Hawthorne The Week of June 21, 2018 America’s Patriotic Home Mineral County

75¢ | Vol. 87 • No. 21 | A BattleIndependent-NewsIndependent-News Born Media newspaper The oldest continuous privately owned business in Mineral County. Published in Hawthorne, , since 1933

news | 3 opinion | 12 County commission highlights Can a Nevada law pass constitutional muster?

change of command Depot welcomes new commander By Heidi Bunch In that position, LTC Dustin responsibilities. leaders of their upcoming mis- MCIN Staff G. Bishop provided strategic di- He is a native of Hot Springs, sions within the ammo enter- rection on all logistical matters Ark. and received his com- prise. The Hawthorne Army De- to the command deliberate, cri- mission after graduating from The orientation was opened pot held their annual change sis action and operational plan- the ROTC program at the Uni- with Rhonda VanDeCasteele, of command presentation on ning efforts. versity of Arkansas in 2001. JMC Executive Direction who Wednesday, June 20. His planning efforts guided Prior to his commissioning as stated, “Everyone here is dedi- Outgoing commander, LTC and supported the work of a Multi-Functioning Logistics cated professionals that know Scott Bishop handed over con- four Service Components, a Officer, LTC Dustin G. Bishop what they are doing and so you trol of the depot to incoming sub-unified command, three served in the U.S. Army as an should trust that they will give commander, LTC Dustin G. standing Joint Task Forces and enlisted soldier for four years in you the help that you need.” Bishop. twenty five Security Cooper- the Medical Service Corps with The attendees were pro- LTC Dustin G. Bishop joins ation Offices operating in 45 duty at Fort Rucker, Ala. vided with detailed welcome the Hawthorne Army Depot, nations and territories. LTC Prior to taking command of packages, installation specific assuming the position from his Dustin G. Bishop additionally the Hawthorne Army Depot, packages and pre-command previous assignment in Plans coordinated with partners from LTC Dustin G. Bishop had a orientation point of contact in- LTC Dustin G. Bishop was and Exercises Division of the other government agencies and pre-command orientation at formation for use while in com- handed control of the Haw- United States Southern Com- the private sector in order to fa- Joint Munitions Command mand. thorne Army Depot at the mand Logistics Directorate, cilitate logistical support within (JMC) in Redstone Arsenal, change of command ceremony which he began on Oct. 1, 2014. the Southern Command area of Ala. in prepare him and other > See BISHOP, Page 2 Wednesday.

mineral county government State marijuana laws would trump federal laws under new bill for industry

