Mohave Free Press February 15, 2025 issue
The DOGE Report
The Cost of DEI ideology By Mark Fargo
2-15-25
2025 begins a new era in the American Government. New departments, slashing jobs and reducing costs for the common citizen. The U.S. Government remitted an estimated $247 billion in improper payments in FY 2022.
Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been tasked with basically restructuring much of the government; removing regulations to reduce expenditures and increasing government efficiency. Specifically targeting waste, fraud and abuse. At least, that's the intention.
Some of the incredible programs that taxpayer dollars are currently funding include: You've heard of facial recognition software, well the government has spent $6.9M studying “smart toilets” that can recognize an individuals...pucker print. $2.3M have been spent on injecting dogs with cocaine. $7M of your money was spent on studying “magic”. Washington D.C. will spend $2.6M to train Chinese prostitutes to drink more responsibly on the job. The NIH alone has spent $760M on 'diversity, equity and inclusion'. These and nearly 6000 other pork barrel programs have been or are currently being funded. This is one of the reasons our taxes are so high and still growing. Did you know the U.S. gives out more foreign aid than the next 9 countries combined?
So far, the DOGE has identified and helped eliminate 104 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related government contracts across 30 federal bodies totaling about $1B in savings, thanks to Trump’s January 20th Executive Order.
In recent years, the discussion surrounding DEI has gained significant traction across various sectors in the United States. DEI initiatives aimed to foster a more inclusive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds, but critics argue that these ideologies may inadvertently lead to division and resentment. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, three interrelated concepts that allegedly aim to create an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected, regardless of their race, gender, sexual orientation, or social status.
Diversity refers to the presence of differences within a given setting, equity concerns fairness in processes and access to opportunities, and inclusion involves creating spaces where everyone can participate and contribute. Organizations, educational institutions, and government entities have increasingly adopted DEI initiatives, emphasizing their commitment to social justice and equality. However, the implementation of these initiatives has sparked heated debates about their effectiveness and consequences.
Proponents of DEI argue that these efforts are necessary to address systemic inequalities that have persisted in American society for generations. By promoting diversity, organizations can allegedly benefit from a wider range of perspectives and ideas, ultimately leading to enhanced problem-solving and innovation.
Despite the claimed benefits, critics argue that DEI ideology can lead to unintended consequences. One major concern is the emphasis on identity politics, which some believe fosters division rather than unity. By focusing on individuals' racial, gender, or other identities, critics argue that DEI initiatives can perpetuate a sense of "us versus them," ultimately undermining the entire goal.
Additionally, the implementation of DEI initiatives results in tokenism, where individuals from marginalized backgrounds are included for the sake of appearances rather than genuine commitment to DEI. This can lead to resentment among employees who feel that meritocracy is being sacrificed for the sake of diversity.
Moreover, there is growing concern about the potential backlash against DEI initiatives. As some individuals feel marginalized or overlooked in the pursuit of equity, tensions may rise, leading to conflict within organizations and communities. This creates an environment of distrust, where individuals are pitted against each other based on their identity rather than their shared goals.
The impact of DEI ideology is particularly pronounced in educational institutions. Many universities have implemented DEI training programs aimed at indoctrinating students and staff about perceived systemic inequalities. However, these programs promote a narrow worldview or stifle open discourse. DEI training is ideological indoctrination, where dissenting opinions are marginalized or silenced. This has raised concerns about academic freedom and the ability of students to engage in robust discussions about controversial topics.
Tax Deed Sale
County to Sell Off Hundreds of Parcels
2-15-25
The Mohave County Board of Supervisors will hold a Tax Deed Sale on March 3-7. This is very different from a tax lien sale, in that you are purchasing actual property. According to the procedures set forth by A.R.S. 42-18301 – 18303, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors may sell to the highest bidder real property that has been tax deeded to the State of Arizona.
At the conclusion of the deed auction the Board of Supervisors will execute, record, and deliver a quit claim deed transferring ownership of the property from the State of Arizona to the winning bidder. The land will be free and clear of any preexisting County held liens.
To participate in the auction, just create a bidding account at publicsurplus.com and you will be able to submit an online bid from Monday through Friday, March 3-7.
Prior to purchase, the Mohave County Board of Supervisors strongly recommends that all persons interested in real property contact the Mohave County Development Services Department at (928) 757-0903 or its website at: ds.mohave.gov to determine basic applicable zoning requirements. Property failing to meet applicable zoning regulations may be ineligible for building permits.
Mohave County makes no warranties, guarantees, suggestions, or implications on the marketability and use of the subject properties for any purpose. The buyer purchases the property as-is and where-is without any warranty or assurances from the county. All sales are final. No refunds or adjustments will be made on any sale(s).
After the live, online auction, any parcel that does not sell is added to the Over-the-Counter Tax Deed List and may receive bid offers for purchase. The new OTC bid process will now be available annually between April 15th and November 30th.
OTC bid offers for purchase can be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s Office. The minimum bid that will be accepted is the lesser of the full cash value (FCV) or total amount owed, plus a $40 processing fee, as long as the bid covers all foreclosure costs. Prior to being submitted to the Board for approval, a signed Bid Submission Form, Mohave County Standard Disclaimer, and full payment of the Total Bidder’s Offer must be submitted to the Clerk of the Board’s Office.
On the 1st of each month, the minimum bid amount on the Over-the-Counter Tax Deed List will be updated. When submitting an offer, the Bidder’s Offer must be no less than the current month’s minimum bid amount found on the Over-the-Counter Tax Deed List. A Bidder’s Offer that does not meet the required minimum bid amount will be denied and payment returned to the bidder. The highest bids received by the last business day of the current month are submitted for approval. For additional information, or to download the pdf of available parcels, go to:
https://www.mohave.gov/departments/clerk-of-the-board/tax-deed-auction/
The online sale will be held on Public Surplus at:
www.publicsurplus.com/sms/browse/home
To view available parcels on a GIS map go to:
https://mcgis.mohave.gov/html5/?viewer=cob
Biggs to Run for Governor in 2026
Endorsements Pour In
2-15-25
Republican Congressman Andy Biggs has officially entered the 2026 race for Arizona governor.
“Arizona has a bright future but will need strong leadership to reach its full potential. I have been honored to serve Arizona at the state and federal levels and will bring my experience home to my native state to help it fulfill its tremendous capacity. I have a firm understanding of what the state needs to thrive. I look forward to conversing with my fellow Arizonans as I consider this weighty decision.” Biggs said in a published statement.
The official announcement was made at the AZGOP annual statutory meeting, to thunderous applause from the state committeemen in attendance.
An Arizona native, Congressman Biggs is currently serving his third term representing the 5th District. A retired attorney, Biggs has a Masters in Political Science from ASU and a Juris Doctorate from U of A. He lives in Gilbert with his wife of 40 years, Cindy. They have six children and seven grandchildren.
Biggs sits on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and Judiciary Committee. He is Chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, co-chair of the Border Security Causus and the War Powers Caucus, and he’s the Chief Regulatory Reform Officer of the Western Caucus. Before being elected to Congress, Biggs served in the State Legislature for 14 years, the last 4 as Senate Chairman.
Biggs has a lifetime rating of 100% with The Club for Growth, 98% lifetime score with FreedomWorks, 95% lifetime score with Heritage Action, and a 99% career grade with NumbersUSA.
Biggs’ decision will open the door for a hotly contested primary election in his congressional district, which he easily won in 2024 with over 60% of the vote.
Biggs dominated initial polling with 31.7%, a commanding 19.3% lead over failed 2020 gubernatorial candidate Karrin Taylor Robson, with Treasurer Kimberly Yee polling at 7.4%. A subsequent poll saw Biggs at 58.5%, Yee at 10.8% and Robson at only 8.8%. Neither Robson or Yee have filed a formal statement of interest, the prerequisite to collecting signatures to be on the ballot, but both have been floated as potential candidates. Other declared Republicans who did file statements of interest are Christopher Ames, Scott Neely, Carlos Avila, Christian Grey, Bradley Honer, Donald Mucheck, and George Nicholson.
