Needles Desert Star: Local

Senator's mobile office to visit Needles on Tuesday

NEEDLES - The mobile office hours program for state Senator Roy Ashburn (R-Bakersfield) visits Needles next Tuesday.

A representative of the senator will be at the city of Needles administration center, 817 Third St., from 9 to 11 a.m. PST Tuesday, Jan. 26, to provide information or assistance to constituents on state issues such as the Board of Equalization, Franchise Tax Board, Department of Motor Vehicles, CalPERS, Employment Development Department, Department of Fish and Game, etc.

NEDC reschedules speaker for today

NEEDLES - Needles Economic Development Corporation has rescheduled the presentation by Lisa McCabe, president of the Bullhead Regional Economic Development Authority, for 11:30 a.m. PST on Wednesday, Jan. 20, at Juicy's Famous River Café on the Needles Highway.

The NEDC also will hold a regular meeting at 11:30 a.m. PST Thursday, Jan. 28, at the Bureau of Land Management office on U.S. 95. To RSVP or for more information call Cindy Semione at 760-326-2115. The group's objective is to attract new businesses and help existing ones to expand.

VFW plans events

MOHAVE VALLEY - Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 404 offers a variety of special activities for members and guests. The post is at 10287 Barrackman Rd. in Mohave Valley. Call 928-788-3202. Times are MST. The lineup:

Every Wednesday, bartenders will provide a crockpot meal starting at noon. There will be line dancing lessons from 4 to 5 p.m.

On Friday, Jan. 22, the Men's Auxiliary will do a fish fry with potatoes, coleslaw and cornbread starting at 5 p.m.

On Monday, Jan. 25, the Ladies Auxiliary will serve lunch, starting at 11 a.m., of a hamburger, cheeseburger, chili size or a steak sandwich.

Elks offer meals

NEEDLES - BPO Elks Lodge 1608, 1000 Lilyhill Dr., offers meals for members and guests. The lineup:

Friday, Jan. 22 - Beer-batter fried fish, coleslaw and fries.

Monday, Jan. 25 - Tacos.

Tuesday, Jan. 26 - Cook your own steak, baked potato, salad and roll.

Needles Women's Club specialty sale begins tomorrow at 305 W. Broadway

NEEDLES - The Needles Woman's Club, 305 W. Broadway, will hold a specialty sale. Quilters, seamstresses, crafters and scrap bookers are encouraged to attend. A few items to be sold are yardage, baskets, threads, frames, laces, books and more. Dates and times will be Thursday, Jan. 21, 5-7 p.m. PST; Jan. 22, 5-7 p.m.; Jan. 23, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jan. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 26, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jan. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jan. 28, 5-7 p.m.; Jan 29, 5-7 p.m.; Jan. 30, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Jan. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

For more information call Flora Hill at 760-326-2569.

Donate blood

MOHAVE VALLEY - January is National Blood Donor Month and a special blood collection drive will be held at River Valley High School, 2250 Laguna Rd., Mohave Valley, on Monday, Jan. 25, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. MST.

Over the past four years, RVHS has taken first and second place in bringing in the most blood in its division, competing against 50 high schools in Arizona and Nevada, according to Ann Trilby, donor recruitment representative for United Blood Services. UBS supplies hospitals throughout the Tri-state area.

Walk-ins will be welcome.

Other area drives scheduled this month include:

• Sunday, Jan. 24, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. MST, Bullhead City Elks Lodge 2048, 1745 Emerald Drive at Hancock Road, Bullhead City. Call Gwen at 928-758-2408.

• Monday, Jan. 25, noon to 5 p.m. MST, Bullhead Health Club, 967 Hancock Rd., Bullhead City. Visit www.bloodhero.com sponsor code bhchealth or call 702-562-2166.

• Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2 to 7 p.m. MST, The Davis House, 2943 Desert Sky, Bullhead City. Visit www.bloodhero.com sponsor code Davishouse, or call 702-562-2166.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, weigh at least 110 pounds and meet other health-based requirements. A free cholesterol screening and a special long sleeve T-shirt will be given to every donor.

High school will offer wood class

NEEDLES - The Needles High School Regional Occupations Program is offering a new class in wood-construction technology, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 to 9:30 p.m. PST.

Cliff Copeland, owner of Tri-State Cabinet Solutions, is the instructor. Students learn woodworking skills needed in the construction industry. The free class is open to those 16 years and older. Arizona residents are welcome. Materials will be provided.

Call 760-326-1285 or 760-326-2191 to sign up for the class.

College seeks computer literacy volunteers

NEEDLES - The Needles Center of Palo Verde College is looking for volunteers who are computer literate and willing to spend at least four hours (one-half day) each week helping students in the learning center or doing general clerical routines, including answering phone calls.

