The Joy of Sunflowers
By Michelle Wilkinson
Every morning this summer, before I do much of anything else, I find myself looking toward one particular spot in my backyard. It's where my husband's sunflowers are growing. I check to see how much they've grown overnight, how tall they've become, and which direction each flower has turned to follow the sun. It has quietly become part of my morning routine.
This year, one sunflower especially captured my attention. Standing more than ten feet tall, it hardly seemed possible that such a tiny seed could grow into something so magnificent. What amazed me most wasn't even the flower itself. It was the stalk—strong enough to support a bloom as large as a dinner plate. Every morning, I found myself looking up and wondering how something that began as a tiny green shoot could become so incredibly strong.
I found myself taking picture after picture, but none of them quite captured what it felt like to simply stand beneath it and look up.
Sunflowers have always filled me with joy. I can't fully explain why. Maybe it's the way they always seem to turn toward the light. Maybe it's simply because they remind me to slow down and notice the beauty that has been there all along.
I think God put sunflowers in the world so we don't have to think about joy. They simply give it to us. My hope is that after reading this, you'll pause—even if only for a moment—and notice something that brings you joy. Whether it's a sunflower, a hummingbird, a beautiful sunset, or something you've walked past a hundred times before, perhaps that little moment will brighten your day.
SUMMER IS IN FULL FORCE IN TOPOCK AND LAKE HAVASU CITY!
The number of scammers is growing in our area!
Many of us have received messages on our cellphones or emails like this:
This type of scam is called phishing. Sometimes they include a link for the person to click and as soon as you click on the link the scammers can install viruses, Trojans, Back doors, etc. If you call that phone number, they pretend to be from your financial institution and can do a lot of damage with your information.
There is another scam that has been happening a lot lately. If a woman answers the phone, they have a female voice on the other side crying and saying “Mom! Mom! It’s your daughter!” If you have a daughter, your impulse is to say the name of your child and ask what happened. Then, usually a man gets the phone and says that he has your daughter and that if you don’t transfer a certain amount of money to him, he will kill your daughter and say her name sometimes because you already said the name in the beginning of the conversation.
This is how you can avoid being scammed if you ever receive calls like this: Create a password with your family and do not tell anyone! If you get that same phone call, you ask what the password is, and if the person doesn’t know, you will know that it is a scam.
There are also a lot of credit card numbers being stollen. Make sure not to give your information over the phone for purchases from places that are not reliable.
Unfortunately, we have to protect ourselves like never before. If you would like to share more tips about how to prevent scams, please contact us so we can tell the public!
Route 66 Adventures:
The number of travelers on Route 66 keeps growing! If you had the opportunity to chat with some of them on social media pages you probably felt the excitement and the good energy. There are visitors from many other countries and of course, several American States. Most of them start in Chicago and make their way down to Santa Monica. Some don’t have a lot of time and choose a shorter distance to enjoy their adventures.
TopockAZ team talked to George Graham from the UK, who is planning to travel the whole Route 66 this summer:
Q: Hello George, how popular is Route 66 in the UK?
A: Not sure about how famous Route 66 is in the UK, but it is well-known.
Q: What made you want to take this trip?
A: What made me want to travel is a good question. I've always been fascinated about America, a fascination from watching a lot of Westerns. First, it was the landscape and views that inspired me. Then it was films where there were endless roads with little farms or towns. I guess the main reason that sparked me was those combinations and watching a TV series featuring an English biker called Henry Cole who travelled it. I'm not a big city boy, I prefer the smaller towns here in the UK. What I am hoping to do is, really, to find my version of America as I see it in my trip across your country. I want to see places and meet people -I just want to see America as it was and as it is.
Topock is looking forward to welcoming many travelers from around the world this summer, especially in August when many Europeans have the month off. If you see Mr. Graham, be sure to say “Hiya!”
