In response to Yakima Company owner Jim Willett’s recent assertions on Parker Live, La Paz County Administrator Dan Field writes the following:

“Remember to always question any statement that appears “too good to be true” because typically it is neither good or true nor as simple as it may appear.

“Unfortunately, the current La Paz County Board of Supervisors inherited the Judgment when it already was in appeals and nearing $12 Million with costs, interest and attorneys’ fees. This is not an excuse, but the reality that sets the future tone for any settlement discussions as the losing party in the lower Court.

“In addition, several uncontrollable (some controllable but unmanageable), extraordinary, and downright bizarre events occurred since this Board of Supervisors took the reins of the County. These events included the historic downturn in the nationwide economy; the worst budgetary shortfall for the State of Arizona since its creation (over $3 billion next fiscal year); all Arizona counties having to help shoulder the burden of the State’s mismanagement with State fund sweeps of program revenues, costs and program shifts, and State facilities closures affecting local economies; a flooding emergency in the Salome/Wenden requiring evacuations; and the delinquent and continuing completion of audit reports from 2004-present.

“In good faith the County met with Yakima to discuss several alternatives for settlement of the judgment. Both parties agreed that the oral argument for the appeal was to continue pending any settlement that may be reached. All parties thought we were getting closer.

“After consideration of the current and unknown future fiscal health of La Paz County; it currently has no excess funds to pay the Yakima Judgment. A hard decision was made by the Board of Supervisors to proceed with the appeal. It was the best and only alternative that could be made under the circumstances.

“Oral argument is nothing more then giving each side 20 minutes to argue and answer questions from a panel of judges about the County’s several valid and meritorious arguments; especially considering, the bulk of the legal fees on appeal have already been paid. The hearing already happened on Feb. 25, where both Jim Willett, myself, and a local Andy Jones attended. We now wait for a decision.

“Regrettably, none of the alternative proposals were golden. Without excess money the County could not to enter any of the other proposals as presented. We thought we had the makings of an agreement in October, yet Yakima changed the terms, which clearly showed that a long-term partnership agreement was already predestined to fail. In addition, legal concerns hampered conveyance of certain properties in alternative proposals.

“Remember that the County’s tax rate is at its legal levy limit and Yakima cannot force a tax increase on the people. Simply put, you cannot get blood from a turnip, no matter how hard you may squeeze.

“Of course, the Board members are prepared for Yakima representatives and their local associates to be critical of their decision in editorial pages and local Internet blogs. This is to seek public support even though the case is still being litigated and settlement discussions have occurred. Please, ask yourself why??

“If you have questions, come and ask them of the Board members or myself. Do not rely only on the “Letters to the Editor”. Remember what the great humorist Will Rogers said, ‘All I know is just what I read in the papers, and that’s an alibi for my ignorance.’”

In response to that, Jim Willett responds today:

“I conceed. [sic] I admit that almost everything Dan Field said in his letter this week is true. He recited a list of all the problems confronting La Paz County including state budget problems, the County is broke, natural disasters, taxes are too high and services too low. I can understand how the average citizen would feel overwhelmed but Dan Field and the Supervisors are not ordinary citizens. They’re paid well to provide leadership during times like this and reciting the list of problems you have is a pitiful excuse for leadership. What is their plan? Is there a plan to revitalize La Paz County? I get the sense that the Supervisors have given up, that they’re waiting around for me to come down and turn out the lights. It’s obvious to everyone that if the county is going survive these tough times you`re going to have to help yourselves. First rule: When you find yourselves in a hole, stop digging! I think the County Supervisors are pathetic, show some leadership, it’s what you are getting paid for.”

Jim Willett stands to lose the settlement in his favor if the County’s appeal is successful. If not, Willett says he will pursue the total amount of close to $12m (although how the County would pay in that event remains to be seen). Residents may hope the appeal succeeds.

Q: What is River Flames Auxiliary, the organization who will benefit from the proceeds of the Parker Blues Festival?

A: River Flames Auxiliary is a newly-formed group which combines fundraising for both Parker Strip and Parker Town emergency services such as Buckskin Fire District and Parker Fire District. The organization will help benefit all local emergency services rather than one or the other (and as many know, Parker Fire is an all-volunteer department).