Volunteers must be approved by the PVC Board of Trustees, after a local interview and completion of paperwork, including fingerprints and TB tests, which will be paid for by the college.

Those interested should call Dorothy at 760-326-5033.

Vendors may join Big Block Rally

NEEDLES - The Big Block Legends Rally scheduled for Feb. 26-28 at Jack Smith Park offers opportunities for vendors.

The cost will be $50 per space.

Set up for booths will begin at 7 a.m. PST on Feb. 27. Vendors must be ready by 10 a.m. when the event begins and will not be allowed to break down until the end of the event at 4 p.m. Each space measures 12 by 12 feet. Electricity is available. Vendors are also responsible for having their own canopy, tables, chairs, extension cords, cord protectors and any decorations desired. Commercial spaces will be available. Booth location preference will be determined by the vendor chair. Food vendors must have a food handlers permit.

No guarantees of weather, including wind, can be made for the event, so vendors will be asked to plan accordingly. Refunds will not be given. Space is limited. Applications and the fee are due by Feb. 15.

For more information contact the Needles Chamber of Commerce at Front and G streets; call 760-326-2050 or send an e-mail to needleschamber@frontier.com.

Palo Verde College Web design class set to begin at Needles High School on Jan. 21

NEEDLES - A class at Palo Verde College-Needles from 5-9:30 p.m. MST will start on Thursday, Jan. 21, at Needles High School to teach web design, providing students with more learning tools for the modern technology-driven era.

This class will teach the basics in web site design and answer questions while providing the guidelines that are required to obtain a promising career in the technical and graphics fields.

The class is open to students at least 16 years old, with Arizona residents welcome for no fees.

The class will be taught by Josefina Diaz. For more information call 760-326-1285 or 760-326-2191.

Bands to play Jan. 31

NEEDLES - The Needles Baptist Church, 404 F. St ., will present The Lion Hunt 2010 Tour on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 5 p.m. PST.

Bands and performances include Spoken, Sent by Ravens, Every Night Drive, Nyssa Rae, Zagadka and Meridian.

Admission will be $5 at the door.

Women's Club needs baskets, plants

NEEDLES - Hanging baskets, potted plants and more are being sought for the Women's Club of Needles' Flower Show coming up in April.

Club representatives want to remind residents who want to participate that potted plans need to be in their possession for three months to qualify for the show.

The show has several different categories including cactus, bulbs, roses, bouquets, living bushes, trees in bloom and more. Vegetables can also be in the show under different categories.

Children are also welcome to participate. There are four categories for them to enter.

A full list of rules and regulations to participate will be available at Needles' Four Seasons Nursery. For additional information contact Ellen Johnson at 760-326-3618.

Attend family on-line safety forum Feb. 3

NEEDLES - The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Needles Unified School District will present the Family On-line Safety Forum for parents, middle and high school students from 5:30-7:30 p.m. PST on Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Needles High School auditorium.

Together with a staff program between 1:30-2:30 p.m. the same day, the awareness program is designed to help parents, teachers and young adults be protected from Internet predators.

Electronic issues such as sexting, cyber-bullying and social networking through venues such as My Space and Facebook will be discussed. Due to the graphic nature of this presentation, children under the age of 13 will not be admitted.

Spaghetti dinner, valentines benefit school

NEEDLES - Vista Colorado Elementary Associated Student Body is sponsoring a “Sweetheart Spaghetti Dinner” on Feb. 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. PST at the Needles Elks Lodge, 1000 Lilyhill Dr.

Tickets are $5 each, will be sold by third, fourth and fifth graders, and will also be available at the elementary school office and at the dinner. With the purchase of each ticket the buyer will automatically be entered into a drawing for door prizes such as dinners and gift cards.

There will also be a 50/50 drawing at the door, winners need not be present to win. The proceeds will go to benefit the Vista Colorado Elementary ASB and Pennies for the Playground fund.

Vista's ASB will be selling Valentine Grams from Jan. 25 through Feb. 8. Parents or students wishing to send a Valentine message may purchase them for $1 each. They can be purchased from the students or the Vista Colorado Elementary Office.

The Valentine Grams will be available for the Jump Start and Head Start students as well as the third, fourth and fifth graders. The grams will be delivered to the Head Start students on Feb. 10 and to all other students on Feb. 11.

Spirit days will be coming back to Vista Colorado Elementary, starting Jan 22 with “crazy hair day” and Feb. 11 with “rock star day.” Students wishing to show school spirit can participate by going to school with “crazy hair” styled anyway they choose on Jan. 22 and dressed like a “rock star” on Feb. 11.

