Sister Taylor Empey has been called to serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will enter the Missionary Training Center July 1 and serve in the Washington Spokane Mission, English speaking. Craig and Cindy Empey of Bunkerville are her parents. Sister Taylor Empey will speak June 28, 2015 in the Bunkerville 1st Ward at 11 am.

Cynthia Kuta will serve an 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the Japan Sapporo Mission, reporting to the Missionary Training Center on July 1st. She is the daughter of Frank and Elspeth Kuta of the Mesquite 7th Ward. Sister Kuta will speak on June 28, 2015, 10 am in the LDS Stake Center, 100 N. Arrowhead Lane.

Elder Addison Biasi will serve a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will report to the Missionary Training Center on July 8th, and then serve in the Costa Rica San Jose West Mission, Spanish speaking, for 24 months. The parents of Elder Biasi are Mark & Marnie McEwen, and Bruno Biasi. On Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 9:00 am, Elder Addison Biasi will speak in the Bunkerville Chapel, in the Bunkerville 2nd Ward.

Young men from the Mesquite Nevada Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints attended a gathering on Kolob Mountain in Utah June 24-27 called Camp Helaman, named after a great prophet and warrior from the Book of Mormon. These young men, ages 16 to 18 years of age had the opportunity to learn and experience the responsibilities of being missionaries as they were joined by their counterparts from the Hurricane Utah LDS Stake bringing the number of attendees to 130. Each boy was paired with a companion they had not previously met just as they would be on their future mission. All were expected to keep mission hours of 6:30 AM to 10:30 PM and use that time in scripture study, gospel education, and inspirational meetings. Camp Director Robert Bunker and Assistant Camp Director Shawn Hughes had planned an amazing program of hard work and spiritual experiences for the young men. They were assisted by a council of young men from the stake who had ideas and suggestions of their own. “This camp is very much not a Boy Scout type camp. They may go to scout camp too but here the young men are expected to conduct themselves as missionaries, keeping the schedule, and doing the work necessary to learn lessons they will be teaching,” said Bunker. Presentations by Priesthood leaders enriched and deepened their understanding of the Gospel and their determination to live their lives in such a way as to be worthy to serve missions and be examples of dedicated disciples of Christ. The parents of the young men were given the opportunity to be present and witness some of the activities such as “The Iron Rod” where the attendees were tested on their ability to make choices by listening to voices that encouraged them or tempted them. Parents also participated as their sons taught them a missionary discussion they had studied and learned during their stay on the mountain. A popular and fun time was Culture Night when the boys got to learn about different countries in the world and their cultures. Because of the world wide nature of the church these future missionaries know they could serve their two years in nearly any country in the world. In expressing his appreciation for the leaders and the camp Dade McCann said “I am so glad I went to Camp Helaman. My testimony has grown so much and I learned a lot.” Mother Kelli Mitchell said of her son Kai, “It is such a joy to watch your son grow and learn the things that will make him a great missionary. Camp Helaman is the best experience that he could be having.”

6-2015 Andrew Memmott, a member of Varsity Team 2998, sponsored by the Mesquite 7th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received the Denali Medallion. The Denali Award is the highest award in the Varsity scout program. It is named after Mt. Denali, the Alaskan name for the highest mountain in Alaska, Mt. McKinley. A scout must show advanced leadership and participation in his team and advance one rank or earn a palm. He must live the scout oath and law and then complete a progress review with a board of review by leaders in the Virgin River Valley BSA. Andrew earned his Eagle Scout Award in 2013 and now has earned his bronze and gold palms. Each palm represents 5 extra merit badges. Another requirement of the Denali Award is to organize 2 activities for the Team and be a Team Captain or program manager for these 2 activities. Andrew planned a family history indexing day for the youth in the Mesquite 7th Ward of the LDS church. Indexing consists of reading computer images of original records of birth, death, marriage, immigration or military records and then entering the information in a data base that can be searched to find genealogical information. He also organized a trip for the youth 12 years and up in his ward to attend the St. George LDS Temple. Andrew said, "I really enjoyed completing the Genealogy Merit Badge. I interviewed my grandfather and learned about his life. I also earned the Scouting Heritage Merit badge. One of the requirements was to learn and play some games that scouts did many years ago." Andrew will be a junior at Virgin Valley High School in the fall. He has participated in football, swim team and basketball. He is the son of Kyle and Christine Memmott.

