This morning for the Sunday morning session of general conference, Joey and Karen Bowler was gracious enough to host a watch party! Many of the YSA kids that weren’t gone showed up and had a phenomenal experience as they were fed spiritually and physically! Thank you Brother & Sister Bowler for taking care of the YSA!

Scott Hafen, 57, of Mesquite, Nevada, died peacefully surrounded by loved ones on March 31, 2026, in St. George, Utah. Scott was born to loving parents Gary Bowler Hafen and Monta Louise Woods Hafen on October 28, 1968, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Quickly after his birth Scott had to be flown by his father along with his doctor to Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah. Scott was a go getter from the start and loved being around people. Scott put this outgoing personality to use as the poster child, in 1974, for the March of Dimes, traveling as an ambassador with his mother for several years. During his travels he met Presidents of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Presidents and First Ladies of the United States along with professional athletes and celebrities. He also spent a lot of time at Children’s Primary Hospital in Salt Lake City; his disability never stopped him from living life. Scott spent his childhood and younger years in Las Vegas and Graduated from Rancho High School. Scott loved his job at the Las Vegas Water District where he worked for twenty plus years. He also loved the outdoors, a special bike was built for him, and he used his arms to pedal and took many long bike rides biking all over Utah, Arizona and southern Nevada. He participated in bike races and wheelchair races and did extremely well. His love for the outdoors also included the love for off roading in his Honda Odessey with friends. Scott also had a love for cars but especially loved fast cars and owned many over the years and raced in them every chance he got. Scott was a lover of food, dogs and people all his life. He especially loved his bulldog Flash who was his constant companion for many years. He loved socializing with anyone who would stop for a chat. He had many favorite spots in Mesquite and St. George, where many friends were made. Spots such as the Sinclair Gas Station, Rain Thai Cuisine, Buffalo Wild Wings, Chick-fil-A, J Dawgs, Arby’s for the potato cakes and of course getting his Dr. Pepper. He had a memory like a steel trap and remembered important details about those he loved and met. Family was central to his life and he adored his nieces and nephews as he would his own children. Scott is survived by his Mother Monta Hafen, Siblings Brad (Lena) Hafen, Sondra (Jay) Holmstead, Diana (Beau) Strickler, Brett Hafen, various Nieces, Nephews and Cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Gary Bowler Hafen, his Sister-In-Law Lori Hafen, Nephew Hap Holmstead and Niece Lola Holmstead. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday April 18, 2026, at 11AM at Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 100 North Arrowhead Lane, Mesquite, Nevada 89027, with a viewing being held prior to the funeral from 9am – 10:45am. Loved ones and friends may leave condolences for Scott’s Family at Starmortuary.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Scott Wade Hafen, please visit our flower store .

