Dear Editor,

I’ve never bought a copy of The National Enquirer. However, I’ve read from it some down through the years. If I’ve been standing in a grocery store checkout line for a few minutes then the tabloid has been a source of comic fodder. It’s always been a good comic book. 

I’ve never read anything in the publication that I took as gospel truth. Typically, the headlines have been something sensational like, “Green Creatures from Mars Visit the White House,” or, “76-year-old woman has triplets. Democrats blame it on George H.W. Bush.” 

The former publisher David Pecker, recently admitted in New York City court that the tabloid had made up the story about Lee Harvey Oswald being associated with Ted Cruz’s father Rafael Cruz. The story was completely fabricated along with fabricated pictures. The fabrication was that Rafael Cruz and Oswald were handing out pro Fidel Castro propaganda prior to Oswald’s assassination. The point of the whole lie had to be to cost Cruz just enough votes to drive him out of the 2016 run for President.  This is a rear-end busting moment for The Enquirer.

In recent days, we have also heard about the tabloid buying stories from individuals just so they could simply kill the story. If the publication did not promise they were publishing the story, then they had every right to buy the story and not follow through with publication. They paid for it and had every right to decide not to use the story. 

So, what if they had used any of the stories they did not publish? Many Americans are like me they take the stories of The National Enquirer with a grain of salt. However, of course, some people believe everything they hear and read. Even though the story about Ted Cruz’s father was a big lie, many Americans surely believed it because some believe anything that’s in print. 

Sadly, we can’t believe everything we hear on television and we can’t believe everything we read in The National Enquirer, if anything. 

In today’s world do you believe everything you hear on television or read in print?

Many of us miss the good ol’ days of Walter Cronkite or the evening news with Huntley-Brinkley. You probably don’t even know who I’m talking about but it was back in the old days when pushing a certain political candidate on any news format would not have been tolerated. 

We live in a different day, or do we? The National Enquirer, has always been The National Enquirer. Stormy Daniels, has always been Stormy Daniels. She is a pornographic actress.  David Pecker has admitted to being who he is, someone who is willing to publish a lie to bring about pain and suffering regardless of the cost. Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden are who they are and most likely you have made up your mind which way you are voting.

Regardless of how much you enjoy reading the garbage of The National Enquirer just remember that even though you might put feathers on a frog it will never fly and will always bust its butt  every time it jumps. 

Dr. Glenn Mollette

The post The National Enquirer’s Pecker Lie and butt-busting frogs first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

Now that poor health concerns and bad weather has hopefully passed, this Wednesday, May 1, from 4-4:30, the monthly peace vigil will resume. This monthly peace vigil began two years ago in support of Ukraine and to be held one time per month at Locomotive Park on the first of each month. 

Subsequent to the initiation of this vigil armed conflicts have increased particularly in the Mideast thus the vigil is in support of world peace. Fellow peace activists please join us to stand for peace at Locomotive Park from 4 to 4:30.   Hope to see you there any questions call 928-757-4616.

Chris Meissenheimer

The post Locomotive Park monthly peace vigil set first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

