Thank you

I would like to express my gratitude to the many organizations and individuals who made such a tremendous effort to make the High Desert Shorts International Film Festival II a wonderful event.

This year we had local entries that won in mixed categories and once again it was truly international with one winning entry from Canada.

We will publish a complete list of the winners shortly along with a list of participants.

Thanks to all of you.

LINDA KASS

Bad things happen to good people

On Sept. 21 a terrible fire took everything from a terrific lady that many of us in town know so well.

Caren Cortez, the manager of the local Starbucks, and her husband lost everything that evening when their home was destroyed by a fire.

They lost not only material possessions that can, in time, be replaced, but they also lost their three beloved dogs, which can never be replaced.

Those of us who are regulars at Starbucks know the smiling, always joking Caren who makes our drinks and always has something funny to say.

There was a six-month period this past year when I never stepped foot in Albertson's due to major surgery and illness. When I finally did, Caren ran from behind the counter to hug me and cried--no, sobbed--because she was so happy to see me on my feet again, alive and well.

The year before, on my little girl's birthday, we went to get a drink and Caren had a birthday present for her.

This is the kind of person she is and because of that, I think the good people of Pahrump need to find it in their hearts to help Caren and her husband get back on their feet.

I know she would do the same for any of us.

There is a jar at Starbucks where you can show your generosity by leaving a few dollars.

What do they need?...everything.

Caren told me today they don't even have towels to shower. She told me her 'family" at Albertson's has helped and that they have been helped by CVS pharmacy where her husband works, but so much more is needed.

Imagine if it was you and your family.

I've seen this town come together in the past to help others in need so I know you can find it in your hearts to show your generosity now when it is so badly needed.

Even if you are not a Starbucks customer, wander over to that area and make a donation--big or small--it doesn't matter because every penny counts.

MARY BERG

Returning the American dream

Five years ago a young new senator from the state of Illinois, named Barack Obama, demonstrated his insight and courage when he voted against the Iraq war.

Most of our elected officials were fooled by the Bush administrations weapons of mass destruction façade.

This Nation is in need of true leadership qualities. Senator Obama has the ability to end this war and restore our Nation to its former prestige in the eyes of the world.

In the past I have been disappointed at the selection of presidential candidates.

I found myself attempting to decide who the lesser evil was. Senator Obama has eliminated that problem during this election. He is genuine. His character and integrity are prominent.

There are many issues in this campaign...ending the Iraq war, affordable health insurance, just and fair tax reform, the economy.

What I like most about Barack Obama's approach in implementing his plan on these issues is his explanation of how he will pay for them.

I truly believe that Obama is the candidate to return the American dream. Obama is a man of the people, from the people. He can implement change to the way Washington does business. He is a candidate we can respect and support.

Let my legacy to my grandchildren be that I helped and supported Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

RICHARD V. FELDE, SR.

Thank you

Manse Elementary School has received an outpouring of school supplies this year from many individuals, service organizations, companies and individuals.

On behalf of the staff and students of Manse School, Principal, Mrs. Evelyn Visser wants to thank all of you for your generosity and caring.

We are pleased to know that so many people care about our school and we appreciate your efforts to ensure the students have the necessary supplies to succeed.

FRANCES RUST, SECRETARY

Apology in order

On Sunday, Sept. 30, I was attending the Sunday morning worship service at the Wild West Extravaganza. There was quite a crowd gathered.

Part way through the service, Pat Watson, of the Pahrump Chamber of Commerce, walked up to the pastor, who was in mid-sentence, and informed him that he had to wrap it up because there was no more time left for him.

I was very surprised. The service had only just begun (the gospel group before him had just finished up).

Well, as I said before, there was quite a crowd attending the service and some even from out of town. As far as I'm concerned, we were all cheated out of the very thing we were there for--an old fashioned Sunday service.

It was extremely disrespectful of a Chamber representative to be so rude; not only to the pastor, but the crowd gathered to listen to him.

The way I see it, Pat Watson and the Chamber of Commerce owe the pastor and all the people there, a public apology.

There was no reason to be so rude and there was no real reason to cut off the worship service.

Hopefully, she noticed that most of the crowd left when the service was cut short.

What an example of western hospitality.

IRENE SALINAS

Our Apologies

The Wild West Extravaganza would like to formally apologize to Pastor Bob Lewis, his wife Sunny Lewis and all those in attendance at the Cowboy Church Services this past weekend for the interruption that took place.

Please be assured that we are taking steps to ensure this does not happen in the future. Sincerely,

DEBRA STRICKLAND

WILD WEST EXTRAVAGANZA

STEERING COMMITTEE

Halloween alternative

This letter is written to the good residents of Pahrump.

Every year, Trinity Assembly of God Church provides a fun, safe alternative to the traditional Halloween activities. We have many games and give out loads of candy.