By Humberto Sanchez juana sales in the state topped The Nevada Independent $41 million in March, a new record, which helped push to- The marijuana industry tal marijuana tax revenues to would be protected from fed- nearly $49 million through the eral interference in states like first nine months of the fiscal Nevada that have passed laws to year. With three months re- legalize the drug under a bill in- maining in the fiscal year, the troduced last week in Congress. state has already brought in “This is not a legalization about 97 percent of the com- bill,” said Sen. Cory Gardner, bined marijuana tax revenue a Republican from Colorado, that was projected for the entire at a press conference unveiling year. the bill Thursday. “This is an But the threat of federal pros- approach that allows the states ecution remains and has con- [that have legalized marijuana] tributed to the industry’s diffi- to move forward.” culty in accessing the banking Nevada, like Colorado, is system and collecting some tax Vic Trujillo one of the 46 states that have benefits. The bill, which would A brush fire on Mt. Grant was contained Monday evening after burning one to two acres. adopted laws permitting or allow state law to trump federal decriminalizing marijuana or law in states that have allowed marijuana-based products. marijuana use, is designed to Gardner said he has talked to address those issues. Weapons training suspected President about To qualify for an exemption the measure, and Trump last from federal law under the mea- Friday signaled initial support sure, states must adhere to a few cause of brush fire on Mt. Grant for the bill. basic rules including banning “I know exactly what he’s do- marijuana sales at highway rest By Heidi Bunch imately one to two acres in size), the Hawthorne ing; we’re looking at it,” Trump stops and ensuring that those MCIN Staff Army Depot coordinated with the Bureau of Land told reporters as he left for the working in the industry are at Management who provided aerial firefighting G7 meeting in Canada. “But I least 18 years old. A brush fire began at approximately 3:45 p.m. support. probably will end up support- “The way the law is designed on Monday, June 18 on Mt. Grant. In a release Per Bishop’s release, rotary and fixed wing air- ing that, yes.” is there are some federal guard- from Lt. Col. Scott Bishop’s office at the Haw- craft arrived on scene at approximately 6 p.m. and While Trump’s backing could rails as there often are in issues thorne Army Depot, it stated that the fire is sus- began extinguishing the fire. help win support among Re- that are left to the states,” said pected to be the result of National Guard soldiers “The fire was contained to depot property and publicans, prospects for the Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Dem- conducting weapons training on the nearby Free- was extinguished at 7:35 p.m.”, the release stated. legislation are unclear. House ocrat from Massachusetts, who dom Range. There we no injuries or threat to the public. and Senate Republican leaders appeared with Gardner at the Due to the location of the fire, it was not acces- “The Hawthorne Army Depot thanks BLM for will likely be reluctant to take press conference. sible by ground fire fighting vehicles and as the their rapid and effective support they provided up anything controversial be- Sen. , fire began to climb up Mt. Grant (growing approx- the depot,” Bishop concluded in the statement. fore the midterm elections in a Nevada Democrat, is a co- November. Also, there are sev- sponsor of the bill. eral pending must-pass pieces “Nevada voters have made it of legislation for Congress to clear that they favor the regula- politics take up, including the farm bill tion and taxation of marijuana as well as 12 annual appropria- in the state,” Cortez Masto said tions bills. in a release. “The federal gov- “It’s a messaging bill,” said ernment must respect the rights Rep. , a Democrat of states who choose to legalize Trump to visit swing state and champion for the mari- and regulate marijuana. This bi- juana industry in Congress. partisan bill will allow Nevada The measure is an attempt to to continue benefiting from the Nevada to stump for Sen. Heller settle a conflict with federal law, economic development and in- By Michelle L. Price Heller is considered the most have to flip Heller’s seat. under which marijuana is illegal creased tax revenue that the Associated Press vulnerable Republican senator Heller’s campaign spokes- and considered as dangerous as cannabis industry has brought seeking re-election this year be- man Keith Schipper said Trump heroin. States like Nevada that to the state, while also respecting — President cause he’s the only one running would appear at a fundraiser have allowed recreational mar- the rights of states that have not Donald Trump will headline the in a state that Democrat Hillary for the senator Saturday. He ijuana are home to a growing chosen to pursue legalization. It ’s con- Clinton won in 2016. Democrats will also speak at the conven- industry that is an increasingly will also address the federal gov- vention on Saturday and also face long odds to take control of tion, which takes place Friday important part of their economy ernment’s antiquated approach appear at a fundraiser with Re- the U.S. Senate in the Novem- and Saturday at the Suncoast and tax base. to the issue that has allowed the publican U.S. Sen. Dean Heller, ber midterm election, but to do According to Nevada’s De- officials confirmed Monday. so, they would almost certainly > See TRUMP, Page 7 partment of Taxation, mari- > See LAWS, Page 4 Page 2 Mineral County Independent-News || The Week of June 21, 2018 your seven-day forecast

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95/57 96/61 96/58 94/60 99/60 98/60 102/61 Mostly sunny; very Plenty of sun; very warm Plenty of sunshine; very Sunshine; very warm Mostly sunny; hot Sunny to partly cloudy; Partly sunny; very hot warm hot hot wolf pack campers Submitted by Victor Hughes Aadan Shalosky and Cade Torres attended to Univer- sity of Nevada, Fun- damental Football Camp this week in Reno. This is a one day camp working on fundamental skills on offense and de- fense. The boys got to meet some of the coaches and play- ers, and got to play football on theWolf Pack’s field. They Sheri Samson also got to take a From left, school board president, Tyler Viani, teacher Holly Qualls, Hawthorne Elementary principal Stephanie Kuehey and superintendent Walt Hackford. tour of the meeting Qualls was honored for her 22 years with the Mineral County School District. room, weight room and meeting room. This was a great learning camp for School district honors retirees both boys. By Sheri Samson for “the many times she went above and MCIN Correspondent beyond what was required to make a dif- ference in student’s lives and in mine.” The Mineral County School District Pamela Wells, an elementary school recently honored two highly respected teacher who began her career in the early employees as they ended the 2018 school 1980’s, was honored for her continued year moving into retirement. Principal efforts within the Mineral County school Stephanie Kuehey and school board system, which included many positions members were on hand as plaques of ap- aside from teaching, such as the reading preciation were given and an expression specialist and interventionist. Although HEAVY DUTY TOWING SPECIALISTS of thanks was applauded by audience Wells was not in attendance, she later members. stated that she had begun her career in TOWING & RECOVERY SERVICES Holly Qualls, a 22-year employee spe- Hawthorne as an aide, then a substitute CalNevadaTowing.com — 415 L Street ~ Hawthorne 866-359-3725 cializing in early educational speech teacher while teaching in Babbitt in 1985. therapy for the elementary students at Wells ended her 35-year career with Hawthorne Elementary School, was quite an array of educational memories present to receive her acknowledgment. within Mineral County stating, “it began Kuehey publicly expressed her gratitude and ended within Hawthorne.” Independent-News