Mr. Dickson, I agree we should elect politicians that work for the people! Yes, Kingman and Mohave County in general is considered one of the most conservative counties in Arizona. You believe Capitalism isn’t regulated?  This current administration has nothing but overregulate since day one. You talk about wealth disparity. Let’s see I believe Congress, the Senate included, is supposed to regulate how taxes, fees, and fines are collected. I wonder why Congress hasn’t closed the loopholes in the tax code? How do some members of Congress leave millionaires after their term[s] are up? They must be content with the laws that are written. They benefit while we struggle. Why should the wealthy as a whole be punished for being successful? Of course, they take advantage of the loopholes to keep as much of their money as possible. You blame Capitalism for the high price of pharmaceutical drugs. There are solutions for this. Greed by individuals in big Pharma and other large corporations do not represent the whole. Eliminate the “Middleman” business model. Negotiate drug prices across state lines and our country’s borders. Our former President was working on this before the COVID 19 panic. Whoops! I forgot to mention the oil in the pipeline coming down from Canada was Alaskan oil being transported down to our refineries near the Gulf. Now President Biden is closing oil leases in Alaska putting more people out of work!  Electric vehicles are in the infancy stage. Hybrid vehicles have been proven reliable and save consumers a lot of money on fuel. This administration has bullied automobile manufactures to produce electric vehicles regardless of their cost, reliability, and driving range to achieve a radical environmental agenda. Until electric vehicles can self-charge like gas and hybrid vehicles, what’s the point? Mr. Dickson, the bi-partisan immigration bill was a watered-down solution accomplishing nothing to solve the problem of illegal immigration. Former president Trump’s “stay in Mexico” policy worked! Many immigrants file for asylum without any proof they are being tortured or harassed by their government. Mr. Dickson, doesn’t it bother you that young military age men are coming here not vetted from all over the world? What a slap in the face to all the immigrants that waited their turn and became United States citizens! You blame the Christian right. Being a Christian is not the problem! The problem is unchecked immigration is putting our citizens at risk! France gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a celebration of independence from tyranny. Challenging the results of the 2020 election is not a crime! As far as all the indictments of former President Trump by known anti-Trump prosecutors would Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton fair any better if the tables were turned? Mr. Dickson, then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi had a major influence on the Capitol Police’s decision not to request security help from National Guardsmen. All her to many years in the Speaker position carried a lot of weight! You say former Vice President Pence was doing his job certifying the Electoral College vote when he could have requested a national recount to put the people’s minds at ease once and for all. The Capitol Police weren’t the hero’s they portrayed themselves to be. Still no charges filed against the Capitol Policeman who shot an unarmed female protester! There are still protesters being held without due process of law! You say corporations and wealthy individuals should pay their fair share of taxes when they pay more even with the loopholes in the current tax law. Since our government decided to tax our income in the early years of the 20th Century it would have been more fair to have a flat tax so every working person pays the same rate and those who make more pay more, make less pay less. Former president Trump’s tax cuts have benefited everyone. People get to keep more of their hard earned money. The key thing is the government also must cut spending beyond its means! When one thinks about it citizens shouldn’t be taxed for working and producing. We pay enough taxes when we buy products, fuel, and property. Since our money valuation went off the gold standard our money is worth less and less. The reckless spending by the Biden administration is causing out of control inflation leading our country on a dangerous path!     

Jack Goyeneche

The post Reply to Dickson letter first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

As a Kingman resident everywhere I go I see men and women, young and old who identify in some way as being Military Veterans. I have come to learn that Mohave County has more veterans than any other County in the U.S. Almost four times as many, numbering over 23 thousand, comprising no less than 13 % of our population.

I do a fair amount of reading and research and am always deeply disturbed when I read about the ongoing suicide rate of American Military Veterans, sometimes as high as 22 a day. Too many patriotic American heroes come back from whatever combat conflict they participated in with the invisible wounds of war, PTSD (Shell Shock), TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), and many other mental health and physical injuries. They find themselves lost in civilian society, unable to readily adapt back to productive lives. I have tried to imagine the overwhelming 24-hour-a-day feeling of “something is terribly wrong and others just do not understand”. Like most, I find that I can understand that but do not truly personally feel it, yet have a passionate desire to somehow help.

As a candidate for Kingman City Council, my quest to serve the people was greatly amplified when I read that our City Council has proudly played and continues to play a major role in helping veterans and their homeless find help and resources that are so desperately needed. It was with that aspiration I made my final decision to run for a seat on our City Council being overwhelmed by the prospect of “giving back” and serving my fellow man.

The more I learn about our veterans and their sometimes seemingly hopeless quest to be understood and emotionally embraced, the more I realize in most ways that we are all wired the same. Whatever the issue or concern, whether you are a veteran, a mother, a father, young, old, disabled, rich, poor, store clerk, or city mayor, we all need and strive to be heard and understood.

As a candidate, I make a wholehearted sincere commitment to hear you, understand you and serve you in my role as a Kingman City Council member.

Your voice will be my voice, no strings attached.

Elliot Chalew

The post Leave no person behind first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

Throughout the centuries there’s never been any amount of cruelties done to women and girls without some kind of justification in some way or another. It’s so sad but true. So then is it any wonder that millions of females of all ages have taken to the streets, once again, yelling and screaming for their rights. Roe vs Wade was their safety net to protect their physical, mental and environmental well-being from unplanned pregnancy. It’s ridiculous and outrageous to think were still stuck in this age-old question; what rights does a woman have with her own body? It’s the 21st century!