The endorsements for Biggs quickly came pouring in from renown Republicans such as US Representatives Eli Crane and Paul Gosar, former Senator and current Maricopa County Supervisor Debbie Lesko, State Senator Jake Hoffman, Former State Senator Austin Smith, as well as the Arizona Freedom Caucus and the Republican Liberty Caucus of Arizona.
With the Republican Primary Election only about 17 months away, Biggs appears to be the odds on favorite. Online at: www.biggsforarizona.com
Cartel Linked Train Robberies
BNSF Officials Remain Tight Lipped
2-15-25
A string of Northern Arizona train robberies with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel has put Mohave County under a spotlight, unveiling a sophisticated criminal operation reminiscent of old wild west tales but executed with modern-day tactics. In recent months, these heists have targeted BNSF trains, stealing primarily high-value items later sold online or in California.
The latest incident, on January 17th, involved eleven individuals now in federal custody, with nine confirmed to be in the country illegally, linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. They were arrested after cutting the air brakes of a moving BNSF train near Perrin, causing it to stop, and then off-loaded $202,500 worth of Nike shoes. AZDPS troopers made initial arrests and then followed suspects in a box truck to Kingman, where additional arrests were made after a foot pursuit.
Hardly an isolated incident, former assistant director of the FBI Chris Swecker told FOX News Digital that cartels have been robbing trains for at least a decade. President Trump’s executive order to designate cartels as Foreign Terrorist Organizations could help curb train robberies Swecker asserted, “It just adds another set of tools in the toolbox”.
October 21st, 2024, 3 suspects escaped and 3 arrests were made after a vehicle pusuit that ended in the Kingman area after an attempted train robbery near Seligman, in Yavapai County. Birdland Crier reported another train robbery near Seligman on January 14th of this year, with dispatch reporting box vans headed toward Kingman. On June 1st, 2023, Coconino County Sheriffs, DPS, Flagstaff PD, and BNSF police launched a manhunt for 7 suspects who attempted to rob a train near Flagstaff. On March 1st, 2024, 5 illegal aliens living in Phoenix were arrested for burglary and possession of burglary tools after a traffic stop subsequent to an attempted robbery of a BNSF train car in Joseph City, in Navajo County. As far back as February 5th, 2019, the theft of shotguns from a BNSF train was reported near Winslow, in Navajo County. This trend of targeting trains for valuable cargo seems to be escalating, with similar patterns observed in Southern California.
Mohave County saw a string of these brazen train robberies in 2024. On August 13th near I-40 and W. Griffith Rd in the Golden Valley area, 3 would be bandits were arrested for attempted train robbery targeting $347K worth of Nike shoes. Another train robbery took place on November 20th near I-40 and Blake Ranch Rd with “multiple box vans in convoy with multiple pickup trucks in escort” according to radio traffic. Following that, on December 8th, another BNSF robbery near Route 66 in Mohave County resulted in $50,000 worth of Nike shoes being stolen, leading to the arrest of four individuals. Then again on January 19th of this year, KPD responded to a reported train robbery behind the Flying J truck stop, according to Birdland Crier.
News sources have largely had to rely on court records and law enforcement reports, as BNSF officials have repeatedly declined to comment. Birdland Crier on Facebook reports local breaking news from radio traffic, but that often is an incomplete picture of the incident and may not include the outcome.
The pattern of these robberies follows a sophisticated blueprint, and due to the targeted nature of specific cargo investigators have not ruled out the possibility of these recent BNSF heists being an inside job. Criminals scout trains, often using drones or other surveillance methods to identify those carrying high-value cargo. Once a target is selected, they employ tactics like cutting air hoses or tampering with signals to force an emergency stop, providing a window to plunder the goods. The stolen items are then quickly hidden in the surrounding brush or taken directly to waiting vehicles for transport.
https://www.cargonet.com tracks supply chain theft data, for more information.
Arizona Joins Multi-State Lawsuit
AG Challenges Birthright Citizenship Order
2-15-25
In a bold move to uphold the integrity of U.S. sovereignty, President Trump issued an executive order aiming to curtail what many have viewed as an abuse of the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause, otherwise known as “anchor babies”. This Order faced immediate backlash from Arizona Attorney General Kris Mays. Mays signed on to a lawsuit against the Order along with other Democrat attorneys general from Washington, Oregon, and Illinois. This case is separate from another filed earlier by eighteen states and the District of Columbia.
Trump's executive order is grounded in a conservative interpretation of the Constitution, specifically the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment. Trump and his supporters argue that this clause was never intended to include children of undocumented immigrants, a stance that aligns with the principle of securing America's borders and enforcing its laws. Critics like Mays, however, claim this interpretation is a legal departure from the 1898 Supreme Court decision in US v Wong Kim Ark, and the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
The lawsuit is seen by many as not only a misunderstanding but a direct assault on national security and the rule of law. The argument is clear: if a nation cannot define its own citizenship, then its sovereignty is in question. Conservatives argue that the executive order is a crucial step in addressing the crisis at the border, where the influx of illegal immigration has been a significant concern for years.
From this perspective, the legal challenge is viewed as an attempt to maintain a status quo that benefits illegal immigrants at the expense of American citizens and taxpayers. It's argued that Mays’ actions reflect a broader liberal agenda to expand voting bases rather than protect the constitutional rights of those legally in the country. The lawsuit might temporarily block Trump's initiative, but many remain hopeful that the courts will ultimately recognize the need for such policies in an era where national identity and security are paramount.
As this legal battle unfolds, it's clear that the debate over “anchor babies” and birth tourism will continue to be a flashpoint in American politics, highlighting the deep divide between those who prioritize national sovereignty and those advocating for an expansive and evolving interpretation of citizenship.
Mohave Tops Arizona Crime Stats
Study Reveals What Residents Suspected
2-15-25
In a stark revelation from a recent study by Suzuki Law, Mohave County has been identified as the Arizona county with the highest crime rate, based on an analysis of FBI crime data. With a total crime score of 99.54, the county stands out significantly, with its property crime rate at 167.9 per 100,000 residents, which is 121% above the state average, and a violent crime rate at 108.5, 74% higher than Arizona's average.
The January 13, 2025 study, published by the Arizona Free News, paints a troubling picture of Mohave County's battle with crime, particularly in terms of property offenses. "The data indicates that property crimes are a major issue in Arizona, especially in counties like Mohave," commented a Suzuki Law spokesperson.
Mohave County's crime landscape is not uniform across its vast area. CrimeGrade.org's detailed analysis shows a disparity, with the northwest area of the County reporting a 1 in 10 chance of becoming a crime victim, while the south part of the County is considerably safer, with odds as low as 1 in 29. Perhaps because the Sheriff allocates more Department resources to Lake Havasu City?
Property crime, including motor vehicle theft, arson, larceny, and burglary, is particularly rampant. For example, NeighborhoodScout data from 2021 shows that in Mohave Valley the chance of becoming a victim of property crime stands at 1 in 54, while violent crime risk is lower, at 1 in 539. Similarly, Fort Mohave faces a 1 in 42 chance of property crime victimization, with violent crimes at a rate of 1 in 270, highlighting the variable nature of these issues.
Mohave County's status as Arizona's crime leader in 2025 should be a wake-up call for local authorities and residents alike. Despite these figures, the Mohave County Sheriff's Office did not respond to a request for comment by Arizona Free News prior to their breaking the story on the crime report study.
