Boulder City Review

Boulder City guard Nate Hafen was named the Athlete of the Week by the Las Vegas Review-Journal on Thursday.

Hafen scored 31 points and grabbed 21 rebounds Jan. 27 during the Eagles’ 70-57 victory against league rival Virgin Valley.

The senior leads the team in scoring at 11.1 points per game, and rebounding at 9.3 rebounds per game.

Read a profile of Hafen from the Dec. 29 issue of the Boulder City Review

here

Boulder City Review

From City Clerk’s office: The power outage that was originally scheduled to take place today between the hours of 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. has been CANCELLED until further notice.

An email from the city clerk’s office for today, Feb. 2:

On Thursday, February 2, 2012, between 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Electrical Division will be doing switching to make repairs in the downtown area.  City Hall, Police Department, Municipal Court, and Park & Recreation facilities will go to generator power while this work is performed.  The series of outages will last up to 15 minutes in areas of Nevada Way, Colorado, Arizona, Birch, Wyoming, Utah, Avenue B, Cherry, etc.

If you should have any concerns or need additional information, please call 293-9266.

Robert Gene Harrelson Sr.

May 21. 1926 – Jan. 26, 2012

Robert “Bob” Gene Harrelson Sr., 85, of Boulder City, passed away Jan. 26, 2012.

He was born May 21, 1926, to Val and Mada Harrelson in West Frankfort, Ill. Bob enlisted in the United States Army on Aug. 24, 1944, and re-enlisted Nov. 10, 1945, so he could come home and marry the love of his life, Dolly DiVito, on Jan. 30, 1946. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage before Dolly passed away Aug. 18, 2006. Bob was honorably discharged on May 6, 1947, after being part of Gen. Patton’s 3rd Army with the 80th Blue Ridge Mountains Division. He was a .30-caliber water-cooled machine gunner that fought in the Battle of the Bulge, Battle of the Rhineland and Battle of Rhine River Crossing.

Bob and his family moved to Boulder City on Nov. 6, 1985. He enjoyed playing horseshoes, 25-cent video poker, and watching sports and the military channel.

He is survived by his daughter, Janet (Joe) Macias; two sons, Robert (Elida) Harrelson Jr., and Gerald (MaryAnn) Harrelson; seven grandchildren, Diane Felsenfeld, Robert Harrelson III, Anthony Macias, Christina Carrier, Michael Harrelson, Gerald Harrelson Jr. and Justin Harrelson; seven great-grandchildren, Joseph Felsenfeld, Matthew Felsenfeld, Joseph Anthony Harrelson, Aliyah Glasser, Aydan Harrelson, Jackson Harrelson and Avery Harrelson. He was preceded in death by three sisters, Mildred Smith, Madeline McCaslin and Ruth Royce.

A visitation took place Tuesday, Jan. 31, at Boulder City Family Mortuary. Funeral services were Wednesday, Feb. 1, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Bradford Lewis Benson

Sept. 26, 1921 – Jan. 20, 2012

Bradford “Brad” Lewis Benson, 90, passed away Jan. 20, 2012. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Sept. 26, 1921. Soon after Pearl Harbor, Brad enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 32 Years. He was part of World War II, Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. After the service he went into the hardware business, something he always wanted to do.

After his second retirement, Brad and his wife, Sheila, moved out to Boulder City after a short visit. They spent the next wonderful 25 years in Boulder City. Brad was very active in the community. He served on the hospital board from 1994 to 2001 and also was a member of the planning commission until health forced him to resign. He was instrumental in getting the Nevada State Veterans Home and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.

Brad was very proud of being chairman of the trustees at the Elks. As a member of the Elks he earned many rewards and enjoyed “The Christmas Baskets for the Needy of Boulder City.” He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America and the Air Force Association. His proudest membership was in the Order of the Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Benson; his son, John C. Benson and daughter-in-law, Pam, who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, at noon, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com.

Raymond Emmett Hester

Sept. 7, 1954 – Dec. 30, 2011

Raymond Emmett Hester, 57, passed away at his home in Boulder City on Dec. 30, 2011. Raymond was born Sept. 7, 1954, in Fort Dix, N.J., to Emmett Ostell Hester and Helen Louise Chilcote Hester.

Raymond was an avid sports fan who enjoyed football, baseball and horse racing. He managed a Sav-On drug store in Riverside, Calif., prior to moving to Boulder City more than 25 years ago. In Boulder City, Ray worked for the school district as a painter until his health forced him to retire.

Raymond is survived by his four siblings, Sonja (Roy) Poindexter of Boulder City, Bonnie Hewitt of Las Vegas, Betty (Barry) Solomon of Henderson and David (Cindy) Hester of Newbury Park, Calif.; many nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, Feb. 3, at 10 a.m., at Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign an online guest book at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Leo E. Dunbar Jr.

June 12, 1927 – Jan. 30, 2012

Leo E. Dunbar, Jr. passed away Jan. 30, 2012, at his home in Boulder City. Leo was born June 12, 1927, in Montrose, Colo. In 1932, he moved to Boulder City and was a member of the original 31ers families who settled Boulder City and built Hoover Dam. Leo graduated from Boulder City High School in 1947, served in the U.S. Army from 1946 to 1949, owned Central Market in Boulder City from 1977 to 1980, and owned a 7-Eleven in Las Vegas from 1981 to 2008. He was an Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge and a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was sealed to his wife, Barbara, in the Las Vegas Temple in May 1997.

Leo is survived by his wife, Barbara; son, Jeff Dunbar (Gloria); daughter, DeAnn Dunbar (Jamie); stepson, John Barlow (Pamela); stepdaughter Julie Murray (Robert), 15 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Viewing will be at 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway in Henderson. Funeral services will be at 9:20 a.m. Monday, Feb. 6, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City.

Joseph Frederick Theilman

Joseph Frederick Theilman, 80, of Boulder City was a devoted, loving and wonderful father, master electrician and Korean War veteran. Joe leaves behind two sons, Rick Theilman of Henderson, and Daniel Theilman of Ashland, Ore., as well as many loving friends and caregivers.

Joe was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary Evelyn Theilman of San Jose, Calif.

