La Paz County
La Paz County local government information.
Homepage: http://www.co.la-paz.az.us
Posts by La Paz County
County Assessor information
Apr 20th
La Paz County Assessor Sharon Schuler has the following information to share with local property owners:
I would like go over a few things with you regarding your 2013 Notice of Value letters that were mailed out March 14th, 2012. I am sure that a lot of you are wondering where your Notice of Value is. Well it could be sitting in our office, due to a few system glitches we have had several hundred notices that were returned to our office. If you have not received your notice yet feel free to call or stop by the office and pick it up.
Torres sentenced
Dec 22nd
On December 19, 2011, Jesus Ramiro Torres, 42, of Surprise, AZ, was sentenced to 10 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections and fined $18,900 by Judge Michael Burke. Torres was convicted by a La Paz County jury of selling methamphetamine on two separate occasions. Torres is not eligible for probation or early release.
On September 19, 2008 and October 27, 2008, Torres sold a combined 5 ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for $6,300. Both sales took place at truck stops located off of interstate 10, at exit 45, near Vicksburg, AZ.
The case was investigated by La Paz County Narcotics Task Force Sgt. Steve Frakes and was prosecuted by Stephen Lundell of the La Paz County Attorney’s Office.
County Attorney weighs in on Quartzsite open meeting laws
Dec 19th
County Attorney Press Release
On December 9th, 2011, the Office of the Arizona Attorney General made public its findings into its investigation into the Town of Quartzsite Common Council violating the Arizona Open Meeting Laws.
The investigation conducted by the Attorney General was objective, fair and independent. I have read the letter addressed to Quartzsite Town Attorney Martin Brannan in which the Attorney General concluded the Town Council had committed many violations of the Open Meeting Laws.
If the Town Council agrees with the remedies offered by the Attorney General, the Town Council will be monitored by the Attorney General for twelve months to make certain it complies with the Open Meeting Laws. In addition, the entire Town Council will be required to have additional Open Meeting Laws training conducted by the League of Cities and Towns or other counsel approved by the Attorney General.
I am in agreement with the findings made by the Attorney General and his proposed remedies. On January 28, 2011, I issued a written admonishment to the Town Council for violating the Open Meeting Laws and my admonishment did not deter the Town Council from committing new Open Meeting Laws violations.
It is my hope the Town Council will take seriously the findings made by the Attorney General, agree to his proposed remedies, and perform its duties free from any further Open Meeting Laws violations.
The Attorney General findings are of great concern to many citizens and the findings illustrate a severe breakdown in the way the Town of Quartzsite is currently conducting its business. The citizens of Quartzsite deserve a town government that follows the law.
Substance Abuse Court holds second graduation
Dec 16th
La Paz County Attorney Press Release
On December 15, 2011, the La Paz County Substance Abuse Court held its second graduation ceremony. The graduates were Cynthia Young and Daniel Elizarraras. Cynthia and Daniel successfully completed the program and were released from probation as a result of their outstanding performance.
The La Paz County Substance Abuse Court was first established in September 2010. The Substance Abuse Court is an intensive program that requires a minimum of nine months to complete. All participants are drug tested extensively and required to attend weekly counseling sessions. The participants are required to have a job, or perform community work service, and they must appear before Judge Michael Burke two times per month to discuss all aspects of their probationary requirements. The program places a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and accountability.
The Substance Abuse Court is a collaborative effort and would not be possible without the participation of Superior Court Judge Michael Burke, Clerk of the Court Sheri Newman, Chief Probation Officer John Dyess, Probation Officer Tyson Ross, Probation Officer Don Stokes, Probation Officer Kelly Brandon, La Paz Counseling, Community Intervention Associates (CIA), Arizona Counseling and Treatment Services (ACTS), Crossroads Mission, Metcalf Ranch, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and the La Paz County Attorney’s Office.
Woman convicted of resisting arrest
Dec 8th
County Attorney Press Release
On December 8th, 2011, a La Paz County jury convicted Karen Denice Herrin, 57, of Quartzsite, AZ, of Resisting Arrest.
Herrin faces a maximum of two years in the Arizona Department of Corrections. Herrin was tried in La Paz County Superior Court with Judge Michael Burke presiding and was acquitted of assaulting the police officer.
Herrin was a suspect in a criminal damage investigation at an RV Park in Quartzsite, AZ on August 17, 2010. When an officer went to her residence to question her about the criminal damage complaint, Herrin became uncooperative and began to fight with the officer when he attempted to arrest her.
La Paz County Attorney Sam Vederman prosecuted the case and the case was investigated by Officer Ruben Villafana of the Quartzsite Police Department.
Herrin is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9th, 2012.
It’s not too late for a flu shot
Dec 5th
La Paz County Health Department is celebrating National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 4-10) by reminding residents and visitors that it is not too late to vaccinate against the influenza virus.
