A prominent buffet-style eatery in Kingman has closed quickly, quietly and without notice. A note on the entrance door informs patrons that the Golden Corral Buffet & Grill at 3580 Stockton Hill Road has ceased operation. “Thank you for all your support through the years. We were blessed to be part of the community,” the notice said. “Unfortunately, we are closing our doors permanently.” The business keeps drawing vehicles into the parking lot, with potential customers driving away bewildered and disappointed.

Photos by Dave Hawkins

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KINGMAN – The Mohave Republican Forum (MRF) meeting scheduled for May 8 at the Kingman Golden Corral has been cancelled, due to the Golden Corral closing.

A new meeting notice will posted when MRF secures a new meeting place.

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KINGMAN – The Kingman Republican Women (KRW) will host Mike Gannuscio candidate for Mohave County Sheriff and Jennifer Esposito candidate for Mohave County District 4 Supervisor at their next meeting on Monday, May 6.

KRW will meet at 1 p.m. at the College Park Church Community Center, 1990 E. Jagerson Ave.  The doors open at 12:30 and the meeting starts promptly at 1 p.m.  There will be a $3 admission fee to help cover the cost of the meeting room.

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MOHAVE COUNTY – Mohave County may establish a website to promote tourism, courtesy of Supervisor Buster Johnson’s proposed allocation of up to $30,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The proposed expenditure will likely be approved at Monday’s Board of Supervisors meeting as supervisors have generally supported each and every allocation as Board members have distributed from a pool of a little more than $8-million for each of the five Districts.

County Economic Development Director Tami Ursenbach said a standalone website is mandatory for any county to qualify as a Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) to benefit from resources, tools and grants provided through the Arizona Office of Tourism (AOT).

While Chambers of Commerce and civic groups have long promoted tourism within area municipalities, a county tourism website would help shine light on activity in unincorporated areas.

“We don’t have anything that focuses on Golden Valley or Chloride, Dolan Springs or Peach Springs and places like Grand Canyon West,” Ursenbach said. “There are things going on in those areas, but there’s nothing specifically that promotes them and brings them into the picture, so this is a way to unify everything that’s going on.”

Ursenbach noted a county tourism website could stretch regional reach.

“Nearby communities like Needles, Laughlin, Hildale and others in La Paz County,” she said. “We touch each other. What goes on in other areas comes to our communities as well.”

Ursenbach said some preliminary shopping reveals a Mohave County tourism website could cost as little as $22,000 and as much as $40,000 to develop and launch. Board approval Monday, she said, would set the stage for Procurement involvement to begin a bidding process in search of a vendor for the endeavor.

Dave Hawkins

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LAKE HAVASU CITY – The Arizona Association for Economic Development (AAED) came to Lake Havasu last week to celebrate their 50th anniversary. This was a four-day celebration that kicked off on Tuesday, April 23 and ended on Friday, April 26 at the London Bridge Resort. 

AAED is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1974 and now has over five hundred members across the state of  Arizona. They represent urban, rural, and suburban interest for economic development. The foundation of the organization is based on three standards; educate, advocate, and collaborate.  

They strive to bring about positive change and expand the state’s investments as well as create jobs. There is an annual fee associated with being a AAED member. Membership fees vary and are based on goals of the individuals. 

The celebration was organized by Lake Havasu’s Skip Becker of AZED Pro. The conference was jam packed with influential industry based keynote speakers, meals, and social networking cocktail gatherings. The first day was an AAED’s orange learning course. This class provided attendees information about developments in the workforce and the relationship it has with the economic development of Arizona communities.  

Wednesday, the members eased their way into the activities that were ahead with a welcome reception followed by a celebration dinner. On Thursday, guests of the event got the scoop from the seven past presidents of AAED. As the veterans shared the situations they faced during their tenures. This was followed by their Five Generations, One Workforce speech by Managing Director of Sendero Consulting Amy Goad, who addressed the generational differences and similarities in the workplace and how both backgrounds and experiences can come together to create harmonious work environments.  

Other topics discussed on that day were the affordable housing crisis of our state, Arizona tourism, the technology industries of Arizona, and many more subjects were addressed by numerous businesses. The conclusion of the conference ended with discussions about legislative updates for the upcoming election season by the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, and a cultivating leadership through community involvement speech which was lead by CEO Adam Goodman of Goodman’s furniture.  