Joe was an expert at designing, building and repairing any and all things. Joe’s sense of humor, smile and laugh were contagious. Pops could chew the fat with the best of them.

Joe was a people person but also had a love for his dogs, ducks, geese, as well as all of God’s creatures. Most of all, Joe was known as a loving, good-humored and beautiful man. His sweet nature and graceful bravery never faltered.

Joe Theilman passed in a peaceful moment with family. Instead of goodbye he lovingly said “Hi!”

Online donations can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation, www.michaeljfox.org, under the “Donate Now” tab.

Arnold M. Knightly, The Editor's Desk

I don’t think I have left the City Council chambers more disillusioned with you than I did Tuesday night.

The council, sitting as the Redevelopment Agency, asked the city manager to draw up plans to loan the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association $300,000 to help retire debt on the financially beleaguered museum.

As I said in my Dec. 29 column, I support the government having a role in supporting the arts and museums. This move, however, to help the nonprofit museum with RDA funds, – which in turn helps the for-profit hotel and the for-profit restaurant – just doesn’t feel right to me, but maybe I’m missing the boat on this one.

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By Jack Johnson, Boulder City Review

The Redevelopment Agency Board asked the city staff Tuesday to draft the paperwork for a $300,000 loan for the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association to assist in retiring the organization’s debt.

The loan will likely be interest-free, and will be incrementally forgiven each year until it is entirely forgiven in 2029, the sunset date of the agency, said the association’s attorney Bruce Woodbury.

Brok Armantrout, community development director/RDA assistant executive director, said the exact terms of the loan have yet to be decided, but should be final by the next agency meeting in April.

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By Jack Johnson, Boulder City Review

Negotiations between city officials and unionized electric division workers are at a standstill after months of the two sides trying to reach a collective bargaining agreement.

The city and Teamsters Local 14, representing the nine employees of the city’s electrical collective bargaining unit, began negotiations March 30 in an effort to reach a new agreement before the existing one expired on June 30, 2011.

However, after 10 months, six negotiation sessions and twice meeting with a mediator, an agreement has still not been reached.

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Editor’s note: This is the prepared remarks from Mayor Roger Tobler’s State of the City address given Thursday, Jan. 26 at Boulder Creek Golf Club. There will be a full report in the Boulder City Review on Feb. 2.

State of the City Address

26 January 2012

Mayor Roger Tobler

Introduction

Ladies and gentlemen, my fellow Council members and City staff, invited guests, and fellow residents of Boulder City, good evening. It is my honor and my privilege to once again be with you tonight to discuss the state of our great City. It is my hope that in the next few minutes, I will be able to share with you my vision for Boulder City—to help you review with me all we have accomplished, examine carefully the challenges we face and look forward with you to all that 2012 has to offer.

Council and Staff Recognition

Let me begin by recognizing the efforts of the good men and women who sit behind me tonight. While you may see them twice a month on BCTV or recognize them as they work and serve in the community, a great deal of time is also spent behind the scenes representing the City in a variety of capacities.

Mayor Pro Tem Cam Walker serves on:

• the Boulder City Community Educational Advisory Board,

• the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority Board,

• the Nevada Development Authority,

• on the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition,

• and on the Clark County Debt Management Committee.

Council Member Peggy Leavitt serves on:

• the Friend of the Arts Board,

• Nevada League of Cities Board of Directors,

• Nevada League of Cities Legislative Committee,

• Southern Nevada Criminal Justice Advisory Council,

• Workforce Connections Board,

• and as the Alternate representative to the Southern Nevada Health District Board.

Council Member Duncan McCoy serves on:

• the Nevada League of Cities Board of Directors,

• the Nevada League of Cities Legislative Committee

• and the Southern Nevada Water Authority Board.

Council Member Rodney Woodbury serves:

• on the Southern Nevada District Board of Health,

• and the Clark County School District Oversight Panel,

And as your mayor, I am pleased to serve on:

• the Civilian Military Council Executive Board,

• the Regional Flood Control District Board of Directors,

• and on the Regional Transportation Committee Board of Directors.

Having our elected officials participate in these boards and community coalitions is important, as it allows us to build relationships, safeguard our interests and look for ways Boulder City can participate in regional decision making.

Let me say here on a personal note how grateful I am for these fine people who serve Boulder City. I sincerely appreciate their willingness to focus on important issues, maintain a professional demeanor and work productively with our City staff. Some have noted our recent City Council meetings are not as “exciting” as they once were, but if that means we’re no longer a weekly reality show, I’m fine with that.

In addition, our capable City Manager, Vicki Mayes and several other key City Staff are here, and we thank them for their continued dedication and efforts in behalf of our community. I also appreciate the efforts of Roger Hall and Staff in providing this setting where we can meet to review the previous year and discuss the decisions and opportunities ahead.

As we meet tonight, I am pleased that there is much to report in the way of success. The last few years have been difficult ones, but the work we’ve done during this difficult time, however, has strengthened us and prepared us to take advantage of some great opportunities. And there remain decisions to be made and steps to be taken. I hope to briefly revisit with you our successes and those things that remain on our list of things to do in 2012.

Successes

Energy Zone

Let me begin by discussing the progress that’s been made in the energy zone.

Although Boulder City is best known as the Home of Hoover Dam because it began as a construction camp for dam workers in the 30’s, it is quickly becoming known for its solar energy development. Boulder City is different from many communities because although its population is small, it is large geographically. The City is over 200 square miles in size. But what makes Boulder City really a special place is that most of the land within the city limits is owned by the City. Because of its large land holdings and because of its commitment to being “clean and green” Boulder City is now being recognized on the map as a home for solar energy development.

The area within this red boundary is about 185,000 acres of city owned land. Much of the area has been set aside for a multi-species conservation easement, but some area has been reserved for recreation and solar energy development. The areas set aside for solar energy development are shown in color.

Nevada Solar 1 is a 65 mw concentrated solar trough facility currently in operation. Both Copper Mountain Solar and Nevada Solar 1 have expansions planned. Nevada Solar 1 has 95 mw planned on land just south of its current site.

Boulder City has over 120 mw of solar energy facilities in operation today, and over 1400 mgwts are in various planning stages. Copper Mountain Solar 1 is a 58 mgwt photovoltaic solar facility constructed and operated on property leased from the City.