We invite you to attend our Funfest event on Wednesday, Oct. 31 between the hours of 5 and 9 p.m.

This is our gift to the community and there is no admission fee.

We are located at 750 S. Big Five Road (between Wilson and 372). We hope to see you there.

Since this has been such a great success and we get bigger and bigger each year, we also need your help.

Last year we had over 3000 children, participants and visitors. This year we expect even more.

Please help in our efforts to continue to serve the Pahrump community.

Mail your donations directly to the Trinity Assembly of God Church at 750 S. Big Five Road, Pahrump, NV 89048. All donations are tax deductible and we pledge that all monies received for Funfest will go directly to the Funfest account and no other department of our church.

We have a drawing for the children and we give away many toys, games and fun things.

Each child that goes through our gates will receive a free ticket.

This year we are adding a wonderful opportunity drawing to our list of services, (The adults have to have fun too).

We have many prizes to give away and you do not need to be present to win. The tickets are $1 each or six tickets for $5.

You may purchase tickets at the door on Oct. 31, or outside WalMart on Friday, Oct. 12, Saturday, Oct. 13 and Friday, Oct. 19.

We plan on being there 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

If you would like to donate money, toys, candy, services or other prizes for Funfest, please contact Marla Quercia at 702-355-9909.

Thanks to the wonderful people of Pahrump for stepping up and stepping out.

Bring the kids and join us at Funfest.

MARLA QUERCIA

TRINITY ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH

Animal ordinance makes no sense

I am opposed to Nye County Bill No. 2007-13 relating to Animal Zoning as it is currently written.

This ordinance is very discriminatory toward animal owners with the exception of horse related operations. All species/businesses should be regulated in the same way, or all animal owners should be given the same freedom that is given to horse related operations. This ordinance as it is currently written would allow commercial stables and rodeos in residential districts as small as 1 acre with special use permit, but dog and cat owners would be restricted to allow a maximum of 10 animals even if they have more than 1 acre, that makes no sense. I think a boarding and riding facility for horses with daily visitors will create a lot more noise, traffic and dust than somebody who has a few dogs and breeds an occasional litter.

If this is for public health and safety, an arbitrary chosen number of 10 dogs or cats does nothing for it. One dog that is allowed to roam off its owner's property is enough to cause plenty of trouble, while another owner may have more than 10 dogs but keeps them securely fenced and taken care of. I feel that a new ordinance should among other areas focus on the problem of stray dogs in our community because stray dogs cause a number of problems including posing a danger to humans and other animals, including livestock, and they pose problems for drivers causing accidents as drivers try to avoid hitting the dog.

I am not satisfied with myself or anybody else being "grandfathered in". That is not a good solution as it will impact growth of this community, it will prevent like-minded people (my friends or potential friends) from choosing to move to Pahrump and it will keep animal related businesses from coming to Pahrump. Many animal owners check ordinances before deciding to make a particular place their new home and if ordinances, especially in a rural county like ours, are too restrictive, people will choose a place that offers them more freedom to enjoy their properties. Therefore this will have a negative impact on the local housing market.

If, as animal control said at the planning commission meeting, we don't need more animal control officers for this extra work, they have not looked at available data, as history shows that in every county that has tried to implement similar regulations the cost for animal control has increased significantly and so have the numbers of surrendered animals in shelters. More regulations and restrictions may seem like the solution, but unless those rules can be enforced, they are useless.

The way I understand the draft is that if I have just one dog that I am going to breed I am considered a commercial kennel, but I can't find anything that tells me exactly what that entails. Why is it that somebody can breed horses if they want to, but breeding dogs or cats should require a special use permit? There is a big difference between somebody who has a small hobby breeding program because they are dedicated to this breed and somebody who has dozens if not hundreds of dogs with no real interest in doing anything for a given breed but to produce puppies and sell them to anybody who has the money. There are certainly breeders who run "commercial" kennels or for profit businesses, but there are also a lot of breeders who breed dogs on a very small scale with only a few planned litters a year, sometimes only a litter every few years. Reputable breeders are serious about producing healthy dogs with sound temperaments of a given breed, that includes pedigree research, extensive health testing, high expenses to mate suitable animals together which includes shipping frozen semen within or from the outside of the US, expensive lab tests to pinpoint the time of when to breed and artificial insemination. Reputable breeders do not add to the shelter or rescue populations as they sell their puppies with a contract that requires the buyer to return the dog to the breeder if the buyer no longer wants the dog. Reputable breeders also microchip their puppies before they go to new homes, so if a dog ever does end up in a shelter or rescue, that dog can find its way back to the person who cares about it and brought it into this world.

MARLENE JOHNSON

ZULTANA ANATOLIANS