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.

New Bishopric for Mesquite 1st Ward, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Barclay Smith, 1st Counselor, Bishop Gilbert Felshaw, Sam Martinez, 2nd Counselor

Sister Jamie Francis has returned from a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served for 18 months in the West Virginia, Charleston Mission. Jamie is the daughter of Kathy and the late Jim Francis. Sister Francis will report her mission Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8 am in the Mesquite 4th Ward. She will speak in the LDS Stake Center located at 100 N. Arrowhead.

April 18th, the Stake Youth Genealogy Jamboree marked the kickoff event for the Stake Youth's "40 Day Challenge ". The Challenge, simply put, is for every youth in the Stake to find a family name and take it to the temple. The Challenge will culminate in a Stake-Wide Temple Walk activity on the 30th of May.

An Eagle Court of Honor was held for 10 young men in Troop/Team/Crew 2314 sponsored by the Bunkerville 2nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those receiving their Eagle Scout Award were Joshua L. Abbott, Addison Biasi, Garret Hafen, Jaden Hollinghead, Trevon Hollingshead, Brenden Bunker, Logan Felix, Kade Haviland, Andrew Jensen and Jayden Perkins. Congressman Cresent Hardy was the guest speaker. He told the scouts that becoming an Eagle Scout is one of the most important achievements in their life to date. “You are surrounded with people who want you to achieve. You have had the opportunity to grow up in a valley with a strong heritage and traditions of honesty and integrity.. You have great examples in this community of good people. They are great examples. Thank you for serving this community and contributing your service through your Eagle projects,” he said. He presented each Eagle Scout with a certificate of Congressional Recognition for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout and a United State Flag that was flown over the capitol in Washington, D.C. Kendall Anderson, their scout leader, in forming the Eagle’s nest said, “There are many ranks in scouting, the title of Eagle Scout comes with a title you carry for the rest of your life. That is why we continue to honor those who have achieved the rank of Eagle by forming an Eagle’s nest. It is important to let people know that you are an Eagle Scout. It shows others who you are and your behavior and stature encourage others to learn and experience what you have learned. You will receive a tie tack tonight; wear it to let others know who you are.” Craig Haderlie, District Commissioner, gave them the Eagle Charge. “I charge you to make your actions a guide to others. I Challenge you to hold before you the ideals of honor and service. The words you first learned when you became a scout will mean more to you now. Those words are ‘On my Honor.’ There is a code of an Eagle Scout.” He asked the scouts to stand and recite the Scout Oath and reaffirm their allegiance to the scout oath and law and take the responsibility of being an Eagle Scout. “On my honor I will make my actions and life an example of scouting and better citizenship in my Troop and community and contacts with other people..” He reminded them that these words ‘On My Honor” are the same words used by the signers of the Declaration of Independence – ‘We pledge our lives and our sacred honor.’ Remember these words in your contract with others.” The father’s presented the scouts with the Eagle badge, the scouts then pinned the mother’s pin on their mothers and presented their father’s with a tie tack. Craig Haderlie presented an engraved pocketknife to each Eagle Scout as a reminder to always be prepared. It was an impressive site to see ten Eagle Scouts standing behind the podium after receiving their awards. Many thanks to those leaders and parents that helped them on the trail – Bishop Jon Felix, Bishop Jared Hollingshead, Brian Haviland, previous Young Men’s President, Jason Andrus, Young Men’s President, and Janarah Hollingshead, advancement chairman. Front Left to Right: Addison Biasi, Trevon Hollingshead, Reid Jensen, Brenden Bunker, Jayden Perkins Back row Left to Right: Kade Haviland, Joshua Abbott, Jaden Hollingshead, Garret Hafen, Logan Felix Photo by: Janet Dodenbier

