Colton Mickelson received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor on June 3, 2016. He is a member of Venture Crew 2488 sponsored by the Mesquite 3rd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His Eagle project was refurbishing theroof and eves of the pavilion at Heritage Park. He earned 30 merit badges on his trail to Eagle Scout and only 21 are required. He graduated the day before from Virgin Valley High School where he participated in Future Farmers of America and band andis now planning to serve a mission for his church. He is the son of Tracy and Kameron Mickelson. Kameron’s dad, spoke about how Colton has grown in his leadership skills. When Colton was 11 he and Dacen Cox wanted to climbMt. Whitney, the highest peak in the US. They had to put their names in the lottery and then they and their dads went on several pre-hikes to prepare. The hike was 2 days of strenuous climbing from 8,000 ft. to the top of 14,495 feet with 96 switchbacks. Coltonwas ready to quit and they were all feeling the effect of the high altitude. Kameron gave his son the choice of turning back but he reminded him, “You can always tell yourself that you’ll come back and do it again but the chances are slim for most people when theysay that. You can choose to go back if you don’t feel well, but I don’t want you to wonder if you could have done it.” They proceeded to the top without any more trouble and Colton’s exclamation was, “It was so totally worth it!” Colton has been on 4 different 50 mile hikeswith the scouts in Virgin Valley and last year led some of the scouts when his dad had to return for some gear left behind. “I have watched Colton become a leader and he has walked the path and done everything fully and completely along the trail to Eagle. Ken Carter, Colton’s grandfather, gave him the Eagle Charge. He asked the audience to take the challenge to live the scout oath and law also. He said, “Lord Baden Powell wanted scouts to have a happy life and look at the bright side and give out happiness. Be prepared to live happyand stick to your scout promise. Earning the Eagle Scout Badge is an honor and also a responsibility, “Carter said. “You have a solemn obligation to God and you fellow scouts to uphold the 12 points of the scout law and as you do you will bring honor to yourself and your fellow scouts.America’s greatness depends on the quality of its citizens. Lead only to the best that is in you and hold before you the high ideals of honor and dedicating yourself to the common good, to honest work, unselfish service and reverence to God. Colton repeated the last of the Eagle Chargewith the words the signers of the Declaration used, “I accept the obligation and responsibility of the rank of Eagle Scout and will make my example and my rank and influence count strongly for better citizenship in my troop, my community and my country; to this I pledge my sacred honor!” Colton’s mother pinned the Eagle medal on her son and Colton presented his parents with pins to thank them for their help in achieving this rank. Colton presented the mentor’s pin to Charlie Lee, his scoutmaster. Mark Tichenor, district commissioner representing Virgin River Valley Boy Scouts of America, presented Colton with a pocket knife engraved with Eagle Scout.

David West was presented with the Scouter's Training Award by Mark Tichenor, Virgin River Valley District Chairman, Mark Tichenor. Cubmaster David West is the Cubmaster of Community Pack 8 chartered by the Mesquite Elks Lodge #2811. He also serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop 2596 sponsored by the Mesquite 5th Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Scouter’s Training Award recognizes adult volunteers who demonstrate commitment to youth in Scouting over an extended period of time. As part of qualifying for the award, West participated in a week-long leadership training course at the Boy Scouts of America’s national training center in Philmont, New Mexico last year.

Tanner Craig Empey received his Eagle Scout Award at a Court of Honor on May 21, 2016. He is a member of Troop 2041 sponsored by the Bunkerville 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tanner’s Eagle Project was replacing the chain link fence at the Bunkerville Park. He is a freshman at Virgin Valley High School and was a member of the football and track teams. Cindy and Craig Empey are his parents. Tanner said, “My favorite merit badges were wilderness survival and rifle shooting. We had to make a very big shelter for the group and we slept comfortably all night.” Brogan Felshaw, the guest speaker, said Tanner exemplifies the 12 points of the scout law in his actions. He asked Tanner to go a step farther, “Study the 12 points of the law and then do it!” Felshaw continued, “The scout motto is Be Prepared; be prepared for what? A mission for your church, college a test in school? Prepare before so that you are ready for each of these and other events that will come.” He also admonished Tanner to live the Scout Oath and remember his duty to God and Country. “Put the needs of other above your own and you will be living the Scout Oath and Law,” Felshaw said. Bishop Vern Pollock gave Tanner the Eagle Charge saying, “You have a responsibility to God and country. America has many fine points but it depends on quality of its citizens. I charge you to lead only to the best and dedicate yourself to the common good with clean living, unselfish citizenship and reverence for God.” Brian Haviland, representing the Virgin River BSA, presented Tanner with his certificate. Tanner’s mother pinned the Eagle Badge on him. Tanner presented his parents with pins and the mentor pin he presented to Chis Allen, his scoutmaster, saying, “Chris has taught me many good and useful leadership skills and has been a great example to me.”

Seventeen Young Women of the Mesquite Nevada Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently received their awards of recognition for their work in Personal Progress. They worked with their parents, leaders, other adults and older young women who have already earned their awards. To earn this award the young women were required to attend Sacrament meeting regularly, live the standards in For the Strength of Youth, complete the value experiences and value project for each of the eight values, keep a personal journal, attend seminary, read the Book of Mormon, and record their testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. Some young women earned their Honor Bees by continuing their efforts further. After finishing their Personal Progress they read the Book of Mormon again and served others for a total of 40 hours under the direction of their leaders. Others receiving the award were older women and leaders who were interested in progressing through the program and assisting the younger women. They fulfilled the same requirements and received the same awards. The awards were given by their bishops in Sacrament meetings. A recognition dinner and program were held May 4, 2016.

Michael and Lynette Waite recently returned from serving a 19 month mission in Samara Russia for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They served in the church education system, running an Institute and strengthening branches and districts. Brother and Sister Waite were part of helping Samara Russia get their first Stake. They will be speaking April 24, 2016 at 9am in the Bunkerville Chapel.

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President Anderson, President Abbott and President Allen held a meeting for the LDS senior boys and girls from the Virgin Valley High School. The meeting was to give advice to the seniors for their future college experience.

Cub Scouts ages 8-10 participated in Cub Scout Day Camp Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16th., 2016. There were 140 cub scouts from Webelos, Bears and Wolf dens representing 10 packs sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Pack 8 sponsored by the Mesquite Resort Association. The Webelos age 10 went on a hike on Friday to complete their requirements. Saturday the scouts attended classes such as Call of the Wild, First Responders, Digging in the Past, Coins, BB guns and archery, Soap carving, building tool boxes, and making wood plaques. The theme of the day camp was Star Wars and each cub scout received a t-shirt with Star Wars on it. There were many leaders and teachers who taught classes and supervised the scouts and their service was greatly appreciated. Thanks to the Bairds for bringing their exotic animals, Jacob Baird and his sons brought snakes and tarantulas and talked to the scouts about wild creatures. They had a Rosy Boa, Ball Python, and a Red tail Boa. Thanks to the Donkey Rescue group from Scenic. They brought their rescued animals to help the with a Bear requirement, Kris King and her alliance group, the 50 1st Legion who help non-profit groups brought thirteen characters from Vegas and the Saber Guild who taught the Jedi training. Thanks to Cody and Jodi Thornley and Daniel Felix who helped with the props and paintings while Bethany Green and Amy Anderson provided the sound and narrating. A big thanks goes to Krissy Thornton and her committee for creating a special, fun learning experience for the Scouts. Krissy Thorton said, "It was so much fun. I wish I could do that everyday to see those boys light up everyday!"

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