Kingman rec dept. hosting tours

KINGMAN, ARIZ. - The city of Kingman Parks-Recreation Department has several trips and tours open to the public and is now taking registrations for them. Trips are scheduled as follows:

Feb. 27-- Bonnie Springs Old Nevada, Liberace Museum, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and the Freemont Street Experience.

March 27 and 28 - Hot air balloon ride and Renaissance Festival in the Phoenix area.

April 10 and 11 - Palm Springs for a matinee showing of the Follies, a Palm Springs Aerial Tram ride with dinner, a stop at the Living Desert with two tours, and a tour of the Palm Springs Air Museum.

June 4-6 - Weekend trip to San Diego for a deep sea fishing experience.

June 25-27 - To Utah for a double performance at the Tuacahn Amphitheater to see “Tarzan” and “Cats.” Included will be a stop at Bryce Canyon.

Visit www.cityofkingman.gov/pages/depts/parks/trips.asp or call 928-757-7919.

Join Oatman Bed Races

OATMAN - The 20th annual Great Oatman Bed races will be held on Jan. 30, 2010, at 1:30 p.m.

Festivities also include a burro calling contest, toilet seat toss and bake sale. Those that would like to participate in the bed race must have a team of five people and the bed will be provided. Money and prizes will be awarded; also medals for best costumes. Call Judy at 928-768-6222 or 928-788-1885.

River quilters present show in February

BULLHEAD CITY - The Colorado River Quilters club will present its Quilts on the River IV Show Saturday, Feb. 20, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MST and Sunday, Feb. 21, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Bullhead Area Chamber of Commerce, 1251 Arizona Highway 95.

Admission will be $5; no strollers please. There will be a raffle for a “River Crossroads” quilt, along with vendors, boutiques and hourly door prizes.

Girls can register for softball now

NEEDLES - Tri-state area girls ages 7-14 can register for the Colorado River Area Girls Softball League from Monday, Jan. 25, through Thursday, Feb. 11.

Sign-ups will be held at the Needles Recreation Center, 1705 J St., Monday-Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. PST. Cost is $45 per child.

Skills and drills will be held on Saturday, Feb. 27.

Hoopsters go to finals

NEEDLES - The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Needles Lodge 1608 held its annual Hoop Shoot Jan. 3 at the Needles Recreation Center.

In the girls 10-11 age group Breanna Chavez was the winner; for girls 12-13 MiraBelle Fernandez was the winner.

For boys ages 8-9 Nick Bellhouse was the winner; for boys 10-11 David Larrabee was the winner; for boys 12-13 Peter Caudillo was the winner.

The five winners went to Blythe on Jan. 9 to compete in the South District Hoop Shoot. The shooters gave an outstanding performance and Fernandez, Bellhouse, Larrabee and Caudillo will travel to Corona on Saturday, Jan. 23, to compete in the state finals.

Boys and girls competed in their own age groups to shoot the best of 25 shots at the hoop.

Join men's softball

NEEDLES - The Needles Recreation Department is currently registering teams for the 2010 men's softball league. The season runs from mid-February through April (subject to change), depending on the number of teams.

The sponsorship fee is $250 per team and player fee is $20 per person. All fees are to be paid before the season begins.

League and tournament champions will receive commemorative t-shirts. All sponsors will receive a participation plaque. Contact Jennifer Valenzuela at the Recreation Department for more information at 760-326-2814.

Rodeo returns in March

NEEDLES - The 34th Colorado River Round-up Rodeo will return to Needles March 4 - 6.

Events will begin with the Rodeo in the Park on that Thursday night and a Saturday morning parade will be featured.

For more information call the Needles Chamber of Commerce, 760-326-2050.

Comment on boat regs

TRI-STATE AREA - The Arizona Game-Fish Department is inviting public comments on proposed mandatory conditions for moving boats from the state's waters.

The regulations are designed to fight the spread of quagga mussels and other aquatic invasive species.

Public comments will be accepted until 5 p.m., Jan. 25. View a web-cast outlining the regulations and make comments at quaggacomments@azgfd.gov

The web cast may also be viewed at the Kingman regional office, 5325 N. Stockton Hill Rd.

Get hunting license

NEEDLES - California general hunting licenses can be obtained locally at the Needles BLM Office, 1303 S. Highway 95.

Licenses cost $39.25 for adult residents of California, $10.25 for junior residents of California and $39.25 for a two-day non-resident license. Annual non-resident licenses are not available locally.

Residents must provide proof of residence and anyone who wants a license will have to show proof that they have attended a hunter's safety course or provide a hunting license from last year.

Available now, the licenses are valid through June 30, 2010.

Contact Murl Shaver III for more information at 760-326-7000.