Copper Mountain Solar II, a new phase in their development, began construction this month. The first phase of a 150 mw photovoltaic facility will begin operation in spring of next year.

Copper Mountain also has another 887 acres under lease called Copper Mountain III or Copper Mountain North. This will be used to construct a 120 mw photovoltaic solar facility. Construction for this project is will begin in the following year.

In December of 2010, the City entered into a lease agreement with Techren Solar to develop a 300 mw facility on 2,200 acres of land.

The City also entered into a lease with KOMIPO for the lease of 1,500 acres of land south of the Techren site. A three to four year development period is planned. This will also be a photovoltaic solar facility.

The City is close to finalizing negotiations with KOWEPO for another 900 acre site in the original townsite adjacent to the city’s wastewater treatment plant. It is estimated that this site has the potential for another 120 mw photovoltaic solar facility.

When all of these projects are fully built, the City will have over 8,000 acres of land under lease for solar development which will produce about 1400 mw of solar power.

The City is very proud of the progress in the Energy Zone, and in an effort to highlight this progress, it has set aside land for UNLV to develop a solar energy demonstration site which can showcase the different types of solar energy facilities. The benefit to Boulder City is that these lease-holds generate significant revenue and add to the property tax base of the City. These developments are also perfect partners for our small town in that they utilize green technologies and have little demand on City resources, so they only impact the quality of life in our community in a positive way. Boulder City is very pleased to work with Nevada Solar 1 and Copper Mountain Solar 1. Both of these companies have been excellent community partners in every way.

So what does all this mean to Boulder City in dollars and cents? As this table demonstrates, the Energy Zone will continue to be an invaluable asset to our City. It will allow us to carry out our financial plan, which includes:

1. Eliminating our debt

2. Restoring capital reserves and stabilizing other City funds

3. And rebuilding our ending Fund Balance.

4. And stabilizing our revenue stream for many years to come.

Our solar lease revenue has helped us maintain our levels of city services and programs during a very difficult financial time. Apart from these lease payments, we are also receiving an upfront payment from KOMIPO for $5 million and another from KOWEPO for $3.5 million. Both include a walk-away provision that will provide the City with compensation if the project does not move forward.

But there are other benefits as well. The development of the energy zone will provide between two and three thousand jobs for the local economy at a time when those positions are desperately needed. The revenues from the development of the energy zone will be instrumental in getting our city budget back on track and helping to cover rising infrastructure maintenance and replacement costs without raising rates. We have also received funding in the amount of $500,000 from one of the energy zone developers, Sempra Energy, to be used for any type of renewable energy project on public buildings. This could include solar energy, high efficiency retrofits or other projects that help our City live up to its desire to be clean and green.

93 Widening

Another success story this year has been the widening of US 93 through the Hemenway Valley. It was just a year ago that we were seeing pictures like this of the traffic in that area, and it was a real concern both for this community and for those who were passing through to visit Southern Nevada.

In December of 2010 we held a joint press conference with the Regional Transportation Commission to bring attention to this problem, and I’m pleased to report that our continued efforts to work with NDOT have been successful. This year US 93 was widened by two lanes from Buchanan to the Hacienda Hotel in order to accommodate the additional traffic brought by the opening of the Bridge. This short-term solution has brought some relief, but as our recent traffic backups over the holiday showed us, the only viable long-term way to address this problem will be the construction of Interstate 11, which includes the bypass around Boulder City.

Now is not the time to let up. We need to keep the heat on the Nevada Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration to address what we knew was coming. Though traffic has improved, it’s still significant enough to warrant the Bypass.

Last year, a bill was approved in the 2011 legislative session to keep the Boulder City Bypass project moving. Senator Joe Hardy should be thanked by all of us for his miraculous ability to resurrect the toll road legislation in the final hours of the State Legislature. The bill gave the RTC the ability to pursue public-private partnerships and tolling for the Boulder City Bypass. NDOT will continue with Phase 1 of the Bypass (Railroad Pass to US 95), with the RTC working on Phase 2 (US 95 to the Hoover Dam Bypass Bridge) The RTC is in the process of identifying the appropriate partnership for developing Phase 2 of the Boulder City Bypass.

The RTC issued a request for proposals for consulting services to help with the engineering and financial analyses necessary to implement the project. Five firms responded to the RFP. The successful firm will assist with traffic study updates, toll and revenue studies, right-of-way setting, surveying, cost estimates, and the other work that may need to be completed before a public-private partnership can be finalized. The contract with the consultant is expected to be awarded in the spring of this year.

Once that firm is brought on board, the RTC will work with the consultant to study the most effective project delivery method. That could mean tolling and/or a variety of other ways that public-private partnerships could benefit the project. The major milestones for the public-private partnership include:

• Selection of the preliminary engineering and financial analysis firm (Spring 2012)

• Traffic and toll revenue studies (Fall / winter 2012)

• Issue a request for proposals for a contractor (Fall 2013)

Finding the right fit for a public-private partnership will take some time. The RTC knows how important this project is to Boulder City, and they are committed to finding the right partner to help build it.

Plans continue to move forward for the development of a deepwater shipping port in Baja California that I discussed in last year’s State of the City address. This will mean that each year, thousands of cargo ships laden with goods from around the globe will dock and unload their cargo there. That cargo will then be loaded into perhaps thousands of trucks, many of which will enter the United States, come through Phoenix and on through Boulder City to service the western states. 70% of the transportation of goods in the U.S. is done by trucks. The temporary relief we’ve received from the widening of a small stretch of highway through Boulder City will not be adequate to handle this kind of interstate commerce. Again, this is a burden our small community should not have to bear alone, and we need to find a real solution to our current and future traffic issues now. That real solution is Interstate 11.

Landfill and Recycling Permitting

On July 28, 2011 the Board of Health approved the City’s application to expand the historic 10-acre permit to the actual footprint of buried waste, which is 60-acres. Prior to this permitting process, we were quickly running out of capacity for the City’s landfill. Without a new permit, we would have been required to close our current landfill and open a new site, the cost of which would have been extremely high, and perhaps even out of our reach. This expansion provides Boulder City with available space for landfill operations estimated through the year 2054. With the implementation of the improvements to the City’s recycling program currently being discussed by the City Council, this date could extend much further into the future.