Boat Accident:
A family was enjoying the day on the water on May 24th, when a woman was struck by a boat propeller near the south end of Rotary Park in Bullhead City. Thanks to modern technology she arrived at the hospital within 20 minutes. The family called 911 and the emergency service was able to track the cellphone of the person who called guiding them to a meeting point at the dock. The woman was seeing at the Western Arizona Regional Medical Center for deep cuts, and treated with staple and stiches. The wounded lady and family are back in Las Vegas where they reside and doing well.
News of Mohave County
The Mohave County Sheriff's Office Division of Boating Safety saw a substantial increase of boating traffic on the waterways throughout Mohave County. Throughout the weekend, Deputies were deployed on patrol boats along with Rescue Divers and River Medical Paramedics on Lake Havasu and the Lower Colorado River in Mohave County.
- 486 boats contacted
- 80 various citations issued
- 1 arrest for Operating Under the Influence
- 4 minors arrested for consuming alcohol
- 14 medical calls with on-board paramedic response
- 1 non-injury boating collision
- 3 injury boating collisions
- 23 boaters assisted
- 8 people rescued from the water for various reasons
We appreciate everyone who helped make the weekend as safe as possible. As boating season continues, please remember to boat safe, boat smart, boat sober, and ALWAYS wear a life jacket!
SAFE EXCHANGE ZONE:
Lake Havasu City Police Department Establishes “Safe Exchange Zone” for Community Use The Lake Havasu City Police Department is pleased to announce the creation of a designated “Safe Exchange Zone” located in the front parking lot of the police facility for community members conducting child custody exchanges and e-commerce transactions. The Safe Exchange Zone consists of clearly marked parking stalls monitored by 24-hour video surveillance, providing residents with a secure, convenient location to complete exchanges safely and peacefully.
This designated area is intended to support child custody and parenting-time exchanges, online marketplace transactions (Facebook Marketplace, OfferUp, Craigslist, etc.), and other lawful person-to-person exchanges where a public, monitored location is preferred.
The Lake Havasu City Police Department recognizes the importance of providing community members with a neutral and secure environment that helps reduce the potential for conflict, fraud, theft, or other safety concerns during in-person transactions.
While officers may not be available to actively supervise every exchange, the area remains under continuous video surveillance and is located directly in front of the police department to help promote public safety and accountability.
Community members utilizing the Safe Exchange Zone are reminded that transactions should involve lawful items only, the exchange zone is not intended for storage or long-term parking, and individuals should still exercise caution and arrange transactions responsibly The Safe Exchange Zone is now available for public use 24 hours a day. For additional information, please contact the Lake Havasu City Police Department at (928) 855-1171
Last months news
Darrell Sheets dies in Lake Havasu.
The ‘Storage Wars’ star, Darrel Sheets, passed away from what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot in his own house in Lake Havasu, Arizona according to Lake Havasu City Police Department. According to sources, police is investigating cyberbullying accusations tied to the death of Sheets. He was 67 years old.
SUICIDE PREVENTION AND CRISIS:
If you are in need of immediate help within Arizona, please call EMPACT at: (480) 784-1500 or 1-866-205-5229
If you are a teenager within Arizona and in crisis, please call or text Teen Lifeline at: (602) 248-TEEN (8336) or 1-800-248-TEEN
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988) provides access to trained telephone counselors (and text/chat) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ANOTHER ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP!
This is the third assassination attempt against President Donald Trump. During the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washinton on April 25th this year, the president was rushed out of the ballroom when shots were heard, several attendees were forced to duck for cover. At the time of the publication of this article, investigations had not been concluded to determine the real motive of the shooter who was in custody in a matter of seconds after the attempt. His name is Cole Allen from Torrance, California. He is 31 years old.
The other two attempts were in Butler, Pennsylvania (July 13, 2024), and at Trump International Golf Club (September 15, 2024). All the events displayed an excellent performance by the U.S. Secret Service and that lead us to a question:
What is the role of the United States Secret Service?
