McClain B. Easton, member of Troop 2041 sponsored by the Bunkerville 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor. His project was putting in cement sidewalks at the new Virgin Valley High School gym. He is a sophomore at Virgin Valley High School and a member of the football, wrestling and track teams. His is the son of Brad and Neelie Easton. Randy Woods spoke about how McClain showed leadership in doing his project by outlining what needed to be done by everyone helping. He spoke about the scout law saying, “A scout is foremost - trustworthy. He cares about others and is friendly. He is loyal without wanting anything in return. He is courteous and polite and uses good manners. He is obedient to his parents and obeys the law of the land. He is cheerful in doing tasks. He is thrifty and pays his own way by earning it. He is brave, though does not force difficult situations. He is clean in mind and body and keeps our community clean. He is reverent and faithful to God and respects other’s beliefs. He has integrity, moral uprightness, and treats others with respect. We can depend on Eagle scouts to be our future leaders and I know we can depend on McClain to uphold the scout oath and law.” Ty Wakefield, young men’s president and seminary teacher, complimented McClain on being faithful in attending early morning seminary and he is always willing to share his knowledge with others. Brian Haviland, District Chairman for Virgin River Valley, formed the Eagle’s nest by inviting all the Eagle Scouts to come forward. “When McClain came to the board of review for his Eagle rank,” Brian said, “We talked about remembering all that he had learned in the scouting program – the leadership he learned in doing the project and the skills he learned in the merit badges. Now he can take that onward and help people. McClain has great ambition and I have seen him accomplish things without being told what to do.” Brian presented McClain with a pocket knife engraved with the words, ‘Eagle Scout.’ McClain presented his mentor pin to Larry Wagstaff, his grandfather, for his encouragement to earn the rank of Eagle Scout.

Zachary West, member of Troop 2596 sponsored by the 5th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor. His project was a beautification project at the Springs City Park installing new sprinkler system, landscaping and laying sod, and removing playground equipment. He also received a bronze and gold palm – representing 5 more merit badges each beyond the 21 required for Eagle scout. He is a senior at Virgin Valley High School where he is on the track team in disc and shot-put events. He plans to serve a mission for the LDS church after he graduates. His favorite merit badge was cooking. He is the son of Michelle and Dave West. Duane Thurston, his scoutmaster for all but the last year, said, “Zack, you have learned many skills in scouting. These skills will help you in your future. Only about 1% of those that start scouts complete the requirement to become an Eagle Scout, so I congratulate you on your achievement in attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. Scouts also learn service”, Duane said. “Service is where you get your joy – service in your family and in your community. “ Rusty Hughes gave the Eagle Charge, saying, “This is a great honor to receive the highest award of Eagle Scout and it has a responsibility that extends to your country and to God. America has many fine things to offer you and your children after you, but to preserve these, depends on the quality of her citizens. You are here to make her future greater. I charge you to be a leader and lead only toward the best. Lift up every task you do to the highest level of service to God and your fellow men. Dedicate your life to the common good, to clean living, honest work, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God.” Brian Haviland, District Chairman of Virgin River Valley Boy Scouts of America, formed the Eagle’s nest inviting all Eagle Scouts to come forward. Brian complimented Zack on his good quality of lifting others whether at camp or track practice – being cheerful and greeting others with a warm smile. Brian presented Zack with a pocket knife engraved with ‘Eagle Scout.’ Zack presented mentor pins to Duane Thurston who motivated him to complete the requirements for his rank and to Rusty Hughes for helping him with his project.

Cub Scout Alijah Christensen of Mesquite 4th Ward received his Arrow of Light on March 14th. He is the son of Brandy and Wayne Christensen. Congratulations!

Cub Scout Andrew Fink of the Mesquite 1st Ward was awarded The Arrow of Light on March 21st. Congratulations! Jennifer Tichenor and Andrew Fink

A beautiful, sunny day greeted the crowd at the Mesquite Stake Center for a day of learning, inspiration, good food and fun at the Virgin Valley History and Family Discovery Day. Classes presented were on varied subjects such as DNA tests, indexing, Family trees, historical records and searching in Spanish records. The Cultural Hall was decked out with impressive displays explaining local history by following early settlers of the Virgin Valley from their arrival to their burials in local cemeteries. Cowboy poetry sent laughter through the halls. Outside at the Heritage Park children played pioneer games, rode ponies, learned to square dance, and ate treats. Demonstrations of Pioneer domestic skills such as butter, root beer and vinegar making shared space with rug and rope makers. The day had started with a wonderful breakfast cooked and presented by the Stake presidency and ended with a fun sack lunch to be taken and eaten anywhere.

A reminder...Tuesday, March5 is the final day to register online for the Family Discovery Day.You can go to https://www.mesquitenvstake.org/, the Family Discovery tab and follow link. ******* Or use the following link to register... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScwciY16CVJAo_QHgCBBOXq8TZdtFWGr8C_2nKSJpXjQvBUDA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Brothers and Sisters: We would like to invite you to attend our annual Family History Discovery Day on Saturday March 9th at the Stake Center Complex.This event will have something for the whole family. All activities are free of charge. This year we are focusing on the history of our valley as well as the work to discover our ancestors.The theme of the event is "Explore our history, Discover yours!" The schedule of events will be as follows: 7:00-8:30 am --Pancake Breakfast/ Heritage Park, Cooked and served by the Stake Presidency and High Council. 7:30-9:00 am --Class Registration / Stake Center Entrances, Early registration is suggested (details below), but registration will be available the day of the event. 8:30 - Noon -- Historical Displays/ Stake Center Cultural Hall Displays will trace the history of Bunkerville, Mesquite, Littlefield and Beaver Dam 9:00-9:30 am -- Opening Session / Stake Center Chapel. Remarks by President David Anderson 9:30 - Noon -- Classes, Pioneer activities, Children's Activities/ Stake Center and Heritage Park. Noon-- 1pm -- Cowboy Poetry/ Stake Center Stage and Lunch The complete class and event schedule is attached below. For more information go to: mesquitenvstake.org , click on the History/ Discovery Day tab at the top of the page. For on-line registration highlight and then click on this link: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLScwciY16CVJAo_QH…/viewform… (Link is also accessible on the Stake web page.) We hope you will all plan on spending the morning with us on March 9th, 2019. Sent by Laren Boyd Abbott, whose calling is Stake Presidency Second Counselor.

Lane Ramos received his Duty to God Award from his Bishop, John Robison, during Sacrament. He has a better understanding of the gospel and definitely set a foundation for him to be better prepared for his life. Lane is the son of Andres and Sarah Ramos of the Mesquite 2nd Ward. Congratulations! Lane's favorite quote is “Today I will do what others won’t so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.” Jerry Rice

1st Counselor Brian Boatright, Bishop Tim Barnard and Ryan Thornton 2nd Counselor

Sister Alexis Atkinson served an 18 month mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. She served in the Texas Lubbock Mission. Alexis is the daughter of Scott and Daniella Atkinson of Mesquite 1st Ward. Sister Alexis Atkinson will speak February 17th, 8am in the Stake Center.

Elder Colton Mickelson served his mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and returned to Mesquite on February 15th. He served in the Michigan Detroit Mission for 24 months. Colton is the son of Kameron and Traci Mickelson of the Mesquite 3rd Ward. Elder Colton Mickelson will speak in the Whipple Chapel on February 24th at 9 am. Welcome home!

Elder Charles and Sister Nancy Burton of the Mesquite 4th Ward are serving a senior mission in Zions Camp Recreation Property Belfair, Washington.