Why are we doing these things to ourselves? It’s extremely degrading in this day and age and how far women have come to expect them to just lie down and roll over and pretend they’re second-class citizens, incapable of making their own decisions of when and when not to have a child. It’s unimaginable to think that your state could own your body for nine months when pregnant. The thought is terrifying if something were to go wrong. You could be dead before the state decided what to do with your pregnancy. It would make someone think twice about even having children.

Females are being forced down a dark and scary rabbit hole at the hands of our zealous politicians and government officials. They’re even trying to push their own radial thinking on us with nonsensical words like fetushood. Hood is a word used for a group of people that come together for a reason or cause. This doesn’t happen inside a womb. However, you may see it, they mislead and confuse the facts with scare tactics about today’s professional medical abortions. What really should scare us is abortions being done by nonprofessionals that often can end with tragic results.

My own God-fearing church-going grandmother during the Great Depression nearly lost her life during a home abortion. This can happen to the best of people with the right  intentions usually for their own well-being and the well-being of loved ones. And this should always be what is foremost important. Our forebearers who courageously fought for women’s rights must be turning over in their graves with what is happening today with centurion laws spreading from one state to the next. Including our own beloved State of Arizona with its revival of an 1800 Civil War-era ban.

When we were still running to the outhouse, the light bulb hadn’t been invented and diabetics were being institutionalized for mental illness. Is this the era we really want to return to with our mothers and daughters when they had no rights? I for one DO NOT. We need to get these 19th century laws off the books lest they turn on us in more ways than one that we’ll all regret. As it is Trump said during his presidency, women and doctors should be punished and so here we are today. Trump declared it a victory, overturning women’s right to choose. And to add salt to the wound he called it freedom for women to have their states determine their reproductive rights.

Freedom? This is not freedom. But then he’s all about smoke and mirrors thinking that if he just says it no matter how ludicrous it is, we’ll believe it. There’s nothing democratic about what Trump brags and boasts about regarding a women’s bodily autonomy. He is utterly clueless with all of the above, and more. No politician should ever have the last word or dictate to us or our doctors what’s best for us. The majority of Americans believe God gave us stewardship over our own bodies. That includes women. Its not their lot in life to accept anything less.

As we see more rural hospitals closing and ob-gyns leaving states with abortion bans they’ll be less safe places to deliver babies with consequences that otherwise would have been preventable. I shudder to think that a simple procedure as a DNC will no longer be available in our own state to protect females from an unwanted pregnancy or to save a woman’s life when her pregnancy goes wrong. Which is just what we’re seeing today in other states with abortion bans. Women and girls are being put on the chopping block with the cavalier attitude of, ‘oh well, what will be will be.’

This irrational thinking that if a woman or girl is raped, coerced or in any other unplanned way is impregnated, it’s the will of God. It is not for anyone else to say whether it is or not other than the one who was raped, coerced or etc. Period. There are those in our government that are playing God with our lives in more ways than one. Trump and his religious radicals have hitched their wagons together with a plan for them to get what they both want; a forced religious ideology on our nation and Trump in the White House forever.

So all the more I’ll be going to the ballot box in November to vote out those who do not support women’s rights and vote for those with a track record who do. And not those who flip-flop and backpedal just to get your vote. We should earnestly be asking ourselves the question, do we really want to see more women and girls with children in welfare lines and the like asking for help? I hope we all know the answer to that. We should all want a brighter future for our women and girls and a forced pregnancy should never be a part of that future.

J.M.

The post Brighter futures is not an 1800 ban first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

Just about everyone who drives throughout Mohave County on a daily basis will see other drivers violating traffic laws.

Using your turn signal while driving is not only a legal requirement but also a fundamental aspect of road safety.

The turn signal, also known as the blinker, is a small lever located on the steering column that allows drivers to indicate their intention to turn left or right. It is a simple yet crucial device that can prevent accidents, reduce confusion, and promote a smoother flow of traffic.

The importance of using your turn signal while driving can effectively avoid vehicle wrecks.

It’s The Law. Using your turn signal is a legal requirement in most countries, including the United States. Failure to use your blinker can result in a citation, fine, or even points on your driver’s license. Additionally, it can be considered a contributing factor in accidents, which may result in increased insurance rates or legal action.

The primary reason for using your turn signal is to improve safety on the road. When you signal your intention to turn or change lanes, you give other drivers and pedestrians ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly. This can prevent collisions, reduce near misses, and minimize the risk of injury or property damage.