The United States Secret Service (USSS) is a federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It provides security for U.S. politicians and visiting foreign officials, including the present and former presidents of the United States, and major presidential candidates. The USSS began protecting presidents in 1901, following the assassination of President William McKinley (R). The agency began protecting presidential candidates and nominees in 1968, following the assassination of John F. Kennedy (D).
The USSS was initially founded in 1865 to investigate counterfeit currency in the wake of the Civil War. As of 2024, the agency still investigates financial crimes. Up until 2003, the agency was part of the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Catfish Paradise
Catfish Paradise still in need of major makeover. With the new construction around it, many residents were hopeful that some strings were going to be pulled to improve the area. Not long ago, the pier was used for fishing, and the ramp was perfect for small boats and kayaks to get into the water, but as it is right now, it does not look possible.
Let’s hope it will look better soon!
Happy 100th Anniversary Route 66!
Festivities officially begin on April 30th, 2026, to celebrate the centennial year of when the Mother Road was named, but several events are happening already along the States where Route 66 passes through. Topock/Golden Shores will surprise several travelers who think we are just a dot on the map. Route 66 was officially opened November 11th, 1926.
Topock, Arizona looking west towards California. The post-1952 alignment of Route 66 is to the left of photo. Sign for Oatman on top of gas station points travelers north on the 1926-1952 alignment of Route 66 to Golden Shores and Oatman and Kingman. 6/29/68 Arizona Hwy. Dept. For more information click here
Golden Shores Fire Department BBQ:
Once again, the Fire Department BBQ was a success! It happened on Saturday the 14th of March as it has been happening for almost half a century.
This year, it was noticeable the large number of vendors and as expected visitors from many places outside Topock/Golden Shores.
Parking was more organized. The lot on the corner of Oatman Hwy and Powell Lake was fenced and accommodated a large number of cars.
Once again, congratulations to the organizers!
Arrested for Methamphetamine:
Officers conducted a proactive traffic stop near Ramar Rd and River Gardens Dr around 2:30 a.m. on 3/26/26, which led to the discovery of an open alcohol container and a meth pipe in the vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered multiple baggies of methamphetamine, cocaine (including suspected crack cocaine), prescription-only pills, two tabs believed to be LSD, and items consistent with drug sales. The driver, Stephen James Miller, 45, of Golden Valley, was arrested on multiple drug-related charges and booked into the Mohave County Jail.
The document notes that the information is provided for public transparency and that arrest does not imply guilt.
Public Service Reminder:
The Mohave County ERACE (Environmental Rural Area Cleanup Enforcement) reminds the public to hire only reputable companies to clean your garage or yard that provides proper documentation for disposal such as dump receipts.
Some cheap services are dumping illegally in the desert and the items dumped bring the investigators back to the owners who hired the services.
Protect yourself:
- Use reputable companies
- Always get a receipt for disposal
- Avoid cash-only transactions
- Verify where your waste is being taken
Illegal dumping impacts our community and can come back on you. Choose wisely.
Last Months News
Street Fair:
February 15th
This year the street sale on Oatman Highway was nothing like the previous years. There was a small number of tables and residents selling their items along the way and a number of pedestrians browsing Old Route 66 which was noticeably smaller than the same event last year. Many blame the fact that it was on a Sunday and not on a Saturday. Quite a few weekenders leave Sunday morning. Even though Monday was President’s Day, holiday for some, several private companies still have their regular hours on that Monday, making Sunday a regular day before a workday.
Regardless of the event being smaller this year, it was very pleasant talking to several neighbors who have their own small business and were showing their talents through their products. Some small towns in the U.S. have residents who, after retirement, display their artistic talents. In Topock/Golden Shores, not only do we have artists, but we also have entrepreneurs showing their abilities through their products. I saw someone selling a special home-made sauce, another neighbor selling jewelry, a skilled man selling his wooden artifacts, and many other interesting items.