USAID Exposed
Billions Squandered on Leftist Initiatives
2-15-25
A shocking revelation has finally been brought to public attention regarding the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), unmasking a blatant misuse of taxpayer dollars on projects that align more with a radical left-wing globalist agenda than with America's strategic interests. The Trump administration, with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) leading the charge, has already flagged nearly $2B in highly questionable and controversial spending, highlighting an ingrained culture of waste, fraud, and abuse within USAID
Among the most disturbing examples that have recently come to light: USAID reportedly spent $164 million to support radical organizations around the world with $122 million of that going to groups aligned with foreign terrorist organizations, nearly $1 million to the Hamas affiliated Byader Association, nearly $10 million on meals that went to an al Qaeda-funded terrorist group called the Nusra Front, $2.5 million for electric vehicles and charging stations in Vietnam, $2 million for sex changes in Guatemala, $20 million to produce a Sesame Street show in Iraq, $4.5 million to combat misinformation in Kazakhstan, $7.9 million to teach Sri Lankan journalists to avoid binary gendered language, $1.5 million to promote LGBT advocacy in Jamaica, $1.5 million to rebuild the Cuban media ecosystem, $1.5 million for art for inclusion of people with disabilities in Belarus, $3.9 million for LGBT causes in Macedonia, $8.3 million for equity and inclusion education in Nepal, $1.5 million to a Serbian LGBTQ group, to “advanced diversity, equity, inclusion in Serbia's workplaces and business communities”, $47,000 for a transgender opera in Colombia, $32,000 for a transgender comic book in Peru, $70,000 for a "DEI-themed musical" in Ireland, and USAID funded a transgender clinic in India called the Mitr Clinic, just to name a few.
USAID funds were also disbursed to fund bat coronavirus research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology, funded the Clinton Foundation and thereby pay for Chelsea Clinton’s extravagant wedding, funded Bill Gates’ global vaccine program, and provided substantial funding to Ukrainian groups involved with the Maidon Coup.
USAID was even funding the BBC, the Associated Press, Reuters, Politico, and other news sources, including several in Ukraine.
The White House publicized these findings, calling out USAID for spending taxpayer money on what they term "crap." Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the need for these dollars to benefit Americans, particularly those still recovering from natural disasters, rather than funding what critics see as costly and absurd social experiments far from home.
The backlash has been brutal, with many calling USAID a "left-wing money laundering criminal organization." and a front for the CIA. Critics argue that USAID has strayed far from its original mission of providing humanitarian aid and economic development in line with U.S. interests.
There's a growing demand for accountability, reform, and even the total dissolution of USAID, as seen by the administration promptly merging it with the State Department under Marco Rubio. Rubio immediately reduced the USAID workforce to 294 out of over 1,300 employees, many of whom were having social media meltdowns about being placed on administrative leave.
The administration’s 90 freeze on foreign aid will allow for additional analysis.
Trump’s Executive Orders
A Shock and Awe Opening Salvo
2-15-25
President Donald Trump hit the ground running with a blitzkrieg of executive orders (EOs), signaling a robust revival of his "America First" agenda. In just his first days back in office, Trump 2.0 the sequel, signed over 40 EOs, setting the stage for a much-needed course correction after four years of destructive leftist policies. The “fake news” has barely been able to keep up a counter offensive.
Trump wasted no time in tackling what he has long described as an "invasion" at the southern border. Orders declaring a national emergency at the border and deploying military resources echo his 2016 campaign promises. He's also moved to end birthright citizenship, a move that aligns with conservative views on immigration law enforcement and national sovereignty. "This is about securing our nation from threats both external and internal," a senior White House official stated.
In a significant stride toward "restoring meritocracy," Trump signed EOs to dismantle Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs across federal agencies, in a pushback against what many consider to be divisive and discriminatory policies. "Equal opportunity, not equal outcomes," was the mantra as Trump revoked a 60-year-old policy on employment discrimination by government contractors.
Trump's declaration of a national energy emergency aimed at unleashing domestic energy production by rolling back environmental restrictions, his withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, and moves to promote fossil fuel production, are a welcome counter to detrimental international climate policies. "We're putting America's interests first," Trump stated.
By renaming and re-purposing the Obama created United States Digital Service to the United States DOGE Service (Department of Government Efficiency), Trump aims to shrink the federal bureaucracy. EOs for a federal hiring freeze and reinstating Schedule F to make it easier to fire federal employees considered disloyal are also seen as steps toward reducing government overreach and ensuring political alignment within the executive branch.
Trump has also taken executive action on cultural battlegrounds. EOs to remove "gender radicalism" from the military, limit transgender medical procedures for minors, and reverse policies on taxpayer funded abortion, reflect a return to traditional values.
In a bid to reignite economic growth, Trump targeted regulations that stifle innovation and business. His EOs on AI and cryptocurrency, as well as reversing Biden-era climate and energy policies, are seen as efforts to unshackle American industry from what many view as overregulation. "We're cutting red tape to let American industries thrive," Trump declared, echoing free market principles.
Trump also made good on campaign promises by pardoning nearly 1,600 “J6” political prisoners, Silk Road website founder Ross Ulbricht, and 23 pro-life protesters including Bevelyn Williams.
These EOs represent the beginning of a much-anticipated conservative renaissance. As the world watches, the impact of these EOs on American governance, society, and the economy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Trump's America is back, and it's moving with purpose.
Biden’s Preemtive Pardons
Family and Allies Absolved in Final Hours
2-15-2025
The very morning that Trump took office, Joe Biden issued a series of preemptive pardons to several key figures and members of his family, reflecting his paranoia about potential political retribution under the incoming administration of Donald Trump. Individuals the outgoing Resident pardoned included:
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the COVID-19 pandemic “expert” who lied to Congress about funding “gain of function” research in Wuhan, China.
General Mark Milley, who went behind President Trump’s back in 2020 and promised his Chinese counterpart he would give China advance notice if the US were planning to attack them.
Members of the House Select Committee investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot, including prominent Republican “never Trumpers” Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger.
Biden pardoned family members, specifically his brothers James and Francis, sister Valerie, and their respective spouses.
In late 2024 Biden pardoned his son Hunter, convicted of federal gun charges and who had pleaded guilty to intentionally failing to pay taxes. a pardon which granted his son protection against future charges as well.
The rationale was Biden's fear of "unjustified and politically motivated prosecutions" by the Trump administration. Biden emphasized that these pardons should not be seen as an admission of wrongdoing by the recipients but rather as protection against potential abuse of legal power.
Preemptive pardons are highly unusual and legally untested in this context. Critics argue that issuing pardons to individuals not charged or convicted sets a dangerous precedent, potentially undermining the justice system's integrity. Legal scholars have debated whether such pardons are within constitutional bounds, especially since they could be interpreted as an acknowledgment of guilt, despite Biden's statements to the contrary. This might lead to future legal challenges regarding the scope and validity of presidential pardons.
The move has been met with significant backlash from Republicans, with some viewing it as an admission of guilt or a strategy to shield allies from accountability. This could further polarize the political landscape, fueling narratives of a "two-tiered justice system" where political allies are protected while others face scrutiny.
Public trust in the justice system might be further eroded, as these pardons are perceived as an overt politicization of legal processes. This could have lasting effects on how future administrations approach the use of presidential clemency.
Biden's action might encourage future presidents to use preemptive pardons more freely, potentially weakening the deterrent effect of legal accountability for public officials or political appointees. This could lead to a cycle where outgoing presidents routinely protect their allies, further entrenching political divisions.
There's an ongoing debate about the constitutional implications, particularly whether these pardons could be revoked or challenged in court. Although a pardon is generally considered final once granted, the unprecedented nature of these actions might prompt a Supreme Court case to clarify or limit the pardon power.
However, these pardons do not shield the beneficiary from being charged with state level crimes, and seventeen red state attorneys general are currently exploring their options regarding the criminal acts of Dr. Anthony Fauci.
Biden's preemptive pardons represent an extraordinary use of executive clemency, at the risk of setting contentious legal and political precedents. The full ramifications will unfold over time, influencing how presidential power and justice are use as well as perceived both domestically and internationally. One thing is certain, Biden has thrown the door wide open for Trump to pardon or commute the sentence of just about anyone.
