Local

Laughlin in brief - a collection of area events.

Monday, August 24, 2009 2:17 PM PDT

Join Metro's citizens police academy by September 1

LAUGHLIN - Tuesday, Sept. 1, will be the deadline to register for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Laughlin Substation's eighth annual Citizen's Police Academy. At least 25 persons must sign up.

Classes are scheduled to begin Wednesday, Sept. 23, and would be held Wednesdays from 6-8 p.m. through Nov. 18, with no class on Nov. 11 in recognition of Veteran's Day.

Classes will be held at the Clark County Regional Government Center and include department history and organization, undercover narcotic investigations, traffic and drunk driving investigations plus an interactive class on patrol procedures. There will be speakers plus demonstrations by Metro's K-9, mounted equestrian and SWAT teams.

Registration is open to all residents of the Tri-state at the substation, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call 702-298-2223.

Boys-Girls Clubs raising funds

BULLHEAD CITY - The Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River is getting ready to wrap up its annual fund-raising campaign, called It Just Takes One. The name promotes the idea that it takes only one caring person to make a lasting difference in a child's life.

This year's focus is to raise cash for operating, the most difficult expense to cover because it is almost impossible to find grants for general operating expenses.

Each donation helps, even if it is just $5. The One Campaign allows the clubs to pay utilities, insurance, payroll and other general expenses between the clubs' other fund-raising events.

Contributions will benefit the units in Bullhead City, Fort Mohave and Laughlin.

Anyone interested in donating to the One Campaign may call 928-763-1411 or visit www.clubriver.org.

Child health clinic set first Wednesdays

LAUGHLIN - The Southern Nevada Health District conducts a child health clinic from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the first Wednesday of the month at the Community Resources Building on Laughlin Civic Drive behind the lower Laughlin fire station in the Clark County Regional Government Center.

No appointments are necessary.

Children's immunizations are for ages two months to 18 years and parents should bring their son's or daughter's shot records. There is a $16 fee for one shot or $25 for two shots unless a Medicaid or Nevada Checkup card is presented.

Examinations require an appointment by calling 702-759-1307. Day care exams are $25; healthy kids examinations for Medicaid (up to 18 years old) and well-child exams (ages two months-four years) are free.

Revised schedule for Bruce Woodbury Drive sewer work closes three lanes 24 hours a day

LAUGHLIN - The Clark County Water Reclamation (Sewer) District in Las Vegas reminds drivers in Laughlin of lane restrictions during its rehabilitation of the sewer lift station and replacement of lines along Bruce Woodbury Drive from Thomas Edison Drive to Casino Drive.

Three lanes will be closed 24 hours a day.

Through at least Friday, Oct. 23, the two travel lanes on Woodbury will be reduced to one eastbound and one westbound. The dedicated turn lane onto Casino Drive also will be closed, but drivers will be able to turn onto Casino from the single eastbound lane.

The lane restrictions also have altered Silver Rider's Route 777 with no bus service in the construction zone; riders must board in front of the Preferred Outlets at Laughlin mall instead of the two pick-up points on Woodbury.

For more information and traffic updates call the project hotline at 702-853-1333.

Silver Rider express trip to Social Security affected by change at Needles location

LAUGHLIN - Since the U.S. Social Security Administration is closing its old office on Friday, Aug. 28, and opening at its new location at 1502 Bailey Ave. in Needles on Tuesday, Sept. 1, the normal last Friday bus trip by Silver Rider was moved up a week in August. The regular schedule will resume on Sept. 25, leaving the lower Laughlin bus yard at 8 a.m. and returning around 11 a.m.

Passengers need to make appointments in advance by calling the administration toll free at 800-772-1213 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays and a seat on the bus will be reserved for them.

The round trip costs $10 regular fare or $7 reduced fare. For more information call Silver Rider at 702-298-4435 during regular business hours.

Library Friends seek books for annual sale

LAUGHLIN - The Friends of the Laughlin Library need donations of unwanted books for the organization's annual fall book sale.

Hardbound, softbound and paperback books, children's books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, tapes, CDs and DVDs may be dropped off at the library on the Needles Highway at Las Palmas Lane, just above the U.S. Post Office.

The Friends are an independent chartered non-profit organization that assists the local library to obtain needed or wanted items not covered by the district budget.

The group meets the first Monday of every month at 4 p.m. in the library; because the first Monday in September is Labor Day the next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 14, at 4 p.m. in the library.

Sen. Harry Reid to hold telephonic town hall meeting on health insurance reform Friday

WASHINGTON, DC. - Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., has announced that on-line registration for his telephonic town hall on health insurance reform is now available at http://reid.senate.gov/.