Goodman addressed his findings of unconscious bias in his own company, and what is being done about it. The powerful AAED organization was created for individuals who wish network with business leaders, elected officials, and economic workforce development professionals across the state of Arizona. For Becker, celebration was a way pay homage to those members who have provided inspiration to the many members of AAED.  

“It was great to the AAED 50th Anniversary Celebration and Spring Conference in my hometown beautiful Lake Havasu City. The 5oth Anniversary was all about honoring those who served before us, who built the foundation that the association is today. The Spring Conference is our way of honoring members who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in economic development. It has been an honor to lead AAED from 2023 to 2024.”

Phaedra Veronique

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BULLHEAD CITY – The Executive Board of Bullhead City’s newly-established Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) will conduct its very first meeting on Friday, May 3. Surpassing the threshold population of 50,000 residents prompted the Jan. designation of the Bullhead City MPO by the Federal Highway Administration, supported by Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs.

“MPO’s are independent planning bodies that cross city boundaries to ensure urbanized areas are adequately planned for,” according to a news release issued by the city early this year. “MPO’s are empowered to seek grant funding that would otherwise be unavailable to the city, as they are funded by federal gas tax revenues through the state and a 5.7% in-kind match from member organizations within the MPO boundaries.”

Pruitt said the initial 7-member Executive Board will include Bullhead City Mayor Steve D’Amico, Vice Mayor Rodney Head and council member Tami Ring. Mohave County Supervisors Hildy Angius and Ron Gould are also on the initial board as their districts cover parts of Bullhead City.

Pruitt said the other two local MPO board seats will be filled by the local representative to the Arizona State Transportation Board and a representative of the Fort Mojave Indian Tribe, which owns a significant amount of land in the southern part of the planning area.

“Tribal President Tim Williams and the rest of the Council have been good partners with the City,” Pruitt said. “We look forward to continuing to work with them to develop a highly effective and successful MPO.”

Adoption of bylaws and authorization to recruit to fill a paid Director position are the first items of business for the MPO. Pruitt said his goal is to have a director on board by July 1 to begin operating the MPO while searching for an assistant and support staff member.

Pruitt said flexibility is built into MPO design, to allow the planning bodies to address transportation and transit issues unique to their designated boundary, though some functions are similar from one MPO to another.

“The MPO has specific work products it must deliver. It must deliver a long range plan for roads in the area,” he said. Pruitt said the body will place much focus on SR 95, which is expected to be transferred from ADOT to the authority of the municipality in the near future.

“The other major product is looking at our buses and our transit system and doing the same thing there, putting a professional work plan of what that looks like in the next 5, 10, 15 and 20 years,” Pruitt said.

Pruitt said it is envisioned that the MPO board will generally meet monthly. The May 3 meeting at Bullhead City Hall starts at 11 a.m.

Dave Hawkins

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LAKE HAVASU CITY – The LHCT Direct shared ride service that used to be found in the Uber App will now have it’s own app separate from Uber in order to have more affordable commutes within Lake Havasu. 

This service is in a small SUV or van and can accommodate up to three riders. Cost for rides will only be $3 and 25 cents. Anyone interested can visit the Google Play Store on their mobile devices where they can install the app. This service will be up and running by May 1. 

The city will be rezoning land for Agriculture Preservation located at 7000 Chenoweth Dr. into an RV and boat storage complex with Light Industrial District. 

Board members also entered an agreement to adopt revised water and wastewater regulations. The agreement will affect service billing, connection charges, hydrant meters, private protection services, and backflow preventions. 

Phaedra Veronique

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MOHAVE COUNTY – Angel Soto has been working at Mohave Community College since 2017 when he decided to return home to Bullhead City from Flagstaff. Since then, he has had a positive impact on students as a Science Laboratory Technician on the Bullhead Campus.

This year he was selected as the 2024 Ellen Licari Service to Students Award recipient. The award recognizes employees who go above and beyond to put students first. The Ellen Licari Service to Students award was named in honor of former employee Ellen Licari, who was dedicated to helping students succeed. Licari was an MCC Student Advisor who passed away in 2011. The award is presented annually to an MCC employee who represents the values Ellen showed in helping students.

