 


The three hour event was well organized by the large group of volunteers. Attendees had the opportunity to visit with candidates beforehand, and to submit written questions for each of the 19 candidates. Each candidate was given five minutes to speak before questions were asked. Republican candidates dominated the evening with a sprinkle of independents and democrats.

The only Quartzsite candidate is Jennifer Jones, who is running La Paz County Supervisor District 3. District 3 now includes a portion of Quartzsite (south of I-10), La Paz Valley, Rainbow Acres, Cibola, Salome, Wenden, Vicksburg, and Alamo Lake areas.

Jones answered a question regarding the controversy around her residency, by stating she does live in La Posa North area of BLM's LTVA (Long Term Visitor Area), located just south of Quartzsite and I-10 (District 3). Jones shared how she loves the peace and quiet of the desert. She said people can buy a seasonal winter pass and also a summer pass, of which she has. 

However, according to BLM's website, La Posa LTVA summer fees are:

"From April 16th through September 14th, the fee is $10 per vehicle for day-use, $15 per vehicle for overnight use, or $75 annually per vehicle, for up to 5 people per vehicle. There will be a $1 per person fee charged over the 5 person limit. The maximum stay is 14 days in a 28-day period."Between April 16 and September 14, you may stay in an LTVA only 14 days in any 28-day period." Rule 34 states "After your 14th day of occupation at an LTVA, you must move outside of a 25-mile radius of that LTVA."

 http://www.blm.gov/az/st/en/prog/recreation/camping/LTVA/laposa.html

Jones said she can prove that she lives in District 3 because "another news publication" (I'm assuming that would be me, the publisher of Desert Messenger) knows where she lives and "came all the way out to my campsite and took pictures...". Jones may be referring to when I took photographs of her camp on federal lands flying an upside down American flag (as a candidate for Quartzsite Town Council). That photo was taken in December, 2011 (over 7 months ago) and the article was published in Desert Messenger's January 4th issue. See article on Page 7 at  http://www.epageflip.net/i/51737

It is well known by locals that Jones is currently living and working on the North side of I-10 (District 2) on Richard Oldham's property near the old airstrip. Many dog owners have taken their pets there to be groomed. In an effort to clarify this issue, I drove out Saturday afternoon, July 28th, to La Posa North (District 3), near the same location photos were taken back in December. No camp was seen anywhere in La Posa North. Not a trailer, nor motor home, nor even a tent; just a few quail roaming the desert. 

Jones' final comment Thursday evening was, 

"being educated makes you more of a better decision maker."

 

Huge turnout for today's Quartzsite Community Center Groundbreaking Ceremony

Quartzsite, Arizona- There was a great turnout 

from community for the 

Quartzsite Community Center Groundbreaking 

this morning at Town Park.

Participating in the traditional ground breaking were (Left to Right) 

Council Member Patricia Anderson, Parks Board Member Shirley Phillips, 

Town Manager Alex Taft,  Pastor Mike Hobby of Isaiah 58 Project, 

Angie Howell in honor of her father Gary Howell, 

and Recreation Director Tracey Hess.

Speakers included,  Alex Taft, Patricia Anderson, La Paz County Supervisor Holly Irwin 

and Parks Board Member Kevin Cushman.

Pastor Mike Hobby was the Master of Ceremonies and led with a heartwarming prayer.

All the speakers focused on the positive addition the Community Center brings to the community. Groundbreaking ceremonies are an expression of optimism, hope for the future, and celebration. They are an opportunity to bring people together in celebration of a new beginning;  a historic time in the life of a community.

A surprising discovery was made recently during the process of clearing the building site. 

According to Town Manager, Alex Taft, this Ironwood tree is over 1200 years old. 

The tree is located just east of the building site for the Community Center. Ironwoods are a protected species, so the town has taken measures to protect it by cordoning it off. Taft told Desert Messenger that she is planning on having a special plaque made to honor this old tree.

This tree is two hundred years older than the Arizona Witness Tree located behind the County Court. Taft said, "We are so excited to make this discovery!" 

Many La Paz County candidates were in attendance at today's ceremony. All three La Paz County Supervisors were in attendance. All Quartzsite Town Council Members were present except Carol Kelley, who was at work as Director of Food Bank (open only on Tues. and Thurs.) and newly elected Pat Workman. Conspicuously missing were Ed Foster and local government reform political activists, which created a lot of discussion among attendees. The event was co-sponsored by the Quartzsite Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition (QSAPC) who felt this is the perfect time for the community to come together and work towards a positive future for Quartzsite.

Desert Messenger Clarification regarding "River of Tears" post

CLARIFICATION:

In light of recent events and correspondence from Mr. Doug Gilford, Desert Messenger felt it important to make this clarification regarding the “River of Tears” blog post on July 20, 2012 on http://www.desertmessenger.blogspot.com/2012/07/quartzsite-womans-emotional-expression.html.