As a result of more stringent guidelines enacted by the Southern Nevada Health District, the operations plan for the recycling center in Boulder City was updated. On November 29, 2011 the Board of Health Approved the City’s application for the Recycling Center.

Special thanks goes to Rodney Woodbury for his guidance of this process and his role on the health district board, which was key to making this possible, to Scott Hansen of our Public Works department for his diligent efforts, and to Steve Kalish of BC Disposal for his valuable assistance with permitting.

Financial Plan Update

Let me end this portion of tonight’s speech with a discussion of the City’s financial plan. Although the City’s revenue snapshot may not be as healthy as it was prior to 2008, 2011 marked the first time in three years that the City’s budget projections were on target with actual results, so we are moving in the right direction. Over the past year, both the General Fund and Utility Fund balances increased. The General Fund balance on June 30, 2011 was about $600,000 more than was anticipated in the budget. The stabilization of the General Fund and the slight rebound of fund balance can be attributed to:

• continued reduction in expenses (over $2M last year);

• stabilization of consolidated tax revenue (increased by $368,549),

• new solar lease revenue (increased by $328,000) and

• increased property tax revenue ($108,495).

Although expenses were reduced, there were only minor adjustments to service levels in the City and no programs or services have been eliminated. The increases in revenue, combined with general cost cutting, allowed the City to increase its General Fund balance to about $2.8 million at the close of last year, exceeding all of our expectations. This is important because our General Fund reserves remain very low (about 12% of expenses) and leave the City very vulnerable to any revenue or expense fluctuations in the future.

On the Utility Fund side, the electric division saw an income increase of $1.3 million, primarily due to the past year’s rate increase. Operating expenses were stable and overall net income increased from $2.3 million in the prior fiscal year to $3.7 million last fiscal year. The City Council has been utilizing increased lease income to reduce debt in both the Utility Fund and General Fund. There has also been a strong emphasis on re-establishing reserves in the Utility Fund which were eliminated when BCGC was constructed. The City adopted its financial plan in April of 2011, and the plan’s focus is debt reduction, restoration of capital funding and rebuilding reserves. In this year’s budget, $500,000 has been set aside in the Utility Fund for rate stabilization and $500,000 was set aside for long-term capital reserve.

The budget that the City has adopted for this year (fiscal year 2012) reflects this financial plan. It allocates $2.3 million of Utility Fund reserves and $500,000 of capital improvement funds to pay down debt on the Third Intake, as our current agreement with the Southern Nevada Water Authority requires. In this year alone, $2.8 million will be paid toward this overall debt of $13 million. $775,000 of new lease revenue has been allocated toward accelerated debt payments for Boulder Creek Golf Course bonds. In addition, $750,000 was allocated toward General Fund capital needs.

In the future, the financial plan calls for the reduction of the Utility Fund transfer to the General Fund, which when combined with accelerated debt reduction, will help the City stabilize utility rates. This past year and this year has been a time for rebuilding. Although the downturn was a fast slippery slope, rebuilding is a slow, methodical, process. Rebuilding of the City’s finances will take careful planning, time and commitment, but I believe BC is taking the right first steps in rebuilding its financial future.

To Dos

Over the past several minutes, we’ve focused on what’s been accomplished during 2011, and I’m sure you’ve noticed that many of those accomplishments are really milestones on the way to larger goals.

Landfill Recycling

The City recently held a workshop on recycling for a new city-wide recycling program. Staff has researched many existing programs, and we believe we have the appropriate framework for Boulder City’s future recycling plan.

Nevada Way Revitalization

Boulder City is in the process of construction for the roadway improvements for Nevada Way, from Buchanan Boulevard to Wyoming Street. The design includes complete pavement removal, new sewer and new water mains, new water services, street scape improvements including landscaping, street lights, signage, bike racks, medians, etc. Also included in the design are bike lanes, decorative intersection paving, an artistic archway, bus turnouts and ADA accessibility improvements. Construction is anticipated to be completed early this summer.

Utility Improvements and Rate Structure

The City Council and staff will be reviewing the utility infrastructure needs. Many portions of our existing electrical infrastructure are in need of upgrade and repair to bring it into compliance with current standards and provide reliable service. We also need to review the existing rate structure in light of current needs. By setting up the electrical capital improvements plan, we hope to minimize power outages and interruptions in the future.

Strategic Plan

The City is now in the process of developing a strategic plan. Some of you may be getting calls to participate in a survey used as research in that strategic planning process. We hope you’ll respond when contacted so we can get an accurate picture of what your priorities are for the future. The plan will be used both as a planning and budget tool to guide decisions for Boulder City.

Other items on our list of things to do this year include:

• The City council and staff will continue to be busy implementing the financial plan.

• Conducting labor negotiations for City employees

City Report

Truly, the future is bright for Boulder City. 2011 brought challenges, but even in the midst of those challenges we enjoyed the blessings and benefits of our great City. Throughout the community, individuals, organizations and businesses and City staff made great efforts to preserve our quality of life, and in many cases, we’ve done more with less.

Public safety

Public safety is a priority that remains at the forefront of our efforts as a City. The men and women who serve our community are skilled and dedicated, and we are grateful for the services they provide.

We were pleased to provide additional tools for them to do their job this year, especially Truck 121, a new ladder truck which will be placed in service next week. In 2011, we also purchased two new ambulances to replace aging equipment. Those will be placed in service by July of this year.

During 2011, our fire department responded to more than 2,000 emergency calls, and more than 1,700 of those calls were for emergency medical services. Their average response time on those calls was under 8 minutes.

According to the Chief, their greatest accomplishment this year was actually their defeat of the Police Department in their annual softball game during National Night Out. It was a victory a long time in coming, which made it even that much more meaningful.