“I was surprised when notified that I had been selected to win this award. I’m happy to have provided spaces to create valuable experiences and memories for anyone and everyone,” Soto said. “This is something that really can’t be attained without teamwork and I have to really thank the science faculty team that has supported any endeavors to upgrade the student experience.”

As a science laboratory technician, he enjoys being the overseer of a space where experiments and innovation occur. As a technician, he inspires students through reassuring students in their work, and making them feel confident in their ability to learn through the assignments.

The excerpt below is from an MCC student who nominated Soto for the Ellen Licari Service to Students Award:

“Angel truly goes above and beyond. He works around the clock to ensure that students receive a positive lab experience. He’s always there to guide students step-by-step, checks that every student understands instructions and procedures, and is happy to answer any questions. He doesn’t hesitate to help when an unexpected problem arises. He’s quick on his feet and eager to help when preparations for a lab do not go as planned, and always seeing that every student has access to a quality education. Beyond his role in the lab, Angel always encourages students to achieve their dreams, whether it is taking the time to explore research ideas or supporting and inspiring students in their own roles on campus. In my time at MCC, Angel has always been very involved in campus events outside of his realm in the lab. He’s always happy to volunteer at campus events and put in the effort to have a fun day for the students. Overall, if you have had the pleasure of meeting Angel, you know what a great person he is, and if you have had the pleasure of working with him you know he’s more than dedicated.”

Soto graduated from Northern Arizona University with his bachelor’s degree in engineering with a concentration in mechanical engineering. He grew up in Bullhead City and is an alumnus of River Valley High School. In his spare time, he enjoys disc golfing, hiking and playing various types of games.

Soto will be recognized at MCC’s 53rd Commencement Ceremony which will take place at 3 PM Friday, May 10 at Anderson Auto Group Fieldhouse, 3663 Bullhead Parkway, Bullhead City, AZ.

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KINGMAN – Kingman area residents are looking forward to new shopping opportunity as a Marshalls department store will move into the retail space JC Penney exited more than two years ago. Marshalls will set up shop next to Safeway at 3127 Stockton Hill Road.

“We’ve been negotiating with Marshalls, it feels like at least a year. They’ve had interest in it for a while. We finally came to terms with them and got an agreement signed in the fall,” said Brett Borg, who manages the shopping center for a Mesa firm. “Their corporation signed a ten-year deal with four-five-year options, so they could technically be there for 30 years.”

Borg said a ​“coming soon” sign banner will be installed on site in coming weeks to announce the arrival of Marshalls. He said Oct. 1 is the target date for initial operation once interior remodeling is completed within the 20,000 sq. ft. facility.

Borg said Marshall’s will offer a broad range of retail inventory.

“They’ll have clothing, merchandise, bedding and linens,” Borg said. “Basically it’s going to be something that Kingman doesn’t really have right now, which is really good. It’s high-quality stuff at a discount price,” he said. “We’re excited to have them. They’re excited to to be there … I think they’re going to be very successful there.”

Dave Hawkins

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KINGMAN – On Monday, April 15, the So Hi Domestic Water Improvement District held a Recognition and Appreciation Award luncheon for long time District Manager, Denise Johnston.

The District’s entire Staff, Board of Directors and spouses were in attendance to honor Johnston

Johnston has given more than thirty years of selfless service to the citizens and community of So HI Estates in the management of the water district.

Johnston’s dedication and extreme professionalism are legend in the halls of the many small water improvement districts across Arizona. She has, over the years, despite her own heavy workload, gone to the assistance and rescue of numerous other distressed small water systems across our arid state.

Johnston has calmly and capably dealt with and conquered situations that would have overwhelmed a lesser person. When, some years ago, our well failed, Johnston’s instant grasp of the situation and her fast remedial action, turned a “might’ve been” disaster into a non-issue. Her efforts assured that not one single household in So Hi Estates was deprived of even a drop of water until proper repairs were made.

Johnston not only keeps the District compliant with the myriad and burdensome Federal and State rules, regulations and standards that face small Districts, she assists other less skilled managers in successfully understanding and coping with those.

Always helpful and supportive with staff and subscribers, she is recognized by many in Arizona’s water supply industry as the go-to person for answers to twisty situations.

It can be safely said that Johnston has been and continues to be the beating heart and loving soul of the So Hi Domestic Water Improvement District.

Jack Hommel

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