Parker Live News from the Parker Strip since 2009.

January, 2022

• 11 January

  CRIT Chairwoman to address Arizona legislature

  

  The Chairwoman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes will address Arizona lawmakers and Tribal leaders at the 27th Annual Indian Nations and Tribes Legislative Day Wednesday at the Arizona State Capitol. Chairwoman Amelia Flores will deliver remarks during the Joint Protocol Session between 11am and noon at the Arizona House Chambers. The address comes weeks after US Senator Mark Kelly …

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November, 2021

• 20 November

  Undefeated Parker Broncs football team at state semi-finals Saturday

  

  UPDATE: Morenci wins 39-14. —- The Parker Broncs football team, so far undefeated this season, are heading to the semi-finals where they will battle the Morenci Wildcats on Saturday. KLPZ Broncs commentator Brad Sale called the Morenci team “tough and disciplined” but said that if the Broncs could keep a key running back at bay, they could be in with …

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October, 2021

• 20 October

  Town Manager Wedemeyer’s home raided by law enforcement, say reports

  

  UPDATE: The council voted unanimously to place Wedemeyer on paid administrative leave while any investigation is in progress. EARLIER: Parker Town Council is to hold a special meeting Friday at 10am to “consider the employment of the Town Manager.” The discussion may be held in executive session, behind closed doors, but any decisions will be made in public. —- ORIGINAL: …

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• 13 October

  BlueWater Desert Challenge moves away from Parker to Cal City, other races will not be affected

  

  The BlueWater Desert Challenge, held annually by the Best In The Desert racing association each Fall in Parker, will be moving to Cal City for 2021. The other two races in the season in Parker will not be affected. Best In The Desert announced the change Wednesday after the Colorado River Indian Tribes said they would not allow the event …

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• 13 October

  Arrests made for child endangerment in Big River

  

  A Big River couple were arrested Tuesday for endangerment and cruelty of a special needs child after an investigation by Child Protective Services. On Tuesday at around 4 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Colorado River Station conducted a Child Protective Services investigation at a residence in Big River. Upon arrival at the residence, deputies say they …

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• 7 October

  County wins lawsuit filed by consultant, court criticizes former County Administrator

  

  La Paz County won summary judgment in a lawsuit filed against it by Kelly Sarber, a consultant who claims that the County agreed to pay her for services she provided for the development of a renewable energy project several years ago. Former County Administrator Dan Field intervened in the case on Sarber’s behalf, saying the County owes her the money, …

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September, 2021

• 30 September

  Employee fired and escorted from Town Hall

  

  UPDATE: “I can neither confirm nor deny our Office’s involvement with any matters related to the Town of Parker.” – Arizona Auditor General’s Office by email Friday. —- An employee was fired and escorted from Town Hall last Friday, according to a press release by the Town. Jennifer Alcaida had been in an administrative role with the Town of Parker …

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• 24 September

  Detectives investigating possible homicide in Salome

  

  Detectives are investigating a possible homicide in the town of Salome in eastern La Paz County. On Tuesday morning around 6:24 a.m. a La Paz County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a call of a body discovered on Centennial Road in Salome around half a mile north of the community center there. A 66 year-old white male was found deceased at …

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• 23 September

  Meet CRIT’s new Vice Chairman

  

  Dwight Lomayesva Jr. has been elected Vice Chairman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes. In a special election held Saturday after the resignation of Keith Moses in July, Lomayesva received by far the most votes out of the four candidates in the race. Lomayesva is a civil engineer and part-time farmer who taught at Cal State Fullerton, University of California …

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• 23 September

  Supervisors meetings go online

  

  One of the persistent criticisms of the La Paz County Board of Supervisors over the years is that their public meetings are held on a weekday mid-morning when citizens tend to be at work or otherwise busy. This means that people don’t get a chance to attend meetings and see for themselves their local county government in action. Now, one …

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August, 2021

• 11 August

  Sheriff says Beckham homicide case a daily priority

  

  The La Paz County Sheriff’s Department is working the Johnny Beckham homicide case daily, according to senior officials at the department. “Obviously people are yearning for information on this case,” said Sheriff William Ponce, speaking to Parker Live with Chief Deputy David Gray on Wednesday. “Unfortunately we can’t release everything that’s going on, because it’s an active investigation.” Gray said …

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July, 2021

• 27 July

  Hollie Lucas appointed as new Court Clerk

  

  Governor Doug Ducey announced the appointment of Hollie Lucas as La Paz County Clerk of the Superior Court on Tuesday. The appointment fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Megan Spielman. Under Arizona law, the vacancy created by the resignation is filled by gubernatorial appointment until the next general election in 2022. “Hollie’s career shows her dedication to La …

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• 20 July

  Man drowns near Havasu Landing, body recovered

  

