Nevada’s mask mandate was lifted on Thursday, February 10. While masks are no longer required in public indoor places, the Health District continues to recommend people use all the tools they have available to protect themselves and others while disease transmission remains high in the community. Do know at this time public transportation still requires masks.

They recently confirmed the first reported case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron BA.2 subvariant. Based on current information about the BA.2 variant, at this early stage, there is no evidence it causes more severe disease than the original Omicron variant.

The City of Mesquite continues to work with SNHD to provide mobile COVID-19 testing services administered by Curative. The testing location is The Jimmie Hughes Campus at 150 North Yucca Street near the Mesquite SNHD clinic. Appointments are available Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk-ins are accepted, but appointments will reduce waiting time. Book an appointment at Curative.com. The test consists of a shallow, self-administered PCR nasal swab. Results are typically provided within 24-48 hours.

If you need additional assistance, please call Curative's support line at 888-702-9042.

We expect to receive more antigen self-test kits like those distributed last month. This rapid self-test, though not quite as accurate as laboratory-confirmed testing, is helpful in letting you know if you test positive and should begin to self-isolate.

We will let you know promptly when we have received more self-tests. Check the City's website for updates at https://www.mesquitenv.gov/

It was nearly a year ago my husband and I experienced something that to us still remains unanticipated, unexplainable, and unreal ... a home invasion.

We went camping to enjoy the quiet, “unplug” from daily routines, and briefly forget about COVID. After a peaceful night’s sleep, breakfast, morning walk, and some reading, we began to think about lunch, when our cell phones began chiming repeatedly. Our home security was picking up movement outside and inside our home.

From the first moment our 911 call for help was answered, units were swiftly dispatched. Arriving quickly, they contained the street, and a getaway driver was arrested. The intruders fled to a nearby park. MPD officers pursued the suspects who were trying to blend in with the crowd and were apprehended.

We were lucky. We weren’t home and in danger. It just so happened we had cell service and were alerted. Dispatchers notified officers quickly and spoke to us in ways to calm us down. Officers and detectives did precisely what training and experience have them to do in these situations. And they made arrests without anyone being harmed.

What stands out for me is the empathy shown to us by the Mesquite Police Department during and after the event. Empathy for what we were experiencing, all while doing their jobs in the most efficient and safe manner.

Mesquite is lucky to have this fine department. Our police chief hires only the best qualified for us. I’d like you to know more about him.

MaQuade Chesley began his law enforcement career in 2005 with St. George, Utah Police Department. In 2007 he was hired as a police lateral with the Mesquite, Nevada Police Department. Chief Chesley has filled many leadership roles and positions during his service with the Mesquite Police Department which includes: public information officer, rangemaster, police recruiter, SWAT officer, officer-in-charge, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol and investigations lieutenant, and police captain.

As captain, Chief Chesley managed many divisions within the Mesquite Police Department which include: patrol, general investigations, narcotics investigations, training, corrections, dispatch, animal control service, and the volunteer patrol division. Chief Chesley has served on the Nevada Child Assessment Center Board of Directors and is currently the Vice President of the Nevada Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy Association.

Chief Chesley is a graduate of the 266th session of the FBI National Academy. Chief Chesley possesses an executive certificate with the Nevada Peace Officer Standards Training, the highest POST professional certificate awarded. Chief Chesley is a graduate of Southern Utah University with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Chief Chesley is currently continuing his education toward a master’s degree in Criminal Justice through the University of Virginia and American Military University.

In 2019 the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) selected Chief Chesley as a recipient of the prestigious "40 Under 40 International Award." Hailing from seven countries and serving in a broad range of roles, the IACP 40 under 40 awardees represent the top rising leaders from around the globe, exemplifying leadership, dedication, and service to their communities and the law enforcement profession.

As the youngest police chief in Mesquite’s history, he attributes his success to personal philosophies of altruism and people first, mission second. Chief Chesley believes that officer safety is tied to wellness. As a police sergeant, he established a department fitness center. As chief, he expanded the officer wellness program to include on-duty officer meditation and annual mindfulness training. Chief Chesley believes in community-oriented policing and is committed to the safety of his officers and the community.

On January 27 I was honored to be included in a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the long-awaited Riverside Park OHV Staging Area, funded jointly by the City of Mesquite and the State of Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. This project came about through the work of Kokopelli ATV Club, the Virgin River Coalition Recreation Committee, Athletics and Leisure Director Nick Montoya and his staff, and Public Works Director Travis Anderson, and his staff.