Our police department once again provided exemplary service in 2011. While Boulder City’s police officers do a superb job of protecting our residents, their success in making Boulder City one of the safest cities in Nevada would not be possible without their strong partnership with the community.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports from 2006 through 2010, crime in our city has dropped significantly. Violent crimes, which include murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, dropped by 26%. Property crimes, which include burglary, theft and motor vehicle theft, also dropped dramatically and are now 53% of what they were five years ago. Those incredible and consistent reductions in violent and property crimes can only be achieved by a partnership between the police department and our citizens, and the extraordinary efforts of a well-trained and dedicated police force focused on preventing crime and ensuring the safety and security of the residents. Our low crime rate is particularly impressive when one realizes that we are situated within 25 miles of Las Vegas, a city with a worldwide reputation for “anything goes.”

The following items are an important snapshot of the service provided by our Police Department:

• During the road-widening construction on US 93 in the summer and fall of 2011, a total of 554 truck drivers were cited for driving on the roadway during the times when they were prohibited. Those citations generated over $100,000 in revenue for the city.

• Dispatchers received over 54,000 phone calls in our dispatch center, resulting in their dispatching police and or rescue to over 37,000 calls for service.

• Our two animal control officers responded to almost 4,500 calls for service. They impounded 350 animals, issued over 200 verbal/written warnings and 48 citations, completed over 350 missing animal reports, and adopted out over 70 animals.

• Our 14 part-time officers provided over 5,000 hours of patrol time, and some of that time was spent providing security at our landfill and our city council meetings. They also spent over 500 hours providing prisoner transports to and from the Henderson and Clark County jails. At $14.84 an hour, our part-time officers’ services represent a tremendous savings to the city’s taxpayers and they free up our full-time officers for patrol and other crime suppression and investigation activities.

• Our police auxiliary volunteers provide invaluable services to the police department, both in the police station and in the field. In 2011, our auxiliaries provided over 2,000 hours of free services to the Boulder City Police Department.

Parks and Recreation

The services and facilities offered by our Parks and Recreation Department contribute greatly to what we term “quality of life” in our community. Though their budgets have been heavily affected in recent years, they have still provided quality programs and facilities for us to use and enjoy. This has included improvements to the Pool & Racquetball complex and providing hundreds of recreation and sports classes and programs that thousands of our resident use each year.

Public Works

As I mentioned before, our Public Works Department will be heavily involved this year in the improvements to be made along Nevada Way.

Other public works projects have included

• Replacement of the water service lateral at Lake Mountain Estates

• A remodel of the garage at the LA Department of Water & Power Building to provide additional storage

• Remodeling and upgrading of the Utility Department office in City Hall

• Upgrades to the water lines and monitoring systems that serve the Energy Zone

• The installation of restrooms at Bicentennial Park

• And rehabilitation of the City’s West Water Tank.

Airport

Our airport received funding for the reconstruction of the north-south runway, which will take place later this year. This funding will also be used to rehabilitate the pavement between the hangars. Finally, the Airport will be completing an update to the Airport Layout Plan, a document that will guide the future operation and development of the Airport. The Airport continues to be self-supporting through revenues generated at the field – meaning no General Fund dollars are spent at the airport.

Community Development

So as you can see, we’ve continued to work hard to provide everything we can for our residents. As we can afford to make them, more changes will come. Our goal is to provide an attractive, efficient business corridor through the City that serves our residents and welcomes our guests. Having a healthy business climate in Boulder City provides services and goods to the community, and also utility revenues that help keep costs low for everyone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I am grateful for the change we see on the horizon. I hope you are, too. This has been a difficult few years, and it has required the best in all of us to meet the challenges of a struggling economy. I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of so many people who have tightened their belts and done more with less. There are still many challenges to be addressed, but I truly believe they can be overcome if we continue to work together and be prudent in our decisions.

My friends, this is a wonderful place. I spoke recently with a friend who moved from Boulder City this last year, and he told me how difficult it has been for his family to leave a community like ours. From schools where people care about our children and grandchildren, to businesses that provide a special touch, to community events and celebrations, to the beauty of the land that surrounds us, this is a special place. To my friend—and to all of us who live here—this is more than a small town on the map. It truly is a community—a place where good people give of themselves and work together to create a quality of life we love.

As your Mayor and as a City Council, we thank you for your continued support and participation. It is an honor for us to serve you, and we acknowledge the trust you’ve placed in us. It is my hope that we’ll continue to work together and focus on those most important things that make this City great for us and for future generations.

Thank you.

Bradford Lewis Benson, Sept. 26, 1921 – Jan. 20, 2012

Bradford Lewis Benson, “Brad,” 90, passed away on Jan. 20, 2012. He was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Sept. 26, 1921. Soon after Pearl Harbor, Brad enlisted in the United States Air Force and served his country for 32 Years. He was part of World War II, Korea and Vietnam as a fighter pilot. After the service he went into the hardware business, something he always wanted to do.

After his second retirement, Brad and his wife Sheila moved out to Boulder City after a short visit. They spent the next wonderful 25 years in Boulder City. Brad was very active in the community. He served on the hospital board from 1994 to 2001 and also was a member of the planning commission until health forced him to resign. He was instrumental in getting the Nevada State Veterans Home and Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City.

Brad was very proud of being chairman on the trustees at the Elks. As a member of the Elks he earned many rewards and enjoyed “The Christmas Baskets for the Needy of Boulder City.” He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America, and the Air Force Association. His proudest membership was in the Order of the Daedalians, a fraternal order of military pilots.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Benson; his son, John C. Benson and daughter-in-law, Pam, who live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. He will be missed by many.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Feb., 3, 2012, at noon, at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com.

Jane Cheek, Oct. 2, 1931 – Jan. 22, 2012

Jane Cheek, 80 of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 22, 2012, at the Nevada State Veterans Home. She was born on Oct. 2, 1931, in Los Angeles, Calif., to Wilbur Carol Teets. Jane graduated from South Pasadena San Marino High School in California.

She worked as a bookkeeper for Bill Winn and Cal Tech before retiring in 1973 and loved her job. After retiring she moved to Arizona for a short period before settling in Boulder City in 1979. She was a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 36. She had a strong faith and was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Jane is survived by her son, Allen Giswein of Boulder City; three stepsons, Gary Cheek of Lake Oswego, Oreg., Robert Cheek of St. George, Utah, Fred L. Cheek of Roseburg, Oreg; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, Fred Cheek; and a son, Dennis Cheek

A memorial service is pending at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortaury.com

Murray Joseph Gaber, March 14, 1921 – Jan. 21, 2012

Murray Joseph Gaber, of Boulder City, passed away on Jan. 21, 2012. He was born on March 14, 1921, in the Bronx, N.Y.