Our Old Route 66 is becoming more and more popular, so let’s hope that next year the atmosphere of small town will still live to allow us to have the events like the Street Fair we have every year.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed a bipartisan bill passed by the Arizona Legislature, changing the date of the 2026 Primary Election. The legislation permanently moves Arizona primary elections to the second-to-last Tuesday in July. Previously, the Primary Election was held on the first Tuesday in August.
The 2026 Primary Election will take place on July 21, 2026. This change allows election officials additional time to prepare for the General Election.
Arizona Senate Republicans are proposing a new bill that would make it a state crime to alert suspects of an imminent lawful arrest.
The bill 1635 will make a misdemeanor to block or interfere with lawful arrests. That will be applied to those trying to stop the work of immigration officers as well.
Lake Havasu City inaugurates one of the community’s most popular waterfront destinations with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new fishing dock at Site Six at 591 Beachcomber Boulevard Lake Havasu AZ.
The new fishing dock represents the latest phase of improvements at Site Six and reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for residents and visitors who enjoy boating and fishing along the shoreline.
Last Months news
Golden Shores Street Fair
February 15th From 8am to 2pm:
One of the biggest days of the year in Topock/Golden Shores neighborhood is when the town gets together to sell anything and everything. Most of us are curious by nature and walking up and down the main street (route 66), meeting new people, browsing all the treasures being sold by the locals is definitely a fun curious thing to do.
The street fair in Topock/Golden Shores happens once a year in February when the weather is still cool and pleasant. The residents set their selling areas on sidewalks along route 66 between Powel Lake and Cibola drive. The items sold go from small hardware objects to motorcycles and trailers. There are also many professionals selling services or their own manufactured products. The main concentration is, of course, near the Post Office where most of the people go.
The Fire in Topock
Havasu Fire
Publication Type: News - 01/25/2026 - 07:07
Start Date: Monday January 19, 2026
Cause: Human-caused
Location: 5 miles southeast of Needles, CA
Acres: 3,686
Containment: 70%
Personnel Assigned: 64
Evacuations: None
Resources: 1 dozer, 1 handcrew, 4 engines, and support personnel
Havasu Fire Update – Sunday, January 25th
Highlights: Firefighters continue to make progress, increasing containment to 70%. This will be the last daily update for the Havasu Fire.
Summary: Yesterday, all containment lines held in the strong winds. Crews continued to remove threats to the line such as hazardous trees and smoldering berms across the north end of the fire and monitored containment line across the south end. Today, work will continue strengthening and improving containment lines and removing hazardous trees. Additional resources are being released from the incident as containment increases.
Weather: Winds will be much calmer than yesterday, forecasted to be 5-10 mph from the north. The high temperature will be 67 degrees, and relative humidity lower than previous days at 8-11%.
Safety: Firefighter safety is the number one priority on the Havasu Fire. Burning stump holes and other pockets of smoldering fuel make access on foot impossible in certain areas of the fire, necessitating heavy equipment such as dozers. There are many remaining sections of unburned vegetation within the fire boundary. Increased winds may cause these areas to ignite and generate smoke, but they should not threaten containment.
Closures: The Upper Levee Road is closed at the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge boundary.
Incident Information: Inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/azhvr-havasu-fire
AGAIN someone purposely damaged our community website sign at the post office!
I would love to know who hates the community that much to the point of taking the time, for the second time, to damage or steal the only sign we have promoting the website that we created to serve Topock/Golden Shores.
www.topockaz.com is all free, even the advertisement for local businesses is free. We are all volunteers, including a middle school student, a high school student, a veteran, a teacher, a sweet retired lady, and several other people who volunteer in other community groups.
We launched it less than a year ago and we already have hundreds of hits a day, some days the visits go up to over a thousand. We make no money, we spend out of our own pockets, but all we care about is to serve the community where we live in with the knowledge and ability that God gave us.
Last time someone stole the whole sign, then we paid money for another sign and locked it on the fence next to the Post Office with a big lock to make it more difficult for someone to steal it. So, this time, this person took a blade and cut only on the bottom where the website address was displayed.
