ANOTHER HOUSE BURNS

 G.S. - On Monday morning around 2:00 a.m. the Golden Shores Fire Department responded to a house fire at the corner of Pecos and West. Although the fire was distinguished and the house did not burn to the ground, it is still a total loss. No one was at the house at the time. The owners live out of state. Fire department officials report that the fire was obviously started by arson. Therefore, an investigation is ongoing. However, they are asking that anyone with ANY information, please contact the fire department. Your name can be kept annonymous if you so desire.
The fire department is also asking that anyone who sees fire or smells smoke, PLEASE call the fire department immediately. They would like to check it out. Smoke comes from fire and fire causes great losses. SO PLEASE CALL!

BURN PERMITS
Many people in Golden Shores, including myself, have been under the misunderstanding that "burn permits" cost money. Debbie Muston at the fire department advised me that they DO NOT CHARGE for burn permits. So if you have weeds, tree trimmings, etc., please get a burn permit so they know what is going on when a fire is reported.

BOBGULLEY.com

BIG BBQ TURNOUT

 G.S. - The streets were lined with parked cars and the building was packed at the annual fire department barbeque on Saturday.
Over 1000 meals were served on Saturday and the auction went on and on. Lots of stuff was sold. The final figures are not yet available, but the fire department reported that this year was much better than last year. The party went on until midnight and no undesired events were reported. No fire or medical calls came in thru the day and it was a fun day for everyone who attended.

SPRING BREAK ROLLS IN
 Tristate - If you've been out along the river, you've noticed that there are many young people along the water. Motels in Lake Havasu City are full. The Arizona Legislature during their last special session has made ready for those who ignore the law and has increased the fines for operating a watercraft under the influence of alcohol. Mohave County Sheriff Tom Sheahan, whose agency handles law enforcement on several waterways in the Tristate area, said this is a good thing. "I think it sends a message that everyone needs to take these laws seriously because operating a boat under the influence is just as bad as operating a vehicle, and could actually be worse," he said. "Remember, a boat doesn’t have brakes. And when you are impaired, it has a serious affect on you ability to control a boat." The fine for the first offense jumps to $955, formerly $455. The fine for an extreme OUI used to be $455 and 30 days in jail. While the jail time stayed the same, the fine jumped to $1455.

ALLERGY SEASON IS HERE
Tristate - Area health officials are warning residents who suffer from seasonal allergies that this season will likely be worse than normal. The heavy amount of rain received a few weeks ago is expected to increase the amount of plant life that typically causes allergies. Air quality officials say the pollen count from mulberry trees is on the rise, and allergy season is already in full swing and will likely last through early May.

REGISTER WATERCRAFT ONLINE
Phoenix - Registering watercraft in the state has just gotten easier. Arizona Game and Fish has announced that a new feature on their website will allow boat owners to register their craft online. A fee of $3 will be assessed to residents utilizing the feature, $5 for non-residents. Officials say some of the benefits are that the owner can then immediately affix a temporary sticker on their vessel that is good for ten days, and the total turnaround time is quicker. To view the site, click here.

INCREASE IN AD RATES
G.S. - Advertisement rates are on the increase in Golden Shores. Both The Civic and GSX ad rates are going up April 1st. Ad prices have been so low for so long that it is hard for either paper to make any money, or even break even. The new ad rates are still much lower than any other publication around.
Why does Golden Shores eXtra need advertisers? Well, just like the television you watch, radio you listen to, and newspaper you read, GSX is a valuable free public service that requires the support of our sponsors. Thank you for including our sponsors' advertising as a part of your weekly GSX experience. Call or email about advertising rates: 768-1400 or gsnews@goldenshores.net.

BUSTER IN HEATED DEBATE
Kingman - The debate over appointing county manager Ron Walker as the interim economic development director digressed into an exchange between the manager and Supervisor Buster Johnson, R-Dist. 3. Walker responded to press releases he said were put out by Supervisor Johnson calling him a liar and saying he had political motivation for his actions. "When I begin to look at things that could be considered conflict of interest, perhaps misappropriation of government funds, I think as the county manager I have the obligation and the duty to investigate those things for any county employee," said Walker. Johnson countered by saying he merely responded to allegations made by Walker. "Things I’ve been responding to in the paper are basically things from you, the same thing you just remunerated again about I think it was illegal or unethical things I might or might not have been doing," he said. Johnson said he was merely doing what was best for the county as no one else would.

MORE SCHOOL FUNDING
Washington D.C. - U.S. Senator Jon Kyl stated in a press release that Arizona is slated to receive an increase in federal education dollars under new revisions of the no child left behind act. This act reformed the elementary and secondary education act to provide increased accountability and federal support for states and local school districts. With the new census data recorded, this year Arizona schools are slated to receive an additional $40.5 million or a 21.5 percent increase for the 2004-2005 school year.

BULL ATTACKS WOMAN
I-40 & Hwy 95 - Most of us don't think about things like this happening in our area, but just travel a little ways down the road and one can quickly be reminded of just how rural the area still is. Mohave County Sheriff's Deputies responded to the I-40 and State Route 95 junction Wednesday night after a bull charged a woman in a fueling station parking lot. She received only minor injuries and declined medical treatment or to file an incident report. The bull wandered back off into the desert.