  A man drowned on Lake Havasu Saturday amid windy conditions and rough water, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. On Saturday, deputies responded to a report of a drowning victim near the Havasu Landing Resort and Casino, which is directly opposite Lake Havasu City on the California side of the lake. It was discovered the victim, David Radine, 58 …

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• 20 July

  CRIT Vice Chairman Keith Moses resigns, talks joys of progress

  

  The Vice Chairman of the Colorado River Indian Tribes, Keith Moses, has resigned. In an online video, he talked about the joys of seeing the progress CRIT has made over the past few years. Moses first took office in 2015 after many years in other local roles. During his time as Vice Chairman, the tribal council explored and implemented new …

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• 14 July

  Judge Quickle reprimanded for treatment of colleagues

  

  La Paz County Superior Court Judge Jessica Quickle was reprimanded by the State of Arizona Commission on Judicial Conduct last month for her treatment of colleagues in the workplace. Judge Quickle is sworn in, January 2019 Complaints dating from September and October of last year, along with follow-up interviews with six court employees, alleged improper demeanor both on and off …

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• 14 July

  Over 10,000 fully vaccinated in La Paz County

  

  Over 10,000 people have now been fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus in La Paz County. It is hard to estimate the precise rate of vaccination for the county, considering that many of the county’s doses were administered to part-time residents and temporary visitors. But we know that 8,423 people have received both doses of the vaccine within the county …

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• 14 July

  UPDATED: Suspect in the murder of Johnny Beckham still not located

  

  UPDATE, July 21st: The death of Johnny Beckham has been designated a homicide. A warrant has now been issued for Brian Dunnan’s arrest. Original story below. — A person of interest in the June 29th death of Johnny Beckham, identified several days ago as Brian Douglas Dunann, has not yet been located. What we know from official sources Dunann is …

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• 12 July

  Conflict at Town Hall continues over Town Manager

  

  Conflict continues to swirl around the actions of Parker Town Manager Lori Wedemeyer, with some in the council supporting her and others wanting her out. A dustup involving a recent employee resignation and, now, Wedemeyer’s contract, continue to divide the council. Parker Town Hall is a peaceful place most of the time. As you would expect in a small town …

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• 12 July

  Viewfinder: Wildfire scorches several acres on Parker Strip, fireworks suspected

  

  A wildfire scorched several acres of riverfront land on Parker Strip opposite Fox’s and Sundance resorts over the weekend. Buckskin Fire Department and San Bernardino Fire responded with both land-based fire engines and a fire boat. Buckskin was called just before 1 a.m. early on Sunday morning. Less than 10 acres of desert brush, mesquite and salt cedar trees were …

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• 6 July

  Local man dies of fatal gunshot, Sheriff’s Department investigating

  

  UPDATE: A suspect has been identified as Brian Douglas Dunann, who is wanted for questioning but is still not located. More info HERE. — A local man died last week of a fatal gunshot in the Upriver area north of Parker, AZ. La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce says the Department is investigating. The matter is currently assigned to the …

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• 6 July

  Man in critical condition after boating incident near Needles, alcohol involved

  

  A man is in critical condition after a boating incident over the holiday weekend involving alcohol. He was later arrested for operating a boat under the influence. On Saturday, July 3rd at approximately 5:51 p.m., deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit responded to a report of a boating collision on the Colorado …

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• 1 July

  Mike Burke retired as Judge 10 years ago, reflects on his career

  

  Although it seems like only yesterday, Michael Burke retired as the La Paz County Superior Court Judge almost ten years ago. Parker Live sat down with Burke, a pioneer in the La Paz County legal system, to find out how he is doing in retirement and reflect upon his time as judge. Burke grew up in California and ultimately became …

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June, 2021

• 25 June

  Planet Ranch Fire burning in Bill Williams Refuge

  

  A wildfire in the area of the Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge, the Planet Ranch Fire, is continuing to burn, according to Buckskin Fire District. The fuels that are burning are Salt Cedars, Mesquites, Cottonwoods and brush. According to the District, these types of fuels will produce light ashes but not large embers, which means that the closest communities, in …

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• 11 June

  Man dead after his jetski exploded, throwing him into the river

  

  A Moreno Valley man is dead after his jetski exploded, throwing him into the river. He died in hospital after being transported from the scene. On Friday afternoon at 12:39 p.m., deputies from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department responded to a call for a boating incident at River Shore Estates in Earp. On arrival, medical staff from the Buckskin Fire …

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• 1 June

  Viewfinder: Boat sinks at Fox’s

  

  In photos: A boat sank at Fox’s bar on the Parker Strip on Saturday. A group of around 30 people tried to use ropes to pull the boat toward the shore, tug-of-war style, but the boat didn’t move much. No word on what happened later (perhaps some of our readers know?). Memorial Day weekend, 2021.