Virgin Valley History Discovery Day was held March 2, 2026, 1 at Heritage Park. Many local history displays were inside while outside there was food to taste and skills to practice, demonstrations and activities for children – Panning for gold, horseback rides, petting bunnies and baby goats or getting dunked in the water tank if the ball hit the target, hoop rolling as pioneer children, or watch branding irons heated and your initial burned into wood. The VFW presented the flag ceremony with a flag raising and the Star-Spangled Banner. Pres. Hollingshead, West Stake Pres., and Tavis Wakefield, counselor in East Stake Presidency welcomed everyone and spoke of the Heritage we have received from our ancestors. “We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before and with the freedom and opportunity they made this valley a welcome place to live. We have come to remember their ways of life and learn from them,” Pres. Travis Wakefield said. “I remember meeting Nellie and Vida Hughes and telling us of the summer months when they slept outside. They would wet their sheets in Virgin River water and when they awoke in the night, they would wet them again - covering themselves with wet sheets they went back to sleep even in the heat of the summer nights. We thank them for their hard work, their blood, sweat and tears that it took to build this valley – we love them for their perseverance.” Pres. Hollingshead grew up on a farm in Utah, and they used a brand to mark every cow with a brand or ear mark. “We knew it was out cow!” The pioneering spirit of ancestors teaches us to know who we are and to whom we belong. “With faith and hard work, they looked after one another. That pioneering spirit and same spiritual feeling exists today in this valley – There is a wonderful sense of community here. We have come to honor our heritage and renew relationships and to gather in Christ with a spirit of love and unity.” A lunch of Dutch Oven food, a pioneer legacy, was demonstrated and shared – Dutch Oven lunch of chicken, potatoes with plenty of onions and ham and bacon was cooked in 22 Dutch Oven over an open fire pit. Jon Meierhoff learned Dutch Oven cooking from his grandfather. He used his special family seasoning recipe for the 500 lbs. of chicken and potatoes. Jon and Josh Thompson started the coals at 6:00 am. to prepare to feed the large crowd. Bluegrass music and some pop music entertained everyone thanks to Gary & Julie Butler and Teressa and Monte Mortenson, playing their instruments - fiddle, bass, banjo and guitar. Some of the favorite tunes were “Stop the World”, “Jerusalem Ridge”, “Foggy Mountain Special” and the exciting “Orange Blossom Special.” Baby goats to feed, bunnies to hold and pet, a tiny pig digging with his snout in his fenced in pen, ducks to watch and many breeds of chickens on the grassy area were a favorite spot for the children and parents. Tidus, a grandson of the Abbotts, said, “The baby goats are about 3 weeks old, and they are named Scout and Cinder!” Laren Abbot said he has Easter eggers, White Polish, and Bresse from France that are prized for their flavorful meat. He extoled the reasons duck is the ‘homesteader’s dream.’ Laren Abbott explained, “They lay delicious eggs, they are good mothers, meat and excellent parents. Death layers hen lay until they die and produce about 250 eggs a year living to be 12-15 years. The kids liked the Silkie small hens with fluffy feathers.” Horseback rides were a new experience for kids to ride around the field on horses thanks to Derik Hafen and family. You could try panning for gold at another station which was demonstrated by Clint Sudweeks. Girls were learning to thread needles and sew on buttons. McKay Magoon, local resident and a farrier, brought his truck with anvil and forge to demonstrate how he makes horseshoes. Starting with the long metal he heated it in the forge and placing it on the anvil, pounded and sharped it to fit his pattern. Repeating the steps of heating and pounding it eventually shaped to fit. Then it was - “Better step back!” he said as the sparks flew from the red-hot metal. When asked how he learned to be a farrier, “I went to school in Tucson and then I was an apprentice.” Calligraphy was demonstrated by Bob Lystrup. “I always wanted to learn so when I retired, I practiced and taught myself,” he said. There was a long line waiting him to write their name with his elegant old English style calligraphy in a color of their choice. Refreshments of homemade lemonade or raspberry lemonade was made by the Summer Crest Ward. Several varieties of homemade cookies and bars offered for sampling using family tested recipes were a favorite stop in the warm weather. Fresh baked tortillas with cheese were served hot off the griddle by Rosa and Isela Zarate. “Where in the World” did your ancestors come from?” was the question above a large world map; you could take a tiny flag pin and put it on the country of your ancestors – at last look Europe had the most pins squeezed together. Thanks to Benell and Rozanne Christensen helping everyone find the county of their ancestors. A patriotic T-shirt quilt was on display at a family history display. The red, white and blue shirts had been worn by David Abplanalp, Lt. Col, retired who served in the Navy and Army in Germany, Texas, Hawaii and Vietnam. The family heirloom- and Edison Cir. 1905 phonograph – was demonstrated by Jeff Hoyt. “Once it is turned on it keeps going using centrifugal force that turns the cylinders. The large tube attached can amplify the sound. I have a large morning glory tube that amplifies it to fill a large area with music of the early 1900’s,” he said. ‘Herbs and Honey’ was the title of Kylie and Megan Teerlink’s display of quart jars of herbs and their uses. “Many of the plants can be harvested here or in the mountains nearby – blue Elderberry, mullein, Chaparral Creosote, sage, and Brigham tea. The Indigenous people used them for medicinal purposes and for tea and also the pioneers,” they said. Bro. and Sr. Mace had a table with information about BYU Pathways to share with those who want to further their education. History displays inside included the history of the culinary water system in Virgin Valley by Aaron Bunker, hydrologist at the Virgin Valley Water District. Pioneer Women in the valley displayed pictures of women who served the community by Geraldine Zarate. The history of the Picket line that lasted 36 months from 1993 to March 1996 when the pornography store was forced to close by the order of Judge Pro in Las Vegas District Court had original picket signs and information about the long hard-fought battle to protect our city. A timeline with pictures of events in the stake in last 30 years was displayed - 4 new buildings, 3 floods, trek, and youth activities. Boy Scouting memorabilia was also displayed. The missionaries gave people an opportunity to answer either of two questions– Because of Christ what has happened to you? What brings you joy? The post it notes were put on a board to share with all. Many thanks to Shem and Cheryl Teerlink, for organizing the event and Krissy and Richard Cook assisting them to make it a successful learning experience. Thank you to the many that volunteered and set up booths and shared their talents and expertise. A quilt was tied and was given away at the end to a lucky person whose name was drawn from those who got their card punched at every booth. By Cheryl Jensen

Sisters, there will be a gathering to watch the RS broadcast and have a testimony meeting on Tuesday Mar 31 6:00 pm at the Whipple building. Hope to see you there!

Elder Ross and Sister Debbie Miller will serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They have been called to the Oklahoma Oklahoma City Mission. The Millers will serve from May 2026 until May 2027. Elder Ross and Sister Debbie Miller are members of the Anthem Ward, West Stake.