After clicking the town hall button, users will then be asked to fill out their name, number, and e-mail address. Only those with Nevada numbers will receive calls to participate.

It will be a toll-free call and open to any Nevadan who would like to participate in the Friday, Aug. 28, discussion.

Approximately 50,000 Nevadans from all parts of the state and all political affiliations will receive a phone call inviting them to join his live telephonic town hall meeting, including all those who register on-line.

Republican John Guedry begins campaign to unseat District 3 Representative Dina Titus

LAS VEGAS - Republican John Guedry took the first official step on Aug. 18 in a campaign to represent Nevada's Third Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives, which includes Laughlin, by submitting the appropriate paperwork to the Federal Election Commission.

He will be challenging first-term Democrat Dina Titus for the state's newest seat in the House.

A business leader and community banker, Guedry has helped thousands of Nevadans achieve their dreams and currently is active with charities such as Opportunity Village, The Women's Development Center, Lance Armstrong's LiveStrong and Reading is the Way Up.

He is a graduate of Chaparral High School and the University of Nevada-Las Vegas. Guedry and his wife Debra recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and have two daughters.

For more information call 702-240-2001.

Unemployment rate exceeds California's

CARSON CITY - Nevada now has the third highest unemployment rate in the nation, trailing only Michigan (15.0 percent) and Rhode Island (12.7 percent) while California's rate is 11.9 percent, 6/10ths of 1 percent less than Nevada's 12.5 percent, state officials have announced.

In July, Nevada's unemployment rate jumped half a percentage point to 12.5 percent, with an estimated 179,300 Nevadans unemployed and actively seeking work. The rate continues to surpass all records since Nevada began tracking unemployment in 1976.

All of Clark County has been particularly hard hit, with an unemployment rate of 13.1 percent. It's not only the highest unemployment rate among Nevada's metro areas, it also ranks in the top five across all areas of similar size in the U.S.

Since April, the jobless rate increased 1.9 percentage points, adding 27,600 to the ranks of the unemployed. It's the largest three-month surge on a percentage basis going back to 1976.

Governor names stimulus funds czar

CARSON CITY - Gov. Jim Gibbons, R-Nev., appointed Charles Harvey on Aug. 18 as the new Nevada State American Recovery and Reinvestment Act director. 

Harvey will oversee all of the state's ARRA efforts to obtain, expend, report and audit federal stimulus funds, some $2.2-billion. 

Harvey is Assistant County Recorder for Clark County, where he has worked for more than 10 years. He has overseen the recording and permanent archiving of more than 13-million records that generated $1.2 billion in real property transfer taxes and recording fees. Harvey also is a case management coordinator for the Eighth Judicial District Court in Las Vegas. 

His management experience dates back more than 20 years, including the U.S. Geological Service, Bechtel and the U.S. Air Force. He earned a bachelor of science in business administration and volunteer activities included United Way, Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department's Citizens Academy.

Social Security office moving

NEEDLES - The Colorado River Basin Office of the Social Security Administration will move into a new building across from Colorado River Medical Center this month.

The old office in the Bashas' shopping plaza will be closed on Friday, Aug. 28; the office will reopen at 1502 Bailey Ave. in Needles on Tuesday, Sept. 1. Office hours will be Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The local office serves residents of all three states.

Call the national toll-free number, 800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov

Economic development group to hear Dr. Joe Hardy Sept. 4

LAUGHLIN - Dr. Joe Hardy, R-Boulder City, whose Nevada Assembly district includes Laughlin, will speak to the public at a meeting of the Laughlin Economic Development Corporation at 9 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, at American Legion Laughlin Post 60 on Bruce Woodbury Drive.

In addition to addressing the last session of the Nevada Legislature, he is expected to talk about a possible special session this fall.

Hardy spoke to the group earlier this year before the Legislature's 120-day session and was the sponsor of a bill that would have allowed residents their first-ever opportunity to vote on the question of incorporation, through a state-issued charter.

Last parable to be heard on Sunday

LAUGHLIN - The last in the series of eight sermons about Jesus' parables will be the topic of Pastor Gene Lee's sermon Sunday, Aug. 30, at Laughlin Community Church.

His topic at the 8 a.m. and 10:30 services will be The Persistent Widow.

Both PowerPoint slides and video segments will be used, along with each worshipper receiving a page to use during the message and a personal discussion-journaling guide to use during the week.

One purpose of the materials is to enlarge the practical understanding and increase the retention level of the scriptures being presented from God's words in the Bible.

