Elder Chandon Jensen has served his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Texas Dallas South mission. Elder Chandon Jensen's Homecoming will be on August 23rd, 12:00 pm in the Bunkerville Chapel. It is located at 355 W Virgin Street in Bunkerville. Chad and Shae Jensen of the Bunkerville 1st Ward, West Stake, are Chandon's parents. Welcome Home!

Vernon “Vern” Reber — A Life Rooted in Family, Work, and the Outdoors Early Life Born January 20, 1954 in St. George, Utah, Vern was the son of Roland A. Reber and LaRella Gifford. Vern passed away July 28, 2026 in St. George, Utah. His childhood unfolded in Mesquite, Nevada, the place that shaped him and ultimately became the home he always returned to. During his youth, Vern lived for period in Las Vegas, but Mesquite remained the anchor of his identity. He graduated from Virgin Valley High School in 1972, a milestone that tied him firmly to the community he cherished. Marriage & Family Vern married Lora Curtis on June 6, 1975, in Las Vegas. Though they later went their separate ways, they shared meaningful years together and built a family Vern loved deeply. He is survived by his sons: • Jason Reber (Allyson) • Cole Reber (Amanda) • Leo Reber And by his grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of his life: • Tavian • Avery • Savanah (Wyoming) • Statler • Hayz • Hesston • Brindle (Mesquite) These children and grandchildren were not just part of Vern’s life — they were the heart of it. Work & Daily Life Vern built a long, steady career with the Clark County Road Department, where he earned the respect of coworkers through his reliability, work ethic, and quiet dedication. He retired after years of service that helped shape the roads and infrastructure of the region he called home. Passions & Personality Vern was happiest outdoors. The mountains were his second home — especially when he was with his dad or with Vern Frehner. Those trips were full of stories, laughter, and the kind of memories that become family legend. He loved trapping, a tradition passed down through generations and shared with his father and father-in-law. Hunting was another lifelong passion, something he enjoyed with his brothers, his sons, and any friend who wanted to tag along. For Vern, the hunt was never just about the game it was about companionship, shared experience, and time spent in the open air. His daily life was filled with simple joys: • Coffee time with Jack Faught • Trips with Lyle and Sarah Hughes • Gardening, which brought him peace and pride • And above all, time with his grandchildren Family Losses Vern was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and LaRella, and his brothers Randy and Larry. Their memories remained close to him throughout his life. A Life Remembered Vern Reber lived a life defined by loyalty to his family, his work, his community, and the outdoors he loved. He leaves behind stories, traditions, and a family that carries his legacy forward. Viewing will be at the LDS Stake Center, 100 North Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite, Nevada 89027, August 7th at 9 am-10 am. Then at 10:30 am the burial will be at the Mesquite Cemetery at 301 Hillside Drive, Mesquite, Nevada 89027.

Elder Beau James Garrett has accepted his call from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will serve in the Dominican Republic Santo Domingo North Mission, Spanish speaking. Beau will start with home MTC on August 26, 2026, and then go to the Mexico City Missionary Training Center on September 10th. Elder Beau Garrett's Farewell talk will be on August 23, 10:30 am in the Littlefield Chapel. It is located in Littlefield, at 3260 W. Old Hwy 91. Eric and Erica Garrett of the Valley View Ward, East Stake, are his parents

Elder Benjamin Nelson will be returning from a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Naga, Philippines Mission. Benjamin will be home Friday, July 24th. Elder Benjamin will be speaking on July 26, 9 am in the Whipple Chapel. It is located at 121 Whipple Way, Mesquite. Benjamin is the son of Robert and Cristen Nelson, Vistas Ward, East Stake. Welcome Home!

Elder Ammon Shaner has been called to a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He will serve 24 months in the Wyoming Cheyenne Mission. Ammon will begin with the home MTC August 5th and then to the Provo Missionary Training Center August 12th. Elder Ammon Shaner's Farewell will be on August 9th at 12 pm in the Whipple Chapel. It is located at 121 Whipple Way in Mesquite. Artie and Angela Shaner of the Old Mill Ward, East Stake are Ammon's parents.