THE FOLLOWING EVENTS ARE SCHEDULED AT THE ST. GEORGE TABERNACLE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 2026.  ALL EVENTS ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC. BEGINNING THE LAST WEEK OF MARCH, RECORDINGS OF EVENTS CAN ALSO BE HEARD BY DIALING 435-677-6230 AND PRESSING #3 WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 – 7:00 P.M. “ IN JUBILO WOMENS CHOIR ” presents “Gather Voices of Freedom” as they also welcome Southern Utah University women’s choir Luminosa to perform with them.  Music selections range from early Americana to Spiritual to Patriotic as we celebrate America’s 250 years. MONDAY, APRIL 6 – 12 Noon:  “ THE LEGACY LECTURE SERIES ” Scott Fisher  is best known in Utah for his 16 years on KISN-97 as half of the "Fisher & Todd" morning team. In 2013, he became the creator and host of the nationally syndicated radio show and podcast, Extreme Genes – America’s Family History Radio Show.  This was a merging of passions – radio and family history – as Fisher has spent some four decades of spare time researching his family, as well as helping others discover their past.   WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8 – 7:00 P.M.  “ ST. GEORGE INSTITUTE CHOIR ” presents “The Witness of our Faith”.  The scriptures teach that you receive a witness after the trial of your faith.  Come for an evening with the St. George Institute Choirs as they take you on a musical journey through the trial of our faith, and the witness that comes as a result. FRIDAY, APRIL 10 – 7:00 P.M.   In their first of two performances, the  “ SOUTHERN UTAH HERITAGE CHOIR ” will share the story of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in song.  This year’s program will also feature guest soloists – winners of the Heritage Choir High School Vocal Scholarship competition. SATURDAY, APRIL 11 – 2:00 P.M.    In a repeat performance from the previous evening, the “ SOUTHERN UTAH HERITAGE CHOIR ”  will share the story of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ in song.  This year’s program will also feature guest soloists – winners of the Heritage Choir High School Vocal Scholarship competition. TUESDAY, APRIL 14 – 7:00 P.M.  “ SNOW CANYON HIGH SCHOOL MADRIGALS CHOIR ”  is an auditioned choir made up of 9 th -12 th grade singers.  They love to sing all styles of music from classical madrigals to Jazz music and are directed by Chris Leonard. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15 – 7:00 P.M.   The   “ CHAMBER ORCHESTRA ” from Utah Tech University will perform a blend of classical and popular favorites.  This program will feature two numbers using the historic tabernacle organ including Albinoni’s Adagio for Organ and Strings and Elgar’s Sospiri with Karen Kennedy on organ.  The program will also include Danny Boy, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Copland’s Hoe Down FRIDAY, APRIL 17 – 7:00 P.M.  “ JUANITA BROOKS LECTURE SERIES ”  As we celebrate the 40 th  Lecture we are honored to have local author and historian Lyman Hafen as this year’s speaker.  Lyman is well known in the community for his ability to make the stories of our local history come alive. Please join us in this wonderful community event!  SATURDAY, APRIL 18 – 7:00 P.M.   “ SHUBERT SINGERS ”, the longest continuously performing ladies chorus, has been together for 92 years!  The Chorus, from Salt Lake City and surrounding communities, presents a patriotic program. TUESDAY, APRIL 21 – 7:00 P.M.   “ SOUTHWEST SYMPHONY STRINGS ”   An evening with the masters – Bach, Mozart, Vivaldi, and   Albinoni – performed by the Southwest Symphony Strings, and joined by Geoff Meyers on the organ and his interesting anecdotes about the composers and the music they have written. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22 – 7:00 P.M. Please join the  “ KEYNOTES ” as we celebrate the 250 th  Anniversary of America!  With songs that pay tribute to our Land, our Homes, our God and our Freedoms we present: “ America – 250 years of Freedom!” SATURDAY, APRIL 25 –   7:00   P.M. “ ST. GEORGE CHILDREN’S CHOIR ”   Join the St. George Children’s Choir for the season finale concert!  From spirituals to folk songs, to classical choral pieces, you’ll hear highlights from our wonderful year of music.                  _______________________________________________________ If you wish to schedule an event in the St George Tabernacle, please dial 435-677-6230 and press #4 to be put in touch with the scheduler.

Elder John and Sister Kathryn Burrows returned from their mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Nevada Las Vegas East Mission. Elder and Sister Burrows of the Anthem Ward, West Stake will be speaking March 29th, 2pm in the Stake Center. It is located 100 N. Arrowhead Ln., Mesquite. Welcome Home!

Elder Chris and Sister Suzanne Lind have accepted a call from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They will serve in the Georgia Atlanta Mission, March 2026-February 2028. Elder and Sister Lind are members of the Anthem Ward, West Stake.

Sister Audrey Fiso has been called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She will serve in the Portugal Porto Mission, speaking Portuguese. Audrey's mission will start with Home Missionary Training on March 30th, then off to the Provo MTC April 8th. Gaosi and Jennifer Fiso of the Summer Crest Ward, East Stake are Audrey's parents. Sister Audrey Fiso will have a farewell March 22, 2026, in the Whipple Chapel at 1:30 pm.