Is Arizona Going Broke?
Governor’s “Fundamentally Flawed” Proposed Budget Investigated
2-15-25
Arizona lawmakers are now investigating Governor Katie Hobbs after $339M apparently "disappeared” from the State budget. Hobbs's Director, of the Governor’s Office of Stategic Planning and Budgeting, Sarah Brown, mysteriously resigned on January 29th.
State Senator Alex Kolodin issued notice to Hobbs stating, "Imagine my shock when the Legislature was informed the State has several insolvent agencies and requires a $339 million bailout to close out the current Fiscal Year. Since your liaisons dedicated to briefing members of the Legislature failed to provide detail on how we got here, I am putting my request in writing: Arizonans deserve to know the details. Why did you mislead the legislature about the spending you intended to approve? In just two weeks' time, I've learned that the problem has worsened and that your office's request is now $350 million!" Kolodin also accused Hobbs of not accounting for known state liabilities, such as $60 million for Arizona schools.
Arizona faced a budget shortfall that was initially estimated to double from $850 million to $1.7 billion for the fiscal year 2025, according to reports from early 2024. However, by February 2025, the focus shifted to an immediate shortfall where state agencies were reportedly insolvent and required a $339 million bailout to close the fiscal year.
The controversy largely stemmed from an expansion of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCS), the state's Medicaid agency, which was not disclosed during budget discussions. This unilateral action by Hobbs' administration was said to have led to significant financial shortfalls.
Another point of contention over the budget is Hobbs’ proposal to reduce funding for Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs). She wants to implement an income cap, gradually decreasing state funds for families earning over $100K annually, with a cutoff income of $200K.
Posts on X and various news outlets reported on the situation, with some accusing Hobbs of financial mismanagement or even corruption. The sentiment on social media was largely critical, with calls for further investigation and audits of Hobbs' administration.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Livingston expressed significant concerns about the proposed budget, stating, “The budget proposal you’ve presented does not add up.” Livingston pointed to an additional $864 million in expenses, $340 million in supplemental costs, and numerous mistakes. “As it stands, we’re nowhere near a realistic solution. At this rate, when July 1 arrives, state agencies will face shutdowns. The gap between the executive branch and legislative leadership is far too wide, and significant work is needed to bridge it.” he added.
House Speaker Steve Montenegro told the Arizona Globe, “I expressed my disappointment in this budget proposal. Now, every time I turn a page, more troubling issues emerge. This fundamentally flawed, bankrupt budget demonstrates a tremendous lack of leadership on the Governor’s part.”
State Representative Matt Gress told the Globe, “We’re in this situation because Governor Hobbs made unilateral decisions around contracts for a subset of services after being told to wait until the Legislature comes back into session to consider adjustments. As a result, she has now threatened government services for individuals with developmental disabilities and children who are in our care.”
”Arizona House Republicans are committed to delivering a responsible budget that Preserves the American Dream and prioritizes Arizona citizens - not reckless spending.” they posted on Twitter/X in response.
This wasn't the first financial controversy associated with Hobbs, who had previously been investigated by both Democrats and Republicans for accepting significant donations from a dark money group used for her 2023 inaugural events, which reportedly influenced state contract decisions.
Urban Camping Legal Update
2-15-2025
Changes to the City of Kingman’s ordinance regarding urban camping went into effect February 6th, following approval by the Kingman City Council.
These revisions, established under Ordinance 1957, address the recent Supreme Court ruling in Grants Pass v. Johnson that clarified the enforceability of municipal camping ordinances. The City first enacted a camping ordinance in March of 1999 where it spelled out that camping on municipal or commercial property was prohibited unless in legally established areas.
The revised ordinance continues to prohibit unauthorized camping on public property, including parks, sidewalks, streets, and other municipal spaces, unless expressly permitted. Exceptions are limited to government-approved emergency relief efforts and activities authorized by the City Parks Department. Camping on commercial property is also prohibited unless individuals or families are staying at licensed facilities, such as campgrounds, mobile home parks, or approved truck stops.
Camping on residential private property is allowed under specific conditions. Property owners or legal tenants must provide consent for camping and are responsible for notifying law enforcement if trespassing occurs. Residential camping is limited to 14 days per stay, with no more than five stays allowed per year, and a minimum 30-day gap between each two-week period.
Camping must take place on an improved lot and be screened from public view by a sight-restricted fence to maintain privacy and neighborhood standards. Additionally, property owners cannot charge fees for allowing camping on their land, ensuring that such arrangements are non-commercial. All camping must comply with established sanitation and safety requirements.
Enforcement remains consistent with the original ordinance, but the process is now clearly defined. Police officers will issue a warning and provide individuals the opportunity to relocate if they are found camping in prohibited areas. If the individual refuses to comply, citations or arrests may follow. Violations are classified as Class 1 misdemeanors.
Additional updates to the ordinance address blocking or impeding streets, sidewalks, or rights-of-way. Under the revisions, no one can block or imped the continuous pedestrian use of the sidewalk.
Lastly the updates provided for the storage of abandoned items for 14 days before disposal. “These updates ensure our ordinance aligns with legal standards while balancing community needs and public safety,” said City Attorney, Carl Cooper.
The City encourages residents to familiarize themselves with the revised ordinance and its provisions.
For a copy of the revised ordinance, please visit the city website at:
Columns
Critical Thinking
FAFO!
2-15-25
President Trump recently posted this AI generated photo to social media. It is unknown if he had it created, or if someone created it and presented it to him. The image quickly went viral.
Behind the mafia “Don” looking Trump, pun intended, is a sign that says “FAFO”.
If you are somehow not familiar with the acronym, it stands for Fuck Around and Find Out. Meaning that nefarious actions will have very serious consequences. And oh boy have they.
Lawfare was weaponized against the duly elected President, and we are just now starting to find out shocking revelations about the conspiracy behind that. They impeached him for daring to ask about the Biden crime family’s deeds in Ukraine, which we are also finding out were not a “conspiracy theory”. They even tried to assassinate him, more than once, and nearly succeeded. You probably didn’t even here about the drone that the Secret Service shot down with some sort of directed energy weapon. The never Trump psychopaths and leftist bureaucrats fucked around, and now the time has come for the anti-American opposition to reap what they have sown.
All federal prosecutors handling January 6th cases were fired, computers locked and marched out of their offices by security. David Sundberg, the FBI Assistant Director at the helm of the January 6th investigations, has been fired. 20 leaders of FBI field offices have been escorted out of FBI buildings around the country. The 88 FBI agents who worked on the Trump cases were physically escorted out of the Washington DC Field Office. The 51 intelligence officers who spread misinformation about Hunter Biden's laptop and interfered in elections are now banned from entering federal properties because their security clearances were revoked, including James Clapper, Michael Hayden, John Bolton, Leon Panetta and John Brennan. Jarold Harold Rogers has been indicted for compromising U.S. trade secrets to China. Resident Biden’s security clearance was revoked, along with such notables as Dr. Anothony Fauci, Mike Pompeo, General Mark Milley, Antony Blinken, Jake Sullivan, Andrew Weissmann, and prosecutors Letitia James and Alvin Bragg . Director of the Consumer Affairs Protection Bureau, two top officials at USAID, the head of the Office of Special Counsel and the head of the Office of Government Ethics...all fired. All federal agencies ordered to provide lists of “poor performing” employees and any employee who has received less than a “fully successful” performance rating in the past 3 years is subject to immediate termination. Chief Financial Officer and three other FEMA employees who defied Trump’s executive order and sent $59M to fund a luxury hotel for migrants in NY fired. All 2 million federal employees were sent a resignation buy out offer and so far a whopping 65,000 have reportedly taken him up on that offer. DOGE unleashed to audit and apparently help reduce and even consolidate federal agencies.