The music festival itself is being held by La Paz County Park; it is the Classic Car Show which is being held by River Flames Auxiliary (the events were combined for the fundraiser on March 20th).

Dr. Kevin Klopfenstein, known in the Parker community as “Dr. K”, is making news this week after he settled with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for $430,000 over a discrepancy in Medicare billing.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Phoenix, Dr. Klopfenstein billed Medicare for some of his patients’ Thoracic Electrical Bioimpedance (TEB) tests when, in fact, the patients were later found not to meet the requirements for Medicare coverage.

It is unclear from the U.S. Attorney’s press release whether the patients receiving the test misrepresented their Medicare eligibility to Dr. Klopfenstein or whether fault lies in another part of the system.

The federal government is clearly keen to minimize losses to Medicare at a time when the program is approaching expenses of two-thirds of a trillion dollars per year (over a fifth of the entire federal government spending), and are keen to enforce strict adherence to patients’ eligibility for coverage.

The Town of Parker has awarded a contract to Micon Construction Company to construct a water splash park at the south east end of Pop Harvey Park. The Town said in a press release:

We are pleased to receive a generous monetary contribution from Cenpatico Behavioral Health of Arizona which is allowing us to construct this water park …. We are now seeking assistance in completing this plan with canopies, playground equipment, benches and tables in order to make our park a showcase.

The Town is asking businesses, civic organizations and private sponsors if they would donate an accessory feature for the park. A plaque will acknowledge the donations in a permanent display. A copy of the master plan can be reviewed at the Town of Parker office.

This week, Miss La Paz County will hand her crown over to the new winner of the pageant at the La Paz County Fair. The outgoing titleholder, Lexi Woody, answered these questions for Parker Live.

How has the year been, and did it go quickly?
This year has been so amazing. There was a community event basically every month. I have a whole new outlook on the county. Quickly doesn’t begin to describe how fast it was! Especially the last 3 months preparing for the upcoming pageant.

How does it feel handing over the crown? Does any part of you wish you were in this year’s pageant or are you glad to be able to relax?
To be honest, I’m a little torn. I love the county and representing them. You meet so many people who are glad to help you, but it’s another girl’s chance to experience it all. As much as I love the competition aspect of it, I don’t think I could have done it again. I need some time to repair! Handing down the crown keeps me busy enough.

What would be your advice to the 5 girls competing for the title this year?
My advice to the 5 contestants this year would be, Be yourself on stage and through out the interview. Think of it this way: each girl is applying for the job of Miss La Paz County, you go to an interview explaining why you should be her. The judges know exactly what qualities you need to obtain, and if you’re not her, that’s okay. Don’t force the shoe to fit, otherwise you’re going to have a hard time walking in them the rest of the year. Have fun, because it will be over in a second. Soak up every bit you can and keep on smiling!

Did you learn anything from the Miss Arizona pageant that you’d like to pass on to the next Miss La Paz?
Preparation is key. It’s a lot to process. If you get frustrated, that’s okay. Anyone in your shoes would too. Don’t be afraid to ask for help cause the whole state team would be glad to help you. Most important, keep an open mind. There’s a lot to learn and new people to meet. So enjoy it. It’s a once in a lifetime experience.

Do you have any plans now that your year as Miss La Paz is finished?
My overall goal is to put the scholarship, which the county generously donated, to work! I still love my platform Fit Kids: guiding youth to an active life style, so plan on expanding that to a career. I’d love to manage my own gym and become a Personal Trainer or possibly work in Sports Medicine.

Thanks for the interview! I ♥ KLPZ

According to KLPZ’s National Weather Service station in Parker, AZ the rainfall this week measures 63 one-hundredths of an inch, or 0.63″.

This brings the total for the year 2010 to 2.79″, or over three-fifths of our average annual rainfall by the beginning of the tenth week of the year.

Temperatures, too, are unusual: our average high temps for March are 76 degrees at the beginning of the month and 83 degrees by the 31st. Instead, we started out the month of March at 72 degrees and today’s forecast is only 62. (This is slated to change by the beginning of next week, during which the forecast indicates highs in the low eighties.)

