Desert Messenger

28 www.DesertMessenger.com February 17, 2016 PHOENIX – Geocaching is now al- lowed on state trust land, Governor Doug Ducey announced today.Gov- ernor Ducey has instructed theAri- zona State Land Department to al- low geocaching on some of Arizona's 9.2 million acres of state trust land. Geocaching is a GPS-based scaven- ger hunt where geocachers use GPS- enabled devices to find a specific co- ordinate and locate a hidden object (the geocache) at that location. "We've made eliminating point- less, bureaucratic regulations that hinder Arizonans a top priority," said Governor Ducey. "I'm glad this issue was brought to our attention and we were able to work with Sen- ator Steve Smith to resolve it. Ari- zona is known for its outdoor recre- ation, so it makes complete sense to allow geocaching on state land. To all the geocachers out there – have fun exploring Arizona's beautiful land." "Our department looks forward to working with the geocaching com- munity to advance recreational opportunities while allow preserv- ing our state trust land," said State Land Commissioner Lisa Atkins. "I'm thrilled we were able to work in partnership with the geocach- ing community, Senator Smith and the governor's office to ensure state land would still be protected and the Trust beneficiaries would be compensated, while geocaching enthusiasts could still take part in this GPS-based scavenger hunt. It's a win-win for everyone." Mel Hockwitt, a leader in the Ari- zona geocache community, brought this regulation to Senator Smith's attention who then contacted the governor's office and Arizona State Land Department about the issue. "I would like to thank Governor Du- cey and Land Commissioner Atkins for their leadership in addressing this issue brought to my attention by my constituent and geocacher, Mel Hockwitt," said Senator Smith. "I am excited that we were able to resolve this administratively and legislation was not needed to cor- rect a policy from the previous Land Commissioner that ultimately hurt geocaching in Arizona. This further demonstrates the power of the peo- ple's voice. Geocachers provide a great service to Arizona by cleaning up trust land while exploring the beauty of Arizona." "The geocaching community would like to thank Governor Doug Ducey, Senator Steve Smith and Commis- sioner Lisa Atkins for allowing us to enjoy our sport on State Trust land," said Hockwitt. "We look for- ward to enjoying the many places on State Trust land with family and friends." Each individual geocacher must obtain a recreation permit in or- der to participate in the activity on state trust land. The new policy and recreation permit applications are available on the land department's website https://land.az.gov. Governor Ducy announced Geocaching now allowed on State Trust Land On Wednesday, February 3, 2016 at approximately 12:28 A.M, the Quartzsite Police Department was dispatched to the Pilot Travel Cen- ter located at 1201 West Main Street to investigate a possible assault in- volving an injured adult male. The injured adult male left the location before police arrived and was later located at approximately 2:30 A.M. after he entered the business for a second time. The victim was iden- tified as Yoan Baez-Morales a truck driver from Miami, Florida. The Quartzsite Fire Department (Paramedics) and AMR (Ambulance Service) responded to the location and began treating Mr. Baez-Mo- rales for head trauma injuries. Mr. Baez-Morales was transported to La Paz Regional Hospital Emergency Room in Parker, Arizona, and was later transferred to the Lake Havasu Regional Medical Center where he was listed in critical condition. The Quartzsite Police Department had made contact with Mr. Baez-Morales' wife from the State of Florida. On Friday, February 5, 2016, at approxi- mately 8:00 A.M., Mr. Baez-Morales was pronounced deceased by medi- cal staff with his wife at his side. It is believed Mr. Baez-Morales entered a local establishment in Quartzsite located on Main Street for a period of time during the eve- ning hours of Tuesday, February 2, 2016. Mr. Baez-Morales may have been in a physical altercation with several subjects after leaving the location. The incident is under in- vestigation by the Quartzsite Po- lice Department who is seeking the community's assistance with infor- mation and locating witnesses that may have seen the victim the night of the incident. Please contact Quartzsite Police Detective Mike Lancaster at (928) 927-4644 with any information re- garding this incident. Police investigate possible homicide Quartzsite, AZ- On February 11, 2016 Quartzsite Yacht Club celebrated a huge milestone; reaching 10,000 members! Manager Meme Selleck said, "Hurray We did it...We are the largest Membership Yacht Club in the world!" She sent a special Welcome to the 10,000 Yacht Club Member Lon Lundgren, of Mr Motorhome, on Facebook. Hip Hip Hurray! Quartzsite Yacht Club reaches 10,000 members! �����| M��� S������ ��� F������� Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ DesertMessengerNews Follow on Twitter @DesertMessenger @QuartzsiteRain

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