The annual Cub Scout Day Camp was held April 15-18, 2015 for Packs 2042, 2040, 2082, 2448, 2493, 2596, 2640, 2041, 2341, 29998 sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Pack 8 sponsored by the Mesquite Resort Association. There were 125 Scouts ages 8-10 who are Wolves/Tigers, Bears, and Webelos that participated in classes each afternoon. They were able to do archery and BB gun shooting at the Heritage Park. They learned to tie knots, build bird feeders, and make tool boxes. They learned to make no-bake cookies and make trail mix in cooking class. They learned about science and geology, made instruments and had a band. There were classes on wildlife, nature and map reading. The Bears did traffic safety with Officer Van Houten and got to drive “cars.” They had a class on what makes America great and flag etiquette. Each afternoon the cub scouts were treated to a meal in a room decorated to look like Gotham City with a silhouette of “lighted skyscrapers. “ All of the scouts were given super hero capes to wear – Batman, Captain America, spider Man, and Superman capes. The theme was Super Heroes and six super heroes came to help. They were Superman, Flash, Ironman, Batman , the Hulk and Captain America. The scouts had to help the super heroes earn merit badges representing the values of scouting. The closing night the six heroes came again and overpowered the villains to find the Eagle and return it to the museum of scouting memorabilia. The hall was decorated like a museum with Cub Scout and Boy Scout uniforms and plaques. The walls were lined with pictures of famous Eagle Scouts – Neal Armstrong, Thomas S. Monson. There was a picture of Arthur Elred, who in 1912 was the first Eagle Scout in the USA, Bert Leavitt, the first Eagle Scout from Virgin Valley in 1940, and many pictures of Eagle Scouts from our District, several of whom now have cub scouts participating in the day camp. The cub scouts were introduced to real super heroes - Eagle Scouts, police officers, firefighters and those who serve in the military. These real super heroes were introduced - Officer Chris Rowley, an Eagle Scout, and Lawrence Stewart, Life Scout, Fireman, Ryan Thornton, Randy Ence, 30 year veteran of US Army, and two new Eagle Scouts, Alex Beaumont and Joshua Abbott. Ethan Mendahall’s family was given an honorary arrow of light award presented by Akela, Kelton Chamberlain. Jason Cox was honored for his service to Pack 8. They were both superheroes and great scouters. Krissy Thornton organized the activities. Nikki Thornton, Melinda Abbott, Leora Hillus, Kenda, Tiffinee, and Whitnee Heath, were on the committee. Val and Carol Woods did the great decorations. Many thanks to all the leaders and those who taught classes. Thank you to the boy scouts who came and helped. If you are interested in participating in scouting and want information, call Roger at the Scout Store on Willow 406-579-6588

Addison Bruno Biasi is the son of Marnie & Mark McEwen and Bruno & Krista Biasi. Addison is a member of Venture Crew 234, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He is a senior at Virgin Valley High School where he is involved in theater and the swim team. Addison earned 25 merit badges; his favorite badge was the shot gun. He thought it was fun and found out that he was good at it. “That’s what scouting is all about!” said Mark McEwen. To accomplish his Eagle Project, Addison did a beautification project at the Bunkerville Library. He removed sod and installed a sign. Addison said he is proud to be an eagle scout and knows he now belongs to a unique group of men. “My grandpa, Jimmy Hughes was the first Eagle Scout in the Virgin Valley. I am his first grandson to earn the Eagle Scout award so I feel like I am continuing the legacy."

Trevon Jared Hollingshead organized and directed the July 4th 5 K run in Bunkerville to accomplish his Eagle Project. He is a member of Varsity Team 2341, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a freshman at Virgin Valley High School. Jared and Janarah Hollingshead are his parents. Congratulations Trevon!

Brenden Merrill Bunker restored the signs at the Bunkerville Library and Park for his Eagle Project. He is a member of Venture Crew 341, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Brenden is a sophomore at Virgin Valley High School and a member of the band, swim team and forensics. He is the son of Bob and Jocelyn Bunker. earned 31 merit badges. Brenden loves all things electronic so computers was his favorite badge. But he really enjoyed the wood working and rowing. Brenden’s dad, Bob Bunker said "I am very proud of Brenden for becoming an Eagle Scout. It has made him the fine young man that he is today." His mom, Jocelyn Bunker said, "It is fun to drive through out our community and see Eagle Scout projects that have been completed by local boys who have donated hundreds of hours of service. Many of these projects will both beautiful and benefit our valley for many years to come. The process of earning an Eagle Scout Award teaches leadership skills to young men. Both successes and failures during Brenden's project put practical leadership to the test and gave him experience that will be beneficial through out his life."