Forecast for the La Paz County Fair this week: Wed 66 • Thu 70 • Fri 75 • Sat 77

(Photo: Katie Turnbow)

Parker is a popular stop for people transporting themselves across America for a cause. In the past few months we’ve seen people running for cancer, bicycling for suicide prevention, wheelchairing for people with disabilities. In many cases the long stretches of highway running through the desert prove to be among the toughest parts of their journeys. We rely on our automobiles to make living here feasible, and foregoing such transportation to draw attention to a cause has become an attractive option for many.

Today, a four-time stroke survivor called Mycle will stop in Parker during his walk from Newport Beach to Washington DC. He’s doing it to raise awareness of new techniques to prevent and care for heart disease and stroke patients, to publicize research for cures and recovery, and to provide hope and encouragement to those coping with the disease.

Hear Mycle on KLPZ 1380am this afternoon around 3pm as he stops by with me to chat briefly about his walk.

Cate in Bouse writes:

Wrecked the Jeep on Hwy 72 six miles north of Bouse in a sudden snowstorm Sunday at 5pm. Took several minutes for somebody to stop and ask if I was okay. Others barreled full speed through the fast-running wash. Please slow down when it rains — or snows — in Arizona.

We’ve had extremely unusual weather today in the surrounding area, and surely Cate’s advice is prudent. Hail was observed in Parker, thunder and lightning, a lot of rain and now reports of snow in Bouse. Running washes are dangerous! Unfortunately drivers are routinely killed by underestimating the power of a running wash. Please be careful.

The chance of precipitation for Parker Monday is 30 percent, with partial sunshine throughout the day. Watch this space for an update on Sunday’s total rainfall.

With the current status of our economy, everyone is hurting, especially those on fixed income. In La Paz County there are many who depend upon the Meals on Wheels Program for their one nutritional meal per day. Because of budget cutbacks some may lose this one meal a day. For $1,500 per year we can guarantee that one person’s meals will continue. Please help us to make sure no one loses their food. At the next Chamber Mixer there will be a raffle and an auction. Every penny made will go to Meals on Wheels. Please take part and give what you can. Remember the raffle and auction takes place at the March Chamber Mixer at Betty Hunter Realty.

From the New York Times:

“The people of Arizona kept their upper lips stiff when officials mortgaged off the state’s executive office tower and a “Daily Show” crew rolled into town to chronicle the transaction in mocking tones. They remained calm as lawmakers pondered privatizing death row.

But then the state took away their toilets, and residents began to revolt.”

Read the rest of the story about the closure of the Wickenberg/Hassayampa rest stop HERE.

Following the Colorado River toward Lake Havasu. This YouTube clip contains views of ‘P’ Mountain, Parker town, the river resorts, other river communities like the Keys, Parker Dam, Lake Havasu Springs Resort and the Bill Williams River.

Might Google’s interest in THIS TECHNOLOGY make an impact on the viability of THIS PROJECT, bringing Google and La Paz County together? We may find out in one to three years.

Call me paranoid, but a recently leaked Department of Interior (DOI) memo recommends that President Obama look at restricting access to some public lands west of Phoenix by declaring them as National Monuments. National Monument designations can be made by the President without input from Congress or other stakeholders.

Among the sites being offered up to Obama by the DOI as potential National Monument sites is the “Northwest Sonoran Desert, AZ.” Which part? I’ve drawn a box around the general area described: Arizona, west of Phoenix, northwest Sonoran (in mustard yellow). Click to see larger.

The memo says:

“The Sonoran Desert is the most biologically diverse of all North American deserts. This area west of Phoenix is largely remote and undeveloped, with a high concentration of pristine desert wilderness landscapes. There is potential for up to 500,000 acres of new wilderness and National Conservation Area designations.” [My emphasis.]

500,000 acres would be no small designation! The memo states that the area:

“may be [a good candidate] for National Monument designation under the Antiquities Act; however, further evaluations should be completed prior to any final decision, including an assessment of public and Congressional support.”

Perhaps in the event of such an assessment, locals may be keen to express an opinion about such a change? Does anybody think we need more restricted areas of the desert? Are any pristine lands in trouble or in need of such protection? Protection from what?

This matter may be of particular interest to those who enjoy off-roading in OHVs (like many in the Parker area and the tourists who come here). The group ‘Americans For Responsible Recreational Access’ are urging people who enjoy OHV use to write their Members of Congress “asking them to urge the Administration not to abuse the Antiquities Act by potentially declaring millions of acres of public lands off-limits to OHV use.”