The emotionally charged post was written last weekend by Hygeia Halfmoon shortly after hearing of the Aurora, Colorado theater shootings.

Halfmoon's post began, “Just weeks ago former and recalled mayor Ed Foster had the audacity to tell a reporter for all the world to see and hear him say that if our town government doesn’t seat him, then someone is gonna come into Town Hall with a gun and start shooting.”

Mr. Gilford's email to Desert Messenger focused on a paragraph naming certain individuals in the following question: "How dare you......exploit the media and claim your constitutional rights to harass our community…how DARE you make light of the serious nature of a killing spree!!!” 
Desert Messenger did not imply nor intend to imply that the named individuals made light of the Aurora shootings or any killing spree.

Desert Messenger reached out to Ms. Halfmoon for clarification. She said she did not write "the” killing spree and was not referring to the recent Aurora shootings. She was referring to Ed Foster’s statements in the first paragraph of the article.

In an email Ms. Halfmoon stated, “I wrote ‘a killing spree’ which would obviously be the natural byproduct of what Ed Foster has been telling reporters...that someone is gonna come into Town Hall with guns and start shooting.” 

Ms. Halfmoon told Desert Messenger that she felt it was obvious those named in the post are active outspoken supporters of Foster, referring to them as "the negative faction". 

In her opinion, “These regular and consistent comments on the part of Ed Foster do in fact ‘make light of the serious nature of a killing spree’”. She said she felt “anyone who supports Foster’s statements and does not take a stand against that type of behavior or violence is in sense harassing our community. I am one of their primary targets for the simple fact that I am a free-lance writer with a community website.”

According to Ms. Halfmoon, Mr. Gilford has not contacted her demanding a retraction of any of her statements.


This Clarification shall be posted in such ways only as the original posting was.

Meet the Candidates Night planned for Thurs. July 26 in Salome

The McMullen Valley Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Meet the Candidates in Salome, Arizona. Candidates for La Paz County will have the opportunity to answer voters' questions in a moderated event.

Join fellow citizens Thursday evening, July 26th at 7pm

at the Centennial Community Center in Salome.

Meet.Candidates.Salome

Social Media Workshop planned for Aug. 2nd in Quartzsite

Quartzsite, Arizona - If you have every wondered what all the fuss is about with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Pinterest...in other words, Social Media, join Desert Messenger's Publisher, Shanana Rain Golden-Bear for an experiential workshop in Quartzsite, Arizona.

The workshop will be held Thursday, August 2nd from 6:30pm-8pm at Desert Gardens RV Park Rec Room. You don't need to bring a computer. Just bring your questions. This workshop is a basic introduction into the world of Social Media. Cost is only $5/person.

With over 15 years of Marketing experience, Rain will explain, in layman's terms, how Social Media is affecting the world we live in and how you can get involved. Even if you're already active on Facebook, this workshop will help you understand the other Social Media options available today.

For more information, contact Rain at 541-218-2560 or Email: desertmessenger7@yahoo.com

Social Media Workshop

Monsoon rains can bring mosquitoes

The Arizona monsoon usually brings much-needed rain to the state. But that rain can leave behind puddles and pools that are perfect for breeding mosquitoes. The Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) wants everyone in the state to protect themselves and their families from mosquito bites. Mosquitoes can carry the West Nile Virus, which can be fatal to people and animals.

"So far, we haven't had any cases of West Nile Virus reported for the 2012 season, but it's always a threat," said Will Humble, ADHS Director. "Because it's carried by mosquitoes, we have to work together to prevent the spread of the virus. Make sure there's no standing water around your house. Simple actions, like tipping over your wheel barrow, can reduce potential mosquito breeding grounds. If you see something at your neighbors, work with them to resolve it. Reducing the breeding places for mosquitoes will cut down the number of cases of West Nile we get in the state."

ADHS is already investigating a few possible cases of West Nile Virus this year, but has not confirmed them. Last season, Arizona had 69 reported cases of West Nile Virus - the second highest number of cases in the nation. The year before, we were the highest in the nation with 166 cases.

The best way to protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses is by reducing the number of mosquitoes around your neighborhood, and taking personal precautions to avoid mosquito bites:

* Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Check for and eliminate items outside the home that may collect water, such as cans, bottles, jars, buckets, old tires, drums and other containers.

* Change water in flower vases, birdbaths and animal watering pans at least twice a week

* Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes in them.

* Wear lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs.

* Use insect repellent to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes anytime you go outside. This is particularly important for the elderly and small children.

It is still early in the West Nile Virus season, so activity is expected to increase during the summer and fall. This may result in an increase in human cases.

For additional information on West Nile Virus, please visit the Arizona Department of Health Services' website at www.westnileaz.com.