Another purpose will be to help each individual develop a better understanding of the lessons taught by Jesus through the parables, with their practical application to life every day as the better choice for living.

While the regular women's fellowship for August was cancelled, a women's Bible study and lunch will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 28.

The church is at 2910 Needles Highway, one block north of the traffic signal at El Mirage Way. Call 720-989-1228.

Peddler's Fair will be in early November

NEEDLES - For the 39th consecutive year, St. John's Episcopal Church in Needles will present the Peddler's Fair.

The outdoor arts and crafts fair is always held on the first Saturday of November, which will be Nov. 7, from 8 a.m.-2 p.m. PST. Admission will be free to shoppers. The church will offer chili, hot dogs, pie and beverages in the parish hall.

Reservations are now being accepted with the 55 spaces assigned on first-come, first-served” basis.

Spaces are 10-ft. by 10-ft. or 12x12 , to allow for canopies and wide shopping isles.

Artists and crafters new to the area are welcomed.

For more information, call Nancy at 760-326-4708 or Norma at 760-326-3194.

Breakfast at the American Legion

LAUGHLIN - American Legion Post 60 is serving breakfast every Sunday from 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m for a $6 donation to support legion projects and local charities.

The post is located at 1510 Bruce Woodbury Dr. half a mile east of the Needles Highway. For more information call 702-299-1510.

Talent show will be Sept. 11

LAUGHLIN - One of the Casino Drive resorts, Harrah's Laughlin, has announced its second annual employee talent show will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11, in the Fiesta Showroom.

Each of the eight member resorts of the Laughlin Tourism Commission holds a similar show for its winners to compete on Veterans Day in the Laughlin's Got Talent show at the Tropicana Express as a fund and food raiser for the Colorado River Food Bank for the holiday season.

The food bank expects to move into its new and larger quarters in November.

Join cancer walk Sept. 30

LAUGHLIN - Residents and visitors are invited to Walk for the Cure on Wednesday, Sept. 30. The Vistas, apartment homes on the Needles Highway in upper Laughlin, will host the breast cancer walk-a-thon in observance of National Women's Health and Fitness Day.

Those interested are asked to meet at 8 a.m at the Vistas office, 3300 Needles Highway. Donations of $1 and up are being accepted. All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society.

Sign up for religious education at Catholic Church

LAUGHLIN - Registration for religious education at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church will be held after the 6 p.m. Mass on Saturdays, Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26 and after the 8 a.m. Mass on Sundays, Sept. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

A child must be at least eight years old and present his or her baptism certificate to be in the First Communion class; for the Confirmation class the students must present his or her baptism certificate and be 14 years old if in the ninth grade for the first year of the two years of instruction or age 15 and in the 10th grade for the second year.

There will be a registration fee. For more information call Hope Castillo at 702-412-4471.

Students in the classes must be members of the parish.

The second collection at Masses on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 29-30, will be for the Catholic Stewardship Appeal.

The church's Iraq-Afghanistan Troop Outreach is mounting a campaign which must be finished by Oct. 31, so the items collected can reach military personnel for Christmas.

At the Saturday and Sunday Masses there will be collections of money or donated goods. In addition, the volunteer group, led by Michelle Kirkland, has placed collection boxes around town.

The group is also making Christmas stockings, with others invited to pick up a pattern at each Mass from the greeters.

For more information call 928-768-8234.

The church is on El Mirage Way at Banyon Drive, just above the traffic signal in upper Laughlin. For more information call 702-298-0440 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Metro offers ID theft prevention info

LAUGHLIN - Residents wanting to know more about how to prevent their identification and personal information from being stolen can contact the Laughlin Substation of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department during regular business hours. The station is in the Clark County Regional Government Center on Laughlin Civic Drive. The business telephone number is 702-298-2223.

Some of the tips include avoiding the use of obvious passwords such as a birth date, mother's maiden name or the last four digits of a Social Security number; shredding financial documents before disposing of them; and not carrying a Social Security card, but keeping it in a safe place.

Water agencies extend comment period

LAS VEGAS - The deadline to submit comments on the draft agreement for the management of the Snake Valley groundwater system has been extended to Wednesday, Sept. 30. The issue of managing the valley's water, bisected by the Nevada-Utah border, came to light when the Las Vegas Valley Water District filed water right applications and announced it wanted to build a pipeline to Las Vegas.

In 2004, Congress required the states to agree on the division of the under ground water while protecting existing water rights and allowing the maximum sustainable beneficial use of water prior to any exporting from the basin. The intent of the agreement is to define each state's responsibilities; establish a framework for cooperation between the states on natural resource issues of mutual interest; and provide protections for existing water rights and the health of the aquifer.