for 3rd Brigade Combat Team and finally Bishop as the Executive Officer for 626 Brigade continued from Page 1 Support Battalion of the 3rd Brigade. The lieutenant colonel’s deployments include Why is it so diffi cult in today’s society to have a discussion three combat tours to Operation Iraqi about a topic without it turning into a name-calling hate fest? Col. Milton Kelly, JMC Chief of Staff, Freedom and one to Afghanistan. opened the meeting with the following LTC Dustin G. Bishop is a graduate of remarks, “The reason why we do this the U.S. Army Command and General orientation is to give everybody a basic Staff College, the Joint Forces Staff Col- understanding [of the JMC mission] and lege, the Combined Logistics Officer -Ad to bring everyone together.” vanced Course and the Transportation The three day training course/meet- Officer Basic Course. He holds a Master ing covers such topics as: meeting of in Business Administration from Central senior leaders; planning; operations; Michigan University and a Bachelor of intelligence; command responsibilities; Arts Degree in Criminal Justice from the budget/finance and legal orientation. University of Arkansas. VanDeCasteele explained, “we are here His awards and decorations include the to help you get started to understand the Bronze Star Medal (fourth award), Meri- Sue Merrill Banks Faustine Flamm Amanda MacBeth basics of how we are organized and an- torious Service Medal (second award), (Hawthorne) Because of my generation… (Hawthorne) swer any questions you may have.” Army Commendation Medal (fourth Too many people today, everything handed to them Everyone is used to being LTC Dustin G. Bishop comes in with award), Army Achievement Award (sec- talk but don’t listen. You at the drop of a dime so right, at least the younger a long list of assignments including: ond award) and the Air Assault Badge. have to hear both sides they haven’t had to work for generation. There were no 603rd Transportation Company, 142nd He is the father of Maya and Jake. and not shout your own what they want and learn “losses”, everyone got an Corps Support Battalion, Warrior Bri- Outgoing LTC Scott Bishop will be opinions. You should also how to handle situations A for effort and think that respect other people’s and emotions because translates to everything. gade, Ft. Polk, La. where he served as stationed at Fort Knox, Ky. which is cele- opinions. someone’s always there to No one taught them platoon leader; Battalion S1 and Move- brating their 100th anniversary this year. clean it up so they’re not that their opinion is not ment Control Team Commander. Other He will be joined by his family. Bishop mature enough to handle a fact, but congratulated assignments include duty with the 15th assumed control of the Hawthorne Army conversation. (To read more them on just having an Sustainment Brigade, Fort Hood, Texas Depot on June 30, 2016. His involvement of Faustine’s comment, visit opinion. (To read more of where he served as the Support Oper- with the community includes participat- our Facebook page.) Amanda’s comment, visit ations Transportation Battle Captain ing in such annual events as the 9/11 Mt. our Facebook page.) and the Fox Forward Support Company Grant Challenge and the Armed Forces Commander, 1-8 Combined Arms Battal- Day committee. ion, 2nd Heavy Brigade Combat Team, 1st The Independent-News covered the Calvary Division. In the 101st Airborne change of command ceremony but due to If you have a question you Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., he served as printing deadlines, the information will would like us to ask our the Division Deputy G4, the Brigade S4 be in next week’s edition. readers, please email it to: Megan Porras [email protected] or (Hawthorne) bring it into the o ce. Because no one takes a moment to look at the other side of the argument. Everyone thinks that they MISSING DOG Andrea Hicks Hardman are right and there is no in Any question of interest If found please contact between. is a standard Rorschach test. You learn more about the person answering then Bryan at 1-775-530-6381 you do the answer to the question/topic. or Jeff at 316-0579 Mineral County Independent-News || The Week of June 21, 2018 Page 3 mineral county commission highlights