Come to the Mountain of the Lord was the theme of Trek for the West Stake youth ages 14-18 on July 8-11. One hundred-twenty youth along with Ma and Pa’s, Ramrods and Elwood and Tara Faught as the trail bosses pulled their handcarts along a 13 miles trail through the quaking aspens and pine tress on Cedar Mountain on private land. “The youth began Trek by getting that “power from on High” that was promised the saints before their journey in 1847. The Saints had refused to leave Nauvoo until President Brigham Young performed their endowment – they knew they would need that power and knowledge of being sealed to loved ones that they might lose on the journey.” Tara Faught. The youth were divided into three groups and were able to perform baptisms for their ancestors in the St. George Temple, Red Cliffs or Cedar City Temple. They all had the experience of the visitors center too! Tara Faught shared the following – “Trek was amazing for everyone involved! One of the parts Bro. Faught and I loved was the vignettes that were planned along the trail. We had Indians and temples both big and small, a cart with a family off to the side standing next to a fresh grave with wolves howling in the trees. “ “My favorite was coming to a hill and seeing Tyler Hughes representing Joseph Smith, Jr. digging out the Golden Plates with a life size Angel Moroni hovering a little way away. It was here that Presidents Hollingshead and Pollock would bare their testimonies of just how special that moment was in the history of the world.” A Ma handcart group of just women went along to remind all that single women and widows wanted to reach Zion too. The youth had activities and games such as stick pull, nine square, and snap. There were line dancing and square in the evening. The mountain was the perfect place for star gazing. Singing hymns and primary songs on the trail helped them pull their carts. Brinley said, “Some friends invited me to go over to an edge in the forest, and we sang a lot of church songs - my favorite was ‘Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam.’ The star gazing was amazing!” Devotionals were held each morning and evening and one was a testimony meeting. A sunrise service was held one morning with the theme ‘light outshines the darkness.’ This was on the edge of the mountain overlooking Cedar Breaks as the sun rose over the eastern line of mountains – it was a spectacular view of God’s creations! Angie Allen, a Ma, said, “The experience that touched me the most was the women’s pull when the young men are “called away” to join the Mormon Battalion, leaving the women to continue the journey alone. Before we started pulling, we were told we needed to lighten our handcarts by leaving some things behind. At first, the young women thought they would just bring their own things. But then, knowing the men would be missing their belongings, they decided it was only fair to either take everything or leave everything. They were willing to carry the load and do their part. I saw true Christlike love!” All along the trail of the women’s pull were large poster with pictures of 15 different temples inviting the youth to look forward to going to the temple. The youth researched an ancestor to walk for – usually a pioneer ancestor if they had one. Aria Jones said, “I walked for James Hughes who came from South Wales and came all the way to Utah. He and his family were one of first six families in Mesquite. They were community builders.” Adron Klug shared, “The biggest thing I saw was the growth of everyone here! Some people would not even help pull their cart and now, they’re pulling their part. It was amazing to see everyone pitching in to help. No drama, just perfect. Trek is hard, the trail was rough, but we got through it!” Many of the youth said they did not really know the others in their trek family before they left. Special memories were made and bonds of friendship were formed in the “families.” Ria Davis said, “I will definitely take these memories home and my testimony. In one devotional they said, ‘don’t leave your testimony in the handcarts’ which I will definitely not.” Justin Whipple shared the following about serving as a Pa – “Throughout the trek, we were inspired as we watched these young men and women grow in faith, work together and persevere through physical and emotional challenges Their willingness to support one another and maintain positive attitudes strengthened our testimony of the power of unity and faith in Jesus Christ. Some of our favorite memories included the women’s pull, square dancing, activities and attending the sunrise devotional given by President and Sister Hollingshead.” Saturday at noon as the youth, pulling and pushing their handcarts, entered the open meadow, they were led by rider on horseback carrying the American flag! With parents and family waving white handkerchiefs and cheering, the youth formed a circle the meadow with the handcarts. Everyone felt the excitement as they sang “Come, Come, Ye Saints!” After greeting their parents and family, everyone was treated to a lunch. Sitting on logs or their buckets they enjoyed a meal of grilled hot dogs with all the trimmings and plenty of watermelon! Thank you, Clancy Cox, for bringing your horse and riding in to give authenticity to the trek. The youth were fed well on the trail – with pulled pork, tacos, beans and rice, biscuits and gravy other great meals. A special meal was prepared on Friday by Danny Allen – beef brisket, light airy rolls, and yummy peach cobbler! The youth had also prepared for the trek by gathering pioneer clothing – long skirts, long sleeve blouses, aprons and bonnets for the girls and khaki pants, long sleeve shirts and straw or cloth hats for the young men. They had each packed their extra clothing in a 5-gallon bucket with bedding, scriptures and necessities. The trek committee has worked for months to organize and prepare for this memorable experience for the youth. Many thanks to the cooks, photographers, musicians, and those in charge of activities, vignettes, equipment, transportation, advertising and the welcome home party. Author, Cheryl Jensen Thank you for the pictures, Mark McEwen

Sister McKadie Cowley has received her mission call for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Argentina Comodoro Rividavia Mission. Her home MTC training will begin on July 22, 2026. She will go to the Mexico Missionary Training Center on August 6th then on o Argentina on September 2nd. Sister McKadie Cowley will be speaking in the Stake Center, July 26th at 9:00am. It is located 100 N. Arrowhead Ln. Ryan and Ashlie Cowley from the Arrowhead Ward, West Stake are McKadie's parents.

Elder Doger Smith has served his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Sierra Leone Freetown Mission. Elder Dodger Smith will be speaking on June 19th, in the Stake Center at 12:30 pm. The Stake Center is located at 100 N. Arrowhead Ln, in Mesquite. Tyson and Mary Smith of the Heritage Ward, West Stake, are Dodger Smth's parents. Welcome Home!

Elder Caiden Jone has served his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in Adelaide Australia Mission and will be coming home on August 8, 2026. Elder Caiden Jones will be speaking in the Bunkerville Chapel on August 9th at 12 pm. The Chapel is located at 355 W. Virgin Street in Bunkerville. Nathan and Kelli Jones of the Bunkerville 1st Ward, West Stake, are Caiden's parents. Welcome Home!

Elder Kye Griffiths will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Philippines Puerto Princesa Mission speaking Tagalog. He starts Home MTC on July 22 and begins the Provo MTC on August 5. Kye leaves for the Philippines September 24, 2026. Elder Kye Griffiths Mission Farewell will be July 12th @ Noon, in the Bunkerville Chapel. It is located at 55 East Second South St. Brett and Shauna Griffiths of the Bunkerville 1st Ward, West Stake are his parents.