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• 1 June

  Man saved from drowning on Lake Havasu

  

  A man’s life was saved after he nearly drowned on Lake Havasu Saturday. Deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit were flagged down by subjects on a boat, on Lake Havasu near Havasu Landing Casino. Deputies were told a male victim fell off his personal watercraft and was drowning in the water. Some good …

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May, 2021

• 20 May

  Tom Simmons retires after 38 years at La Paz County, longest-serving employee

  

  On February 11th, 2021, the longest serving employee in La Paz County history retired. Tom Simmons, who began his career when the county was first formed in 1983, ended a remarkable 38 years working in the County Public Works Department. When Tom started his career with the county, Ronald Reagan was the President, gas was 96 cents a gallon, the …

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April, 2021

• 20 April

  La Paz County’s General Fund is $3.4m underwater

  

  La Paz County’s General Fund is $3.4 million in the red, according to a new report by financial consultants, and is poised to get even worse. A presentation by outside accountants Jay Parke and Karen Ziegler paints a grim picture: a negative balance in the General Fund, “virtually no unrestricted cash”, “insolvent” accounts, and banks walking away from the County. …

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• 17 April

  Boat accident near Emerald Cove leaves operator in intensive care

  

  On April 16, 2021 at approximately 10:23 pm, the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Boat Accident Investigation Team was dispatched to a major injury boat collision that occurred on the California shoreline at Bass Point on the Parker Strip. Through investigation and interviews, it was determined Mark Thene was operating a 19-foot SeaRay southbound on the Colorado River at a …

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• 16 April

  Darla Tilley OUT at Senior Center after dust-up at Town Hall

  

  Darla Tilley is no longer running the Parker Senior Center after a dust-up at Town Hall led to her resignation “under duress.” Town Manager Lori Wedemeyer says there were valid complaints against Tilley, but Councilman Randy Hartless says Tilley was doing “an incredible job” and thinks it’s Wedemeyer who should be fired. Tilley’s last day at the Senior Center, which …

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March, 2021

• 30 March

  Fatal boating collision north of I-40 being investigated

  

  A fatal boating collision on Monday is now being investigated north of the I-40 bridge over the Colorado River near Topock. A juvenile male operator of a personal watercraft is okay, but his 45-year-old male passenger died at the scene. On Monday, March 29th at approximately 3:37 pm, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Colorado River Station Marine Enforcement Unit …

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• 22 March

  Rare-earth minerals mining project moves forward

  

  A company called Western Rare Earths, based in Phoenix, is moving forward with plans to drill into the ground for a set of 17 minerals on public lands near Bouse, Arizona in rural La Paz County. The prize: 17 elements known as ‘rare-earth elements’, which include 15 lanthanides plus scandium and yttrium. These elements are necessary components of more than …

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• 12 March

  CRIT eases restrictions as COVID numbers decrease

  

  Thanks to a decline in new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, the CRIT Tribal Council voted Friday to reinstate its ‘Safer At Home’ resolution, which eases some restrictions resulting from the pandemic. The more restrictive ‘Stay At Home’ resolution has been in place since late December. Over the past 14 days there have been only 8 newly reported coronavirus cases on …

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• 12 March

  COLUMN: Pastor Louie gets the vaccine

  

  Yes, I got the shot. Yesterday as a matter of fact. I want to talk a bit about this in the faint hope that it might help those of you who are still on the fence to think things through about whether or not to get the shot. Please note this is not an article telling you to either get …

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• 10 March

  Mohave Road bridge project won’t close the road completely, detours for larger vehicles

  

  The Mohave Road bridge project now underway by the CRIT Planning Department will not close the route completely, but there will be detours for larger vehicles and a 12-foot restriction. As the main road through the Colorado River Indian Tribes reservation, Mohave Road (also known as CRIR 1) is a major thoroughfare linking the town of Parker and I-10. In …

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• 10 March

  Accounting error leads to delayed tax filings for County employees

  

  Employees of La Paz County have had to delay filing their taxes due to an accounting error, which has now been fixed for most employees. According to District 2 Supervisor Duce Minor, the error was made in the process of issuing employees’ initial W2 forms from the County, leading to a review and a process of correction which took around …

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• 1 March

  Nomadland features Quartzsite, real people

  

  It’s the best drama film of the year, according to the Golden Globes, and it was made right on our doorstep. Nomadland features real people in Quartzsite, Arizona among other places, including one last, brief on-screen stint for Quartzsite’s Paul Winer. Nomadland – directed, written and edited by Chloé Zhao – is the story of a woman who sets off …

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February, 2021

• 18 February

  Famous waterfront Sundance Saloon for sale

  

  Anybody want to buy a famous bar? The Sundance Saloon on the Parker Strip is for sale with a listing price of $4.5 million. Sundance was best-known for being ‘the’ epic party spot on the river back in the 70s and 80s, with years of successive river rats pulling up their boats and packing it out for drinks, live music, …