Murray was one of the last Pearl Harbor survivors in the Las Vegas area. A gunner for the United States Army on Dec. 7, 1941, he saved many lives that day and became a war hero. After receiving a Purple Heart for serving in WWII, he later became a proud member of the Jewish War Veterans and the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association.

After his military service, he returned to New York City where he met his one and only love, Pearl Lee Lange. They were married and moved to Chicago where they owned and operated Lee and Murray’s jewelry store, and Murray worked for 20 years as a watch repairman at Elgin Watch Company and Sears.

Murray was a devoted family man who spent 52 years married to Pearl Lee Lange and raised two sons, Jack and Ron, and dearly adored his two grandchildren, Whitney and Sabrina, who lovingly called him “Papa Murr.”

He spent his free time umpiring Little League games, watching sports, barbecuing his neighborhood’s famous barbecue chicken, and enjoying time with his family. He could always be found cheering on the home teams of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. He was also involved with the Loyal Order of Moose and the Knights of Columbus.

Upon retirement 25 years ago, Murray and Pearl fulfilled a lifelong dream and moved west to Las Vegas. Murray loved everything about his new city. He worked at McCarran Airport for a decade as a baggage screener at night and enjoyed living in the sunshine and heat. He spent his final years at the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, Jan. 30, at 9:20 a.m., at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the Jewish War Veterans of America at www.jwv.org/donations/donation.ph Family and friends can sign an online guestbook at >www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Karole Kelstrom Hoffer, Nov. 16, 1944 – Jan. 23, 2012

Karole Kelstrom Hoffer, 67, passed away Jan. 23, 2012, in Boulder City, after a long illness. She was born Nov. 16, 1944, in Ludlow, Mass.

Karole was a longtime resident of Boulder City. She graduated from Boulder City High School in 1964, earned a master’s degree in nursing and worked as a school nurse for the Clark County School District until 2007. She and her husband were founders and longtime owners of the Pit Stop in Boulder City. She was a champion for the underprivileged and was instrumental in obtaining free dental care and free school meals for needy children. She was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She loved life and learning. She especially loved children. She will greatly be missed.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Bud Hoffer (1996); father, Larry Kelstrom (2004); sisters, Susan Newton (2005) and Barbara Kelstom (1952).

She is survived by her daughter, Charlotte Lockwood of Boulder City; stepdaughter, Timothy Foss of Freeland, Wash; grandchildren, Eric Lockwood, Betsy Lockwood and Jimmy Yowell of Boulder City; and Catherine and Bobby Watson of Freeland, Wash.; great-grandchildren, Madeline Lockwood and Jacob Fennell of Boulder City; mother, Barbara Kelstrom of Boulder City; brother, Nels Kelstrom of Clinton, Wash.; sister, Lynn Thompson of Boulder City; many loving nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 26, 2012, at 1 p.m., at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boulder City, 591 Adams Blvd. A viewing was held Wednesday, Jan. 25, at Boulder City Family Mortuary, 833 Nevada Way. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bo >mortuary.com

Lido Angelo Paglia, Nov. 12, 1931 – Jan. 18, 2012

Lido Angelo Paglia passed away unexpectedly at his home on Jan. 18, 2012, to be with his Lord and family.

He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1931. Lido was a Korean War era veteran, serving in Germany with the U.S. Army. When his sister and parents moved to Las Vegas in the early ’50s, he and his brothers followed and became Lido Construction and Paglia Construction, working together and independently. Many homes, apartment complexes, commercial buildings and businesses still thrive today in Las Vegas, Reno and Palm Springs.

He was active in the Jaycees and his passion was building, flying his plane, and boating and partying on Lake Mead with his family and friends. He moved to Boulder City in 1974 and subsequently built two homes overlooking Lake Mead. He provided Boulder City with the first Boat Storage “The BoatHouse” and went on to build many more.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Philomena Paglia; brothers, Nicholas, Anthony Jr. and Raymond. He is survived by his sister, Rose Thomas Weaver; daughters, Vicki Brandon Chase (Rod) and Michelle Paglia (Howard Vander Meer); and his grandchildren, Ashley and Lido Brandon, Destiny and Dalton Kirkpatrick; along with many nieces and nephews. His family and friends love and will miss him, along with his many stories and laughter.

Visitation will be 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 26, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, in Henderson. Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan 27, at St. Andrew Catholic Community, 1399 San Felipe Drive, Boulder City, with interment at Palm Mausoleum in Boulder City.

Shirley Marguerite Tapley, Jan. 8, 1923 – Jan. 14, 2012

Shirley Marguerite Tapley, 89, a resident of the Nevada State Veterans Home passed away on Jan. 14, 2012, in Boulder City.

She was born on Jan. 8, 1923, in Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, to Richard Gladwyn and Eva Marguerite Hewer Newton. She married Russell Chester Tapley on Nov. 6, 1944, in Prince George, British Columbia, Canada, and became a U.S. citizen May 31, 1949.

Shirley trained as a nurse at the Royal Columbia Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. She was a grand homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and making crafts, playing the organ and looking for buried treasure with her Digger friends.

She was happiest when her nieces and grandchildren spent the summers with her and Russell.

Shirley was very active in the community as a PEO Sister, past member of Eastern Star, Job’s Daughter Guardian, Oomiacs and Rose Society of Auburn. She was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Ogden, Utah, and Auburn, Wash.; and the United Methodist Church in Shelton, Wash.

Shirley is survived by her daughter, Deanna Calef of Seattle, Wash; granddaughter, Cristine Fraas of Las Vegas; grandson, Stuart Calef of Seattle, Wash.; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Hanson of Las Vegas; brother, Donald Newton of Sydney, British Columbia, Canada; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Russell Tapley; her sister, Muriel Louise Newton; three brothers, Warner Newton, David Newton and Richard Keith Newton.

