Mohave Daily News: Opinion

Approximately 1,000 people showed their support in the fight against drugs in the 2nd Annual “Walk Away from Drugs” event held Oct. 22 at Rotary Park.

The Bullhead City Police and Fire Departments organized the event as part of Red Ribbon Week, which is the oldest and largest drug prevention program nationwide and began in 1985 when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA agent Kiki Camarena. We were so thrilled to see so many people holding banners, wearing red ribbons, red bracelets and red T-shirts as a symbol of intolerance toward the use of drugs.

A big thanks to everyone who participated in this event and braved the high winds during the one-mile walk!

Thank you to the Drug Education Committee of the Bullhead City “METH Not in Our Town!” Coalition who provided an information booth to participants. The Bullhead City Committee is part of the Mohave County METH Coalition and this event creates unity at the countywide level. Lake Havasu City walked at the same time and Kingman held its walk on Oct. 1.

Thank you Mayor Jack Hakim, Bullhead City Council members and staff, Mohave County Sup. Tom Sockwell, Chief of Police Rodney Head, Fire Chief Rick Southey, Mohave County Sheriff Tom Sheahan, Narcotics Anonymous, local schools and businesses for your support and involvement in the second annual “Walk Away from Drugs.”

Thank you to the Mohave High Thunder Band - your music made the walk more enjoyable. Thanks to the Builder's Clubs at Bullhead City and Fox Creek Junior High Schools and Police Auxiliary volunteers who helped with the sign-in sheets and to Elks Lodge #2408 members who handed out red ribbons.

Thank you to Western Arizona Regional Medical Center, Harrah's Laughlin, Sam's Club, Safeway, Aquarius Casino and Resort and Child Protective Services for donating water bottles to Walk participants.

A special thanks to Tom and Sharon Grace, Feil Jewelers, Upton Appliance, Bullhead City Police Officers Association, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #50, Casino Discount Appliance, CVS Pharmacy, Walgreens Pharmacy, Carl's Junior, Hollywood Video and McTUPP for donating so many wonderful prizes. Also thanks to Police and Fire Department personnel who escorted the walkers and directed traffic to make the event safe for everybody.

It was truly a successful event! Thank you everyone who participated. We hope you'll join us again next year.

Lorrie Duggins, Community Services officer

Emily Montague, Police public information officer

Larry Tunforss, Fire Dept. public information officer

MCC bond support appreciated

Editor:

The students, faculty and staff of Mohave Community College want to commend all who voted in the 2008 general election and to thank those who voted in support of the MCC bond issue.

We understand that the economy played a large part in the decisions voters had to make at the polls and we respect the fact that they had to weigh personal needs against community needs.

We want to assure all residents of Mohave County and its neighboring communities that the college will continue to offer quality career/technical education for those who want to prepare for a high-demand, high-paying career, and university transfer programs for students who will go on to earn a bachelor's degree.

MCC started out in humble facilities and has always found a way to accommodate the higher education needs of Mohave County citizens of all ages. When the economy is strong again, we trust the people of Mohave County will help us to build college facilities in which everyone can take pride.

All those who exercised their right to vote can be proud today. You played a key role in writing the history of your country, your state, your county and your community.

Michael Kearns

Chancellor, MCC

Thanks for vets parade help

Editor:

Thanks to all for helping to make our 2008 Veterans Day parade fundraiser a great success.

A special thanks goes to Jennifer Wilson and the Avi. The Charlie Connor and the Bill Bailey bands and other entertainers for the great music. To those who donated door prizes or made a contribution, many thanks.

Our thanks also goes to Harrah's Laughlin, River Palms, Pioneer, Tropicana, Aquarius and Riverside Casinos, Elks, Vito's, The Alaskan, Subway, Black Bear, Denny's, Chili's, D'Angelos, Buffalo Wild Wins, D'Place, Earl's Castle, Perkins, Peter Piper Pizza, Bonanza Cafe, Casa Serrano, Firehouse Coffee, Colianno's, Papa John's Pizza, IHOP, McDonald's and O'Leary's.

Thanks for all the help of the Colorado River Chapter 1st Marine Division Association in Bullhead City.

I hope to see everyone at the parade in 2009.

Paul Walsh

Bullhead City

Turnout great to assist ‘angel'

Editor:

My husband and I want to express our thank yous for attending the motorcycle run for “God's Little Angel” which took place Nov. 1. This run was for the boy who was a victim of alleged child abuse.

We were able to raise $1,900 for this little guy and toys and clothing for him. There were more than 60 motorcycles that attended this run for him. It was unfortunate that he could not attend this gathering for him which ended at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center. However, he knew this was done for him.

Mike and I want to thank Smart & Final for donating the hot dogs, buns and water, WARMC's Sarah Morga for allowing us to use their parking lot to park all the motorcycles and the refreshments, John Gunther from the HOG Chapter for sending out the fliers regarding the charity event, the Elks Club for their donation, the Lions Club for their donation, the Shriners for their donation, Mother Road Harley Davidson for their donation and the use of their facility as the starting point for this run, the Route 66 members' donations, Ace Hardware's Susan Owens for donating that adorable bike for him, Upton Appliance for their donation, the High Rollers for their donation, the Loners Bike group for their donation, RAID from Kingman for their donation and please forgive me if I missed anyone.

This turnout was completely overwhelming and very much appreciated by all. It just goes to show that this community and surrounding communities can come together in a time of need. Thank you again for all who donated their time to make this little guy have something he has never had.

Mike and Debbie Powell

Bullhead City

Honor veterans by connecting

Editor:

On the 11th Day of the 11th Month each year, Americans come together to honor those who sacrificed for our nation in uniform, for Veterans Day. This year, as in recent years, this day takes on extra special meaning, as we honor those newest veterans, who served our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As a veteran of the war on terror, I hope everyone took this day to not just thank a veteran, but to talk with veterans. Learn about our experiences, and what issues we have faced as we have transitioned back to civilian life. From shortfalls in veterans programs to dealing with the mental and physical scars of war, millions of veterans face challenges that many Americans will never know.

A good place to start is visiting your local veterans center, and learning more at Web sites like VoteVets.org. The best way to honor our veterans is to connect with them.

Mal Douglas, Vietnam veteran

Bullhead City