The news is breaking so fast it’s almost impossible to keep up. Trump said we would get tired of all this winning, but it’s actually quite exhilarating.
Like deep state cars on an icy Trump interstate, the wreckage is quickly piling up. Trump the sequel is actually draining the swamp this time, like Javier Milei took a metaphorical chain saw to Argentina’s bloated government - “Fuero!” And I’m so here for it.
Stay Another Day
2-15-2025
Located several miles east of Peach Springs, Grand Canyon Caverns officially reopened on February 1st after a two year hiatus.
The Grand Canyon Caverns are among the largest dry caverns in the United States, created over 65 million years ago, formed within the limestone that was once the bottom of an ancient inland sea that divided North America. Unlike many other caves, these caverns are dry, which means you won't find the usual stalactites and stalactites but instead, you'll discover a different kind of beauty with features like the Chapel of the Ages, The Halls of Gold, The Devil's Den, Snowball Palace, and Mammoth Dome, offering a glimpse into the earth's prehistoric past. The tour itself is accessible, covering about 3/4 of a mile in roughly 45 minutes, making it suitable for most fitness levels. For an additional fee, there's the opportunity for more adventurous caving experiences, like the Explorer's Tour, which delves into less-traveled parts of the caverns.
Formerly known as Yampai Caverns, the caverns have a rich history, once serving as a designated fallout shelter during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, complete with supplies for 2,000 people that remain there to this day. This historical aspect adds an intriguing layer to your visit.
Beyond the standard cave tour, the Grand Canyon Caverns offer an adventurous twist by allowing visitors to spend the night in one of the oldest, darkest, and quietest places on earth, an experience truly unparalleled. For those not ready for subterranean lodging, there's the above-ground Grand Canyon Caverns Inn, which provides more traditional accommodations.
Grand Canyon Caverns and Inn is under new ownership/management and has upgraded the property, which now features a new elevator that takes you 21 stories down into the caverns.
Dining in the caverns at the Caverns Grill is another unique experience. Additionally, the surrounding area is steeped in Route 66 history. A visit to the Historic Route 66 Museum or a stroll through Peach Springs can complement your trip, offering insights into the iconic American highway's past.
The Grand Canyon Caverns serve as an excellent base for exploring more of Arizona’s wonders. It’s not far from the Havasupai Falls where, with the right permits, you can further your adventure with a helicopter ride, hiking or even rafting down the Colorado River. An overnight reservation at the campground or lodge is required to hike into the canyon and visit the falls. The Grand Canyon Caverns is the Official check in location for Havasupai Hiking Permit reservations.
The proximity to the Grand Canyon itself means you can combine your visit with one of nature's most awe-inspiring sights, making your trip even more memorable.
Visiting the Grand Canyon Caverns offers a unique blend of adventure, history, and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers looking for something beyond the typical tourist spots.
$35.95 ages 12- Adults, $25.95 Seniors
$17.95 Children ages 4+ (Ages 3 & under are free!)
For additional information contact Vickie Orcutt at: tours@gccaverns.com
To reserve a Havasupai Permit visit: havasupaireservations.com and set up an account.
County Board Report
2-15-2025
At the January 21, 2025, Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board approved the list of parcels to be sold at the County’s tax deed auction. The auction will be held March 3, 2025, through March 7, 2025. For more information, contact the Treasurer’s Office at (928) 753-0737.
The Assessor’s Office has a program called the Address Protection Program which allows for property owners to receive notice if someone is trying to make changes to their deed. The cost for the program is $50.00 per parcel. The Board asked the Assessor to provide an analysis of the fee to see if it could be waived. No action was taken and the fee remains in place. The Recorder’s Office offers a free program called Recorded Document Alert where you can register online and should a document be recorded with your name on it, they will notify you by email.
District 2 Supervisor, Rich Lettman, requested the county create a policy allowing for State and Federal elected officials and their staff to temporarily use county offices for meeting constituents and local elected officials.
Additional items from Supervisor Rich Lettman, included a presentation from the Finance Director, Luke Mournian and County Attorney, Ryan Esplin regarding the leases between Mohave County and the Mohave County Airport Authority (MCAA) regarding the Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport. Mohave County owns not only the airport, but the property that includes Sam’s Club, Home Depot and a several restaurants. In 2005, the County split the lease into two, separating the airport from the revenue generating properties. The Mohave County Airport Authority pays $1.00 for the entire term of their lease, and if they choose to renew their lease, it will cost $1.00 for forty years. Supervisor Lettman called the lease a form of corporate welfare by subsidizing the airport through the County’s loss of tax revenue. The Board has invited the (MCAA) to a meeting to make a formal presentation at a Supervisor’s meeting.
After years of the Board requesting the County take the Medical Examiner’s office in house, it’s going to continue to be years before that will happen according to County Procurement Director, Tara Acton. She stated they are in the framework of a transition plan. Once they get Board approval, it will be approximately six months to transfer staff and purchase any assets available from the Serenity Memorial Group. Then, it will take an additional twelve months to design and construct the morgue needed to take the services in house. Dr. Daniel Sudilovsky of Monolith Diagnostics and Forensics offered a solution they have tried to present at past Board meetings that would involve Kingman Regional Medical Center as the morgue site, at $18 per square foot. He proposes they could implement their plan in approximately three months. No action was taken at the January 21, 2025, meeting.
Citizen Grand Jury advocate Walter Spawr of Lake Havasu City, requested an item be pulled regarding the reappointment of several judges. Mr. Spawr argued that Judge Kenneth L. Gregory had violated several laws as well as legislated from the bench and should therefore not be reappointed. District 5 Supervisor Ron Gould requested a continuance of the item to gather more information. When the item was heard on February 3, 2025, Pastor Roy Hagemeyer of The Way Church in Fort Mohave, requested another Judge, Aaron Demke, also not be reappointed. Pastor Hagemeyer, advocating for the foster care system, argued that Judge Demke had not followed law and had caused hardship for families dealing with the foster system. Presiding Judge of the Mohave County Superior Court, Steve Moss, spoke in favor of both judges. Judge Moss also mentioned an unspoken code amongst judges to not speak ill of each other. Ultimately, every judge on Judge Moss’s list was approved in a four to one vote with Supervisor Gould dissenting.
At the February 3, 2025 meeting, Jennifer Esposito brought the Board’s attention to an item for the Animal Shelter that has seriously concerning connections to a religious cult. The Best Friends Network Grant was proposed to the Board in the amount of $3,210 for two Shelter employees to travel to Palm Springs for a two-day conference. After Mrs. Esposito’s presentation, Supervisor Gould motioned to continue the item to the next meeting on February 18, 2025 in order for staff to do more research. More information on this organization will be in next month’s edition.
The Home and Garden Show promoter, Desert Canyon Events, LLC requested a waiver of the $3,600 in fees for curtain dividers. “Scotty” McClure of Bullhead City spoke up in support of other vendors who are not receiving the same waiver. Director of Public Works Steve Latoski stated that this fee was recommended in the 2025 fee schedule. The Board continued the item to the next meeting.
The Board intended to review and approve changes to the Mohave County Board of Supervisor’s Rules of Order, but unfortunately there was glitch in the online agenda and no one was able to review the backup. The Board continued the item to the next meeting to allow time for them to review the changes.
Kingman Korner
by Elliot Chalew
2-15-2025
“We Can Do Better” is an upbeat and encouraging feel-good song written by Matt Simons in 2018. The song addresses being better human beings as individuals and working together. I have stood before the Kingman City Council more than a few times, saying and expressing those exact words and sentiments.
THE CITY CAN DO BETTER
1) By NOT making the concept of Economic Development a sole myopic priority in the making and shaping of Kingman’s Future.
2) By respectfully listening to the people of Kingman, the average citizens, not just the special Interests population.