Shirley will be interred with her husband at Tahoma National Cemetery in Washington at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Activities Fund, Nevada State Veterans Home, 100 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City 89005.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Boulder City Family Mortuary. The family invites you to sign the online memorial guestbook at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com

Anthony H. Wirtz, May 20, 1927 – Jan. 23, 2012

Anthony H. Wirtz, 84, of Boulder City, passed away Jan. 23, 2012. He was born May 20, 1927, in Wilkes-Barre, Penn., raised in the Chicago area, and was a 31-year resident of Nevada.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army at 17 and served at the end of World War II. After his discharge, he remained in Berlin as a civilian employee of the War Department. Graduating magna cum laude from Notre Dame in 1951, he received his master’s degree from the University of New Mexico in 1957.

He worked as a wholesale drug sales agent in Albuquerque, then in a series of federal management positions for NASA, Bureau of Aeronautics, Bureau of Naval Weapons, and Bureau of Indian Affairs as development officer for the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah.

He joined the Army Reserves with the Berlin Call-up of 1961, retiring with the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1965 he moved to Vietnam to supervise projects for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He continued with USAID in Vientiane, Laos; Islamabad, Pakistan; and Nouakchott, Mauritania.

He moved to Boulder City in 1981 where he had the H&R Block franchise, and sold real estate and insurance. He was a member of St. Andrew Catholic Community, the Knights of Columbus, ROA, AFSA, the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association, and treasurer of the US-China People Friendship Association.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rosalie; daughter, Rosette McClave; son-in-law, Scott McClave; son, Patrick; and four grandchildren, Katie, Andrew, Piper and Jack.

There is a Web memorial at www.dignitymemorial.com. A rosary will be held Sunday, Jan., 29, at 6:30 p.m, followed by a vigil at 7 p.m., at St. Andrew Catholic Community, 1399 San Felipe Drive, Boulder City.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, Jan. 30, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Andrew Catholic Community, followed by a burial at noon at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Buchanan Blvd., Boulder City.

By Jack Johnson, Boulder City Review

Boulder City can rest assured that its energy costs will remain somewhat stable in the future thanks to the U.S. Congress extending the city’s allocation of Hoover Dam power for the next 55 years.

The Hoover Power Allocation Act of 2011, a bill signed by President Barack Obama on Dec. 20, extends the contract for the various entities using dam power until the year 2067.

Hoover Dam is seen from the Mike O'Callaghan-Pat Tilman Memorial Bridge in August 2010. Photo by Steve Andrascik

The current agreement dates back to 1984 and was set to expire in 2017, leaving the power contractors in California, Arizona and Nevada with the possibility that allocations could have been altered with the contract’s renewal.

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Library to hold events for kids and families

The Boulder City Library will be hosting a series of events for children and families. The library is located at 701 Adams Blvd.

The library hosts story time for children ages 2 to 5 every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the story room.

Today, Thursday, the Lego Challenge returns at 4 p.m. to the board room. The event is for children ages 7 and up. Legos will be provided. Call 293-1281 to register.

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, the toddler storytime will be held at 9:30 a.m. in the story room. Children up to 36 months are welcome.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, at 4 p.m., the Valentine’s Day Craft returns for all ages in the community room.

On Friday, Feb. 17, the youth book club will be held at 4 p.m. in the board room. The club is for students grades 5 and up. Call 293-1281 to register.

Community Club schedules luncheon

The Community Club will be holding its annual appreciation luncheon today, Thursday, at 12:30 p.m. It will take place in the Executive Board Room in the downstairs area of the Boulder Dam Hotel.

Special guest will be Patty Sullivan, director of the 31ers. An actress from the 31ers will be doing a dramatic interpretation.

There will also be a raffle. For reservations please call Phyllis Holsey at 293-4381.

Mayor’s State of the City to be held today

Mayor Roger Tobler will give his annual State of the City address today, Thursday, at the Boulder Creek Golf Club, 1501 Veterans Memorial Drive. The social hour starts at 5 p.m. with Tobler delivering his address at 6 p.m. Please RSVP to the city clerk by Jan. 19 at 293-9208.

RPEN to hold monthly meeting

The Boulder City Chapter of the Retired Public Employees of Nevada invites you to our January Membership Meeting today, Thursday, at 11 a.m. at The Homestead of Boulder City, 1401 Medical Park Drive.

Guest speaker will be Stanna Musick, discussing her program to send items to troops serving in Afghanistan. She is currently sending sweat pants, sweat shirts and other needed items to the wounded in a surgical supply unit.

Feel free to bring friends who are also public employees. Call Bernard Paolini at 294-0636 or email him at bernardpaolini@cox.net for more information.

Alzheimer’s Support Group helps family, friends

The Alzheimer’s Support Group will meet at The Homestead, 1401 Medical Park Drive, the first and third Thursdays of every month. Caregivers, family and friends of those with Alzheimer’s disease or memory problems are welcome to join the meetings.

There is no fee to attend. Those interested in more information about the meetings can call 294-8720.

Free support group for those with memory loss

The Homestead, 1401 Medical Park Drive, will offer a support group for those in the early to midstage of memory loss the first Thursday of the month at 1 p.m. The group provides an opportunity to meet others who have similar difficulties, to exchange information, express feelings and receive support.

The group is led by Mary Shapiro, MSG, CMC, author of “Alzheimer’s Disease: A Practical and Legal Guide for Nevada Residents.”

Please contact The Homestead at Boulder City at 294-8720 for information and registration.

Gallery announces First Thursday speaker

Dam Short Film Festival Director John LaBonney will be speaking about the upcoming 8th annual festival on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. Event is followed by Q & A and light fare, and is free and open to the public. A percentage of all purchases help to support the homeless through Family Promise of Las Vegas. For further information call 501-9219 or email thecornergallerybc@gmail.com. The Corner Gallery is at 1325 Arizona St.

Miss BC applications accepted through Feb. 3

Application deadline for the Miss Boulder City Pageant has been extended to Friday, Feb. 3. Pageant contestants must be residents of Boulder City, attending high school and have a minimum accumulative grade point average of 3.3. The pageant will be held at the Boulder City High School Auditorium on May 26.

American Legion to host meetings every first Tuesday

American Legion Post 31 hosts its monthly meeting the first Tuesday of every month at the American Legion Hall, 508 California Ave. Call commander Doug McHam at 293-6374 for more information.

