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4 www.DesertMessenger.com February 6, 2019 Art Guild Show updates Parker not waiting for state-wide ban on cell phone use by drivers DO YOU HAVE EXPIRED OR UNUSED MEDICATIONS? DUMP THE DRUGS at QPD! Dispose safely at QUARTZSITE POLICE DEPT. Mon - Fri. 8am-5pm 305 N. Plymouth, Quartzsite 928-927-4644 Space donated by Desert Messenger A new law banning the use of cellphones while driving went into effect in Parker, Arizona on Febru- ary 1st, prohibiting most people from using such devices and tex- ting while operating a motor ve- hicle within the Town of Parker. Parker's ordinance prohibits the use of hand-held devices, although it allows for the use of "hands-free" devices. "Operating a motor vehi- cle" is any vehicle that is moving in traffi c on a street or highway, as well as those that are temporarily stopped, either by heavy traffi c, a traffi c light or a "Stop" sign. The ordinance states hand-held devices can be used if a vehicle has pulled off a roadway and is stationery. If you are caught breaking the law by using a cell phone while driv- ing, it is likely that you will receive a punishment. In Parker, the civil penalty is $97 for violations of the ordinance, or $250 if a person in violation of this ordinance causes an accident. This is in addition to any other penalties that may be au- thorized by law. Exemptions: A hand-held device may be used to communicate with fi rst responders, law enforcement, a hospital, or a physician's offi ce or clinic regarding an immediate emergency situation, safety hazard or criminal activity. Law enforcement and emergency personnel are also exempt, provid- ed they are performing their offi cial public safety duties. People driving school buses or transit vehicles are subject to Arizona Revised Statutes and U.S. Department of Transpor- tation regulations. The exemptions include drivers using two-way radios within Title 47 Code of Federal Regulations Part 90 in the performance of work-re- lated duties while operating a fl eet vehicle, or if he or she possesses a commercial vehicle license. Drivers holding a valid amateur radio oper- ator license issued by the FCC and using a half-duplex two-way radio are also exempt. Arizona has been slow to enact cell phone and texting laws compared to other states. There is no state- wide legislation preventing drivers from using hand-held phones and texting while driving has not been outlawed. Elsewhere in the US, text messaging has been banned in 47 states while 16 states prohibit driv- ers from using hand-held phones when driving. Last month, Arizona State Sena- tor Kate Brophy McGee, Republi- can-Phoenix, introduced SB 1165 that would enact a statewide ban on hand-held cellphone use while driv- ing. McGee told Arizona Republic that the bill had bipartisan support and with Governor Doug Ducey. The new push comes after the death of Salt River tribal police Offi cer Clayton Townsend, in January at the hands of a driver who was look- ing at his phone. The Arizona Legis- lature has considered, but failed to enact, bans on texting while driving every year for more than a decade. To learn more contact your state legislators. Quartzsite, AZ - Kenny King, co- owner of the Quartzsite Sports Va- cation & RV Show (The Big Tent) announced the start of a new show, in conjunction with the 37th An- nual Quartzsite Sports Vacation & RV Show in 2020. The new show is called the 1st Annual Quartzsite OHV Expo "THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT" and will be held January 18th thru 20th, 2020. The show will be held just adjacent to the entrance to the RV show on the south side of the Big Tent. Both shows have free parking and free admittance. Each year, hundreds of thousands of RVers converge on the 20-acre showgrounds on the south side of Quartzsite. King stated in the Face- book announcement that the OHV Expo will run "concurrently with my 37th Annual Quartzsite Sports Vacation and RV Show. We attract 100-150,000 RVers to our event each year and those 3 days will be a killer. Come early...stay late!!! Two FREE shows! FREE parking and some of the greatest off-road trails in the state of Arizona, including the Arizona Peace Trail!" For more information, visit the web- site www.quartzsitervshow.com. New OHV Expo planned for 2020 The Quartzsite Art Guild Art Show was held January 11th & 12th, 2019. Once again, it was huge success, raising money for the local charities. Thank you to everyone who visited us at the show and the artists. Congratulations to Raffl e winners: $50 in Gold Coins from the Guild went to Shelly Haffner. Homemade Wine and Bread by Pam Caskey went to Karen. The set of books from author Buddy Hanna went to Mara Haggerty. An Original painting by Lena Hart- ing went to Kathy F. An Original painting by Mary Huntley went to Mark Goldberg. We raised over $500 from the Raffl e Sales! A big thank you goes out to our new member Donna Jones for her great smile and friendly sales ideas. Debby Young also a new member sat at the front door both days handing out door prize tickets. Great job to everyone who helped set up and take down. This has been the best group ever! If you are interested in joining or visiting us at the Art Guild, we meet the fi rst and third Thursdays of each month at the Quartzsite Senior Cen- ter on Moon Mountain Ave. from 6pm - 8 pm. It's only $5 to join the Guild and $5 to become a Senior Center member with all their benefi ts. Schedule for the rest of the season: Feb. 7th, Painting from a photo. Feb. 21st, bring any fi nished paint- ing and learn background fun from Jackie Coughlin. Mar. 7th, Mary Huntley will teach water color techniques. Mar. 21st, Christine Schlageter will show us the art of painting eyes. For more information call Oney Budge, 208-317-2315.