If someone is unhappy about the website please contact us and let us know why. Our email is thebridge@topockaz.com
May God bless this person and give him/her the discernment to understand that this is not causing damage to us, the damage is to the volunteers that put so much effort in doing a good job and to the whole community who enjoys visiting www.topockaz.com
Topock/Golden Shores Fire
According to several unofficial sources the fire that started January 19th around the marsh was a “prescribed fire.” Several residents on the lower part of Golden Shores were considering evacuating. The long stretch of fire became concerning for several people during the night.
During late hours of Monday and early hours of Tuesday the danger seemed to be gone and although there were still a few spots burning, it did not seem to be a threat to the closer structures.
For more pictures and videos visit our Instagram and YouTube channel:
Happy Anniversary to Maverick!
It has been one year since K9 Maverick got certified in the detection of Methamphetamine, Heroin, Cocaine and Fentanyl. During Maverick’s first year with the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office and the MAGNET Task Force, Maverick was found to become a vital member of the team and community. During Maverick’s First year on the streets he had been deployed over 25 times resulting in the arrests of 35 individuals and the seizure of over 115 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 pounds of powder fentanyl, 43,000 fentanyl pills, 1.5 ounces of heroin, and 3 pounds of meth. We can't wait to see what he accomplishes this next year!
Last Months Articles
Christmas in Topock
We Got Rain!
The rain finally came and went to bring a touch of bright colors and refresh the air around us. We heard repeatedly, “we need the rain” and the truth is – WE NEEDED THE RAIN!
What is interesting about our town is that every time it rains, neighbors and friends communicate with each other to find out if the exits and entrances of Topock are closed or remain open. There are certain inconveniences that we learn how to live with, and becoming an island when it rains is one of them.
The weather is definitely better now! The 100 degrees days are finally behind us, so let’s enjoy the cold mornings and mild afternoons in our beautiful Topock/Golden Shores!
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Now that the weather is cooler, we see more people walking in the morning. During their walks many carry something to defend themselves from dogs. Why? Because there are many dogs walking the streets or in front of their houses protecting their territories and seeing the walkers as enemies. Some jump their fences, others dig under their gates, and others just have a free life because their owners do not believe in keeping them inside their property. Whatever the reason is, it became somewhat dangerous to walk around the neighborhood, and it would be fantastic if dogs stayed behind their fences, but the poor animals depend on their owners to help them learn. Be careful out there!
Last Months News
Veterans 2025
Halloween 2025
Trunk or Treat in Topock/Golden Shores is more than just trick-or-treating—it’s a community celebration. Local residents, businesses, and organizations decorate their tables or car trunks with spooky and creative themes, from haunted castles to friendly pumpkin pet patches. These decorated vehicles line up in a designated parking lot, forming a festive path for children to walk through and collect treats in a safe, welcoming environment.
What makes Trunk or Treat so special in our town is the sense of togetherness. Neighbors share hot chocolate and cider, families catch up, and local groups bring games to entertain the children. It’s a chance for everyone to enjoy a night out, celebrate autumn, and make lasting memories in a safe, family-friendly setting.
As the evening winds down, children leave clutching bags brimming with treats and hearts filled with joy. Trunk or Treat has become a cherished tradition in Topock/Golden Shores, marking Halloween as a time not only for sweets and scares but also for warmth, friendship, and community spirit.
Some of the TopockAZ writers
Best family costumes
SOMEONE STOLE OUR TOWN WEBSITE SIGN FROM THE POST OFFICE FENCE!
The reason why we conclude that the sign was stolen is because if it was the wind, the other signs would be missing too, besides, our sign was very well secured with wire.
It is very disturbing to find out that anyone would do that against our town website. We have been working as volunteers for the community since February to bring us all together. Besides our residents and neighbors, we dedicate our work to snowbirds and weekenders who cannot be here so often. The TopockAZ page was created with all the community in mind, so they can read about our town from anywhere in the world when they are not physically here.