It promotes courtesy using your turn signal and is not only a matter of safety but also a sign of courtesy. It shows that you respect other drivers and their right to know your intentions. It also helps to create a more predictable and efficient flow of traffic, reducing congestion and delays.

Using Your Turn Signal Avoids Confusion. Failing to use your turn signal can cause confusion and uncertainty among other drivers. It can be difficult to anticipate sudden lane changes or turns, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds. This can lead to erratic behavior, sudden stops, or even accidents.

Increasing awareness using your turn signal can also increase your awareness of your surroundings. It forces you to think ahead and plan your maneuvers, reducing the likelihood of impulsive decisions or last-minute changes.

It can also help you stay focused on the road, reducing distractions and improving your overall driving performance.

Tips For Using Your Turn Signal. The importance of using your turn signal let’s look at some tips for using it effectively:

Signal Early & Often. When approaching a turn or lane change, signal your intention well in advance. This gives other drivers and pedestrians ample time to react and adjust their driving accordingly. Additionally, if you are in a turn-only lane, signal as soon as you enter the lane, not just before you turn.

Use It In Every Situation

Make it a habit to use your turn signal in every situation that requires it, including changing lanes, merging, turning, and entering or exiting a parking spot. Even if you think no one is around, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t Forget To Turn It Off. After completing your turn or lane change, be sure to turn off your signal. Leaving it on can be confusing to other drivers and can even be dangerous if you accidentally signal the wrong direction.

Be Mindful Of Others. When using your turn signal, be mindful of other drivers and their reactions. If you notice someone trying to pass you or change lanes, signal your intention to allow them to do so safely.

Using your turn signal while driving is a legal requirement and a fundamental aspect of road safety. It improves safety, promotes courtesy, avoids confusion, and increases awareness.

By following these aforementioned tips, you can use your turn signal effectively, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a smoother flow of traffic.

Butch Meriwether

The post Use Your Turn Signal While Driving first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

The demographic shift known as the “Silver Tsunami” is upon us as the baby boomer generation heads into retirement. This shift is set to reshape Kingman significantly, with over half of the local population within a 20-mile radius already over 50. We are tasked with responding to the challenges and changes that will come as a significant segment of our community moves out of the workforce.

These retirees will primarily rely on retirement savings and Medicaid, marking a profound shift in our city’s economic dynamics. With an estimated 10,000 Americans turning 80 every day from 2025 and the entire baby boomer cohort, some 73 million people, retired by 2030, the impact will be widespread. We must actively plan to support this demographic, addressing the escalating need for long-term care and the financial pressures on stretched resources.

The case of a woman from Golden Valley, AZ., who had nearly $400 erroneously deducted from her Social Security for Medicare coverage she already possessed, is just one example of the broader financial difficulties facing our seniors. With the average social security check just over $1,700, the loss of a partner can halve a household’s income, leaving many to question the adequacy of their savings, especially as life expectancies rise and the risk of outliving retirement funds becomes a stark reality.

Moreover, we face potential labor shortages and the problem of social isolation among seniors. The pressure on social security, Medicare, and healthcare services is mounting, and veterans, in particular, are facing homelessness and health challenges.

As a community, Kingman must adopt a proactive approach to these issues. We need a renaissance of care and opportunity, ensuring our seniors, the bedrock of our society, can retire with dignity and security. Now is the time for Kingman to embrace decisive action, bolstering our community not only with necessary services but also by creating a place that welcomes new healthcare professionals and their families with quality education, shopping, and dining options. This is essential for our economic development and for providing the care our seniors deserve. It’s within this context that the “Arik for Action” campaign emerges, underscoring our unwavering commitment to a prosperous, inclusive future for Kingman—a city that respects its past and builds towards an even greater tomorrow.

Cengiz Arik

Kingman City Council Member

The post Preparing for the Silver Tsunami first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

4-H Cactus Critters Club would like to “Thank” Taco Bell on Stockton Hill Road, and Krystal Peterson Burge of Desert De Oro Foods, for letting us use your business facility for our car wash fundraiser. We also appreciate everyone who stopped by on Saturday, April 13, to support us with your donation. The money raised from our fundraiser will help our youth members with educational programs, services projects, summer camp fees and county fair exhibits.