The draft agreement and plan may be downloaded at www.waterrights.utah.gov. Written comments should be e-mail to snakevalley@utah.gov snakevalley@water.nv.gov; letters should be mailed to Snake Valley Agreement, c/o Nev. Conservation-Natural Resources Dept., Suite 5001, 901 S. Stewart St., Carson City, NV 89701.

Attorney general warns of thieves perpetrating Do Not Call fraud

CARSON CITY - Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto is warning consumers of a new fraud.

An elderly Sparks resident recently received a telemarketing call from a person who said he was calling on behalf of a nonprofit organization, worked for the “Sparks Fraud Department,” and was tasked with calling seniors over 75 years old to help them make sure they did not receive unwanted sales calls. The telemarketer claimed all he needed was a bank account number, which would ensure that the consumer never received solicitation calls again. To reduce unwanted telemarketing calls register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry, managed for free by the Federal Trade Commission. Sign up for the registry on-line at www.donotcall.gov or call its toll-free number at 1-888-382-1222 and follow the prompts.

Signing up will reduce the number of unwanted calls. However, political campaigns and calls for charitable contributions are exempt under most circumstances. If you prefer not to be contacted by charities, you can advise them to put your number on their internal do not call list. The Constitution protects political speech.

Questions regarding this matter can be addressed with the Nevada Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 775-684-1169.

Bullhead City Elks Lodge 2408 emphasizes drug education at expo in Preferred Outlets

LAUGHLIN - Bullhead City Elks Lodge 2048 brought its drug awareness program to the Healthy Kids Back to School Expo at the Preferred Outlets at Laughlin indoor mall on Aug. 15.

Tips for Teens brochures, red ribbons, pencils and drug awareness coloring books and book marks were some of the items available to the kids and to anyone who wanted them.

Sarah Morga-Mangum, marketing director at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center in Bullhead City, coordinated the event that featured booths where children and parents could get get information and tips on health and safety for the new school year.

Join Laughlin High Class of 1999 reunion

LAUGHLIN - The first single-year Laughlin High School reunion, for the class of 1999, will be held Saturday, Oct. 17, according to organizer Vivian Hsu.

According to Laughlin High, Homecoming will be celebrated Oct. 16.

For more information contact HSU at www.vivianphoto.com or by telephone at 206-595-3993.

Metro Explorer Scouts sought

LAUGHLIN - Explorer Scouts Post 443 of the Laughlin Substation of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department invites young men and women ages 16-21 who may be interested in a law enforcement career to apply.

Qualifications include no felony convictions or long criminal history. Applicants also must pass a police background investigation and an orals board of officers and ranking Explorers after attending four consecutive meetings on alternate Sundays at the station.

For more information call Officers Kevin Lemire or James Carter at 702-298-2223 or visit the station in the Clark County Regional Government Center on Laughlin Civic Drive between Casino Drive and Thomas Edison Drive.

Nevada hunters get HIP

CARSON CITY - Now is the time for Nevada hunters to register for a Harvest Information Program number. Anyone who hunts migratory birds such as doves, ducks, geese, swans and rails is required to participate.

Hunters must have their HIP number written on their hunting license, with a space designated specifically for it. Game wardens will be looking for the number when they check licenses.

There is no charge for obtaining the numbers. The process typically takes just a few minutes. Hunters must purchase their license first. In Nevada, hunters may obtain their HIP numbers by calling 866-703-4605 or on-line at www.ndowlicensing.com.

HIP is a cooperative effort by state wildlife agencies and the U.S. Fish-Wildlife Service to gather accurate information on the harvest of migratory birds.

Nevada's dove season opens September 1

LAS VEGAS - The mourning dove season will open Tuesday, Sept. 1; hunters in the Overton Wildlife Management Area will need to participate in a drawing Monday, Aug. 31, at 8 a.m. at the agency's office in Las Vegas, 4747 Vegas Dr.; Henderson, 744 South Racetrack Rd.; or the Overton WMA headquarters for opening day and weekend reservations.

Reservations will be limited to 60 hunters per day for opening day and weekend. No reservations will be needed for Overton the rest of the season, which will end Sept. 30. White-winged dove may be taken only in Clark and Nye counties.

Hunters who are 12 years or older must obtain a Harvest Information Program number in advance by calling 866-703-4605 or at www.ndowlicensing.com

Neither an upland game bird stamp or migratory bird stamp is required for doves.

Lead-free shot is required in all wildlife management areas and national wildlife refuges. Shotguns must be plugged to a maximum of three shells.

Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1960, must complete a hunter education course before buying a Nevada hunting license. See www.ndow.org

Join benefit tourney

LAUGHLIN - The 14th annual American Heart Association's “Par of Hearts” charity golf tournament will be played Sunday, Sept. 20, at Desert Lakes Golf Course in Mohave Valley in honor of retired Laughlin Justice of the Peace Billy Moma.

It will be a 4-person scramble with prize money based on 144 golfers. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. that day with a shotgun start at 8 a.m. First place will receive a trophy, with prizes for 4th, 9th, 12th and 16th places.

Entry fees will be $75 per person and $300 per team, with $55 per person for donations to the association and $20 going toward prizes. Tee sponsorship will be $100.

Call Peggy Moma at 702-298-2692 or Dawn Stastiewski at 702-420-6103. Entry forms and checks should be sent to Moma at PMB 591, 1650 Casino Drive, Laughlin, NV 89029.

Seniors bowl

LAUGHLIN - The seventh annual Laughlin Senior Games mixed doubles bowling competition will be Thursday, Nov. 5, at Riverside Lanes from 1-3 p.m. PST. The entry fee will be $5 per person plus a $5 lane fee to be paid to the Riverside on the day of the event. The entry deadline for this event will be Friday, Oct. 23.

Gold, silver and bronze medals will be awarded to bowlers in singles and doubles competition.

For more information call 702-298-3413.

Activities

Seniors at Spirit Mountain

LAUGHLIN - Here is the schedule for the Clark County Parks-Recreation Department's Laughlin senior citizens programs in the Spirit Mountain Activity Center on Arie Avenue at the Needles Highway for Aug. 26-Sept. 1:

Today, Aug. 26 - 9-11 a.m., open center; 9:15-10:30 a.m., coffee klatsch; 10:a.m.-12:30 p.m., Wii bowling.

Thursday, Aug. 27 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mah Jongg; 12:30-4 p.m., bridge.

Friday, Aug. 28 - The 2 p.m. movie will be “Fighting.” A small town boy hustling his way though the big city forms an uneasy alliance with a scam artist who inducts him into the violent world of bare knuckle brawling.

Monday, Aug. 31 - 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., hand and foot canasta.

Tuesday, Sept. 1 - 9-11 a.m., quilting, knitting and crocheting; 1-4 p.m., Dominos, Scrabble, billiards and Ping-Pong.

The center is planning a field trip to Primm on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. for $5 including transportation.

To sign up call 702-298-3413.

Pilates, Exercise Club, bocce ball and pickle ball will start up again some time in September.

The schedule is subject to change. Unless otherwise noted, all activities are free. Persons ages 50 and older are eligible. To contact the center call 702-298-3413 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays except county holidays.

Boys and Girls Club

LAUGHLIN - Students may join the Laughlin Unit of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Colorado River to have after-school fun.

Programs are held from 2:30-6:30 p.m. weekdays except school holidays when the clubhouse in the Spirit Mountain Activity Center in Mountain View Park will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. They include arts and crafts, pool, bumper pool, Foosball, athletics, homework assistance, computers and more.

The membership fee is based on a sliding scale. For more information call 702-299-9223 during clubhouse hours.

Family Learning Center

LAUGHLIN - The Family-to-Family Connection, also known as the Family Learning Center, has announced its schedule for Aug. 26-27. The new schedule, through December, will begin Tuesday, Sept. 8. The programs are held in the FLC in the Laughlin Branch of the Las Vegas-Clark County Public Library unless noted otherwise.

Wednesday Aug. 26 - 5:30-6:30 p.m., Happy Healthy Colors, Rhymes and Signs.

Thursdays Aug. 27- 8-9 a.m. Park and Play at Mountain View Park; 9:30-10:15 by appointment only, Ages and Stages; 5:30-6:30 p.m., Desert Days.

The free family programs are for children up to age 4.

For more information call Renata Faccioli at 702-507-4075 or e-mail her at

family2familylaughlin@gmail.com.

Laughlin Branch Library

LAUGHLIN - The Laughlin Branch of the Las Vegas-Clark County Public Library has announced its schedule for Aug. 26-Sept. 1

Living Water Outreach - Today, Wednesday, Aug. 26, from 5-6 p.m.

Families in Motion - Today, Aug. 26, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Thursday, Aug. 27, and Tuesday, Sept. 1, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. and again from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Art gallery exhibit - “Paths by Linda Alterwitz,” through Thursday, Sept. 10.

The library is on the Needles Highway at Las Palmas Lane, just above the U.S. Post Office. For more information call 702-507-4060.