Located at 680 Riverside Road, the area provides ample space to stage and park vehicles and trailers as well as 24-hour surveillance, wash station, and restroom. From there you can access many trails to discover and enjoy. Much thanks to all who did the research and work to make this area attractive to our locals and visitors to our beautiful city.

A couple of weeks ago our firefighters were dispatched to a ground-level fall. What they found when they arrived was the patient's heart had stopped following the fall. They restored her vitals not once, but several times, and arranged to have her airlifted to St. George.

This is a big deal. They never know what they might find at the scene. And lately, cardiac-related calls are on the rise. I felt I had to thank them so Chief Jayson Andrus got C-Shift together at Station 3. Here's a picture of Captain John Gately, his crew, and the crew from Mesquite Fire and Rescue Station 1.

I had the honor of attending a dinner at the Rising Star Hotel as a kick-off to Southern Nevada Make-A-Wish Foundation’s Trailblaze Challenge on February 5. The participants of this event raised in excess of $200,000 for the foundation by hiking 25 miles of Valley of Fire backcountry at the Logandale Trailhead. President and CEO Scott Rosenzwieg, also known as “CBO” (Chief Begging Officer), presented videos of critically ill local children being granted their wishes and why it is so important to support them.

Mayor Litman then proclaimed February 5, 2022, as Make-A-Wish Day urging our citizens and all agencies and organizations interested in helping to grant the wishes of these brave children. Many thanks to you, the Foundation, participants, volunteers, communities, and individuals, for making dreams come true for so many children. See the recipients below for 2021.

February 11 was a beautiful, just perfect morning as people gathered at Mesquite Recreation Center to register for the 18th Annual Mesquite Heart Walk. After registering, we received a complimentary shirt to wear, a raffle ticket, and healthy snacks contributed by the many generous sponsors. Following the raffle and words of encouragement and thanks from Athletics and Recreation Director Nick Montoya, Mayor Al Litman, and Mayor-Pro-Tem Sandra Ramaker, we set off!

The 5K, 3.4-mile walk was entertaining and friendly. It was fun to chat with friends and meet new acquaintances. We stopped along the way at sponsored snack stations offering us water, oranges, and healthy treats. Police volunteers assisted with traffic at crosswalks. Vehicles passing by honked at us for encouragement. The walk ended at Mesa View Hospital where again we received hydrating and nutritious snacks and materials about recognizing a heart attack and how to be heart healthy. Complimentary transportation back to the Recreation Center was provided by Silver Rider bus.

This was quite a success. Thank you, Nick Montoya and his staff, and all the sponsors, donors, and volunteers for a fun morning.

Now about my sore leg muscles ...

A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Wednesday, February 16 at 1:00 p.m. on Mesquite Boulevard across the street and to the north of City Hall for the highly anticipated Virgin Valley Pioneer Park Project. The Dixie and Anne Leavitt Family Foundation's desire is to educate citizens and visitors to the rich heritage here in our valley and pay tribute to the early settlers as well as provide living, restaurant, and business spaces.

You are invited to Mayor Allan Litman's State of the City Address on Wednesday, February 16, 2022, at 3:30 p.m. at Mesquite City Hall, 10 E. Mesquite Boulevard, in City Council Chambers on the Second Floor. Mayor Litman will outline the City of Mesquite's past accomplishments and future goals for the coming year. Light refreshments will be served.

The event will also be televised on cable channel 9 and live-streamed on the City of Mesquite website at https://www.mesquitenv.gov.

will be performed March 11-26 at the Virgin Valley Community Theatre. Tickets are on sale now for performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Robert Craig, actor and trustee of the Virgin Valley Theatre Group, says they are looking for fun, creative people to share in a good time! They do four shows a year and are looking for people who are interested in the following areas: Box Office Support, Set Designers and Construction, Prop Masters, Costume Design and Construction, Directors, Stage Managers, Ushers, and Back Stage Crew.

I know you all have talent, so get involved! It's really fun and you meet marvelous people! Email them at vvtheatre@gmail.com

BARK! Canine Club and Resort has moved to a new temporary location while their new state-of-the-art BARK! facility is under construction.

I stopped by there the other day and dogs of all sizes were having such fun.

If you know anyone who wants to sign up for my newsletter, please refer them to my website, scroll to the bottom and sign up. It is that easy!

We have so many wonderful activities going on in our fine city. I'm having a great time and you will too!

Be safe, everyone.

Karen