Eagle Scout Dacen Cox a member of Venture Crew 2640 sponsored by the Mesquite 6th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received his Eagle Scout Award at a ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2015. He identified veteran's graves in the Mesquite City Cemetery and placed flag holders near the headstone so that American flags could be posted there on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. He is the son of Ronya and Kurt Cox. He graduated from Virgin Valley High School this year. He has been called to serve a 2 year mission for the LDS Church in the Independence Missouri Mission in September. Merlin Hafen gave Dacen the Eagle Charge and asked him to "reaffirm his allegiance to the three points of the Scout Oath and Law." Dacen repeated the words, "I thoughtfully accept this obligation and responsibility of an Eagle Scout and promise to do my best to assist others in climbing the trail to Eagle; to build America on a solid foundation of clean living, honest citizenship and reverence to God. I promise to work for better citizenship, service to my family, community, country and contacts with other people." Merlin said, "This is not the end of the trail but the beginning; now you can go forth using the skills and knowledge you have learned to serve others." Don Penrod spoke about the meaning of being an Eagle Scout. He said, "You have just participated in the high school commencement and that is really a new beginning. Achieving the rank of Eagle is a commencement now to go forward and use the skills you have learned to help others. It is an incredible sight to see the Eagle soar, there is a message in watching an Eagle!" Don asked Dacen to now give back to others what he has learned. Bishop Kevin Jensen said, "It is a privilege to see these boys grow and do great accomplishments. Dacen is a great example. Scouting give boys opportunities to grow to become men of honor. Don't underestimate your duty and responsibility to study and be involved in affairs of our government. If we as a nation become complacent in our duties of voting and searching out wise and honest candidates to serve, we will lose our freedoms. " Keith Belnap, a member of the Virgin River Valley BSA, presented Dacen with an engraved pocket knife as a remembrance of his earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Dacen presented his mentor pins to Merlin for helping him with his project and to his parents for helping him with his paper work and encouragement.

Twenty-five local high school seniors graduated from the four-year religious educational program operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Seminary. It is a worldwide program open to teenagers from the age of 14 to 18 of all faiths that meet each weekday during the school year to study scripture. The graduation ceremony was held June 3rd which also awarded certificates of completion to 126 students who have finished one to three years of study. Those seniors receiving diplomas are Luke William Sessions, Danielle Wilson, Addison Bruno Biasi, Resha Nicole Bunker, Emma May Dodenbier, Tyler John Hughes, Dallin Russell Garlick, Josephine Garlick, Kaylin Louise Knapp, Sara Jane Anderson, Cody Vernon Burnside, Kasen Joshua Tietjen, Alex Daniel Beaumont, Alicia Renee Matthews, Fe'ofa'aki Fulton Paongo Jr., Jeremy Christopher Vogel, Charles Avery Woods, Dacon Leon Cox, Emma Estelle Hafen, Lorin Samuel Reber, Amber Nicole Sandoval, Micayla Renae Teschner, Brett Lee Black, Isabella Arsenia Wahl, and Taylor Marie Bryant. "These students have come to appreciate the time they have spent in study of the scriptures and recognize that the time each day they devoted to more spiritual pursuits has enriched their lives and set a pattern for the future," Chris Garner, the seminary instructor, said. A graduating student, Estelle Hafen said " Sometimes it's hard to cut into your school day to attend seminary but you can really learn things. This year I especially liked reading the Doctrine and Covenants because I learned so much about the history of the church and the early days of the restoration."

Sister Hailey Bunker has been called to a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Her mission will be served in the Japan Nagoya Mission, Japanese Speaking, for 18 months. Robert and Jocelyn Bunker of Bunkerville are her parents. Sister Hailey Bunker will speak in the Bunkerville Chapel, Sunday, May 31, 2015 at 9am.

Local veterans and Boy Scouts from Troop 2998 sponsored by the Mesquite 7th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worked together to place United States flags near veteran’s graves at the Mesquite City Cemetery on Saturday, May 23, 2015. Veterans and scouts worked together in teams to make sure that the flags were placed at correct locations. There are 151 veterans buried n the cemetery. “It was great opportunity for our scouts to rub shoulders with local veterans and remember those that have given so much for our freedom”, stated Ryan Toone, Scoutmaster for Troop 2998. “It is important that our youth have opportunities like this to learn to be respectful and to appreciate what they have,” Toone added. After the project was completed, Mesquite Veteran, Ed Fizer, spoke to the scouts about his experience serving in the military. He taught the scouts about those that served defending our country and "the legacy of the greatest generation." Mr. Fizer also spoke to the youth about the reason we celebrate Memorial Day. Mern Hafen and Dacen Cox identified the graves of the veterans and cemented the holders for the flags for their Eagle Projects. Several other Eagle projects have been done at the cemetery; Preston Cook built a structure to display a map in 2001. Lance Jensen made a map showing the location of all of the graves and typed names on a computer program, located and identified the graves of veterans and placed a flag holder next to the graves in 1988. Boe John Jensen put in the first flag pole in 1984 at the cemetery entrance. Photo info: First Row: Caden Graves, Ashton Roman, Luke Wahl, Bridger Toone, Daxon Toone, Tristan Roman Veterans: Ed Fizer, Roger Gessell, Chuck Caldwell, Harold Straley