“Flu season typically peaks in February,” says Diana Grazier, Director of Nursing for La Paz County Health Department, “so those who have not received a flu shot are the ones most likely to become February’s victims. Some think that if they do not receive the flu vaccine by November that it is either not necessary, or it will not work. Neither belief is true. The vaccine is viable through June, and more people come down with the flu in February than in any other month. The body’s immune system is stimulated upon receipt of the vaccine, although a full response can take up to two weeks. Therefore, those receiving a shot in December and January will have a full response by February at the height of the flu season. It’s not too late.”
Meth dealer convicted by La Paz jury
Oct 21st
On October 19, 2011, Jesus Ramiro Torres, 42, of Surprise, AZ, was convicted by a La Paz County jury of selling methamphetamine on two separate occasions. Sentencing is set for November 14, 2011, in front of Judge Michael Burke. Torres will receive a prison term of 5 to 30 years and is not eligible for probation or early release.
On September 19, 2008 and October 27, 2008, Torres sold a combined 5 ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover officer for $6,300. Both sales took place at truck stops located off of interstate 10, at exit 45, near Vickburg, AZ.
The case was investigated by La Paz County Narcotics Task Force Sgt. Steve Frakes and the case was prosecuted by Deputy County Attorney Stephen Lundell of the La Paz County Attorney’s Office.
Sheriff’s holiday raffles
Oct 21st
The Sheriff’s Department is raffling off a 1″-20″ boy’s bicycle and a 1″-20″ girl’s bicycle. Raffle tickets may be purchased at the La Paz County Sheriff’s Office for $1 or 6 for $5.
Also being raffled is a trip for 2 adults and 2 children on the Polar Express at Grand Canyon Railways, Williams, AZ on Saturday, December 17th, 2011 at 3:30pm. $1 each or 6 for $5.
Winners will be announced on KLPZ Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011 at 9am.
All proceeds benefit the Kids Christmas Program/Committee, who will be holding a pancake breakfast on Saturday, November 19th, 2011 from 7-10am at La Paz County Park Pavilion. Proceeds will be used to purchase Christmas gifts for less fortunate families sponsored by the committee. $5 includes 2 pancakes, 2 bacon, scrambled eggs, beverage.
Sheriff’s Explorers go to work in Salome
Oct 17th
On October 16th, 2011, the La Paz County Sheriff’s Explorer Post #516 participated in its first “Taking Back Our Community” Event. With the help of Sheriff’s Deputies, the Explorers worked to clean up and paint over gang graffiti which has recently surfaced in Salome. The Explorers sent a clear message that the community belongs to its residents, not the gangs which are surfacing in the Salome/Wenden Area.
Law Enforcement Exploring is a career-oriented program that gives high school students the opportunity to explore a career in law enforcement by working with local law enforcement agencies. The La Paz County Explorer Post #516 was founded in July of 2011 and is available to students of Salome High School. The program focuses on community service, integrity, and professionalism. It was founded to provide educational and career opportunities which would be otherwise unavailable to the youth in the rural areas of La Paz County.
The La Paz County Sheriff’s Explorers are funded 100% by community donations, and the Deputies and Community Members who work with the program volunteer their time. If you have any questions or wish to make a donation, inquire at the Sheriff’s Office Administration at 1109 Arizona Ave in Parker, or contact Deputy Robert Brady at rbrady@lapazsheriff.org or Deputy Anthony Nelson at awnelson@lapazsheriff.org.
Flu clinics begin this week
Sep 21st
The dates are set for the first La Paz County adult flu clinics and the La Paz County Health Department has plenty of vaccine. The influenza vaccine will be provided at Parker High School on September 21st from 3-6pm; Bouse Booster Club on September 27th from 11:30-12:30pm; and at McMullen Fire Department in Salome on October 3rd from 2-3pm; Ehrenburg Fire Department October 5th from 9:30-11:30am. Clinics for Quartzsite will be scheduled at a later date. Children’s flu clinics will be conducted in conjunction with the area schools.
A ten dollar donation for the influenza vaccine is appreciated for the adult vaccine. There is very little wait time with the Health Department influenza vaccine clinics. The Health Department does not bill Medicare for the vaccine so the lines move quickly.
Each flu season is unique, but Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu. Even though influenza is a common illness, it can have serious complications. Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections as complications from the flu. Those aged 65 years and older and persons of any age with chronic medical conditions are at highest risk for serious complications of flu. More than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.
If you think you have influenza (abrupt onset of fever, muscle aches and pains, cough and/or sore throat), please contact your health care provider for information on how to treat symptoms.
“Getting the flu shot is an excellent way to prevent getting the flu but it is not the only way. There are prevention techniques available to help prevent the flu,” said Diana Grazier, La Paz County Health Department Director of Nursing.
Though getting your flu shot is the best way to protect against influenza, these simple actions can stop the spread of germs and help protect you from getting sick:
- Wash your hands. Washing your hands often with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer will help protect you from germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
- If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating good food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year. Hand sanitizer is an inexpensive way to ensure germ free hands and is available at most stores.
For more information on the influenza vaccination please contact the La Paz County Health Department at (928) 669-1100. Or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov or our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/LaPazCounty.HealthDepartment