3) By talking directly to the people rather than stifling their voices at every junction. One example is the City Council’s “Call to the Public,” which is a one-way conversation. You, the citizen, have three minutes to speak about your concerns, and the council (by law) says nothing. Despite many efforts to persuade the city to conduct a Town Hall Meeting (where a two-way conversation could transpire), the people only got runarounds, excuses, misinformation, and phony decoys.
4) By striving to have local government “for the people and by the people,” but instead, all we have gotten is uppity, unilateral policy and action.5) By not continuing to sweep city funds designated for existing infrastructure repair and maintenance to cover cost overruns on new infrastructure years down the road for completion.
6) By addressing the critical needs of the people at the critical time they need it, such as adequate and sustainable medical services and providers, and embracing that urgent need as a city responsibility. 7) By replacing the propensity to use high-cost public surveys with limited distribution rather than allowing the people’s concerns to be placed on City Council Meeting Agendas. Those formal surveys can be designed to garner specific conclusions by clever wording and format. The Mayor must open up a citizen-generated agenda.8) By drafting a proposition going back to two-year terms of office for the Mayor and City Council, allowing the voting public to decide who is and who is not performing in their best interests.
9) By providing more information to the public with a wider, more diverse information platform online and in print.
10) By hiring from outside the community to bring in fresh new leadership that is not part of the existing biased Kingman Establishment.
THE PEOPLE CAN DO BETTER
1) By understanding this is their government, which was originally designed to be directed by the rank and file voter, not the special interest groups that control almost everything in the city.
2) By being respectful to our leaders but never giving up or giving in to the status quo.
3) By always demanding equal respect and demanding clear and concise performance from the City Government, not indoctrination or accepting being told what is good for us. City leaders serve the people; the people do not serve them.
I think it is important to embrace the fact that teamwork is truly always the best asset to achieve success. One major component of teamwork is two-way communication because that creates understanding. Two-way denotes the concept of give-and-take, seeking a happy medium and a convergence of ideas and approaches with the motive of mutual well-being. Two-way means both sides listen closely as well as speak. That has not happened in Kingman.
What one man may see as a truth may be perceived by another as a lie. That is the type of negative polarity that seems to be sweeping and destroying the world, so each of us must take every caution to examine our true motives and who or what may be at the center. Kingman is a small town, which makes the process of communication much easier if we try. Authentic truth is something that resides in the middle of the emotion, belief, and action cycle. Together, we can bridge the gaps, not with a bridge across an interstate, but by focusing on the basic roads and pathways, each of us staying in our own lanes but understanding it is a two-way street that gets us to a successful journey.
2025 is a new year where we must all strive to do better in Kingman. We need to work together to be better human beings, understanding one another, our needs, our mutual goals, and which road we take to get there. We need to be proactive on our journey so we can all sing the same song, “We Can Do Better.”
Breaking Free From the Trance
by Don Spencer
2-15-2025
“Mind is the Master power that moulds and makes,
And Man is Mind, and evermore he takes
The tool of Thought, and, shaping what he wills,
Brings forth a thousand joys, a thousand ills:—
He thinks in secret, and it comes to pass:
Environment is but his looking-glass.”
James Allen, As A Man Thinketh
If you can grasp that powerful statement about Mind, then you are well on your way to taking complete control of how you think, feel and act, in exact proportions to that reality. As a realist, I recognize that while I am presenting something so simple to understand, there can also be a complexity to implementing the strategies needed in order to create the dynamic life you deserve. If you remember the movie "What About Bob," for many, it is about taking “baby steps.” For others, it is more of a quickening. Either way, just keep moving forward!
In the first 2 articles, we laid the foundation of how the mind works and how easy it is to hijack one's thoughts and actions. Now we will go further to give you specific tools to fight those forces that would seek to enslave your reality. Before I lay it all out, pay attention, because what I am about to unpack for you is an epic spiritual battle at its unseen core. Once you understand that nuance, then without reservation, you can begin to determine what actions to take. Without it, just keep moving forward.
So, let's establish the seven ground rules of the mind and realize that these are very definitive. We are governed by these rules, just as surely as water will turn to ice when you subject it to 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and ice will thaw back into its fluid state at 33 degrees Fahrenheit. As you apply the rules of the mind to your own life, frigid old thought patterns and belief systems that no longer serve a useful purpose will begin to thaw, as you begin warming up to a new fluid world of potentials.
# 1: All thoughts and ideas cause a physical reaction.
# 2: What is expected tends to be realized.
# 3: The imagination is more important than knowledge.
# 4: Once an idea or suggestion has been accepted by the subconscious mind, it remains until it is replaced by another idea, or simply put, habitual behavior!
# 5: Each suggestion acted upon makes it easier to accept other new ideas and suggestions and creates less opposition to successive suggestions.
# 6: The body can be broken down by the mind, if given an emotionally charged idea long enough.
# 7: When dealing with the subconscious mind and its functions, the greater the conscious effort, the less the subconscious response.
As you study and embrace the Seven Rules of the Mind, you can begin to become aware that what you have before you are the tools to stop the outside monkey talk and instill your own rational beliefs.
Your body is the hardware housing the brain which operates as a computer with which you can delete bad data and install or update new programs on your own terms!!
Earlier I mentioned a spiritual battle we are in, and we are. Those which are opposed to all that is good and righteous constantly bombard you with information overload that overwhelms you into a state of giving up, eventually leading to the compliance of their making. Do not let your guard down, because those oppositions are on duty 24/7. Once you realize this and put into motion your own life game plan, you can opt out of the mass deception. Then you are well on your way to personal freedom!
Question everything, in order to be free! You can always check out our site for more information, or if you would like personal assistance in your quest for freedom. Next time, let's break apart brainwashing!
© 2025 SleepNow Productions
Miners' Mark
by Mark Fargo
2-15-25
Can Hobby Gold Prospecting Really Provide a Secondary Income? (Part 1)
The dream of finding hidden treasure has always captured imaginations. The idea of striking it rich with a simple pan might seem appealing. Yet, the truth is more complex. Gold prospecting combines excitement with the possibility of earning extra cash. However, it’s essential to understand the balance between passion and profitability.
The American Dream of Gold: Why Prospecting Remains Popular
Gold has long represented wealth and success in America. Since the Gold Rush days, people have fantasized about unearthing shiny nuggets. This allure fuels many to take up gold prospecting as a hobby. The thrill of exploration and the hope of financial gain keep the interest alive.
Balancing Passion with Profit: Is Gold Prospecting a Viable Side Hustle?
Many begin prospecting as a leisurely activity. However, the question arises: can it provide a reliable income? For some, the answer is yes. Others may find it more of a fun pastime. It’s vital to approach this hobby with realistic financial goals.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Fact vs. Fiction in Gold Prospecting
Movies and stories might suggest that gold is everywhere and riches are easy to find. In reality, prospecting takes patience. Expecting to strike gold immediately may lead to disappointment. Understanding the realities can help maintain motivation and enjoyment.
The Costs of Getting Started: Investing in Your Prospecting Journey
Starting small can help manage costs while you learn.
Essential Equipment: A Breakdown of Startup Costs
Starting a gold prospecting adventure involves some expenses. Here’s a basic list of what you'll typically need:
Gold pan: $10 to $30
Metal detector:$100 to $?
Sluice box: $50 to $300
Gear:$20 to $1000
Ongoing Expenses: Fuel, Maintenance, and Supplies
Prospecting isn’t just a one-time investment. Consider continuing costs like:
Fuel for travel: Variable based on location and distance
Maintenance for equipment: $50 to $200 annually
Supplies: Bags, cleaning gear, and tools, around $20 to $100 yearly
Factoring these into your budget helps in planning your venture.
Licensing and Permits: Navigating Legal Requirements
Before you start digging, it’s crucial to check local laws. Some areas require permits for prospecting and some don't allow it at all. It's your responsibility to find out. Researching this beforehand avoids legal troubles later. Always comply with regulations to protect your hobby and the environment.