Nineteen young women from the Mesquite Nevada Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints received their Young Womanhood Recognition awards at a special program on May 6, 2015. To earn this award girls from the ages of 12 to 18 years must set goals in eight value areas-faith, divine nature, knowledge, choice and accountability, good works, integrity, and virtue. They are to achieve them through 70 hours of community service, church service and self-improvement projects. The young women also are to read 531 pages of the Book of Mormon. The combined efforts of these nineteen girls totaled of 874 goals completed, 1,330 project hours served, and 10,089 pages of the Book of Mormon read. The Young Womanhood Recognition went to the following : Alexis Atkinson -Mesquite 1st Ward Sara Anderson -Mesquite 2nd Ward Alicia Matthews -Mesquite 3rd Ward Shalee Hafen, Talia Hansen, Sarah Rappleye -Mesquite 4th Ward Amber Sandoval -Mesquite 6th Ward Carlie Hughes, Camri Ludvigson, Markell Ludvigson,Kylee Tobler -M7 Josie Garlick -Littlefield Ward Kinlee Clark, Lauren Leavitt, Taylor Waite, Alison Cook -B1 Emma Dodenbier, Natilyn Faught, Hanna Haviland -B2 Young women who have already received the Young Womanhood award can receive the Honey Bee award with more effort through 40 hours of service, mentoring and reading 531 pages in the Book of Mormon. Six young women achieved these goals and were awarded at the same recognition dinner and program with their parents. Honey Bee were Awarded to: Savannah Lee -Mesquite 4th Ward Kallie Graves, Kennedi Ludvigson -Mesquite 7th Ward Haley Allen, Cassadee Reber -Bunkerville 1st Ward Rachel Cook -Bunkerville 2nd Ward One young woman, Markell Ludvigson from Mesquite 7th ward said, "I am so glad I completed the requirements. It has made a huge impact in my life. My parents and friends have been great examples and have really helped and encouraged me."

Diego Calderon received his Eagle Scout Award at a ceremony on Sunday, April 26, 2015. He was a member of Venture Crew sponsored by the Spanish Branch of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is the son of Mere and Delia Calderon. Diego graduated from Virgin Valley High School in 2014 where he participated in track and football. He is currently attending Snow College. For his Eagle Project he collected 500 pairs of eyeglasses. Then he cleaned them and with the help of the Young Women in his branch, made cases for the glasses and sent them to Mexico to be given to those who needed them. Spanish Branch President David Leavitt gave the Eagle charge to Diego. He challenged Diego to, “Live as to bring honor to your brother scouts and exemplify all the points of the scout law. America has many great things to offer but America will only be as great as the quality of its citizens. I challenge you to build your community with unselfish work, have a reverence to God and leave behind a record that you will be justly proud. The scout oath and law are a solemn oath and obligation to God and country and all human beings.” President Leavitt had Diego make the scout sign and pledge to always strive to be prepared and help other people and to live the scout oath and law. Tony Oxborrow and his wife who are currently serving a mission for the LDS church in Peru Cusco Family History Records preservation spoke at the court of honor via Skype. Mr. Oxborrow helped Diego throughout his advancement in scouting, taking him on campouts and helping him with his merit badges and Eagle Project. Diego presented his mentor pin to Mr. Oxborrow, "I am very grateful for his help in achieving this rank of Eagle Scout." Mark Tichenor, District Commissioner of the Virgin River Valley, presented Diego with an engraved pocket knife as a reminder to always be prepared.

On the evening of Wednesday, April 22, 2015 hundreds of young women (ages 12-18) along with their leaders attended a first aid night to prepare for a summer girls camp. The first aid clinic was held at the LDS chapel on Arrowhead for a 2 hour block of time. Keith Browning, member of the Mesquite Fire Department headed the training and was accompanied by other members of both the Mesquite and Bunkerville fire departments (Spencer Lewis, Brian Haviland, Royce Browning and Derek Davis ). The girls were trained for the simplest of treatments, such as bandages and stings to the most severe, like CPR. The FD provided dummies for the girls to practice their CPR skills. As well as splints and gauze to practice helping victims with broken bones. In July of this year, the young women will attend a summer girls camp in the Kolob Mountains. As part of their activities they are asked to learn certain skills in order to certify in their age group. The first aid techniques they learned this evening will help them pass off those certification skills and also help them to be prepared for any emergencies they may encounter while at camp.