The Legion still has Support Our Troops T-shirts and golf shirts for sale. The money that is raised will provide our troops overseas with much-needed supplies. If you would like to purchase one of these shirts, please see Joe Rowe on Thursday or Friday afternoons at Albertsons or call 722-4273.

Republican caucus Feb. 4

The Clark County Republican Party’s caucus will be held Saturday, Feb. 4. Doors open at 8 a.m. and meetings start at 9 a.m. The location of your caucus meeting is determined by your precinct number, and all precinct numbers have been recently changed. New precinct numbers and caucus locations are as follows:

n Boulder City High School for precinct numbers: 7542, 7545, 7550, 7551, 7552, 7553, 7554, 7555, 7562.

n Boulder Creek Golf Course Pavilion for precinct numbers: 1671, 7561, 7563, 7564.

Find your new precinct number, caucus location and preregister at www.ccrp2012caucus.org. If you do not have online access, you may call the Boulder City Republican Women hotline at 702-393-1228 for this information.

Railroad museum closed for yearly maintenance

The Nevada State Railroad Museum will be closed until Feb. 4 for its yearly mainetenance. Call 486-5006 or visit www.NevadaSouthern.com for more information.

Dam Short Film Festival returns

The 8th annual Dam Short Film Festival will be held Feb. 8-11 at the Boulder Theatre, 1225 Arizona St. The festival will screen 110 short films from all over the world. Go to www.damshortfilm.org for more information.

Bootleg Canyon to host day/night run

The Bootleg Day/Night Run will be held Saturday, Feb. 11, at Bootleg Canyon. The time of the morning run is 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and the night run is 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Call Glenn Millar at 343-3089 for more information.

Bootleg Canyon to host cycling event

Reaper Madness, a downhill and super D cycling event, will be held at Bootleg Canyon, Feb. 18-19. Contact Downhill Mike at 518-524-9805, or Elias Ingraham at 518-637-1464, for more information. Log on to www.downhillmike.com for registration information.

High school drama to present “Cinderella”

The high school’s theater students will present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” musical March 1-3.

by Chuck Muth, Boulder City Review

The purpose of National School Choice Week, Jan. 22-28, is “to shine a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children.” And nowhere is such exposure needed more than right here in Nevada.

Let’s first consider the latest failed experiment our government has performed on our nation’s children in its ongoing efforts to “fix” education, joining other failed fads such as new math, whole language, multiculturalism, block scheduling, cooperative learning and — I absolutely love this one — “brain-based teaching” (duh).

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by Bob Morris, Special to Boulder City Review

Saturday is the last of the pruning workshops at the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Orchard in North Las Vegas. There will only be one class, which starts at 9 a.m. The rest of the time will be spent pruning fruit trees. Come with your pruning shears and be ready to help out; we will match experienced volunteers with you to mentor your pruning efforts.

On Feb. 25, I will demonstrate grape pruning at the orchard. Stay tuned for more information on that workshop and demonstration. Please visit my blog, Xtremehorticulture of the Desert, for more information.

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Arnold M. Knightly, The Editor's Desk

by Arnold M. Knightly, The Editor’s Desk

If you have seen me around town the past few days you know I have been in a funk. I am not my bright, cheery self. All right, I’m never really bright and cheery.

I was going to write my column this week about how when a sitting U.S. President visits Las Vegas, tour planes, helicopters and other certain aircraft are grounded at the Boulder City Airport for the duration of the president’s visit.

But I just couldn’t pull it together. Weighing me down has been the death of a former friend of mine from cancer Jan. 7.

Doug Frye was a Las Vegas musician I met when I was working at Odyssey Records in 1990. Originally from Pittsburgh, Frye came to Las Vegas through a less-than-distinguished military career.

Full of life and always with a smile on his face, Frye had a love of music that was infectious. He was also an outstanding musician.

Frye, myself and another friend, John Qualley, used to go down to my house near the old Bishop Gorman High School, get rip-roaring drunk and watch the movie “Raising Arizona” repeatedly. We knew that movie by heart.

Frye and Qualley might have been the first people I told that I was going to be a father. The resulting child was my son Nathan, whose name was taken from “Raising Arizona.”

After Nathan was born I moved to another part of town and hung out with Frye less and less. Eventually we drifted away from Odyssey and lost touch. I can’t name 20 people I worked with at that store over six years, but I never forgot Doug.

At some point Qualley moved to Denver, but I lost touch with him too.

I would see Frye over the years: walking through the grass at a music festival or at random places.

I would think of him when I was in Memphis watching his favorite band, Fishbone.

The last time I saw him was maybe three years ago at some now-closed bar, playing with some band I have forgotten.

Whenever we would see each other, we would embrace, talk about old times and exchange numbers. On Facebook I would see his band was playing somewhere but I would tell myself I would catch them next time.

Frye would leave comments on my Facebook page when I was battling cancer.

It was on Facebook that I learned of Frye’s death. Frye found out just before Christmas he was sick, but by then it was too late.

I felt compelled to go to a memorial service that was held for Frye on Sunday at a smokey dive bar. But this is where Frye lived his life, with his friends that were there at the end.

The stories started coming back to me that I had suppressed, like the time I loaned/gave him $200 to get his bass out of the pawn store.

Qualley, now a touring musician himself, came in from Denver. We hugged for a long time, shed a tear for our friend, and promised to stay in touch.

He said “Raising Arizona” is still his favorite movie, as it is mine.

With the memorial service weighing heavy on my heart, my dad told me Tuesday that his brother Bill passed away. Again, we hadn’t talked in nearly 10 years, at least.

Time moves on and I have been guilty of not remembering who is important, and failing to reach out and tell them so.

By Jack Johnson

Boulder City Review

During a special meeting Jan. 19, the City Council discussed the city’s recycling needs as it prepares to address the future of its contract with Boulder City Landfill operator Waste Logistics.

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Jan. 17, 8:25 a.m.

Police received a report of a dead cat on Christina Drive.

Jan. 17, 8:58 p.m.

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By Bill Wilson

Boulder City Review

I’ve been meaning to write this article for some time now but have had trouble thinking about the subject matter. It has occurred for both my crew and I on two separate emergency calls over my 20-year career.

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