Desert Messenger is your local connection for news, events, and entertainment!
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/59055
WED. MARCH 21, 2012 Vol. 8 Issue #148 www.DesertMessenger.com Quartzsite youth took home many awards and ribbons at the La Paz County Fair March 8-11, 2012. The new club, "Dust and Denim" scored very well for their fi rst year competing. The 4-H Study of Positive Youth De- velopment, a longitudinal study conducted by the In- stitute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with 4-H are: Nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school; nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college; 41 percent less likely to engage in risky behav- "Quartzsite's FREE Community Paper" Quartzsite youth succeed at County Fair iors; and 25 percent more likely to positively con- tribute to their families and communities. Fueled by research-driven programming, 4-H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, citizenship and healthy living. The caring support of adult volunteers and mentors inspires young people in 4-H to work collaboratively, take the lead on their own projects and set and achieve goals with confi dence. SEE 4-H PAGE 22 Council Runoff election slated for May 15th Quartzsite, Arizona – Tuesday's early results indicated former recalled may- or Ed Foster had the lead over former council member Jerry Lukkasson. Pre- mature celebrations and Internet re- porting continued until Thursday af- ternoon when La Paz County released the fi nal unoffi cial results of Tuesday's primary election showing a runoff will be necessary. After counting the late Early and Provisional ballots, Fos- ter and Lukkason will face each other in a runoff. Foster received 320 votes (49.84%) and Lukkasson received 250 votes (38.94%). Jenny Mills received 61 votes (9.50%) and write-ins received 11 votes (1.71%). 642 votes were cast for the mayoral position, out of 657 ballots cast. Only 44.48% of the 1447 registered voters turned out to vote. Voters also rejected Proposition 1, re- taining the current way of voting for a mayor by a 465 votes (74.64%) to 158 votes (25.36%) The proposition would have allowed the council to appoint the mayor for two years, as the majority of Arizona towns and cities operate. The mayor will continue to be elected by the voters. In the other council race for two seats, four will be included in the May 15th runoff: Barbara Cowell received 227 votes (18.13%), Patricia Workman re- ceived 193 votes (15.42%), Joe Winslow received 182 votes (14.54%), Mark Org- eron received 174 votes (13.90%). Other candidates for council includ- ed: Jennifer Jones received 141 votes (11.26%), Starr BearCat received 112 votes (8.95%), Dean Taylor received 77 votes (6.15%), Sean Austin received 73 votes (5.83%), Bill Moore received 50 votes (3.99%), and there were write in votes of 23 (1.84%). In a special election to fi ll Mike Jewitt's council seat, Jewitt received 263 votes (52.08%) and write-in candidate John Prutch received 242 votes (47.92%). It would appear to most that Jewitt won, however according County Elections Director, Donna Hale considers it a pri- mary election and said the two should be included in the runoff because nei- ther received over 50% of the total bal- MAIN ST. EATERY Eggs Benedict Breakfast Sat. & Sun. NOW OPEN FOR DINNER Friday and Saturday 4-7pm FISH FRIDAYS! PRIME RIB SATURDAYS! lots cast. However, according to Quartzsite Town Attorney, Martin Brannan, the town considers it a Special Elec- tion, where basically the winner takes all. According to A.R.S. § 9-235: "A. The council shall fi ll a vacancy that may occur by appoint- ment until the next regularly scheduled council election if the vacancy occurs more than thirty days before the nomi- nation petition deadline, otherwise the appointment is for the unexpired term. This subsection does not apply to a char- ter city." Brannan suggests since the next regular election was March 13th, the seat is now vacant. Since Jewitt won the election, Brannan will recommend the council seat Jewitt at the next regu- lar council meeting of March 27th. April 16th is the last day to register to vote for May 15th election. Voters have the option to be added to a list of Per- manent Early Voters in Arizona. Con- tact La Paz County Recorder's Offi ce 928-669-6115 for more information. The Gathering Place of Quartzsite for Good Food, Fun and Friendship! William Pearson, Grand Champion Showmanship Intermediate Poultry - Ameraucana Photo by Starr BearCat What's Inside 2 Editorial 4 Letters to Editor 8 Voices from the Past 10 Around Town 12 Coach Louise 14 Adventures with Rocks 15 Restaurants 15 Recycling column: Paperglassaluminumtinplastic 19 Perspectives 32 Church Directory 29 Astrology 31 Classifi eds 541-218-2560 LAUNDROMAT Full Service Laundry! MAIN ST. OPEN YEAR-ROUND! >>>> 205 E. Main Street, Quartzsite <<<< 928-927-4163 Open Daily 5AM- 7PM Open 6AM- 2PM Showers $6