Desert Messenger

November 16, 2022 www.DesertMessenger.com 19 "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." – Martin Luther King Jr. The Desert Survivor If trees could talk... Would they paint a portrait of Arizona's climate, inhabitants and events? Would they be an impartial witness and tell it like they saw it? Arizona's rich history has been wit- nessed by many, but none so endur- ing as these living specimens. Some planted by pioneers for specifi c pur- poses, some happened upon and used throughout the years for what we Arizonans needed at various times throughout statehood. They are a living legacy enjoyed and uti- lized by Arizona's inhabitants and now honored for their service. These Witness Trees were dedi- cated as part of Arizona's Centen- nial, verifi ed to have witnessed Ari- zona's statehood form February 14, 1912, to February 14, 2012. This ironwood tree resides in the town of Quartzsite. It is in remark- able condition for its age - 1,050 years old, as determined by the La Paz County University of Arizona Extension offi ce- probably due to its location close to a wash. It is view- able by a trail outside of the Town Hall, north of the water tank. It has witnessed the ages from the same location and recently in its his- tory has become accustomed to the yearly winter population boom of Quartzsite, located along Interstate 10 next to the Arizona/California border. Ironwoods are known for their dense timber, as limbs from these trees do not fl oat. Quartzsite's Centennial Tree AFFORDABLE RV SERVICE & REPAIR Appliances, Solar, Plumbing, LP, Electrical, Levelers, Slide-Outs Fast, Friendly MOBILE Service We acept ALL Major Credit/Debit Cards BLM Approved 775-250-4131 State highways closed for winter State highways closing for the winter in November and December The Arizona Department of Trans- portation is advising drivers of the following state highways that are closing for the winter: State Route 473 between State Route 260 and Hawley Lake in the White Mountains – Friday, Nov.18. State Route 67 that leads to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon – Thursday, Dec. 1. State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake in the White Mountains – Friday, Dec. 30. State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake in the White Mountains – Friday, Dec. 30. ADOT closes these state roadways annually as part of the agency's winter shutdown schedule due to the signifi cant amounts of snowfall these parts of the state typically re- ceive. For information on winter driv- ing preparedness, visit azdot.gov/ knowsnow. 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

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