Our website still doesn’t charge for local ads even though we have expenses every month; our volunteers are students and residents who enjoy giving back to our beautiful community of Golden Shores/Topock like our dear Denise McGlinchey, Kayly Anderson and Tom Blair.
To the person who stole our sign: We forgive you and we hope God bless you with a beautiful life so you will not have to steal anymore.
Charlie Kirk Vigil:
The death of Charlie Kirk left many of us in disbelief, but what was interesting was that many people did not know who he was. After the news about his death on September 10th was spreading quickly, people like me, sat in front of YouTube to learn more about the guy who was making so many Americans cry. I had seen many of his videos before, but I thought he was just another YouTuber holding questions and answers sessions for fun or for more followers on his monetized channel.
It turns out, Charlie was a powerful speaker! He had a simple way of saying that he was Christian and he was not shy about it. I admit being a little careful every time I talked about my faith, especially during the years 2012 to 2016 when people were not saying “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Easter” anymore. After binge-watching several videos of Charlie’s Q&A at Universities I understood his message. I know I’m not the only one who felt that way, he brought that courage to the surface for many. It is estimated that more than 90,000 people attended his memorial service at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale Arizona and more than 20 million viewers watched live online and on TV.
Our community was also one of the hundred places in the world to celebrate Charlie’s life. In Lake Havasu, with only three days to make all the arrangements, the vigil under the London bridge brought a large number of people together to pray for his family and honor his life. It was an amazing event with a few pastors speaking, including someone who was part of Turning Point USA, the non-profit organization founded by Charlie Kirk.
Topock/Golden Shores gathered several residents at the Veterans Memorial Park for a vigil to remember and show respect to Charlie. We heard some very nice words from pastors and residents who either met him in person or were admirers of his work. Watching our neighbors sitting on the benches or their chairs, holding candles, singing God Bless The USA, brought me back to the times when neighbors used to be closer to each other and communities were about helping neighbors, not about being so divided.
Watching many vigils, commentaries, events and debates, it looked like a miracle had happened. I have never seen so many people becoming Christians in such a short period of time and the churches receiving more parishioners who had not been in church for years. The events also brought back that patriotic feeling from 2001, even though there are still a minority who dislike our beautiful country and disagree with Charlie’s faith, the vibe feels so different now, and I pray it stays.
Topock School Board Meeting
For the past few months, the residents of Golden Shores/Topock have been talking about the proposal to raise property taxes to cover the school expenses that did not have a budget increase in many years. On September 17th at 4pm, the Governing School Board had a meeting opened to the public to bring the decisions to everyone’s attention.
Most people in the audience thought they were there to vote yes or no on the increase of taxes to pay for the new budget, but the meeting was to bring to everyone’s attention that such increase was already decided, and the gathering was just a formality. Only three people were allowed to speak, and it was a good example of misunderstanding, assuming that the public should know all the formalities and requirements for each public meeting, IE: completing a form before the meeting started.
It was visible that the majority of the people who attended that event was dissatisfied with the decision, but at this point there is nothing anyone can do, Topock has already increased the taxes to pay for the new budget of the Topock Elementary School with a student body of 67 children.
Catfish Paradise 2014
One of the places I loved going and spending some peaceful time was Catfish Paradise. In 2014, the area was still clean and rarely did I see anyone there. I remember one time seeing someone fishing and another time a lady taking videos with a drone, but most of the time it was deserted. The sunset pictures I took there were stunning and being so close to nature in an environment like that was worth all the mosquito bites I got.
Recently, I wanted to revisit the place and maybe take some pictures for this website, since it was always the beautiful place of Topock where I always took friends who came from out of town to vacation at my house. Unfortunately, I was very surprised to see that the pier was all covered with weeds, and it looks like our Catfish paradise is abandoned. I wanted nature, so I got nature.
While driving around looking for the water that once attracted kayaks, fishers, and boats, it was disappointing to see how the North Dike and 5 Mile Landing look like now.