Legal Considerations: Claiming and Mining Rights
Understanding mining rights before claiming land is vital. Each state has its own regulations. Some areas allow prospecting freely, while others have strict rules. Being informed ensures you don't trespass or violate laws.
Researching Promising Locations: Public Land vs. Private Claims
Finding the right spot to prospect is crucial. Public lands often allow free prospecting. However, private claims require permission. Knowing where you can legally search helps in maximizing your chances for success.
In Part 2, we will continue the discussion with how to find, extract, process, and sell your gold. As always, if you have questions, comments or your own prospecting stories, please submit them to the editor of this paper and I will get them. Until next time, happy prospecting!
Off the Grid
How to Survive in a Modern World
2-15-25
With the inevitable overreaction to the current bird flu scare, and the totally unnecessary slaughter of countless healthy laying hens resulting in a predictable increase in the cost of eggs, many are wisely considering maintaining a small home flock of chickens.
A recently passed State law, HB 2325, prevents cities from enacting ordinances that ban residents of single-family homes from keeping backyard chickens. This legislation allows residents to maintain up to six hens. Cities can retain existing ordinances that allow for more than six chickens, and the law does not override local regulations, such as those concerning noise or zoning for larger lots.
Key stipulations include that the chicken coop must not exceed 200 square feet in size or 8 feet in height, and it must be cleaned at least twice a week. The law also specifies that manure must be composted to prevent insect migration, water sources need adequate overflow drainage, and feed must be stored securely to avoid attracting pests.
Chicken manure is an excellent source of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It’s a great fertilizer for fruit trees, as well as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and leafy greens. Roses, petunias, marigolds will love it too! It should be well composted, usually 6 months to a year, before using, and will also speed up the composting process of everything else in your compost pile due to its high nitrogen content. If you’re not already composting, you should be.
Backyard chickens provide a fresh, often organic, and humane, source of eggs, which are often considered tastier and more nutritious than store-bought varieties. Store-bought eggs can already be a month old, and must be refrigerated because they’re washed. Unwashed eggs can last about 2-3 weeks if stored in a cool place away from direct sunlight, and even up to 2 months if kept around 55 degrees. To check if an egg is fresh just place it in cool or room temperature water, and if it sinks it’s fresh, but if it floats it’s old and may no longer be edible.
Chickens are upcyclers, they can turn table scraps and unsightly produce you might throw out into healthy food. Chickens can even eat chicken and scrambled eggs. Chickens will also eat bugs in your yard.
Hens don’t lay until about 5-6 months of age, and need about 14-16 hours of sunlight each day to stimulate egg production, so plan ahead if you intend to start out with those cute fuzzy chicks purchased at the local feed supply store.
Picture This!
2-15-25
Photo credit: Debbie Gilbert on Facebook
After the horrific and devastating fires in the greater Los Angeles area last month, the last thing most people want to see on social media is fire hydrants that are out of service in their own neighborhood.
On January 20th, Golden Valley resident Debbie Gilbert posted, to a Facebook group for residents of the Shipps Estates subdivision, ”I want you to know that 7 out of 20 Fire Hydrants are inoperable” and asked “Who issued building permits without a working fire hydrant?”
In response, resident Hallie Osborn Jolitz posted a response on January 27th from Mohave County Improvement Districts Operations Manager Kelly Stickrath that said “The Water System Supervisor confirmed they are aware of the situation and are working with a contractor to address the hydrants. However, there is not a specific timeline as of yet on when the hydrants will be operational.”
The Mohave Free Press reached out to local Golden Valley Fire District Board Member Butch Meriwether, as well as Fire Chief Dave Cunningham, in order to get to the bottom of this situation.
Meriwether responded that the Golden Valley Improvement District (GVID) is the responsible party, and that the contractor was contacted by the County 3 months ago but has not answered. Meriwether stated that there are a total of 156 fire hydrants in GVID and 8 were inoperable.
Assistant Fire Chief Dave Martin responded to our email inquiry regarding the fire hydrants in Shipps Estates. Martin wrote, “Yes the hydrants in question are out of service. My last count were 6. I have been working with the Golden Valley Improvement District Water Company to get them fixed. The brass outlet were stolen some years ago before they started finish building the housing track.”
So to address Debbie's question, Mohave County apparently issued occupancy permits for the subdivision without all fire hydrants being operational, and it’s been unresolved for years now.
Equally disturbing is that County staff have never once brought this to the attention of the Board of Supervisors, who also sit as the Board of GVID, even despite a “GVID Town Hall Meeting” being held in September of 2023 where a public presentation was given on the status of the District.
Fortunately for Shipps Estates residents, District 5 Supervisor Ron Gould has offered to see what he can do to get the situation remedied as quickly as possible.
In a frightening turn of events, there was just a structure fire less than a mile south of of the subdivision.
It just goes to show that even a simple social media post can start the ball rolling on resolving a problem that has existed for years.
Charity Spotlight
With Munchkin the America First Pig
2-15-25
For the Luv of Paws II, Inc is a rescue organization, located in Golden Valley at: 8115 W Oatman Hwy, just past Mile Marker 33.
They operate as a no-kill sanctuary. This commitment helps provide a safe haven for neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats.
For the Luv of Paws facilitates adoptions through a screening process to ensure animals go to good homes. They have a permant feline habitat at the Petco in Kingman, where they also hold adoption events. Adoption fees do apply and include appropriate immunizations and spay/neuter of the animal. Fees are dependent on breed, size, age and any special needs of animal.
They have a thrift shop downtown, Pawsitively Charming, where all proceeds support the sanctuary. Located at 204 N 4th Street, they are open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 AM - 5:00 PM. Call (928) 897-7304 to find out what type of donations are needed. Credit/debit cards are accepted with a Minimum $10 purchase. The majority of the inventory is gently used, in excellent condition, with many other items that are new and/or hand made just for them, including all kinds of goodies for pets, including fish and birds.
Volunteers play a crucial role in maintaining and advancing the mission of For the Luv of Paws. Opportunities range from working at their thrift shop, to direct animal care like feeding and enclosure maintenance. This community involvement helps sustain operations. Reliable volunteers are currently needed to help maintain the cats at Petco, as well as the animals who live at the sanctuary. The dogs and cats will love you for it and you will be doing something for the animals and your community.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, your donations are tax deductable. You may donate financially, items for the thrift shop, or specific items listed on their 'Wish List' page.They are always in need of dog treats. There are over 60 dogs at the shelter waiting for their 'forever' homes, and they try to give them a treat twice a day. You can purchase treats anywhere and drop them off at the thrift shop, the rescue/sanctuary or you can order online and have them sent directly to For the Luv of Paws.
Rescue/sanctuary hours:
Sunday - Open to the public from 1 pm to 4 pm without appt
Tues through Sat - by appt only, made at least 24 hours in advance. Appointment times are between 9am to 11 am, and 1 pm to 3 pm. Call (928) 897-7304
To visit the rescue, drop off donations or for adoption questions contact Cherie.
Email: flppupskits@yahoo.com
Website: www.fortheluvofpaws.org
Please “Like” and “Follow” Munchkin the America First Pig on Facebook
“Free Speech”
2-15-25
Seniors besieged by scam artists
A day doesn’t pass without some unscrupulous scam artist attempting to take seniors’ money, attempting to talk them into unnecessary purchases and services or attempting to steal their identity.
It is widely known there are more scams and schemes being perpetrated on seniors than there are stars in the universe.
The scam or scheme may sound innocent enough and can be as simple as someone saying they are from Microsoft Security Department explaining they see “you” have a problem with your computer. Avoid unsolicited tech support phone calls at all cost.
Avoid tech support phone scams. Cybercriminals not only send fraudulent email messages and set up fake websites; they are also known to call on the telephone and claim to be from Microsoft. Microsoft, nor their partners, ever makes unsolicited phone calls to charge someone for computer security or software fixes.