Mineral County Board of County with the commissioners for an update. cial Court met with the commissioners cent of the $642,481.85 will be transferred Commissioner highlights from May 16 He reported that the Rawhide Regent in regards to the Mineral County budget. to the general fund [$359,789.84 roughly]. Expansion Plan Amendment stating He wanted to discuss the amended fiscal Chisum just needs the commissioner’s Safety message that the Stillwater Field Office has com- year 2019 and 2020 hearing master bud- approval to change the values for the tax Emergency Management Director mented on the preliminary draft environ- get request. roll. It was approved. Patrick Hughes went over safety for pub- mental assessment for the Rawhide Mine He explained that the hearing master George asked if any monies were lost lic assembly. expansion and it has been sent back to the oversees the child support budget. Rowe out on year’s prior. Chisum stated that NEPA contractor. Isabella Pearl – the as- gave the background on the child support when he gets hard figures, he can gen- Public comment sessment decision record and finding of division in Mineral County. erate a new bill. Chisum stated, “We are Senior Services Director Cherrie no significant impact was signed May 11. going to recapture what we can.” George explained that the senior center The letter of authorization will be signed Safety committee He stated that the county can count on flea market has been postponed until the week of May 14. Teels Marsh Lithium Hughes asked for the approval of the the funds going forward and that Luning the end of June or September. Chisum has road building for exploration. Com- creation of a county safety committee. Energy/Liberty Utilities is willing and ea- wanted to make the board aware that missioner Jerrie Tipton asked that these He explained that the best way to make ger to pay their tax bill. the funds for the training needed in the exploration companies need to come and a safety program work is to begin with Assessor’s office is inadequate. He gave get a business license/special use permit a safety committee. The commissioners Ordinance 248A the cost of the class at $499 for a 30-hour with the county. As of March 2018, there approved his request. This public hearing was for the adop- class. Tipton told Chisum to bring num- are 22 active notices of intent to conduct tion of Ordinance 248A Bill 264 to create bers for training to the budget hearing. minerals exploration and four pending LEPC grant the Mineral County Board of Health and Tipton was asked to thank Rowe, Nep- notices. Hughes requested that the commis- Health Officer. per, Mike James and Sheriff Randy Ad- Collum explained that they had re- sioners approve the fiscal year 2019 Rowe explained that this is the time for ams for their “extra- curricular” activity ceived a report of dynamite at an aban- United We Stand Grant submission from the public to comment and commission- to help raise money for the Armed Forces doned mine site. A coordination with the the Mineral County Local Emergency ers to discuss. Day kid’s events. Rowe stated, “It was not consolidated bomb squad disposed of ap- Planning Committee. This grant is for Dimmick asked what is the responsi- a pleasure.” proximately 50 pounds of old dynamite. the fire department to make a safety task bility of the board of health. Price thanked public works for all their The rangeland health date is being an- force. The grant was $18,883. Rowe stated that Wanda would need to help preparing for the Armed Forces Day alyzed for the environmental assessment agendize the secretarial position for this weekend. needed for renewal of permits. Energy assistance board. The Walker Lake boat ram repair is still George met with the commissioners for Wanda asked for those who wish to Accounts payable in works with BLM, Mineral County and approval and signature on an intrastate discuss the board of health to stop by her Deputy Recorder-Auditor Teresa Mc- the federal highways. interlocal contract between the Depart- office and discuss it with her. Nally explained that there were capital Races in the county include VORRA ment of Health and Human Services, The ordinance was passed. outlay expenses. Discussion of unem- and Vegas to Reno, which discussions Division of Welfare and Supportive Ser- ployment expense. Commissioner Garth are being completed for a new environ- vices and Mineral County Senior Ser- Ordinance 8.40 Price questioned why the Mercedes am- mental assessment of the five year special vices to provide clients with assistance Building Inspector Mike Fontaine bulance was being taken to Reno for oil recreation permit. Vegas to Reno will be in completing energy assistanc