Ashlyn, Fundraiser committee youth

Mohave County 4-H Cactus Critters Club 

The post Big thank you for car wash fundraiser first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

Caitlin Clark will do great in the WNBA. She can shoot, she can pass and she’s a savvy player.

Clark did what no one ever dreamed anyone would do and that was to score more points than Pistol Pete Maravich who played for LSU from 1967 – 1970. Maravich scored 3667 total points at LSU and averaged 42.2 points per game for the tigers.

Clark totaled 3951 points .and averaged 30 points per game. Old timers are quick to recall that Maravich did it before the day of the shot clock and the three-point line. Also, it was in a day when freshmen weren’t allowed to play on the varsity. Still, this does not take away from the incredible feat accomplished by Clark playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

When Maravich signed with the Atlanta Hawks in 1970. He signed for 1.9 million dollars which was the largest amount to be signed for by a college player at that time.

Clark with sign for $75,000 for her rookie season if she is picked number 1 according to WNBA pay cap structures. It doesn’t sound like much for the greatest women’s college basketball player of all time but she will make it up in endorsements. According to the NIL database, (name, image, likeness), Clark has already made 3.1 million during her college play. There will be more to come during her WNBA days.

The WENBA is growing. ESPN recorded viewership of the women’s final four games of over 14 million for the semi-finals and over 18 million for the final game. Such interest will bring bigger dollars to the league in time.

Clark may become the richest of the WNBA players. However, she may not catch up with Seth Curry of the Golden State Warriors whose team pay alone is 51.9 million a year. Or, Labron James who earns just over 47 million a year. Actually, the lowest paid players in the NBA are still making just a little over $1.6 million a year. Wait, whoever thought she would score such a massive number of ponts? Don’t rule her out on anything.

Most of the WNBA players are making under $200, 000 a year from their team pay.

Some pick up extra money from playing in other countries in the off season and from endorsements.

Diana Taurasi has an estimated net worth is $3.5 million. Most of Diana’s earnings come from her endorsements with Body Armour and her deal with Nike to wear LeBron’s signature shoes. With an average salary of $234,936 and a contract until 2025, the number might just grow further.

Britney Griner is Infamous for her prison sentence in Russia, Griner is one of the most recognizable WNBA athletes in the world. Despite her imprisonment Griner still makes the list as one of the richest players in the WNBA. One of the tallest-ever players Brittney has made most of her fortunes playing abroad. A common feature in the WNBA Griner was once paid $600,000 to play for a Chinese based team for three months. Add to that her endorsements with Nike and you have an estimated net worth of $4 million.

Sue Bird is the highest earning player in the history of the WNBA. Drafted in 2002, Bird has gone on to win 4 WNBA titles with three of them coming in three separate decades. With an estimated salary of $500,000 from various sources, the 13x All-Star also has multiple partnerships with huge brands. Representing the likes of Nike, State Farm and American Express it is no surprise that Sue Bird is the highest earning WNBA athlete of all time.

Dr. Glenn Mollette

The post Will Catlin Clark do okay in the WNBA? first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.

Dear Editor,

We chose to run for the school board after hearing the frustrations of local parents and staff. While the current school board has been quietly chugging along, the attitude of “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” does not work when applied to the shaping of our children’s minds before they launch into life. We believe we can streamline the traditional school process and draw parents in, resulting in teachers being able to focus on providing a quality education. As young, professional parents with a wide range of combined experience, we are well-positioned to tackle the shortcomings of traditional public schools and build stronger connections between teachers, administrators and families.

We came together as a team after connecting through our local GOP volunteer activities. We complement each other well and believe in the importance of strong, patriotic voices on our local and state boards. We have a shared commitment to conservative fiscal policies, solid education, emphasis on health and physical activity, and prioritizing America’s future through the success of our children.

For months, we have been actively participating in local social events and engaging with parents, teachers, and students. We also have been closely following school board meetings and will continue to do so. Our grassroots campaign is built by the people, for the people, and relies heavily on the support of volunteers and donations.

Visit our website havasumaga.com to learn more about us, get in touch, or show your support. Remember, make your voice count and vote Tinsley/Rose/Houston for LHUSD #1.

Matthew Houston

Evelyn Tinsley

David Rose

The post Havasu MAGA team campaigning for school board first appeared on The Standard Newspaper Online.