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• 9 February

  Sheriff tells state news outlet he did not have sex on duty

  

  La Paz County Sheriff William Ponce has given an interview to state news outlet 3TV / CBS 5 denying that he had sex while on duty as CRIT Police Chief but acknowledging a relationship with the woman. The outlet reported that Ponce’s name had been mentioned in a review of a “plethora” of cases involving officers having sex on duty. …

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• 4 February

  Megan Spielman named new La Paz County Administrator

  

  Megan Spielman has been named as the new La Paz County Administrator by the Board of Supervisors. For several years she has been serving as Clerk of the Superior Court. The decision was officially made in a meeting of the Board on Thursday afternoon, in which the Supervisors voted unanimously to hire Spielman for the position. Spielman is a true, …

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• 4 February

  CRIT gets support for leasing its water

  

  New federal legislation that will enable the Colorado River Indian Tribes to lease a portion of its federal water allocation is gaining broad support from Arizona stakeholders. CRIT PRESS RELEASE: Following the conclusion of a listening session held by the Arizona Department of Water Resources in December, 2020, interested parties were invited to submit public comment on the proposal. Supportive …

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January, 2021

• 29 January

  WATCH: National Guard soliders administer vaccines in Quartzsite

  

  U.S. Army National Guard soldiers helped to prepare and administer COVID-19 vaccines on Wednesday at a La Paz County Health Department site in Quartzsite. Arizona National Guardsmen are scheduled to continue assisting the administering of COVID-19 vaccines, as well as helping to distribute the vaccination to sites throughout Arizona. Press play above for footage by the National Guard. The La …

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• 21 January

  Vaccine rollout extends to age 75 and older, 1000 available

  

  The La Paz County COVID-19 vaccine rollout is extending to those age 75 and older, with appointment dates for 1000 vaccines on January 27th and January 28th. 500 vaccines will be available at the Quartzsite clinic on January 27th from 9am until 1pm, and another 500 vaccines available at the Parker clinic on January 28th from 3:30pm until 6:30pm. The …

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• 16 January

  Parker 425: Live

  

  There are a few ways to follow today’s action at the BlueWater Resort & Casino Parker 425! (1) Listen to KLPZ’s updates periodically throughout the day from our studio in Parker, with the local morning show team and Parker Live. It’s a different broadcast this year, because we’re staying indoors. When we’re not on-air talking about the race, listen to …

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• 11 January

  Man in his 70s falls down mineshaft while riding ATV, airlifted

  

  A man in his 70s fell down a mineshaft while riding an ATV near Bouse, AZ on Saturday. He was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries after a technical rescue. On Saturday morning at around 11:30 am, emergency personnel were dispatched to the ‘Four Peaks’ area off Plomosa Road near Bouse, AZ for a subject that had fallen into an …

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• 8 January

  New trail proposed for Lake Havasu that would allow access to the water

  

  The Bureau of Land Management’s Lake Havasu Field Office is seeking public input on a proposed 30-mile trail along the southeastern shore of Lake Havasu. The proposed walking trail would begin at the BLM’s Partners Point facility along the Lake Havasu shoreline and end near Bill Williams National Wildlife Refuge. Public comments will be accepted for 30 days, from January …

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• 8 January

  Parker 425: This year’s race

  

  With an alternate course starting and finishing on Bureau of Land Management land, the BlueWater Parker 425 is going to be very different this year. Here’s some info from the Best in the Desert racing association on this year’s big race. There are two race days: Friday, January 15th and Saturday, January 16th. The ‘trick truck’ class is scheduled to …

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• 5 January

  First 400 vaccines arrive in La Paz County

  

  The La Paz County Health Department will be beginning to vaccinate people in La Paz County against COVID-19 on Wednesday, January 6th. The first 400 vaccines will be going to medical professionals and first responders in ‘Phase 1A’ of the distribution. They are from Moderna, which was the second vaccination approved by the federal government for use against the coronavirus. …

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December, 2020

• 29 December

  Parker 425 changes course after COVID decision by CRIT

  

  ARTICLE UPDATED 12/30/2020 to add CRIT reaction to the race still being on. — The BlueWater Parker 425 off-road race is still on in January, with a slightly different course after a decision by the Colorado River Indian Tribes to cancel the portion of the event that takes place on reservation lands. At 4:26 pm on Tuesday, Parker Live received …

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• 29 December

  Parker 425 changed to run outside CRIT land, after COVID decision

  

  UPDATE: Despite the decision by CRIT to cancel the Parker 425, the race will run outside of the CRIT reservation, according to Best in the Desert: “We want to let our racers and fans know that the BlueWater Parker 425 Presented by Jimco Racing is on despite the recent announcement by CRIT,” an announcement by Best in the Desert reads. …

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