The scam artists normally offer to help solve individuals’ computer problems or sell a software license. Once unsavory characters have access to a person’s computer, they can do the following: trick unsuspecting computer users into installing malicious software that can capture sensitive data, such as online banking user names and passwords; they will then charge to remove this software once it causes problems; and convince users to visit legitimate websites (like www.ammyy.com) to download software that will allow them to take control of the computer remotely and adjust settings to leave the computer vulnerable. They will also request credit card information so they can bill them for phony services and/or direct them to fraudulent websites to enter credit card and other personal or financial information there.
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), some of the most frequent scams and schemes occurring on a daily basis via emails and by telephone include: Medicare; counterfeit prescription medicines; funeral and cemetery services; fraudulent anti-aging products; fake telemarketing; pigeon drop; charities; internet fraud; investments; home owner mortgages and/or reverse mortgages; sweepstakes and lotteries; and grandparents. However there are many more that occur and if an unsavory character can think of a way to steal from a senior, they will (please see sidebar article for explanations of the aforementioned scams).
Financial scams targeting seniors could be deemed the crime of the 21st century. It is widely thought that most seniors normally have large sums of money sitting in the banks and those funds can be picked “like fruit from tree.”
Many times financial scams go unreported and/or can be difficult to prosecute. Many law enforcement agencies and county prosecutors considered them as a low-risk crime. However, financial crimes are normally demoralizing to seniors leaving them in a very precarious position with little or no time to recoup their losses.
Arizona Attorney General (AG) Mark Brnovich says protecting Arizona seniors from fraud and exploitation is an important priority for his office. The AG’s Office predicts one in four Arizonans will be 60 and older by 2020. Unfortunately, according to state officials, seniors and their money are often seen by scammers as easy targets.
It’s not just wealthy seniors who are targeted. Low-income older adults are also at risk of financial abuse. And it’s not always strangers who perpetrate these crimes. More than 90 percent of all reported elder abuse is committed by an older person’s own family members, most often their adult children, followed by grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and others.
One of the favorite scams involves a relative calling a grandparent and telling them they are in jail and need money to bail themselves out or for an attorney. Most seniors “jump on the bandwagon” and wire money to help their grandchildren and later find it was a fraudulent scheme just to fleece them out of their savings.
Medicare telemarketers attempt to sell supplemental insurance policies to seniors “playing” on their emotions of not having adequate coverage. Every U.S. citizen or permanent resident over age 65 qualifies for Medicare, so there is rarely any need for a scam artist to research what private health insurance company older people have in order to scam them out of some money.
In these types of scams, perpetrators may pose as a Medicare representative to get older people to give them their personal information, or they will provide bogus services for elderly people at makeshift mobile clinics, then use the personal information they provide to bill Medicare and pocket the ill-got money.
Seniors need to be aware of so-called charity telemarketers. They normally ask to speak to the woman of the house when they call. What they are doing is hoping they can prey on the women’s emotions because they believe women are more apt to donate more often than men.
A recent call received from one such telemarketer asked for the woman of the house. When the husband asked who they were and what charity they represented, the telemarketer told him that if the woman of the house was not available, she was authorized to speak to him.
The telemarketer went on to tell the husband about breast cancer awareness. It was obvious the woman on the other end of the phone was reading a prepared script (you could tell by the way she spoke and when asked a question, she became flustered) and she explained she was calling on behalf of breast cancer awareness. She said she needed the resident to donate a minimum of $20 for the breast cancer awareness charity.
When asked what percentage of the donations would actually be put to use to helping people with breast cancer, the telemarketer explained that 85 percent go for salaries and the company conducting the fundraiser drive, and the remaining 15 percent would be turned over to the organization heading up breast cancer awareness program. What that equates to is if someone donates $100,000 to this particular charity through the telemarketer, only 15 percent or $15,000, actually goes to the charity. However, people must also realize that of the $15,000 received, another percentage is taken out of the donation to pay for the operation and salaries of people actually employed by the charity. When all is done and accounted for, only a miniscule portion of cash actually goes to helping educate people about breast cancer awareness and research.
There are good and honest charities and non-profit organizations that attempt to provide services and needs to seniors. However, charity fundraising businesses such as United Way and other well known non-profits siphon off between 85 and 90 percent of the donations to pay for their operations and excessive salaries for the organizations, and only a minuscule amount actually goes to the individual causes. Salaries for CEOs of larger non-profit organizations range from low $425,000 upward to more than $.5 million dollars, and one of the top salaried is Goodwill CEO and owner Mark Curran who garners $2.3 million annually in addition to incentives and perks. Curran’s over-the-top salary is pretty good considering all of the merchandise Goodwill sells is donated.
In essence, instead of donating to the telemarketers’ schemes, it is better for a senior to donate their hard-earned money locally to a charitable endeavor that will utilize the funds to actually help people in need. That way, they are not sending it to a large charities and non-profit organizations that will siphon off donations to pay hefty salaries to the upper management and to build luxury offices for them.
The Arizona AG’s Office works to protect Arizona's seniors by providing information about scams and fraud. They also take legal action against those who prey on seniors and they support legislation to toughen penalties against those who commit crimes against seniors.
If a senior believes they have been a victim of a financial crime, they can contact: the Arizona AG at (602) 542-2124 or email their office at:
seniorabuse@azag.gov; the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office at 928-753-0753 or visit their website at ttp://www.mohavecounty.us/ContentPage.aspx?id=131&cid=74; and/or can contact the law enforcement agency in their area.
The optimal words are buyer or in this case, seniors, BE AWARE! If the call or email sounds too good to be true, then it is more than likely some scammer attempting to fleece a senior out of their hard earned savings or trying to sell a useless product or service.
Butch Meriwether
Israeli influence on law enforcement
If you have been wondering why law enforcement has been getting more and more militant here is the reason. Foreign agents with a foreign ideology that have no idea of how our Constitutional Republic works have been put in charge of teaching recruits of both the Police and Sheriff department’s on how to operate. They of course do not take into account our Constitutional Republic!
This is not acceptable and is UN-Constitutional. Violations of peoples rights are happening right here in Mohave County. Is it because of recruits being trained by “Mossad Cheka”?
If you do not think this isn’t happening here are some links for you to do some research with.
Secret Agents: Mossad Recruitment and Training Methods
https://israelradar.com/want-to-work-for-mossad-what-you-need-to-know/
Arundhati Roy claims Mossad is training police for targeted killings.
https://www.reddit.com/r/conspiracy/comments/n7egr/arundhati_roy_claims_mossad_is_training_police/?rdt=39284
How Israel Trains U.S. Police
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOj_6-x6oNg
Mossad Training Police
https://duckduckgo.com/?t=lm&q=mossad+training+police&ia=web
If you are not involved in the solution you are the problem!
The America First Committee is looking for hard nose America First stalwarts or those that would like to become stalwarts.
James
America First Committee.us
Rave review
WOW ! What an AMAZING PAPER The Mohave Free Press. Fact Based Articles very well written I might add.well researched ! ! ! BIDEN EXIT DAMAGE - Page 2, YIKES who knew?
The Mohave Free Press did an EXCEMPLARY job of informing Kingman Arizona residence of ongoing issues and more ! Just amazing work, writers and more. Also I wanted to share I saw the advertisement back page for Wild West Landscaping and did contact them for estimate for work on my drip system honestly never heard of them, thanks. You your publications we are getting updates on business and more we residence never heard of
To summarize then keep up the exceptional work you are doing to keep Kingman, Golden Valley, Bullhead City Arizona residence informed, correction highly informed, highly ASTUTE articles, writers, contributors of The Mohave Free Press I love your paper, and am ever eager to read all publications forthcoming for FY 2025 such a great job! I think far better than my former Mohave Daily Miner, formerly read and found seriously lacking. GREAT JOB!!!
Respectfully,
Ms. Elsie Ganzon
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